I am curious if anyone has modified their rear speakers in the sound-bar on a 99 XJ to fit 6 1/2" speakers? Looks like it is made of a plastic or fiberglass material? Dremel tool? My 6 1/2" speaker doesn't fit so I need to modify to get it to fit. I don't think it will take much but, wasn't sure on the best tool to use to cut it to fit. Also, is it easier to take the sound bar out and modify it? I need to take the headliner out eventually since it needs replaced. Thoughts? Again, this is a 99 with the sound bar. I know the older ones are different.

Thanks,
Chris

 

I have a 99 and 6.5" fit in mine. I had to use shallow mount in the front doors but the backs were fine. Mine came with the infinity package though, with amp under the seat and factory tweeters. That might be the difference.

Im not to sure about modifying the factory sound bar though. You might be able to cut the holes out a bit.

 

you can probably cut out the sound bar to fit 6x9's. most aftermarket speakers come with a mockup sheet for cutting a hole.
my XJ was a christmas gift from my mother in law, when i got it all the speakers sounded like a box of cats pushing to get out. i put in an aftermarket deck, changed all four speakers to walmart sony 6.5's, wired two MA Audio amps to a vented box with 2 rockford p2's. sounds like an atomic bomb.

 

Shallow 6 1/2" speakers fit in the bar W/out modification, except new screw holes.

 

yupp.

 

Mine was not the Infinity package (El Generico). I did not get shallow fit speakers. I am going to see how bad it will be with the template. I want to keep the factory grills. These are just barely too big to fit. If it is too bad, I will return them and try the shallow fit speakers. Thanks all.

 

If you need to cut a dremel works great. Just make sure you mark good with a template and beware of flying melted plastic.

 

Cool, thanks. I think I am going to do that. I think 6.5 inch speakers are just a little bit better than 5.25. Not a ton but a little. Plus I already bought them :-)

I think a buddy and I are going to try the Dremel route. That factory grill is pretty big so it should cover any mistakes :-)

 

I put 6.5s in mine in the rear, no modification they just popped in, 300w kicker 2 ways, and my door speakers are going on my ceiling when I find an oldschool speaker bar from a pre97 xj so I can go doorless and keep my front speakers