Dynamat and Pioneer 6x9 upgrades in the doors - finally!

Yes, a year ago I posted a blog about installing an audio upgrade in the Raptor for < $600.   I finally got around to doing the front doors today!

Here are some quick tips in case you haven't done this before!

Here are the tools I used: (turn off your ad blocker to see!)

  
 

I used the bike tire levers because the softer plastic edges won't mar the paint...

Under the door handle is a little slot just for a flat screwdriver to help pry it out!

Then you can use the clip remover for more leverage - pry the front first, the back will just pull forward and come off...

see how it separates?  easy!

just a gentle pull and it comes right off...

notice the two screws - you'll use the 7mm socket on these soon...

Now use the same technique to pry DOWN the tab under the handle... there are 2 more 7mm screws

I used my power drill with a socket extension to make quick work of the 4 screws...

2 more 8mm screws on the bottom of the door

and finally - one 7mm screw behind the pillar you first removed... that's all the screws!

I laid out all the screws in the order they came out for easy re-install later...

7 x 7mm screws altogether!

use the pry tool to start popping the door skin away from the metal door...

there are 3 electrical connectors on my door, unclip each one - you can also unclip the door handle but I chose to let it hang...

you can see there is some noise abatement already in the lower door...

here you can see the whole door skin suspended by the handle cable and the OEM speaker (blech!)

You just unclip the speaker and undo all 4 8mm bolts - it's a measly speaker eh?

the front of the speaker... ugh.

here's the new Pioneer Speaker TS-A6986R wired with the Metra 825606 Front 6"x9" Speaker Plate

   

You'll also use  2 of Metra 72-5602 4-Way Speaker Harness Connector for Ford & Mazda Vehicles 

  

Next, you'll want to use the dynamat - put it inside the doors as much as you can and cover the door

 

if you look closely, I cover the speaker hole then spider cut the hole into about 8 slices, then push the dynamat into the door behind the speaker hole which dampens the whole speaker surround area :)

Now you can see pretty much the finished door with dynamat!

mount the speaker bracket - don't forget to put the wiring harness through the hole at the bottom

a little closer look at the wiring and the bracket

now the speaker is fully mounted!

don't forget to plug in all the wires and redo the door just the opposite that you took it apart, the passenger door went 2x as fast - once you figure it out - you'll be able to pop your door panel off in < 5 minutes :)

The sound of these 4-way speakers is lightyears better than the stock speakers!

Hope you enjoy!

$600 for a premium sound system - is it possible?

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Hey there, audio enthusiasts! The Sony sound system in my Ford Raptor’s 802a package is solid, but it’s missing that crystal-clear highs and deep bass punch I crave for long drives. So, I’m diving into a fun DIY stereo upgrade to give my truck’s audio some serious love. If you’re like me and music makes those road trips epic, this project’s for you! 😎

I’m aiming to keep the total cost around $570, which covers everything, including enough sound deadening material to line the whole truck. My inspiration? This awesome thread on the Ford Raptor Forum that got me pumped to upgrade on a budget.

First up, let’s tackle road noise with some sound deadening. I’m going all-in with the Dynamat Xtreme Bulk Pack (36 sqft) to cover the doors and other key spots. For tighter areas, the Dynamat Xtreme Door Kit (12 sqft) is perfect. Recently, I learned you’ll need two of these kits for full coverage. Want a lighter option? The Dynamat SuperLite Bulk Pack (36 sqft) keeps weight down without sacrificing performance. On a budget? I’ve also got the Noico 80 mil 36 sqft Sound Deadening Mat as a wallet-friendly alternative that still gets the job done.

Now, let’s talk speakers—the heart of any audio setup. After some research, I’m sold on the Pioneer A-Series for their bang-for-buck value. You really can’t go wrong at these prices! For the front doors, I’m installing the Pioneer TS-A6990F 6x9" 5-Way Speakers, paired with Metra 6x9" Speaker Adapter Brackets for a perfect fit in my Raptor.

For the rear doors, I’m going with the Pioneer TS-A1680F 6.5" 4-Way Speakers, also using Metra 6.5" Speaker Adapter Brackets to make installation a breeze. These speakers deliver crisp sound without breaking the bank.

The front pillars need 7/8" tweeters, and I’m eyeing the Pioneer TS-T110 7/8" Tweeters for their clarity. As a backup, the Pioneer TS-T15 3/4" Tweeters are a solid alternative. For the center dash, I’m swapping in the Pioneer TS-A1370F 5.25" Speakers, which adapt well to the 3.5" slot and keep the sound balanced.

To bring the bass, I’m retrofitting a Pioneer TS-WX1210A 12" Powered Subwoofer into the existing subwoofer cabinet. Powering it all is the Pioneer GM-D8704 4-Channel Amplifier, wired up with the InstallGear 4-Gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit for a clean, reliable setup.

Since I’m a fan of Sony’s audio quality, I’m also considering the Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar to complement the truck’s system. It’s not a direct car audio fit, but its clarity and bass could inspire some home audio tweaks to match the vibe!

This setup is shaping up to transform my Raptor’s audio for under $600! Got any tips or upgrades you’ve tried? Drop a comment, and let’s geek out over car audio!