New speakers - waterproofing?

[Noddycar]

Hello all.

I am installing new speakers, but the old water prtoecting surrounds from the original speakers don't fit on the new speakers. Could anyone assist with ideas on how to protect the new speakers? Is this essential (I am assuming it is - the speakers are now mounted, but as it is raining my "5" is staying in the garage until this is sorted).

Thanks for any help.

[Jeo]

Car speakers are designed to handle a little water. They're not going to enjoy being fully submerged, but the relatively small amount of water that runs through your door shouldn't hurt them.

I wouldn't worry about it.

[Old Dude]

Maybe someone like supacheap, or even the place you bought the speakers from might sell something to suit, alternatively I would try making something up with maybe and old drink bottle.
My thoughts on water on speakers...........if they had a cover originally., it was there for a reason

Cheers
Dale

[Noddycar]

I am probably being a little paranoid (they have to better protected than the old paper speakers...). Having said that, I am not sure whether the new speakers are sensitive to water - they are made from aramid fibre and carbon fibre)... I assume that if they needed water protection they would tell you in the installation instructions or include a cover (they don't). Still, better to be safe?

[barfridge]

For paper cones, yes you need decent water protection. For carbon/aramid, not so much. I'd still try to waterproof the electrical bits, but the cone itself will be fine.

[Benny]

I had a $600 speaker die in one of my doors because the waterproofing got a hole in it, and water rusted out the voice coil, or something like that.
Don't forget that the magnets on the speakers are made from soft iron and can rust easily.

Water proofing the speakers in MX-5's is an absolute must.

You can use some heavy plastic sheeting stuck over the back of the speakers with mastic or similar so that it has some give in it because if you use something like super glue, the vibrations will crack the dry glue and the water will then get in again.

Mazda didn't put drainage holes in the bottom of the doors for nothing!

[Noddycar]

Thanks for the advice.... I have seen some foam inserts designed to protect the back of speakers on the web. I might order a couple and fit them when they arrive (I believe you need to cut the bottom out to allow air in).

[Mr Morlock]

I would think that all you need to do is reproduce the same installation method as the OEM product. You should not have water in the doors and drains in doors are there to ensure water finds its way out. A car speaker surely has to be fit for purpose so choice of materials would reflect its environment.

[Noddycar]

I'm not too concerned (they are not $1000 speakers), but would still prefer to protect them if there is a reasonable chance of them getting damaged. I guess in a 17 year old car (even one as good as an MX-5 ) there will be some minor leaks inside the doors. I will order some baffles for the back of the speaker, but will just keep driving the car until they arrive. Against my better judgement I drove it this morning (was raining heavily in Brissie) and the speakers didn't explode

[rpost77]

I am just going through this process with my 1991 NA6.

Bought Polk DB651s speakers from U.S.

Found that, being 6.5 inch speakers that they don't line up with the original 3 screw holes in the NA6 6.75 inch holes (also referred to as 6.5 inch oversize or 6.5s as I have discovered). Also the original weather covers don't have enough depth for the new speakers.

Research turned up the fact that Gladware round plastic bowls were a perfect fit (with chunk cut out of side and facing down for wires, breathing etc.) but do you think you can find these anywhere in Australia anymore - I certainly couldn't.

My solution was to order some XTC baffles from eBay - these are foam, waterproof fully enclosed "pods" - will need to cut a chunk out of the side for wires and breathing etc. I am currently waiting on delivery - ended up ordering 6.5 inch and 6.75 inch versions - will use the best fitting ones.

Couldn't seem to find the XTC baffles anywhere in Aus either (or for that matter any equivalent product).

Still haven't resolved exactly how to mount the speakers - will probably have to drill holes and set the speakers slightly off centre as, if I centre the speakers in the existing holes, the holes in the speaker overlap the edge of the panel in the door.

I won't install the speakers without some kind of water protection - a lot of water goes through the door and any protection will prolong the life of the speakers. If you do a search on miata.net forums you will find a number of threads detailing advice to definitely install weather proofing.

[Noddycar]

Those are the same baffles I tried to order from the US (the website I was on would not let me, as I was using an Aussie Paypal account. I'll check eBay instead!