Install Component Speakers in a GM Truck

Quick Answer

Upgrade your GM truck's sound by installing 6x9 component speakers like the Hertz CPK 690 with a Metra 82-3005 adapter plate. The adapter lets you mount larger speakers in factory openings without cutting metal.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Disconnect Battery and Remove Door Panel: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove the inner door panel by prying off the screw covers, unscrewing the fasteners, and lifting the panel upward to release the clips. Common mistake: Forgetting to disconnect the battery can cause a short if the speaker wire touches metal.
2. Remove Factory Speaker and Inspect Wiring: Unscrew the factory speaker from the door. Unplug the wiring harness and check for corrosion or damage. If the connector doesn't match your new component's terminals, cut and strip the wire for a crimp connection. Check polarity markings (+/-) on the factory wire. Reversing polarity will make the speaker sound hollow.
3. Attach the Metra Adapter Plate: Place the Metra 82-3005 adapter over the factory mounting holes. Secure it with the included screws. The adapter creates a flat surface that aligns with the 6x9 cutout. Do not overtighten the screws – the plastic adapter can crack if you force it.
4. Mount the Hertz CPK 690 Woofer: Fit the woofer into the adapter plate. Use the supplied mounting screws and a hand screwdriver to avoid stripping. The pressed paper cone is delicate – avoid touching it during installation. If the woofer doesn't sit flush, check that the adapter is centered. A tilted speaker will rattle against the grille.
5. Connect the Tweeter and Crossover: Mount the tweeter in the factory high-frequency location or on the door panel using the supplied flush-mount cup. Place the crossover inside the door cavity, securing it with double-sided tape or zip ties. Connect wires per the manufacturer's diagram. Keep the crossover away from the window crank mechanism – moving parts can pinch the wires.
6. Test Before Reassembling: Reconnect the battery and play a test track at low volume. Listen for distortion, rattles, or phase cancellation. Walk around the truck to confirm both channels work. If one speaker is quieter, swap the left and right wires at the source. If the problem moves, the speaker or crossover has an issue.
7. Reinstall Door Panel and Final Check: Snap the door panel back into place, reinstall screws and covers. Play music at moderate volume and check for vibrations. Tighten any loose fasteners. A common oversight: leaving a loose screw inside the door that rattles against the panel. Double-check the cavity before closing it.

Key Products for This Install

• Hertz CPK 690 Cento PRO Series 6x9" Component Speakers: The Hertz CPK 690 Cento PRO uses a pressed paper cone on an elliptical woofer, designed for 6x9 door placements common in Toyota and Ford groups. Pressed paper cones deliver natural midrange response, making them a good match for the acoustic environment inside a truck cab.

  

• Metra 82-3005 Speaker Adapter GM Truck/Chevy Malibu 6-6.75 Inch 14-Up: The Metra 82-3005 adapter fits front door locations on 2014-up Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, and rear deck on 2016-up Chevy Malibu. Packaged as a pair. You get a direct bolt-on solution for the most common GM truck models without fabricating custom brackets.