DesmoSprinter
Member
Do these speakers work for a 2002 Sprinter 2500 as well?
I thought about that, but the foam unit, which is reinforced with a plastic frame, screws to the pillar, and then the pillar cover snaps to the foam unit. When it exploded, it was because the screw mounts had ripped out. For some reason, the foam insert seemed stuck to the pillar cover when I tried to pull it off.I guess I would be too cheap to replace the foam - just tack-glue it back, put the fascia back on, and forget. Out of sight, out of mind.
You may not have to replace the foam, just use a little compatible glue and put it back together. Construction adhesive may not melt the foam, but check the label. Use a couple supports like toothpicks or something punched into the pieces at the joint to pin them together. The whole thing is hidden, so it shouldn't be a big deal.Here's my experience with changing out the front speakers to the VR3 units:
1. When I tried to pull off the drivers' side A-pillar cover, the entire foam insert exploded. The cleats on the pillar cover just would not come out. So, I have to order a new foam insert. ( P/N 05123185AA) The pillar cover does not have to be removed entirely; only enough to clear the speaker cover. The passenger side released much better...
2. The speaker covers come up without too much problem. Note how it snaps in.
3. As was stated, bend three of the four mounting tabs off the new speaker. Then drop them in. I did not tape them or adhere them at all. The fit seemed snug enough.
4. Reinstall the pillar cover, giving a good whack over the areas of the three mounting pins.
They do sound better, but now that I have to replace the foam insert, the total project is considerably more than 24 bucks. Oh well, might as well take the opportunity to run the cable up to the rear view camera/mirror.
"PL" brand Concrete Crack & Masonry sealant would do the job, I'm pretty sure.You may not have to replace the foam, just use a little compatible glue and put it back together. Construction adhesive may not melt the foam, but check the label. Use a couple supports like toothpicks or something punched into the pieces at the joint to pin them together. The whole thing is hidden, so it shouldn't be a big deal.
Mine was similar. Into 2 pieces on my Driver side. I used Goop to glue them back together. It once was named "Shoe Goop" until most everyone figured out that it works with pretty much everything. Some blue painter tape held all in place until it dried.My passenger-side foam insert broke on dis-assembly, too. Three pieces. I glued it back together with 3M spray adhesive. I tested a small patch first to see if it dissolved the foam.