I'm still working on this page, so please be careful. I am not responsible for any problems you experience as a result of trying to do anything described here.

     This hack is to allow the addition of rear speakers in a Boxster. It blows my mind that Porsche didn't include rear speakers as standard, but I had to have them.

     After unsuccessfully trying to put 5.25" speakers in the rear storage compartment, I ended up putting the speakers in my 911 and removing the storage compartment. I finally ended up going with another fellow Boxster owner's suggestion of just getting some inexpensive speakers that will just sit on the back panel. I ended up picking up a pair of 3-way speakers from Radio Shack on sale for $15 (normally $30) and wiring it up. They sound remarkably good. Most of the sound still comes from the MB Quart speakers I put in the front, but the rears really fill out the sound.

     There are great instructions on how to do this already on the Boxster Hacks board, but I have yet to see any pictures posted. I'm not installing mine any different than they are, I just hope these pictures make the process easier for you. For your reference the two most useful posts are:

• http://www.iq.dynip.com/~gary/index.cgi/index.cgi?read=595
• http://www.iq.dynip.com/~gary/index.cgi/index.cgi?read=629

Before proceeding, you will need the following:

• Wiring harness from Becker (part number 1163.736-276)
• Radio removal tool from Becker (part number BNA-1184.989)
• 18 guage speaker wire (at least 6 feet)
• Pair of speaker that will fit on the back panel with the top down.
• Soldering gun and solder

Becker Automotive can be reached at 201-327-3434.

How to to it:

Step 1: Make sure you read the other posts metioned above first, I'm going to leave out some details that the other posts go into more fully. Once you get all your parts, use the tool to remove your radio. Make sure you have your radio code handy because you also need to disconnect the cables on the back of the radio. Don't pull on the radio too hard as the wires attached to it are VERY short. Detach the radio and put it on an appropriate work area. Step 2: Take the harness plug you got from Becker, and using the wiring diagram printed on the top of the radio, solder the wires to your speaker wire. Once you're done, properly insulate the wires heat shrink tubing, or electrical tape if you don't have the tubing handy. Cut the speaker wire to about 6' and run the end through the hole where the stereo used to be. The easiest way I found to run it is to run it down the right side of the hole. You should pop out the passenger side center console panel so you can watch for the wire and pull it through. Step 3: I then ran the wires along the passenger side of the center console. Here you can see the wires, but they can be pushed up under the plastic parts so they will be completely invisible. Run the wires between the padded sections behind the seat and run then up the far right side. Remove the storage panel and run the wires through the holes where the storage compartment used to latch to. Step 4: Position the spakers on the rear panel where they don't hit anything. They will bounce back there, so make sure they are far enough away from any hard surfaces to not rattle. Stick the hooks of the Velcro to the bottom of the speaker, and the loops to the carpeting. Since my interior is black, the velcro is barely visible when the speakers are removed. Cut the speaker wires so they're the right length, strip the ends and plug into the speakers and enjoy! THE END