Speaker - Door

Replace or upgrade door speaker(s) in the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine by removing door panels and accessing the factory speaker mounting locations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Door speaker × 2 — 6x9 or aftermarket equivalent
• Speaker wire connectors × 1 — Use crimp or solder type
• Door panel clips (if broken) × 1 — AMC door panel retainer clips
• Speaker mounting hardware × 1 — Included with aftermarket speakers or OEM screws

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal
2. Roll window fully down for access to upper door panel screws
3. Inspect door panel for all visible fasteners before removal
4. Test speaker operation to confirm failure before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door handle and window crank
   Remove the window crank handle by locating the horseshoe clip behind the handle. Use a cloth wrapped around a flat-blade screwdriver to hook and remove the clip. Pull the window crank straight off the splined shaft. Remove the door handle escutcheon by removing the Phillips screw and pull handle assembly away from door.
2. 2

   Remove armrest assembly
   Locate and remove the two Phillips screws securing the armrest to the door panel (typically at front and rear of armrest). Lift the armrest assembly away from the door panel. If equipped with an ashtray or door pull, remove those screws as well.
3. 3

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Remove all perimeter screws securing the door panel to the door frame. On the Rebel Machine, these are typically located along the bottom edge and sides of the panel. Count and organize screws for reassembly.
4. 4

   Detach door panel from door
   Starting at the bottom, carefully use a panel removal tool or wrapped putty knife to release the retaining clips securing the door panel to the inner door structure. Work around the entire perimeter, being gentle to avoid breaking clips. Once clips are released, lift panel upward to disengage from window sill channel and pull away from door.
5. 5

   Access speaker location
   With the door panel removed, locate the factory speaker mounted in the door panel itself or in the door frame. The 1970 Rebel typically has speakers mounted in the lower section of the door panel. Remove the moisture barrier carefully if it blocks access, using minimal disturbance to preserve the seal.
6. 6

   Disconnect speaker wiring
   Locate the speaker wire connections. Factory connections may be push-on terminals or twisted and taped wires. Note the polarity if marked (positive typically to larger terminal). Disconnect the wiring and pull through any grommets in the door panel.
7. 7

   Remove old speaker
   Remove the screws or nuts securing the speaker to the mounting surface (door panel or door frame). Factory speakers are typically held by 4 screws. Carefully extract the speaker from its mounting location. Note the orientation and depth of the original speaker.
8. 8

   Prepare new speaker for installation
   Compare new speaker dimensions to factory speaker and mounting location. If installing aftermarket speakers, check if mounting holes align. Drill new mounting holes if necessary, ensuring proper clearance for speaker magnet depth and not interfering with window mechanism or door latch components.
9. 9

   Connect speaker wiring
   Strip wire ends if necessary and connect new speaker to existing wiring using appropriate connectors. Match positive to positive (typically marked on speaker terminal). Crimp or solder connections securely and wrap with electrical tape. Leave enough wire slack to allow door panel installation without strain.
10. 10

    Mount new speaker
    Position the new speaker in the mounting location, ensuring the speaker cone faces the correct direction (toward interior) and wiring is not pinched. Install mounting screws and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to avoid warping the speaker frame. Do not overtighten as this can crack the speaker basket.
11. 11

    Test speaker operation
    Temporarily reconnect battery negative terminal and turn on radio to verify speaker operation and proper phase. Check for rattles or distortion. Disconnect battery again before continuing reassembly.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall or repair moisture barrier to door frame ensuring water-tight seal
2. Position door panel onto door, engaging top edge into window sill channel first
3. Press panel firmly around perimeter to seat retaining clips
4. Install all perimeter screws and tighten securely but do not overtighten into panel material
5. Reinstall armrest assembly and tighten mounting screws
6. Reinstall door handle escutcheon and window crank with horseshoe clip
7. Reconnect battery negative terminal

Verification

• Test window crank operation to ensure no interference with speaker installation
• Turn on radio and test speaker at various volume levels for distortion or rattles
• Test door operation including latch and lock to verify no interference
• Verify door panel is secure with no loose clips or gaps
• Check all door controls (window, handle, locks) function properly

More procedures for this vehicle