How To Install JBL 621 Stage 1 Speakers
- slaters089
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
In this blog post, I'll be walking through the process of installing a pair of JBL Stage 1 6.5-inch side door speakers.
The process should be similar no matter your vehicle, but for this example, I'll be installing them into my Gen 3 Peugeot Expert (2016-onwards).
This process will also be the same in the other PSA group vans, including the Citroën Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro, and Toyota Proace. For a more detailed, PSA-specific guide, click here.
Item List:
Step 1: Removing the Door Panel
To begin, you'll need to remove any plastic trim so you can access the screws that hold the door panel in place.
Once that's done, remove all the screws and save them for reinstallation later.
Step 2: Removing the Old Speaker and Preparing the Wires
Unclip the original speaker's cable and unscrew it from the door.
You'll need to run the cables back into the door after removing the old speaker, as the JBL's connectors will be located on the inside.
If your speaker was directly wired, you will need to cut and prep the wires so they can be reattached to the new speaker. Most modern cars should have adapter cables, which you'll be able to find online.
Before moving on to installing the new speaker, check that the cable adapter connects securely. If not, compress the clip to eliminate any play.
Step 3: Installing the New Speaker
Tools needed:
Drill
Screwdriver
Pen
Electrical tape (if needed)
Adapter cable
Optional:
Adapter bracket
Sound damping mats or pads
Note: I initially ordered an adapter bracket, but only two of its screw holes matched the new speaker. It was easier to reuse two of the original holes in the door and make an additional one to ensure the speaker would be secure. This method made the adapter bracket redundant.
Position the new speaker and identify any reusable holes. Three screws should be enough to hold the speaker in securely.
Mark the spots for any new holes. Also, mark the original holes and the points you will be screwing into on the speaker itself to make lining everything up easier later on.
Use a thin drill bit to create the new holes. Take care not to damage the wires or window behind the panel.
Note: I placed electrical tape around the point where the speaker will be fastened to the door as a simple, cost-effective sound-damping method. This worked well for me, but if you're planning to play loud, bass-heavy music, consider investing in proper sound-damping materials.
Place the speaker into position, noting which side the cables inside the door will need to be on, and use tape to secure them. This will prevent the cables from getting caught or pinched by the window.
Once everything is aligned, connect the adapter cable. Screw the speaker into place using the original screws in their original holes and the new screws included with the speaker into the newly drilled hole. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as they can pull on the rubber of the speaker.
Tip: Test the speaker before fully tightening all screws—this simplifies troubleshooting if there's an issue.
Step 4: Reinstalling the Door Panel
Make sure that any plastic clips are properly aligned, facing the correct direction; otherwise, the panel won't fit onto the door.
Lift the top of the door panel over the rubber trim along the window. It should hang in place, making it easier to push the clips back in.
Finally, screw in the screws you saved earlier. The last step is to reinstall any plastic trim that was removed earlier.
Note: If you're not using an amplifier, don't expect a huge increase in volume; the new speakers may even sound quieter because they require more power to drive. However, you should notice improved clarity. Also, if your new side door speakers include tweeters, you might need to adjust the EQ settings on your head unit to reduce harshness, as you'll have more high frequencies than before.
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