ok, so i know a few things about audio, but not alot...just wanted to get some opinions on quality to point me in the right direction...

i have a 1989 gmc sierra sle...im starting to put a system in it but im lost as to what i may need to do as far as keeping to sound quality high...i know that quality parts will help but heres the question..
the truck has mounting for 4x6 speakers in front and back. right now i have a set of polk 2 ways in the back and i have stock in front...cheap but decent powered head unit 60x4...the front speakers will be upgraded to the same polks as soon as i have the money..the speakers are 40 w rms and 120 peak...is it wise to run them through an amp, or is it overkill? the 4x6 speakers really wont produce much bass but i want to make sure i have every section well covered before moving on to the next (ie. subs)

also any experience with the c/k gm truck installs would be appreciated as well...thanks

 

Depends on your budget. If you get a head unit with a built in crossover you can get away with not amping them.

 

Its always a good idea to run new wires, if not for power, for knowing that theres no 'super duper factory' surprises waiting for you years from now. Amping your speakers will do more than just add power, it will contribute wonders to the quality of the sound. The higher power amp, the better the sound will be regardless of the rated power handling of the speakers.

Also, if you are truely going for SQ, you will want to seal the baffels for the speakers. either by spray in expanding foam or prefabricated mounts. This will give you very clean midbass.

 

when you say baffles what do you mean? and what is a good guideline for deciding on speaker wire size?

 

ok is your truck a extra cab?

front stage - dont even try to use a 4x6 - you can buy replacement kickpanels that will take 6.5 seperates..
your choice on speakes..

if extra cab - you can (i have) build a custom box to fit 4 tens under rear seat

use good quality brands and it will sound fine

 

The baffel is the space behind the speakers. A sealed baffel will increase the lower end of the freq output. The better the seal, the cleaner and louder sound you will get. I used expanding foam + fiberglass + lots of time and sealed my front speakers off. After the struggle I am reluctant to attempt to seal the rears for now.

Wire size... I use 14ga for subs, 16ga for my mids. though, I have seen 12ga for mids and 8ga for subs... If you look at the current capacities you will see there is little need for more than 16 & 14ga

 

the truck is an extended cab...i dont think im going to try to seal the front speakers due to all the crap under the dash that is in the way and the mess i will make...the back may be doable...but im not sure if im gonna be that picky....has anyone ever tried those foam baffles from crutchfield? i would imagine you may be able to put some resin on the outside of the baffle to give it some strength...maybe that may help...dont know if they are worth the effort.
as far as the kickpanels go, i take it you are referring to the plastics on the side by your feet? they are on my list as last resort of the other stuff doesnt work out...i may put a set of good 4" on an adapter in the front mounts and use the kickpanels...just trying to see what needs to be done to clear the emergency brake...