Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Ugh. Polk 5x7s not drop-in as advertised What now?

Hi All,
Being new to car audio installs, I actually read the audio faq and tried to make a decent selection.

I found some Polk EX-357s (5x7) on ebay advertised as drop-ins for Fords. (ebay items 3090410981 and 3086628566 are identical items from the same seller, stating that they are drop-ins)

I finally made my attempt to remove the door panels on my wife's 98 SVT this weekend, and lo and behold, the mounting holes don't match up!

Would a 6x8 selection have fit better, or is this the kind of chance you take by not going to an installer?

Additionally, it seems that there's a bit of water getting into the door. The stock speakers are mounted in a kind of protective enclosure. The door lining was a bit wet, and I could feel water on the back of the enclosure. Is this anything to be concerned about? Should I attempt to mount the aftermarket speakers in the same enclosure or ditch all the original parts.

I'm guessing that I'll have to take this up with the selling company, but they don't seem to have equivalent Polk/Infinity 6x8 speakers, so I'd have to settle for a "lesser" brand.

Of course, I could try to return them (and lose shipping?) and try to get in on the budget component deal next month, but this was a birthday gift given last weekend, and the current speakers are blown.

Any suggestions appreciated!
Thanks
Phil

Take out drill. Drill new mounting holes. Mount speaker. No big deal, maybe an extra 5mins of work tops.

And.... If you don't have a drill, this a great excuse to go out and buy yourself a nice, new Dewalt cordless and some drill bits.

Drop in means they fit the hole. Drill new holes.

There is no reason you should try to avoid drilling holes in the car at this point

OK, it seems that a little drilling is to be expected. Thanks!
Any recommended drill bits and/or screw sizes, or just match the stock ones?

Any opinions on putting the Polks in the OEM enclosures?
If I rip out the OEM speakers, it looks like that gets me some water protection (should I be worried about this or is it normal for a little water to get past the seals on rainy days?). It raises a flag for me since I did have a seal problem around the antenna that got quite a bit of water in the trunk.

On top of which, it seems a bit easier to drill and work with plastic than the metal on the door. Then I can use the plastic enclosure's stock mounting holes and electrical connectors.

thanks again
Phil

Okay, the oem encosures? The enclosure is the door. You take the old speakers out, then you have an oval frame left. Put the new speakers in there and holding it in place, mark the holes. Now drill the holes a bit smaller than your mounting screws and screw the bastard in.

As for the water. the window seals on Contours are crappy, but you should be alright. Just check for rust while you're in there.

Thanks!
That answers my questions! (for now at least .
I've just picked up the head unit harness from Circuit City, and we'll see if I can make coat hanger DIN tools, or I'll pick up a set. A soldering iron, solder and some wire and I should be set (to try at least)

thanks again
Phil