I want to run two sets of 6 1/2" speakers in the front of my car. The problem is where could I place them to get the best sound image. I want to stay away from making a fiberglass speaker and attaching it to the door as I don't know much about fiberglass. I also have a manual so putting it in the bottom corners won't work.

you said "2 sets of speakers"...does that mean 4 total in the front? if so, thats not what you want to do for the best imaging/soundstage. creating multiple source points just creates multiphasic lateral interaction, and thats not a good thing (in moxt cases). you want as few speakers on each side as it takes. now if you want it loud...and you have the ability to adjust the sound with and eq of some sort, just throw as many speakers as you want up there, lol. the sq will suffer, but im guessing you dont want competative sq type sound, just something "good" (could be wrong though?).

from personal experience, there are two great places to mount speakers. the first is in kicks (out of the question), and the second is in a box recessed into the floor close to the doors, firing straight up. if you have a plasma torch and a welder, that might work...lol.

i think you answered your own question. put them in the stock locations. if you need to add another set upfront in conjunction with the stock-located speakers, you might be able to make some more room in the middle of the door.

I'm gonna have to agree with SPL. If you can't do kicks, because you are manny, then I would go with the stock location. The difference in sound between the stock location and something you will custom make is so little that it's only worth worring about if you are in SQ comps. Just get a good set of headphones and listen to a CD in your house. Then go out and tune your car, making it sound as similar as possible, using the same CD. Good luck man.