Custom headunit install - To do or not to do?

[|_Ash_|]

So it would seem the center console job wouldn't be that hard. Installing the speakers and tweeters would be a bit of a challenge though, I'd imagine. Not impossible, but time consuming and a bit finnicky.

I went to Northfield today for a quote, and they quoted the an install at $740. That's with Dynamat and a custom fascia kit. That was honestly cheaper than I was expecting. I ultimately want a clean, good looking and sounding install, so if I have to spend some cash to achieve that, I will. It's worth it in the long run.

The only thing holding me off an entire custom install (now anyway, cheers for the info guys), would be the installation and wiring of the component speakers. Plus, the addition of Dynamat professionally installed is a bit of a good incentive to pay someone to do it.

Anyone had a crack at installing speakers in the front doors?

[seanmau5]

Granted, I only had a standard Kenwood system not the McIntosh but yes, I've installed front speakers in my car.

I bought these spacers for the 6.5" speaker which fit perfectly..
http://car-speaker-adapters.com/items.php?id=SAK065

I found the hardest part actually getting the speaker wire through from the car to the door cavity, quite a fiddly job and can be frustrating if impatient like I am.

EDIT - also $740 with custom fascia? What fascia will they fabricate for you?

[|_Ash_|]

Thanks for the link, something to consider.

The fascia they have is just a double-din sized plastic surround - it didn't contain the climate control module like every other fascia I've seen. I was also surprised to see both it and its price ($150 for the fascia). It looks like they wouldn't touch the climate control system at all, simply install above it. But I had a closer look at the GT center console, and that surround around the CD player and the climate control is one solid piece, it's not separated into two... I'll have to call them back and confirm. I don't know if they know that the centers of come Liberty's are not separate pieces. I'll post back once I get an answer.

[seanmau5]

Thanks for the link, something to consider.

The fascia they have is just a double-din sized plastic surround - it didn't contain the climate control module like every other fascia I've seen. I was also surprised to see both it and its price ($150 for the fascia). It looks like they wouldn't touch the climate control system at all, simply install above it. But I had a closer look at the GT center console, and that surround around the CD player and the climate control is one solid piece, it's not separated into two... I'll have to call them back and confirm. I don't know if they know that the centers of come Liberty's are not separate pieces. I'll post back once I get an answer.

Much the same as the cheap one on eBay

I would have to agree with you and say that they aren't aware the standard head unit and HVAC are integrated

[mincedmeat]

Remember to check out all the performance options while you on the forum shenge.

[Stewie1995]

Quick question, how did you get the wiring through the door? We tried to get it through the rubber protection connected to the door but couldnt do it. On weekend ima try with a soapy coat hanger (found something on google saying it works). And was the rubber seal hard to get back onto the plastic ends?
I had to do a quick door wiring as everythhing else was such a pain, so i just have the speaker wire going through the lastic holes but not in the rubber (the rubber ends arn't connected atm

[seanmau5]

Quick question, how did you get the wiring through the door? We tried to get it through the rubber protection connected to the door but couldnt do it. On weekend ima try with a soapy coat hanger (found something on google saying it works). And was the rubber seal hard to get back onto the plastic ends?
I had to do a quick door wiring as everythhing else was such a pain, so i just have the speaker wire going through the lastic holes but not in the rubber (the rubber ends arn't connected atm

Ewwwwwwww

I used a coathanger with lubrication through the rubber, soap would work I guess. Be patient though, it's the worst part by far.

[LOWLIB]

i didnt think you were allowed to modify your parcel shelf anyway? because its a structual part of the car and cutting it can weaken it? i might be wrong just what i was once told by a car audio shop

[mihai]

i didnt think you were allowed to modify your parcel shelf anyway? because its a structual part of the car and cutting it can weaken it? i might be wrong just what i was once told by a car audio shop

This is true. Not allowed to cut into the parcel shelf at all. It is also a defect (in Victoria at least) to screw things into the back of the rear seat also.

In regards to running the cable into the door, I found it was MUCH quicker to remove the door. 5 bolts all up and 1 plug to unplug. From there, straighten the rubber and run the cable through straight.

Not sure if pre-facelift is different, but the rubber that the stock loom is in goes all the way from the chassis well into the door. So for me, a coat hanger was out of the question.

[andy85]

Yeh the stock system too bad compared to other cars BUT those so called "13 speakers" are a WANK!!! And the rears... Forget it, one of the worse speakers I've ever heard.

Just focus on ur fronts, sub and MOSTLY on install.

Yes 6.5 will fit in th front with custom buffles

[|_Ash_|]

Shall do. I've decided to do a custom install as well, seeing as the fascia alone will cost me around $550 at this stage.

In the end, my final setup should consist of:

Alpine IDA-X305 Headunit
Alpine Imprint DSP
Alpine Type-X Ref edition component speakers
Focal 12" 250w RMS sub
Alpine PDX 4.150 4ch amplifier
And I'll fade the other stock speakers out

Should go alright I reckon. Best place for the amp is under the seat? I've typically run them to the boot because I'm worried about space and cooling...

[garbo41610]

Shall do. I've decided to do a custom install as well, seeing as the fascia alone will cost me around $550 at this stage.

In the end, my final setup should consist of:

Alpine IDA-X305 Headunit
Alpine Imprint DSP
Alpine Type-X Ref edition component speakers
Focal 12" 250w RMS sub
Alpine PDX 4.150 4ch amplifier
And I'll fade the other stock speakers out

Should go alright I reckon. Best place for the amp is under the seat? I've typically run them to the boot because I'm worried about space and cooling...

It'll be fine under the seat.

Don't forget sound deadening.