When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My car had the base sound system (no sub) and I was wanting a little more punch.
Decided in the Kicker 10” Hideaways as they fit perfectly in the useless little shelf behind the seats.
In the pictures I showed how to remove most of the middle console to access the stereo wiring harness.
Don’t forget to unplug all connectors to be able to move the console out of the way. Especially the middle one that powers the USB ports.
Once it’s up and out of the way, I used a wiring diagram I found online to find out which wires are the speakers wires I need to tap into.
The Kickers allow speaker level input so no need for a line converter or RCA jacks.
Simply spliced them in, tied it up with some zip ties, ran power to the positive terminal and grounded along the top of the battery compartment.
I am still needing to get some black tubing to hide exposed wires better.
I adjusted the levels on the subs to get the sound I am looking for.
They don’t hit as hard as dedicated powered subs but I wasn’t willing to lose any trunk space and I really don’t have a need to be heard outside the car or have my windows rattling. I did all that in my younger days. Haha.
The sound is very nice and full now and it definitely has the punch I was looking for.
My car had the base sound system (no sub) and I was wanting a little more punch.
Decided in the Kicker 10” Hideaways as they fit perfectly in the useless little shelf behind the seats.
In the pictures I showed how to remove most of the middle console to access the stereo wiring harness.
Don’t forget to unplug all connectors to be able to move the console out of the way. Especially the middle one that powers the USB ports.
Once it’s up and out of the way, I used a wiring diagram I found online to find out which wires are the speakers wires I need to tap into.
The Kickers allow speaker level input so no need for a line converter or RCA jacks.
Simply spliced them in, tied it up with some zip ties, ran power to the positive terminal and grounded along the top of the battery compartment.
I am still needing to get some black tubing to hide exposed wires better.
I adjusted the levels on the subs to get the sound I am looking for.
They don’t hit as hard as dedicated powered subs but I wasn’t willing to lose any trunk space and I really don’t have a need to be heard outside the car or have my windows rattling. I did all that in my younger days. Haha.
The sound is very nice and full now and it definitely has the punch I was looking for.
How easy overall would you say this install was? Especially for someone who's never done this kind of work? How significant was the sound difference? No need to change amp or power supply?
How easy overall would you say this install was? Especially for someone who's never done this kind of work? How significant was the sound difference? No need to change amp or power supply?
very easy after you get the middle console off. The wires tap straight in. Amp is built into each sub so need for more power. Just run included wires to ground and other to positive in battery. Included Instructions are pretty good with the subs.
sound difference is amazing. Sounds like it should with a bit more bass for some punch. Not enough to take your breath away or anything like that but respectable.
When splicing in the sub, did you happen to record the speak lead color codes from which you tapped.
I am about to go down the rabbit hole with an install and even using the AM shop manual and wiring diagram, I cannot find color codes for
which mere mortal can understand. I know I could ultimately back trace wires, but would prefer any advance knowledge from someone who has already
traveled down the same path.
thanks
Firstly, good for you for taking the initiative to do the job! That said, I have to ask, why not just one of those units behind the panel where the factory sub goes? Surely that'd be enough in such a small cabin? You could just cut out the material in that panel that's already primed for it and the wiring would be hidden.
Firstly, good for you for taking the initiative to do the job! That said, I have to ask, why not just one of those units behind the panel where the factory sub goes? Surely that'd be enough in such a small cabin? You could just cut out the material in that panel that's already primed for it and the wiring would be hidden.
Thank you!
I chose two for two reasons. 1st, they aren’t very powerful. They provide a very good bump without being over bearing. But two definitely isn’t too much. I actually wish they were stronger.
And 2nd, symmetry. Haha. I wanted matching for both sides.
i looked into adding one into the dead space where the stock one would fit but just didn’t like the way it would turn out. And it would have had to be a smaller sub.
I could have done a better job of hiding all the wiring but I kind of liked the look of it. All I had to do was flip them the opposite way and have the wiring go down the panels, hidden.
Thank you!
I chose two for two reasons. 1st, they aren’t very powerful. They provide a very good bump without being over bearing. But two definitely isn’t too much. I actually wish they were stronger.
And 2nd, symmetry. Haha. I wanted matching for both sides.
i looked into adding one into the dead space where the stock one would fit but just didn’t like the way it would turn out. And it would have had to be a smaller sub.
I could have done a better job of hiding all the wiring but I kind of liked the look of it. All I had to do was flip them the opposite way and have the wiring go down the panels, hidden.
I want to think AcidLime for helping me on my install. Patient guy. I have not installed my panel in the phot but should have it wrapped up this week. Crutchfield has the perfect powered sub for which I carved out an aluminum batch t to fit the factory mounting bolt. More pics later
I want to think AcidLime for helping me on my install. Patient guy. I have not installed my panel in the phot but should have it wrapped up this week. Crutchfield has the perfect powered sub for which I carved out an aluminum batch t to fit the factory mounting bolt. More pics later
Would someone out there post a photo of what the exposed factory sub looks like behind the seat. I have the proper cut out board for the sub and I want to finish off with as clean of an install as possible. I will post final pics when done. I am now adding an amp to power rear speakers after buying a set of oem rears off eBay as well as the proper leather rear panels with factory grills.
Would someone out there post a photo of what the exposed factory sub looks like behind the seat. I have the proper cut out board for the sub and I want to finish off with as clean of an install as possible. I will post final pics when done. I am now adding an amp to power rear speakers after buying a set of oem rears off eBay as well as the proper leather rear panels with factory grills.
Here you go... (please excuse the dust back there).
