Installing an audio system.

[monkeybear]

So my custom sub box is on its way to me. All I need is my back ordered head unit and I am set to go.

I have been asking around Houston Tx for install quotes for my various stereo parts and they all come to $500-700. The way I figure, it can't be that hard to do, so it must just be labor intensive. I think I may try to do it myself. I need to install-

amp in the trunksub in the trunkcapHUspeakers in the doorssub controller in the front left under the interior light dimmer

What do you guys think? Recipe for disaster? Should I just hire someone? If I do it myself, how/where should I run the wires? I have no idea how to do this but I am a fast learner and pretty mechanically/electrically inclined; I just need some direction and advice is all.

Thanks

[Joker69]

Actually the process is very easy, i did all my stuff on my own. i am waiting for a custom box to come in for my other two subs, but i can take pix of the one i have now and the amp i have set up with my speakers and well i guess maybe not the head unit or equalizer cuz it looks messy without the install kit that goes around it. Im no pro, but my music sounds good, and my install looks clean, minus the hu/eq

[monkeybear]

Where did you run your wires? I hear that you either do them under the carpet or along the bottom side under the trim.

[xtwoonamatchx]

ok, i gotta ask, where did you get your custom boxes? are they made to fit the V? also, headunit and speakers arent that hard, i think the hardest will be the amp. pretty much, power wire to battery, ground to an exposed piece of the body, and the wires to the speakers and the scuh.

[Urq]

Also run power wires separate form your RCA and speaker wires.

[monkeybear]

Sounds easy enough, but how do I hide the cables that go from the battery and HU to the trunk?

I purchased my enclosure through East Coast Custom Enclosures. http://www.eastcoastenclosures....html

It is not custom fitted for the versa, beyond the size restrictions. Basically you tell the guy all of the info for your sub. For example my sub is an Acoustic Elegance C15.1 and he wanted to know the following about it.

Fs: 22HzQts: .46Qms: 9Qes: .48Re: 2.9ohmBl: 16.75TmZ: 4ohmLe: 3.3mHVas: 130LMms: 340gCms: .154mm/NSd: 771sqcmXmax: 23mmVd: 3.54L

With that and a little information about what I wanted, my goals for my car audio system, the kind of music I listen to, how much I wanted to spend, how I the design to look like and the biggest it could be he came up with-

Quote »I can do the enclosure shipped for $200.00. My design is coming out at 17"H x 30"W x 24"D. Two chambers. Sealed chamber @1.964^3ft, and the ported chamber @2.445^3ft. Slot port 15.5" x 2" x 26.1"Long @35Hz. Plexi window on the sealed side. Port painted black. Gray Ozite carpet. I am looking forward to this project and I hope to hear from you soon.[/quote]According to the DHL website it weighs 60lbs. I measured the space in the trunk where I wanted it to go, but never the opening in the trunk, so wish me luck guys.

[Joker69]

Where did you run your wires? I hear that you either do them under the carpet or along the bottom side under the trim.

I ran my wires under the carpet, but you gotta take the trim pieces off. I think this is better than just under the trim, just in case anything. but like i said, i will take pix tomorrow when there is light out, of my speakers, the wiring, and panels off and all that.

[Kolk1]

Im sorry, but if they are asking 500-700 for Install only, no parts, they are smoking crack.

I work for Best Buy mobile install. We arent cheap, but heres an idea of what it should cost OR LESS.

Best Buy Labor prices.Amp install, $70Deck install $504 speakers $80

Its an easy car, but for labor only, I would not pay more than $200.

[monkeybear]

really.....glad I didn't buy any tools yet.

How good is BB install? Guess if its not that complicated they are as good as anyone else.

Do installers mind if you want to watch?

[Kolk1]

Honestly, it depends on the store. Me and Zac opened the Edwardsville store, and we are the only 2 installers currently. Our goal with every install, is to never see that customer again with a LABOR issue. If something is wrong with the equipment, thats fine, but we never want the problem to be OUR install.

We are getting alot of repair work from a local best buy. So I dont know if they have one bad installer, or whats going on with them. But Zac and I, are trying to set a new standard. We are the only 2 installers for a reason, we cant find a part timer with the experience we want, that is willing to work part time. We are only slotted to have 2 full time positions.

Zac is about to take his Master Tech MECP test. When he passes that, he will be one of 5 installers for best buy Master Tech certified. Thats alot considering their are 840 stores, with roughly 3-6 installers per store.

I am currently only Basic MECP certified. I came from other custom shops where they did not pay based on certification. Thus I never got certified. With Best Buy I get a nice raise for every certification I pass. So im working my way up as fast as possible.

We have a seating area inside the install bay. We wont let you look over our shoulders, but you can be in the same room. Not all best buys are the same. Some have a waiting room in a different area. My shop is just one big bay, with chairs along one wall on the other side of the register.

[equlizer]

I made my sub box out of 3/4 MDF and it fits in the spare tire compartment but its 3" higher than the false floor was so all i did was make a new false floor out of MDF and no one would know the different. Also lined the whole area with Dynamat (I can get it cheap) Ran the power wire down the driver side under the carpet. I dont need a remote wire or anything cause the amp runs on high-input

I left the HU alone cause its a decent deck and wired up an extra set of tweeters in the rear doors cause i felt there wasnt enough "tweet". I control the amp output from under the dash.

[nissantech06]

How good is BB install? Guess if its not that complicated they are as good as anyone else.

Kolk seems to know his stuff, but the store by me SUCKS. My dad had an Intrepid (ewwww) before his Altima and I wanted to put a decent system in it, but he wanted to keep the stock head unit. So, I had them install it (I didn't feel like taking the back parcel shelf apart) and we had to bring it back for 3 separate issues, each one causing the next. The major issue was the balance/fader. When the speakers were set to the left, the LF and RR speakers worked, and vice versa. When they supposedly "fixed it" 3 speakers ran off the right side. The third time caused the battery on the car to go dead.

Installing your own stereo stuff isn't hard if you take your time and do some research. I had to help put a new brake booster in an '05 Altima because this idiot drilled a hole right through it putting his 0 gauge super rope in.

Taking all your trim pieces out and running it under the carpet is the best bet. I had to look at a customer's Quest that kept saying the tailgate was open above 60MPH. Turned out the remote start he had installed was touching bare wire to the chassis, causing it to ground and the light to illuminate.

Anyway...if you want a good learning experience, do it yourself. I know of a few people (myself included) who will help you if you need it.

[NY.AD.MAN]

Unfortunately, I used to work for Best Buy as an installer as well, and they don't have the full training program that they need. The most important part of an install is knowing what comes next so that you do NOT have to backtrack, especially when dealing with amps!

If you really need help, I might be able to find time after finals to disassemble the Versa and show you the wiring, but I do a good deal of installs for my own business currently, so if i get a Versa, I will post up the pics ASAP!

However, never let anyone touch your car that you are even slightly weary of. If you think they'll screw up your car 3 ways from next week, they will. The only people you should trust are people who have a full-scale, excellent setup of their own that they can let you see for yourself!

I think we have several other installers besides those of us who are certified and have written on this thread, so let us know where your problem is!

[monkeybear]

Awesome. Thanks!

I have been coming up with a list of tools I need in order to do the install myself. Never turn down an opportunity to buy tools. Anyway, any insight into what tools I should order would be appreciated. Also if anyone knows what size circuit breaker I need to protect my car that would be good to know.

Any now the eye candy: my box.





[IMG][/IMG]




Modified by monkeybear at 11:04 AM 12/6/2007

[NY.AD.MAN]

LIST OF TOOLS

- Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead, use SEVERAL different sizes)- Wire Cutters- Wire Strippers- Car Jack set (30 bucks at Autozone) - used for when you have a sh***ty firewall to deal with like ours!- Lighting (you can never have too much light) - try to get a mechanic's light- Get a full wire crimp set - Drill (for the firewall / screwdriver) - Blade (you'll never know when you need one...)- Electrical Tape- Speaker Wire (you want 16 gauge for the speakers if you are installing any and 12 for the Sub) - Go to a craft shop and get some Muslin or other pillow stuffing for dampening - Get some stronger screws than you need, you will NEVER regret it.

That's my 2 minute list, there's probably a couple other things, but you should have ZERO problems using this list.

[monkeybear]

What is wrong with our firewall? I heard that there was a hole in the firewall above the dead pedal.

Quote »There is a hole in the firewall right above the dead pedal (up pretty high)[/quote]Awesome list, thanks! I will let you guys know when I am ready to do the actual install. I got an email today that my backstocked HU would never ship and that I would be getting a refund.

Now I have to pick out a new HU. Thats the hardest part for me to pick, the HU.

Edit: I will take pictures with my digital camera and do a write up on how to install an amp into the versa, for others to use.
Modified by monkeybear at 4:06 PM 12/6/2007

[nissantech06]

What is wrong with our firewall? I heard that there was a hole in the firewall above the dead pedal.

Nothing. Any car that has a manual transmission option has a dead hole in the firewall where the clutch would go.

[NY.AD.MAN]

Sorry I must have missed the entire 6 spd thing...

No worries, though, just remember 2 names when choosing your Head Unit:

ALPINE

PIONEER

I've been installing systems for 6 years now, and those are the two companies that have been consistently high performance!

[nissantech06]

Sorry I must have missed the entire 6 spd thing...

No worries, though, just remember 2 names when choosing your Head Unit:

ALPINE

PIONEER

I've been installing systems for 6 years now, and those are the two companies that have been consistently high performance!

I like Pioneer, I think Alpine is overpriced for what you get, and I bought a Sony. Their speakers are crap but the head unit is PHENOMENAL. I had a Kenwood that was great, too. But, as long as you get what you want, do what you want and don't listen to what anyone else says.

[Kolk1]

If you plan on going with sub amp, and possibly a 4 channel amp. Look into the Pioneer Premier head units.

I used to have the Pioneer 6800, and just switched to the Premier 780mp, world of difference, The regular pioneer only had 2.2 V preouts, where the Premier I got has 5V preouts. Its a good difference. Dont let that be your only point for buying a new radio, but if you can get the Premier Model for close to the same price, Do it.

[NY.AD.MAN]

I think Alpine is overpriced for what you get

I'd Actually have to disagree pretty heavily. If you look at what features and how much CLEAN power that Alpine gives you, why shouldn't the midrange be around $200?

At that price, you're offered HD, BOTH Satellite Radios, 3 preouts, Bluetooth and a higher speed iPod connect than any other company.

It's personal preference:

Pioneer is a workhorse, sounds great, but is not as clean as...Alpine, which is a cleaner, but slightly less powered sound

Honestly, you get what you pay for:

$100 - headunits are NOT worth it if you are trying to go with subs$200 - are ideal$300 - may include more than you need

[flygja]

Edit: I will take pictures with my digital camera and do a write up on how to install an amp into the versa, for others to use.

Hi, I'm trying to install my own audio and so far, I have not been able to find a hole in the firewall to route my power cables. Could you take a picture of how you got it done? Thanks.

[kcourtad]

heres my box that i built with 3/4 MDF board... its a sealed box too... two 10inch kicker comps with a 1600 watt amp hooked up to it... and the subs only flex about 1inch... and it still puts out a ton of bass to get the trunk to move and door panels... and ive been pulled over twice with it for DTP... and its all wired in with the stock head unit... plain on getting some bostons for the doors and alpine for the center speakers that fit in above the headunit

[mvalpreda]

If you are looking for a nice box for a good price. Go with this: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-g...B1103

I have one with a 10" sub and it hits very nice and doesn't chew up my entire trunk.

Rest of the specs for my system are in my specs. Alpine is the way to go. I have had many Alpine units and they are by far the best head units. Can't wait for the IVA-W505 to come out!