Get the right tools and equipment.....
May 10 '00
I finally decided to do it..... I got the nerve and the $$ together to update my totally stock sound system in my car. I did not want to go "all out" and get a new system. I also did not want a system that is a huge base pusher. I wanted something to make the sound better. I sunk just about $250 on this upgrade and it was well worth it!
A few notes....
- The car: 1993 Pontiac Sunbird.
- The stereo: Stock AC Delco AM/FM/Cassette with Pioneer 6 disc FM
Modulater changer
- What I added / changed:
- Front speakers: Stock 3 inch to Pionner 2-way 5 inch
- Rear speakers: Stock 5 X 8's to Pioneer 3 way 6 X 9's
- Added: 200W Pioneer 2 chan amp to the rear speakers
Tools Used:
- Standard socket set
- Standard assortment of screwdrivers
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Soldering iron
- Cordless drill/screwgun
- Dremmel tool (I love this thing)
To start:
I started with the easy, I first removed all 4 of the old speakers... I figured that I'd go with the easy, I looked for how I would install my new rear speakers. The holes left by the old ones were just a bit small for the new ones. I ended up having to use the templates provided on the box that the speakers came with. After drilling the holes for the new speakers, I had my first real decision to make.... Should I expand the holes left by my 5 X 8's to fit the cone size of my 6 X 9's or should I leave it... I decided that it would be too much work to cut out an extra half inch all the way around so I left the hole a little small (Comments welcome on that decision).
What the rears done, I focused on getting the amp in. I located it in the trunk between the 2 speakers. mounting was no problem. I did run in to some difficulties having to run the power wires. The stock ones that came with the kit were too short, so off the the audio/auto store I went to spend about 20 bucks for a better kit. I ran the main power wire from the battery to the trunk by way of the firewall through the passenger compartment and into the trunk. (One note.... I did remove the 30 amp fuze before doing this step) I next ran the control wire up to the fuze block (I left the original, stock stereo in and thus no 12v control out. I tapped off my acc block on the fuze panel so when the key is on or in acc, I have power to the amp. next, was to ground the unit. I did this by just tapping a screw in next to the unit and connecting it. The connections to the speakers were made by cutting the old speaker wires and attaching them to the speaker in on the amp. (Again, the stock radio does not have any pre-outs. So I bought an amp with both pre-out and speaker in terminals in case I ever decide to buy a new head unit) Lastly, I ran new wires to the speakers for the amp's outputs.
Now came the item that took the longest. For the front speakers, I had bought these great 5 inch speakers. The holes in the dash were 3 inches. I had to really do some modifications to the dash to get this to work. With my "handy" dremmel tool and a good, high-speed cutting bit, I enlarged the holes enough to accomidate the new speakers without making a huge mess. (I did some SERIOUS planning for this, ensuring that the new speakers would fit as far as depth and width) Once the holes were enlarged, I drilled new holes to mount the speakers down and soldered the wires to the speaker terminals.
Ok, now it's time to power the system up!!!! I put the keys in and fired it up.... The front sounded great!!! But Oh No!!!! The rears were dead! I checked power to the amp and there was none... .Damm, I forgot the 30 amp fuse!!! Once I put that in, the system came to life.... I followed the instructions on trimming out the amp for cound clarity and volume and it now sounds great!
I would highly reccomend this job to anyone. Just plan ahead and read the instructions carfully before attemtpting any of this. I now have a system that sounds great.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
John_Ferrara
|
|
Member: John Ferrara
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 1 member
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.