SSV8pilot
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- SSV- Manual Redhot
Thought I would share some tips on having just upgraded the audio system on my VX S Pac.
Previous installs have been basic radio changes. This time I bit the bullet and upgraded the front splits, put in 6X9's, new Hu, Sub and Blaupunkt 5 channel amp.
I'm no expert - hence thought I would provide some encouragement to others planning the same thing.
1- Plan the theory first - use this site to ask questions (thanks for those who helped), get wiring diagrams, do a dummy drawing of the system lay out your self
2- Plan each job as a seperate task - eg front driver door - remove all trim, remove and replace new equipment, refit - job done
3- Never force trim - keep all screws close to each section you are working on
4- Learn from each job - ie once I did the drivers door speakers - I got better when I did the passenger door as I had a reference point
5- Remove tools to a central point when you have finished with the tool - saves losing or hunting around
6- Have a small bin nearby to put bits of rubbish in
7- I had some foam mats on the floor to kneel on -really helped when working half in and half out the car
8- Wire hanger method to remove Eurovox unit really does work
9- Pace yourself and tackle each job logically and with confidence - I did mine over a weekend
10- You can get harness plugs from places like supercheap which plug into the existing radio harness - about $20 - really good because I soldered the new radio leads to the harness plug out of the car (in the evening) - plugged in and all worked - plus very neat
11- When wiring speaker or amp power cable from front to rear (seperate sides of car) - no need to lift out the step plates -push each seat forward - remove the plastic trim which sits between the outer seat runner and step plate (slides out easy). This gives enough room to move cables through. I was dreading this part of the wiring - but worked fine
12- Remove rear seat squab and back - don't try and fiddle around these - easily removed.
13- I secured the amp to a piece of chipboard then screwed under parcel shelf - avoids any earthing and easier to screw amp to wood than metal - personal choice
As I said - I am an amature but managed to do what I consider a professional job. I did get quotes to do the installs -my advice if getting it done - go to a professional audio installer. As an example - I went to a well know auto chain, asked lots of questions, then asked "what are your credentials"- he said you don't need to worry about that!! Then said - when you book it in - tell them your fussy!!! Fussy - I just wanted a good job done - hence why I flew solo.
Anyway - hope this is of use to some.
Previous installs have been basic radio changes. This time I bit the bullet and upgraded the front splits, put in 6X9's, new Hu, Sub and Blaupunkt 5 channel amp.
I'm no expert - hence thought I would provide some encouragement to others planning the same thing.
1- Plan the theory first - use this site to ask questions (thanks for those who helped), get wiring diagrams, do a dummy drawing of the system lay out your self
2- Plan each job as a seperate task - eg front driver door - remove all trim, remove and replace new equipment, refit - job done
3- Never force trim - keep all screws close to each section you are working on
4- Learn from each job - ie once I did the drivers door speakers - I got better when I did the passenger door as I had a reference point
5- Remove tools to a central point when you have finished with the tool - saves losing or hunting around
6- Have a small bin nearby to put bits of rubbish in
7- I had some foam mats on the floor to kneel on -really helped when working half in and half out the car
8- Wire hanger method to remove Eurovox unit really does work
9- Pace yourself and tackle each job logically and with confidence - I did mine over a weekend
10- You can get harness plugs from places like supercheap which plug into the existing radio harness - about $20 - really good because I soldered the new radio leads to the harness plug out of the car (in the evening) - plugged in and all worked - plus very neat
11- When wiring speaker or amp power cable from front to rear (seperate sides of car) - no need to lift out the step plates -push each seat forward - remove the plastic trim which sits between the outer seat runner and step plate (slides out easy). This gives enough room to move cables through. I was dreading this part of the wiring - but worked fine
12- Remove rear seat squab and back - don't try and fiddle around these - easily removed.
13- I secured the amp to a piece of chipboard then screwed under parcel shelf - avoids any earthing and easier to screw amp to wood than metal - personal choice
As I said - I am an amature but managed to do what I consider a professional job. I did get quotes to do the installs -my advice if getting it done - go to a professional audio installer. As an example - I went to a well know auto chain, asked lots of questions, then asked "what are your credentials"- he said you don't need to worry about that!! Then said - when you book it in - tell them your fussy!!! Fussy - I just wanted a good job done - hence why I flew solo.
Anyway - hope this is of use to some.
