43 replies to this topic

[faultywarrior]

I don't know how many people on here are pro installers or have done tons of installs, but I need some advice. In your experience, what seems to be the best way to test-fit components of an audio system (i.e. subs, amps, etc.) for placement. I had read on some places to make cardboard versions of the components to full scale, and then test-fit them.) I'm not sure if doing this, or any other odd test-fit method is worth my time, or if I should just take the actual equipment and place it. (I'd think something like the cardboard would make test fitting easier, since it's lighter, easier to maneuver for testing placement, and there isn't any risk in damaging the actual components.

Any other suggestions are welcome as well.

[macminter]

I'm no pro. But, for test fitting, I've just used the cardboard method. It works well to get a general idea for sizing.

[faultywarrior]

macminter, on 13 May 2010 - 03:11 AM, said:

I'm no pro. But, for test fitting, I've just used the cardboard method. It works well to get a general idea for sizing.

ok. I saw that on a few audio discussion forums , and was like wtf? Who would do that? But yeah, it does seem like a good way to figure out sizing. (I doubt it's going to be easy... 12" sub with amp, an amp for the door speakers, 2x caps [1000 RMS setup], 2 AWG wire.) This is going to be one of the more challenging ones.

[Volvowith18psi]

Screw amps into the back of the back seats, eyeball it, mount 1 cap next to each amp..... or mount it all to the box and drill a .5in hole in the firewall ... win win. Pretty simple install.... You could even get fancey and wedge some MDF in the spare tire well, mount all the crap on that, cover with carpet already there, small splice for box wires and... win win lol

[JVC]

diymobileaudio.com

do it.

[faultywarrior]

Volvowith18psi, on 13 May 2010 - 04:31 AM, said:

Screw amps into the back of the back seats, eyeball it, mount 1 cap next to each amp..... or mount it all to the box and drill a .5in hole in the firewall ... win win. Pretty simple install.... You could even get fancey and wedge some MDF in the spare tire well, mount all the crap on that, cover with carpet already there, small splice for box wires and... win win lol

+1 for making this sound like my friend's first car install (before I had to fix it because his radio antenna would randomly raise and lower itself as he drove. Wires were held together with bolts though ring connectors. [see pic below])

It, on 13 May 2010 - 04:42 AM, said:

diymobileaudio.com

do it.

I've seen the site before. Haven't really checked it out though.

If you don't think that install was bad, ask TyConn_S70. I think we almost died when we say that B+ cable held together with a bolt. (and yes, that is a black-colored B+ line...)

[andyb5]

faultywarrior, on 13 May 2010 - 03:05 AM, said:

I don't know how many people on here are pro installers or have done tons of installs, but I need some advice. In your experience, what seems to be the best way to test-fit components of an audio system (i.e. subs, amps, etc.) for placement. I had read on some places to make cardboard versions of the components to full scale, and then test-fit them.) I'm not sure if doing this, or any other odd test-fit method is worth my time, or if I should just take the actual equipment and place it. (I'd think something like the cardboard would make test fitting easier, since it's lighter, easier to maneuver for testing placement, and there isn't any risk in damaging the actual components.

Any other suggestions are welcome as well.

I mocked up my amp rack and sub box with cardboard, as far as speakers go, I just pulled the stock ones out and measured them to double check if my Alpine's fit.

[Get Some]

measuring tapes are also designed for this purpose to take away some of the guess work and issues of test fitting

[faultywarrior]

Get Some, on 23 May 2010 - 03:17 PM, said:

measuring tapes are also designed for this purpose to take away some of the guess work and issues of test fitting

I know. But using a tape gets to be a PITA when you're trying to make it look good. I wound up going with the cardboard replicas. Worked very well for placement. Just need to wire everything up, and I'll be good.

[Get Some]

0_o

[faultywarrior]

This is how my mock-up looked. Kinda crappy, but it worked great. Finishing the lasts of the wiring today.

[RZT5]

wow...

[faultywarrior]

It's done. And it hits EXTREMELY hard.

[RZT5]

does it make the hustlers cry?

[faultywarrior]

RZT5, on 30 May 2010 - 03:38 AM, said:

does it make the hustlers cry?

Not sure. There isn't any (to my knowledge) in my area.

[mdlimy]

faultywarrior, on 30 May 2010 - 12:43 AM, said:

It's done. And it hits EXTREMELY hard.

your telling me your 1000w system hits "extremly hard"? lolz, how about some specs so i can laugh even more.... i used 2 awg wire for my speaker amp alone...if you arent using 1/0awg on your amp then you really arent using much wattage

[Get Some]

i has basssssss tooo... did you actually mount your amp on your truck floor like that? cuz thats a waste of space...

[Tom.]

it looks like crap.

[Get Some]

btw what kinda speaks did you use.. sony xplods?

[faultywarrior]

Tom., on 30 May 2010 - 05:32 PM, said:

it looks like crap.

Duh. It's cardboard with tape and some markings on it.

Get Some, on 30 May 2010 - 05:44 PM, said:

btw what kinda speaks did you use.. sony xplods?

No. For now, I left the stock ones in, since I haven't figured out which ones to get as replacements. It sounds good even without the audio processor installed, so I'm not complaining.