Like the title says, it's time for my first build thread! No, it's not an engine swap, no it's not a dash swap, 'tis but a stereo installation, but the sheer caliber is massive. Alright, here's the dirt; because build threads aren't any fun without a little difficulty, innovation, or fabrication, there will be plenty to be found in this one. On with the build.
Here's the list of components:
Alpine CDA-9855 Headunit Alpine KCA-420i iPod Interface 2 X ACS2035N (3.5" Headrest Speakers) ACS2046N (4 X 6 B-Pillar Speakers) ACS2041N (4 X 10 Dash Speakers) 2 X A4002T (100W RMS 2-Channel Amp) -1 Powering Front Speakers -1 Powering Rear Speakers -(Headrest Speakers are Powered By Headunit) 2 X AWP312T (12" 1200W RMS Subwoofers) *A18001DT (2400W RMS @ .5OHM Mono Sub Amp) **ACAP651N (12 Farad Capacitor)
*Purchased and shipped, but won't arrive until 23rd.ARRIVED **Not yet purchased, waiting to see if it's required.
Here's what I gotta make / install: [list]
Fiberglass enclosures for a behind-the-seat install.
Plexiglass amp rack for the front compartment.
Mounts for 3.5" speakers in seats.
Mount for battery somewhere in the front compartment.
Shift surround to house three (3) digital voltage meters and one (1) bass level remote, while eliminating ash trays.
I'll probably run into many more problems as I go along, but I'll worry about them when the time comes.
Now for your favorite part, the pics!
First, the victim, err... I mean Fiero. Very good condition 1986 GT with a for now, stock 2.8L.
That picture's from last summer... Here's how she sits now.
All three amps are going in here.
Here's the goods, minus an A4002T and an A18001DT.
Honestly, there won't be too much progress in the next week or two, only because I don't have a lot of time outside of work. However, I've been laid off effective either Friday or Saturday, due to Musicland closing all of its Media Play branches. This will give me lots of time to work in the coming weeks. I hope you guys find this thread interesting, and help me out when necessary. I can't wait to start on this.
Yes, I will be at Carlisle sporting this stereo, and possibly other mods, so if you like what you see, let me know.
EDIT: Update product listing.
[This message has been edited by 1986 Fiero GT (edited 01-30-2006).]
IP: Logged
02:26 AM
PFF
System Bot
Gokart Member
Posts: 4635 From: Mashpee, Ma. USA Registered: May 99
I got a start today, though it's a tiny one. I began work on the shifter console. I took it apart, at least as far apart as three pieces will let you take them, and I began redesigning the trin piece. Seeing as I'll be putting a 5-speed shifter in there most likely sometime this summer (after engine / trans swap), I'll need to be relocating and mounting a shifter in there somehow. I just can't figure out whether or not I can 'move' the shifter, to make some room. Ideally, I'd like to "shift" the shifter (pun intended , lol) about an inch and a half to the left. I realize this may sound like a lot, but depending on how the shifter I'm swapping in there mounts, I should be able to figure something out. Anyway, onto the CAD rendering. I've drawn (very crudely, I might add) a new trim piece in my CAD program, and here it is:
Anyway, that's where I want the shifter to go, and I plan on disassembling those voltmeters, and putting them in a pocket that I've custom made for them. This will allow me to see Front / Center / Subwoofer amplifier voltage levels all at a quick glance. The bass boost remote for the subwoofers will go in a custom overhead console, similar to the original OEM Performance Sound subwoofer level. This install is going to AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE, featuring lots of custom fiberglass pieces, tastefully done of course. I don't plan on making this like XZibit's H2 or anything, I just want it the way I want it, and I'd like to do lots of custom stuff. Also, if a few other things, like a quad-guage A-pillar pod happen to show up, and possibly a new triple-gauge pod where the Rally Gauges are, don't think it unusual. I have a gallon of resin, 16 sq. ft. of cloth, and 8 sq. ft. of mat to get rid of. I know I'll b needing more cloth, I just have to find somewhere to get it, as I just moved here and don't know any body shop supply stores. Anyway, I'll be plugging away at that over the next few weeks.
IP: Logged
02:16 AM
Jan 25th, 2006
COMPTON Member
Posts: 97 From: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Registered: Jul 2005
I've gotten my subwoofer amp (A18001DT), and this thing is sick, lol. I've also finally ordered my other amp and some Dynamat, which should be here either Friday or Monday. I don't have a job anymore (got laid off), so I should have lots of time in the coming weeks to finish this thing. I'll keep updating.
IP: Logged
02:50 AM
kmerkle01 Member
Posts: 232 From: Lake George, NY USA Registered: Sep 2004
Eh, I've got a fat checking account for an 18-year old. It's plenty to fund a stereo build thread, even one of this caliber. Anyway, to the point of this thread, as I rock out to "I'll Be Around", by The Spinners. On with the phat!
Oh my God! A box! Mmm... Delicious! This is the best apart of AudioBahn amps! Pee-imp white gloves to keep your $1,000 amps from getting all skanky.
Actual building should proceed shortly, after I get that nasty speeding ticket taken care of (41 in a 30).
[This message has been edited by 1986 Fiero GT (edited 01-30-2006).]
IP: Logged
02:40 AM
Jan 30th, 2006
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Hmm... I seem to be doing a lot of replying to myself. Anyway, I decided to finally start putting stuff in my car, so I pulled out the dash and gauge cluster (that was a real PITA, look here to see for youself, lol). Anyway, I yanked the dash and was left with this in the car:
Afterwards, I took the dash inside and commensed clean-up.
After I finished that, I took it back out to the garage and put the speakers in.
This is the very best part about this install, it's super stealth. No thief will ever know that I have $3,000 in stereo equipment in my car, unless they know me or remember my car. To the passing thief, everything will remain stock, which is what I call super clean. See?
Then I mounted the crossovers for each speaker, seeing as AudioBahn speakers rule and have their own seperate external crossovers. Anyway, here they are:
Here's the driver's side:
And the passenger side:
I didn't put the dash back in the car, because I'm going to do that very last. I plan on mounting EVERYTHING now, so that I can run the wires up front to the amps and the battery much easier. Besides the fact that I'm going to need to drill a hole in the front firewall to run said wires through, and doing so without any extra wiring or the dash in place will make it that much easier. I should mount the 4 x 6's within the next few days, and I'll make sure to get soem pics of my Mr. Mike's seat build-up with the AudioBahn 3.5" speakers that are going in. Should be fun, eh?
'Til next time.
EDIT: Forgot to close my parentheses.
[This message has been edited by 1986 Fiero GT (edited 01-30-2006).]
IP: Logged
02:55 AM
PFF
System Bot
88White3.4GT Member
Posts: 1604 From: Hayward, CA Registered: Dec 2003
Looking Good dude, Yeah I just threw out my Audiobahn gloves (the whole Michel Jackson thing) & I have just finished ripping the door panel's & Sail Panel's & Front fender's off, I bought Aus's Stage 2 Side scoops & waitng for them to come in, and Then it is the VDC kit to put on. You install is going good, and keep up the progress!
IP: Logged
12:34 PM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
I did some work tonight. I got my 4x6's in the pillars, and let me tell you, that was a royal ***** , lol. It took me about two hours to get both of them mounted properly, and ready to hook up. The first problem I encountered, was that these speakers are roughly three times as deep, and twice as wide. These speakers are fricken huge! Anyway, so these speakers didn't fit in the stock speaker holes. No matter, I broke out the dremel, made some slits in the metal and bent them back so that I could gain some clearance to squeeze those buggers in there. Next I realized that I needed to use the stock speaker mounts, just to make it a tad bit easier. I had to completely modify them in the same way. All of the plastic in the middle of the mounts had to be removed, and a few extra cuts and slits had to be made, no big deal with my dremel. Then I mounted the crossovers way up in the B-Pillar tunnel, so no choptop for me! So finally I got them in, and they look pretty damn good. See for yourself.
Here's the heavily modified stock speaker mount. You can't really see how different it is, but trust me, it is, lol.
Here's the same speakers and mount from the bottom.
Here's both speakers with their modified speaker mounts.
Driver's side crossover installed.
And of course the passenger side.
Then the driver's side speaker itself installed.
And again, the passenger side.
That's it for today, next I get to put together the Mr. Mike's seats, YAY! I'll probably start on that tomorrow, so keep tuned in.
Could you do me a BIG favor and get a lot of pics of how the 3.5's mount and the bracket they mount to, and the wire connectors? I'm gong to replace mine soon too
IP: Logged
10:16 PM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Could you do me a BIG favor and get a lot of pics of how the 3.5's mount and the bracket they mount to, and the wire connectors? I'm gong to replace mine soon too
I'd love to, but keep in mind that since my car's an 86, it never came with them from the factory. This means that I'm going to have to fabricate mounts and connectors. We'll see what I come up with, as like I've mentioned a few times, these speakers are MASSIVE, they're easily two or three times the size of stock speakers, so it's really fun trying to mount them. Also, these speakers will be run by the headunit, an Alpine CDA-9855, which was the very best headunit made in the 2005 model year, save for the flip-up DVD models. Anyhow, the 4x6's and 4x10's will be run by AudioBahn A4002T 100W RMS 2-Channel amps, one for the front speakers, and one for the rear. This should allow me to adjust the volume of the 3.5's to be slightly less than the rest of the speakers, in an attempt to preserve whatever hearing I'd like.
IP: Logged
10:48 PM
Jan 31st, 2006
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
It's 6:20, and I didn't get much done yet today, but then again I'm a night owl, so I'll ge tsoemthing done by the end of the day. I'll probably make a cardboard template for my shift surround, but we'll see eh?
I get my Dynamat tomorrow, so that'll be going in within the next few days.
IP: Logged
06:21 PM
Feb 1st, 2006
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Wow, I got a lot one today, I'm actually pretty amazed at myself. I'll put up another post or three (yea, I've got that many pictures), including my Mr. Mike's seat re-upholstering.
IP: Logged
03:50 PM
PFF
System Bot
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
I've replied to myself four times, lol. Anyway, like I said before, I got a lot of work done today. At least on the passenger seat at least. I'm going to go out in the garage in a few hours and rip off my door panels, so I can slap on some Dynamat this weekend. I got the passenger side seat torn completely apart, put in my speakers / crossovers, and then put the Mr. Mike's cover on, which was rather easy, though I didn't get it to fit as tight as I wanted it to. Oh well, at least the driver's side should be perfect for me, lol. Anyway, on with the pictures, as I'm sure you're waiting.
I didn't get any pics of the seat before I started digging at the headrest, but here's the very first picture I took, of the test-fit of the speakers in their holes.
And here's that same picture directly in front of the headrest.
After I got that all squared away, I had to put the crossovers somewhere, but where? I know!
Here's the crossovers being test-fitted.
Before I finally mounted the crossovers, I drilled the air holes and carved the foam away from them, and here they are.
Then they're shoved in there, hopefully to never come back out.
After that, I threw the speakers in there to finalize everything up on the headrest. In the picture, you'll see the duct-tape stripe, which holds the foam against the crossovers, holds them in and also pads it up some.
Continued down below...
IP: Logged
09:48 PM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Here's the back of the seat after all that's done. You can see my rectangles removed from the back of the headrest for air circulation for the speakers, and of course the AudioBahn speaker wire.
Now that I've got the speaker wire through the back of the seat, I need to secure it to the back, so it doesn't fly all over the place when I'm trying to cover the seats. I cut slits down both sides of the seat, and ran the wires down them. I then brought the right speaker wire over to the left side (properly labeled, of course), so that I could connect them to the factory rear speaker wiring harness, as I've nothing else to connect them to.
Here's the speaker routing I chose for going down the back.
And all done.
Now that I'm done installing the stereo stuff, I've got to build up the bolsters on the stock seats so as to not toast my new beautiful leather covers. Now that job, my friends, is fun!
Here's the initial taping to compress the stock foam.
And then we throw some cotton and more duct tape into the mix, and end up with this, ready to be covered.
Then I covered it, and was left with this, which I know, kinda looks like crap.
However, when I assembled the seat for the first time in 2 months (I almost didn't remember how), it actually looked pretty good!
That's it for today, though I think that's enough, the one seat alone took me 5 hours, lol. I tried to get everything as beautiful and perfect as I could. I think I did a good job.
IP: Logged
09:49 PM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Oh, almsot forgot, I took a picture of the stamp on the back of the headrest. It says "March 04, 1986". I thought that was kinda cool, so I took a picture of it.
And I also got a picture of my little helper, though my other little (ok, not so little... She's a Saint Bernard) helper was downstairs in the basement.
I'll probably update one more time before bed, when I get my panels off and figure out a wire routing system inside the car to get the speakers from inside the cabin all the way up front to the awaiting amps.
Looking great. Here is a question for ya. I just had the seats in my indy redone. During the process they put new speakers in that I supplied them. 3.5 audiobahn just like yours. My question is this what is this crossover business your talking about, and what is that small gray box in the seats by the speakers. Looks like this box is by your dash speakers too. What purpose do these things serve and am I ok with out them. Hope so cuz the seats are finished and back in the car speakers sound good.
Eric
IP: Logged
10:04 PM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Looking great. Here is a question for ya. I just had the seats in my indy redone. During the process they put new speakers in that I supplied them. 3.5 audiobahn just like yours. My question is this what is this crossover business your talking about, and what is that small gray box in the seats by the speakers. Looks like this box is by your dash speakers too. What purpose do these things serve and am I ok with out them. Hope so cuz the seats are finished and back in the car speakers sound good.
Eric
They are external crossovers included with every "ACS" series speaker made by audiobahn. All they do is eliminate the lower bass frequencies from the speakers, in order to allow them to play just the mid-high frequencies they're designed to play. I have two massive 12" subwoofers for the sub-bass, so I bought the more expensive speakers with external crossovers. You're totally fine without them, and as long as you're happy with how it sounds, then that's all that matters:
EDIT: I'm an idiot and can't spell.
[This message has been edited by 1986 Fiero GT (edited 02-01-2006).]
IP: Logged
10:08 PM
Feb 2nd, 2006
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
And I also got a picture of my little helper, though my other little (ok, not so little... She's a Saint Bernard) helper was downstairs in the basement.
.
Saint Bernard? Looks a lot like a Golden Retriver to me. Were you sniffing the glue?
Great build thread BTW.
------------------
[This message has been edited by 1MohrFiero (edited 02-02-2006).]
Saint Bernard? Looks a lot like a Golden Retriver to me. Were you sniffing the glue?
Great build thread BTW.
No, no, no, lol. Read the caption, I said my other helper, the saint bernard, was in the basement. I have two dogs, a Golden Retriever, like the one pictured, and a Saint Bernard, like the one not pictured.
And no, I wasn't sniffing the glue, but the smell of that fresh leather, now that's intoxicating.
[This message has been edited by 1986 Fiero GT (edited 02-02-2006).]
IP: Logged
04:40 PM
PFF
System Bot
COMPTON Member
Posts: 97 From: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Registered: Jul 2005
A++ For you on making the seats with no speaks....have speaks, I like it very much, and your Mr. Mikes Leather.... Your whole setup looks whicked! Are you going Video etc..... I am just finishing the X-box 360 under the hood & waiting fot Aus's Stage II side scoops to arrive. I am just finishing the Camera too But I have Laser Tec making the bracket & cutting it so it's slow going, Then I guess it on to the Engine. Well Good luck with you System Coming together.... GO AUDIOBAHN Ohh I almost forgot, Don't forget to wear your "GLOVES" hehehehe
------------------
IP: Logged
05:14 PM
Feb 3rd, 2006
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
A++ For you on making the seats with no speaks....have speaks, I like it very much, and your Mr. Mikes Leather.... Your whole setup looks whicked! Are you going Video etc..... I am just finishing the X-box 360 under the hood & waiting fot Aus's Stage II side scoops to arrive. I am just finishing the Camera too But I have Laser Tec making the bracket & cutting it so it's slow going, Then I guess it on to the Engine. Well Good luck with you System Coming together.... GO AUDIOBAHN Ohh I almost forgot, Don't forget to wear your "GLOVES" hehehehe
Believe it or not, I'm closer to being done than most may think. All I've got left to do is put my passenger seat together, mount my amps, Dynamat the whole interior, run like 50 ft. of wire, and put the ENTIRE interior back together. Hmm, guess it was more than I though. Either way, shouldn't take me much longer than two or three weeks. I actually have no plans for video right this moment, though I'm sure that'll change as my budget allows. Video games? Naah, I don't play any video games anyway, so it's no real big deal for me to throw a PS2 in there or something, tough if it'd be anything, it'd be X-Box. I too plan on Aussie Stage II's, I just have to order them and then find a body shop to smooth them onto the body panels for me. I've not enough knowledge for that, I don't think. I'll use the gloves a lot, especially when I'm final mounting the amps, and cleaning them. I'll make sure to keep at least one pair to polish my amps and subs with before a show.
IP: Logged
03:09 AM
Feb 6th, 2006
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
I went out to the garage to measure / draw / make a cardboard template for my amp rack that I'm going to have machined out of 3/8" plexiglass. I didn't get to the cardboard, so my CAD rendering is grossly inaccurate, but as soon as I make the cardboard template, I'll draw it out perfectly in CAD. I only got the back half sketched / CAD'd, so I'll need to do the front half as well. I'm also going to redesign the spare tire tub, to not only incorporate a battery or two, but I'm also going to make room to mount my other amp and the capacitor that I actually don't have yet. I'll probably have a few more racks / brackets / mounts drawn up to have machined out of plexiglass as well, but I'm not sure yet. I just have to rip apart the front compartment and completely redesign everything. Anyway, here's the picture of the CAD drawing I got done today. I'll probably finish the rest tonight or tomorrow.
IP: Logged
09:53 PM
Feb 8th, 2006
liltobe Member
Posts: 671 From: somewhere in Canada Registered: Mar 2002
I like what you've done so far, It's gonna be sweet to see all those goodies hooked up! Im interested to see the front compartment designs and final touches, plexigalss etc. The cleanest front compartments Ive seen were carpeted, definitely a nice touch... And take lots of pics for the 'behind seat sub install', those 12's will definitely pound. you know your sh!t, Keep up the good work dude!!
hopefully others will chime in about relocating the shifter, as im sure thats no easy task Norm and Archie also have front battery boxes -rock on dude
------------------
IP: Logged
12:15 AM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
I like what you've done so far, It's gonna be sweet to see all those goodies hooked up! Im interested to see the front compartment designs and final touches, plexigalss etc. The cleanest front compartments Ive seen were carpeted, definitely a nice touch... And take lots of pics for the 'behind seat sub install', those 12's will definitely pound. you know your sh!t, Keep up the good work dude!!
hopefully others will chime in about relocating the shifter, as im sure thats no easy task Norm and Archie also have front battery boxes -rock on dude
Thanks, I've mamaged to get all of the speakers installed into the car, and one of the seats done. Unfortunately I've really made no progress on my car in the last few days, so I'm getting rather antsy. I still have a few things left to do, before I can finally put the interior together and worry about everything up front in the compartment. I'm a little leary about putting in that Dynamat, but only because my garage is pretty cold, and my dad doesn't let me fire up the propane heater, because he's paranoid I'll burn the house down. After I lay the Dynamat and get all the wires soldered, labeled and run up front, I can put the interior back together, and focus my attention on putting ridiculous amounts of cutomization into the front compartment. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little worried about the sub boxes. I'm 6' 3", and can afford NO loss in leg room, so I've got a little something special planned, the way of our old friend fiberglass. I still need to get more glass cloth and some wood for thef frame / mold, so those'll take a little while to make as well. In fact, if I finish my seats today, I'll start on the boxes tomorrow, so they should be pretty well roughly finished by the weekend. I also have to consult with some on how to get that "gel" finish on them. It's 4:30, and I have no idea what I'm talking about, so I'm going to shut up and go to bed. More later, I promise, lol.
IP: Logged
04:27 AM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Mark from Maptech Enterprises just finished the drawing and machining of my Head-Unit mount, and he just shipped it yesterday. It should be here in a week. Anyway, here's the pictures, as I'm sure you're waiting.
Here's the computer drawing, looks damn good to me!
...And the final product, freakin' gorgeous, should look killer, especially with the Red LED's.
IP: Logged
01:49 AM
Feb 10th, 2006
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Finished the other seat, finally... I've gotta say, they're pretty sexy, and I did a damn good job with them. See for yourself:
Now I've got lots of electrical to do. Gotta extend those wires with solder and shrinkwrap, my two favorite things. After I get the wires extended, and the new harness made, it's time to start on the sub boxes. I should get to that early next week, should be done by next weekend. Then I can put the interior back together, and worry about the amps. I'll take a break after i get the interior back together to drop the engine and change the clutch and my leaky manifolds / gaskets. I've got plenty of work to do, yay!
IP: Logged
03:59 PM
spud321x Member
Posts: 974 From: Jackson, Michigan Registered: Oct 2004
, lol) about an inch and a half to the left. I realize this may sound like a lot, but depending on how the shifter I'm swapping in there mounts, I should be able to figure something out. Anyway, onto the CAD rendering. I've drawn (very crudely, I might add) a new trim piece in my CAD program, and here it is:
.jpg)
After I get the wires extended, and the new harness made, it's time to start on the sub boxes. I should get to that early next week, should be done by next weekend. Then I can put the interior back together, and worry about the amps. I'll take a break after i get the interior back together to drop the engine and change the clutch and my leaky manifolds / gaskets. I've got plenty of work to do, yay!
