How to install amp (step by step)

[radop211]

I would like to install an amp but am not too sure where to tap into the speaker wire's and how exactly to power the amp. I pulled the dash face plate and removed the radio last night but everything is enclosed. Help with pictures and suggestions.

Thanks

[hofffam]

Originally Posted by radop211

I would like to install an amp but am not too sure where to tap into the speaker wire's and how exactly to power the amp. I pulled the dash face plate and removed the radio last night but everything is enclosed. Help with pictures and suggestions.

Thanks

You're asking for a lot. But a Readers Digest version:

1. If possible, buy a wiring harness that breaks out the speaker wires. This will plug into the headunit and give easy access to the speaker wires. Harnesses like this are not super easy to find but kits for hands free dialing do this.
2. If you can't - you need to search here for the wiring color codes so you can figure out which wires are which.
3. You'll then connect your amp inputs to the speaker wires. I assume your amp accepts speaker level inputs. If not you need a line level converter. Gotta pay attention to polarity.
4. The best way to power the amp is to get +12V from the battery. Buy an amplifier wiring kit. Run the positive wire through the firewall using the grommet above the gas pedal. Choose the wiring kit appropriate for the power of your amp. You need to decide how you want to connect the turn on wire.
5. Mounting your amp is up to you and depends on its size and cooling requirements. It might fit under a seat. Or it may need to go under or behind the rear seat.

[radop211]

Thanks for your reply/help. All is installed, sounds great.

[bongus]

Originally Posted by radop211

Thanks for your reply/help. All is installed, sounds great.

You're kidding me right?...You were able to install everything using Hoffan's suggestions. What's the old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Let's see the pics. BTW...Hoffam knows his mobile electronics. And I must say his Reader's Digest summary was pretty good considering he does not know the OPs setup, gear and background knowledge.

[hofffam]

Originally Posted by bongus

You're kidding me right?...You were able to install everything using Hoffan's suggestions. What's the old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Let's see the pics. BTW...Hoffam knows his mobile electronics. And I must say his Reader's Digest summary was pretty good considering he does not know the OPs setup, gear and background knowledge.

Hmmm.....he must have had the day off and found everything he needed. I think the wiring harness is not readily available.

So radop - what exactly did you do to get this done so fast?

[radop211]

1st I searched out the colour code for the wires comming off the back of the radio. I then tapped into the front speaker wires as I only had a 2 channel 800 watt amp. The component speakers were installed by someone who wanted more money than my wife so that is why I decieded to install my amp by myself. Thats it, wires are hidden and the amp is under the passenger side seat.

[kanji]

yes...do you have pictures? thinking of doing this my self, installing an either 4 channel amp 50x4 or the current amp that i have already which is a 5 channel amp -75w x4 and 125w x1