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Am I in over my head? Newbie attempting component & amp install..

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by ChaseUA, Jul 16, 2010.

  1. Jul 16, 2010 at 7:02 PM
    #1
    ChaseUA

    ChaseUA [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Chase
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    I say "newbie" loosely. I have experience in car audio, just mostly on the head-unit side of things.

    I have recently purchased the Polk SR6500 component set & an Alpine PDX 150.2 amp.

    I have also ordered (and hope to receive it after reading mixed reviews on here) Taco-Tunes baffles for the 6.5's and the tweeters.

    I know I still need to order an 8 gauge amp kit and some 16 gauge speaker wire for the install.

    My questions are:

    1) My main concern is that I want everything to be hidden and appear stock. Will I be able to install the tweeters and mid-range in the stock locations? I am hoping to be able to and place the crossovers inside the door panels.
    2) I am hoping to be able to "hide" the amp underneath one of the front seats, but where do I need to run the power wire through? Is there a firewall and if so whats the cleanest way to run the wire?
    3) For the setup I am mentioning should I order/install dynamat (spelling?) or a similar product to place in the doors?
    4) Anything else I should know?
     
  2. Jul 16, 2010 at 7:08 PM
    #2
    HondaGM

    HondaGM CallSign Monke

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    South-Pole, Alabama
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    2023 access cab V6
    i dont know any of your questions,but i gotta give you a roll tide roll:yay:
     
  3. Jul 16, 2010 at 7:13 PM
    #3
    Chad

    Chad Well-Known Member

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    Cary, NC
    Vehicle:
    09 V6 Access Cab TRD Sport
    Kenwood DMX-7704S Headunit -- Blackvue DR-470 Dashcam -- Pioneer TS-A1685R Speakers in Front -- Suntek CXP 40 Front Tint -- Access Vanish Roll-up Tonneau -- Wet Okole Seat Covers -- Fog Lights on Anytime -- PnL Powered Tailgate Lock -- DTRL "Stealth Mode" -- LED Footwell and Cup Holder Lights -- Map Lights ON with Dome Light -- Shorty Antenna -- AC Line Extension Mod -- Access Cab Rear Headrest Removal
    To answer your questions:
    1) Yes you should be able to fit them there. Some people put the crossovers in the door, now where they mount them in there I have no idea.
    2) There is a hole in the driver floorboard up against the firewall that you'll need to run it through. lube it good and it'll go through. Just run it through the door sills and kick panels to get it to that hole.
    3) I've heard it's nice to have, but I look at how much it costs, and how much it really helps. It all depends on the quality you're looking for. I would install everything then see if you need it. You can always buy it later.
    4) Take your time, and pray ********* sends you your stuff in a timely manner.
     
  4. Jul 16, 2010 at 7:19 PM
    #4
    ChaseUA

    ChaseUA [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the reply chad, I'm not in a big hurry to do the install, but hope that the ********* order is delivered in the next few weeks as I may start to get impatient if not received by then.

    and RTR jbob.

    I've searched for pictures of people replacing the factory tweeters, but that doesn't seem to be a common upgrade, is this difficult?

    Anyone else have any thoughts on it?
     
  5. Jul 16, 2010 at 7:23 PM
    #5
    Chad

    Chad Well-Known Member

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    Kenwood DMX-7704S Headunit -- Blackvue DR-470 Dashcam -- Pioneer TS-A1685R Speakers in Front -- Suntek CXP 40 Front Tint -- Access Vanish Roll-up Tonneau -- Wet Okole Seat Covers -- Fog Lights on Anytime -- PnL Powered Tailgate Lock -- DTRL "Stealth Mode" -- LED Footwell and Cup Holder Lights -- Map Lights ON with Dome Light -- Shorty Antenna -- AC Line Extension Mod -- Access Cab Rear Headrest Removal
    Even though ********* gets a bad rap, they do have great videos and hows to on how to do almost anything audio wise in the tacoma (stereo install, amp install, etc). I think they even have a youtube video on how to install new tweeters. I think they want you to use their brackets, but if I remember correctly, you can use the stock metal bracket.
     
  6. Jul 17, 2010 at 5:23 AM
    #6
    JoeSchmuck

    JoeSchmuck Well-Known Member

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    Virginia
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    09 PreRunner SR5 2x4 O.R., Timberline Green
    Pop & Lock, Access LE Rollup Cover, Alpine PDX-5 Amp, Image Dynamics CS-6/CX-6 & 10" Sub
    I would put your crossovers in the kick panels on either side of your truck, not the doors. You are risking vibration damage to the crossovers if mounted inside the doors. The passanger side kick panel is very open, the drivers side might be a little more challenging but should be able.

    As for the wire, I ordered a very nice kit which actually saved me money. Stinger HPM 4 Gauge Amplifier Wiring Wire Kit SHK241 GA comes with everything you need. The 4GA wire is so very flexable you would think there is no wire in it at all, and it lays where you put it. I can't say enough about this wire. But I'm sure they have an 8GA version of this kit. Here is an example (same person I'd buy from again, with fast delivery) http://srx.main.ebayrtm.com/clk?RtmClk&u=1H4sIAAAAAAAAACWQQWuDQBCF74L%2FQSgeV2fXddWAB5NCkrZCN7ZNkULYRLFLNIqulPz7TNLLzHvfe3OZp0IZ52VuHRo5wBc8XNDQyYsPhwEF2xrn9NeY4Wfh%2B6dGe%2FVRXb1T3%2FmF0ZemHsnmPScxWau5qUm2X5NlO6PoBrLXIzbIbpWRYvMqYnrYg5Ta1F3JAWgQxgBJKKQ8KVM3%2FXgtIxqyBH1XlV%2B6%2FttiVcqDGc%2BTrsqBBxy8jnP%2BzwY1dlOp2qZ3g%2BfV7ttlQpvprl0WsmXx8DP6YvsAn9ljveUY9OaCAQOUw%2F1EBLal%2BpTi1FUa0zjitnWsUsFQJ7alkUYgQHDGExAxUsqowOecU2ZbNybFAgNCAQAA&ch=3&g=c4368e0911c0a0e201a5a025ffff655b&i=36685968&aii=7060642490688181216&lid=628189&m=142412&pi=4340

    The sell more that this item and maybe you could find it for a few bucks less, but when I was shipped the wrong items by accident (10 ft of 12GA wire vice 12 ft of 10GA wire) it was shipped the correct wire overnight. I did not have to return the other wire. Also, once they have payment, the order hit the mail. That was my experience. Sorry if it sounds like I'm promoting this site, I'm really just letting you know of a good experience, you can of course buy from where you like.

    Taco Tunes has a bad reputation due to customer service and the serious lack of speed delivering most items. Maybe with the speaker adapters it will be quick for you. If you have ordered them and not recieved them withing an acceptable period of time (2 weeks is reasonable), you need to call and leave a message. Thier products are fine, it's just getting your stuff that sucks.

    As for the tweeter brackets, you will normally reuse your factory door panel brackets to mount the tweeter bracket into. Taco Tunes does have a few good videos on YouTube that illustrate this.

    Running the power cable. There is a better spot then the floor board. In the engine compartment, looking at the brake booster, just to the lower right (partially under the brake booster) is a single rubber plug. Pull this out and cut a very small section from it. If you are using 8GA wire, just cut a tiny hole in it. Now run the wire through the grommet and into the firewall.

    As for mounting the Alpine AMP, it has the same mounting as the PDX-5 so you're in luck, it will fit under the drivers seat perfectly. There are some threads here documenting this installation. My PDX-5 was a breeze, much easier than installing all the sound proofing materials, that for sure.

    Now to the Dynamat product, I used a competators product but the idea is the same. I removed verything but the carpet on day one. When doing the floor I folded the carpet from the front to the rear, then reversed it. I didn't feel like removing the entire carpet. You will see some people have different opinions on what to do in the door, but you really do need to coat the door skin (inside the door) with a few square feet at least. If you feel inside the door you should feel a small patch that Toyota put in to dampen the door, so you can see, they did address it for the speakers they shipped. Just make sure you press it in very good so it doesn't fall off. I ordered 1 roll of product (BX) and still have some left over and I did the entire Dual Cab & doors (not the roof).

    Look for some installations in these threads, you will find something to help you and if you have a question, ask it.

    My only comment is, do not mount the PDX amp until your place the drivers seat over it. It's a tight fit and it fits sideways, but it does fit. Mine is not bolted to the floor, it just stays in place and I know others have done the same. Don't cut your cables to the exact length until after you have had this thing installed for a little while. You can leave some extra coiled up under the drivers seat (tie wraps work great) just in case you need to move it a few inches. I left enought so I can pull mine out from under the seat so I can adjust the levels (with the drivers seat fully forward).


    -Joe
     
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    #6

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