kicker hideaway install advice

Props to @Exracer2 for the killer write up!

 

The Metra harness spike of in that wrote up; is that essentially making it completely plug and play from head unit? Or do I still need to connect the ends from that harness to the hideaway? The picture provided doesn’t show the ends so mom just not sure

 

Yes, the two Metras allow you to tie the Hideaway leads into the Metra wires, so you are not cutting/modifying the factory wiring.

 

The Hideaway harness leads run up behind the head unit and tie into the Metra harness.

 

Perfect thanks! I’ll get those ordered now then

 

Question on harnesses from that write up; are both needed just for the hideaway or is one for use with the kicker key. I got a little lost on the write up as he said he used them for both but I am only installing the hideaway. So wasn’t sure if I needed both

 

I only used the top harness connectors (two) in the photo to install the Hideaway. I think Exracer2 references needing the other harness (again, two) for the Key install. I can't comment as I do not have the Kicker Key.

 

So two of the 71s or the 70s? I was thinking I only needed two of the 70s

 

You need to buy both bags, 70 and 71, because you will use one connector from each bag.

 

Ohhh so one of each. Got it!

 

im trying find this on Amazon.ca but i cant

 

Did you try just typing the sub itself.
Kicker hideaway

$220 11hs8 8” 150 Watt Hideaway Compact Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub HS8

11hs8

I can only speak for the US on it being available for sure

 

Actually I'm looking for that add an amp adapter

 

+1 on the kicker hideaway sub and the kicker key amp. Really brought the sound out. The kicker sub slid right under the driver seat. I installed it there without pulling the seat out. I just fished the wires through the carpet from the driver door sill panel. I didn’t screw it down because it’s pretty tight and I’m not worried about it moving. For what ever reason the passenger seat has something extra under it and I couldn’t get it under that seat fwiw. The sub gain control knob fits nice in the cubby to the left of the steering wheel also.

Toyota reverse harnesses help with the key amp to make it a little more “plug and play”

these help
http://metraonline.com/part/70-1761
http://metraonline.com/part/71-1761

 

Thanks for the input! Glad to know it’s a nice addition. I used to run much bigger stereos in my cars but just not into that these days. Plus I have now upgraded every aspect of the stereo system for under $700 so far. Once I get key amp and screen it’ll be around $1200. So I’ll be pretty happy

I did get both harnesses but I also ordered up the taco tunes harness. They said it’s wired already so it’s directly plug and play. All I have to do is run the battery wire. We Will see when it arrives.

 

I use to be a car audio installer about 10 years ago and yeah getting old and now I don’t need 2 12” subs powered by 2 1000 watt amps. This kicker set up is more than enough to make me happy now. Driving down the highway it was real easy to max out the head unit volume. Now I can’t even get close to maxing it out. It’s crisp and clear and the little 8” sub does surprisingly well to fill out the sound

 

can you get a video of this. Im looking into subs and would like to do a kicker hideway or alpine. Not sure but was going to go selfpowered sub as well... Thanks!

 

video of what?

 

of your sub and amps sound please!

 

Sorry been off the site for a while after a few moderators decided to play power trip and I decided to walk away from their hypocrisy.

IIRC you need one half from each kit for just the hideaway and the same for the key. In the end you use both “halves”. If you follow the Metra wiring harness wiring diagram it becomes crystal clear. I suggest if you do the speakers you do the hideaway and the key. I did the tweeters first and it was great. Then I did the Hideaway and it was more great. Then I did the Key and once again even more great. You are kidding yourself if you think you can stop without doing it all.

Done together the tweeter, hideaway and Key won’t win you any audio competitions. But it is what should have been done stock. It can make your ears hurt in winter with all the windows up and be a little lacking in summer with windows down if you want it to thump. But unless you like your ears to bleed with the windows down cruising down the hwy it is fine.

Refer to my install thread quoted a few reply’s above for the full install. I tried to answer as many questions as I went.