Got it installed!!! Well, almost

I got the MTX reQ-5, Hifonics ZXi-4410, MB Quart RSI-216, and all the deadener/ensolite installed. I still have to finish installing the XM unit (waiting on a cable), and figure out how I want to do my sub. Truck is all buttoned up except the center console.

I installed the amp and reQ under the passenger seat. Had to make some spacers to jack the rear seat mounts up a little to clear the rear corners of the amp (full function of the seat retained). I put the MB Quart cross-overs under the drivers seat. The XM unit will go in the cubby underneath the power outlets. I disassembled the remote input for the reQ and installed it in the panel where the 4X4 switch would normally go. It all works.It sounds pretty damn good, even without the sub. It'll totally rock with the sub in there.

Drivers door RAMmatted and speaker adapter installed

Passenger door


Ensolite

Roof (I didn't get a pic of it ensolited)

Backwall before ensolite

With Ensolite

components mounted and wired

Under the passenger seat, still have to tidy up the wiring

passenger seat spacers to raise seat enough to clear amp

Memphis 4ga powerwire and fuseblock. This is the best wire I've used. Good stuff.


AUX input next to radio



Grounding point under center console using existing (non-used) bolt hole

 

oooo nice work, I am excited to see!

 

I was excited to see it finally come together. I've been collecting the gear, and then been working on it since the past weekend. Was great to hear it for the first time! Gotta love it when it actually works.


First time I fired it up...nothing...then I looked over and saw the RCA's just sitting there on the bench. I'm no rocket scientist, but I was pretty sure it would work a whole lot better WITH them actually connected.


I will add, that the window crank handles went on without a hitch though.

 

well, a small niggle showed up this morning.


I used a wire in the center console for a switched 12v source (to just turn on the reQ). Worked fine last night when testing it. Well, it seems that that lead goes dead when you put it in gear and let out the clutch.


Soooooooooo....that would be great IF I just sat in the driveway or parking lot and listened to the stereo.

Guess I'll yank the deck and pick up a 12v switched source from somewhere back there. No biggie, as I still have to hardwire up the Xm unit.

 

Nice

I'm still mucking away at mine. Hard when you only have weekends and the tools are an hour away. I have to cover the driver door, do ensolite, carpet the amp rack, and start with the speakers... sigh.

 

GoBlue, sounds like a great build! Judging from your other posts it seems like you and Marv are the senior audio gurus around here. I'm excited to see how your build turned out. Post those pics!

 

lol...I WISH I knew half of what MrMarv knows. He's a pretty smart dude.

 

Indeed he is. I'll be on here quite a bit now too so hopefully I can help out as well.

 

pics added

 

Install looks nice and clean. Is it a big difference inside the cab with all the ensolite and raamat in there? That stuff is way cheaper than the second skin stuff. I'll be using your pics for reference when I do mine.

 

There is a major difference in noise in the cab. I ran around for a couple of weeks with just the RAMmat installed while waiting for equipment to show up...and now that the Ensolite is installed, it's a big difference. The best way I can explain it, is it's like you are going up a mountain and your ears need to pop. You know how it gets quiet before they pop? That's what it sounds like in the cab. Everything outside is simply muted. My muffler drones a bit, it's no longer an issue.


BTW...if you get the RAMmat on your carpet like I did, WD-40 gets it off no problem. That stuff gets all over you, on your knees, elbows and such...then you lean on something. doh

 

looks good

 

Blue, looks great.
Your doors are clean with the soundproofing.
I got mine done but it looks like a first install.
I could make mine cleaner next time with the experience under my belt.
Tonight, I'm running my rca cables down the middle, insatalling the speakers and putting my temp sub together. Tomorrow I'm gonna fabricate my temp amp deck.
I really like checking out your work cause I find your work really tight.
Thanks for all the pics.

 

How much and where did you get your RAMmat and ensolite? I am planning on my stereo upgrade, I ust want to have all my stuff together so I can start...

Looks very Clean!!

 

Thanks. Make sure you let Rick know you are a Tacoma World member, you get a discount. I got one roll of mat, 3 yds of ensolite, and a can of glue for $155. Hard to beat that.

http://www.raamaudio.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi

 

Thanks a lot!!!

Now I can only hope it turns out like yours!!! How was the roof to do?

 

Very nice!!!!!

 

looks great blue, very clean

 

One of two reasons why I don't use RAMmat. Good product for the money though.

GoBlue, my favorite part of your install was the remote gain knob that you customized to fit where the 4WD knob should be. That was a great idea and it turned out very well!

 

Actually, the roof was very easy to do. Just a flat surface. I anticipated it being a pain since it was overhead, but it wasn't.

Just take your time and line stuff up when installing it, it'll come out fine. Cut the mat into manageable pieces/strips to handle. I'm sure there are guys that could have done it faster and better, but I was in no hurry.