Stereo installation questions?

[Chachi]

So, for those of you who have gone aftermarket, please help me out.

first of all, I have a great Pioneer Premier HU from my old car just sitting in my closet begging to be installed. What wiring harness and dash kit did any of you use for the install? I've usually used Metra stuff, so if you have part#'s, that would be great.

also, the first speakers I am going to replace will be the rear deck. How do I get the rear deck off for the speaker install?


My plans for now are to install my PPI amp, 12" JL sub, and Pioneer Premier HU (all which I already have). Then to upgrade the factory rear deck speakers with a $50-$100 pair of something. I'll upgrade the doors later with some aftermarket components and maybe a small amp, unless I find a pair that sounds decent running of a HU.

Lastly a question of opinion, should I go higher quality speakers in the rear deck, or in the doors?

[BlilBT]

I did this >>> If you go over to the cobaltss .net! I did a short How-to, Got wat I needed from crutchfeild. com >>> My Pioneer had XM also & I Hooked it right into the stock entenna With a slight Mod on the Plug! I also got the SWI-PS for the sterring wheel controlls $70.00 The Plug if its Like the Cobalt 1 Get the Cheaper 1 like $15 dollars!

[Watts-Up]

Okay, lets see here. I didn't use a harness (I know shame on) because I wanted to be able to play my system without the key and the annoying door chime. But You can call Metra tech support to get any harness #'s that you need @ 800-221-0932.
Rear deck is very simple, just open the trunk and release the rear seat latches, then fold down the seats and you will see about 4 or 5 clips holding the front down. Use a panell popper and remove those. Then remove the rear interior inner sail panel covers. They have a circle peice of trim near the top, take a small flat screwdriver or pick and pop them out, then remove the trim peices. Now you can gently pull the rear deck cover up, un pop it from the clips, and lift it foreward and out of the way to get to the rear speakers.

I dont even run rear fill speakers, put all your money in the front stage, that's where you are going to get all of the imaging and SQ from.

[snobrdrdan]

Originally Posted by Watts-Up

I dont even run rear fill speakers, put all your money in the front stage, that's where you are going to get all of the imaging and SQ from.

x2

Changing the rear speakers (though I'm sure many will argue) is a waste of your money if you're not running a competition setup.

Spend your money on the front.




ALSO.....if you want the Crutchfield MasterSheet, PM me your email & I can send you the PDF that shows pics/details of how to remove the door panels & the rear panel to get to the speakers......even though Watts just gave a pretty good verbal description

[Chachi]

would these be the correct part numbers?


http://www.metraonline.com/product_l...l=ION&type=ALL

[snobrdrdan]

What year is your RL???

The harness changed when the new (black tie) radio came in the 2006-2007 RL's

[mrphoto103]

I was told when I went to do mine that in the '04 at least (go figure) that the harness was different whether you had the advanced audio package or not. I do, so i went custom harness using the standard harness and having it re pinned out. In the back, I'm actually running the amp in the truck coming off the AA amp. I know it doesn't make sense, I've been playing with car audio for 14 years ...but it sounds much better than running the 2nd amp from the deck.

I agree w/ the others re: the back speakers. Put money in to sound dampering material and speakers for the fronts.

[Chachi]

Originally Posted by mrphoto103

I was told when I went to do mine that in the '04 at least (go figure) that the harness was different whether you had the advanced audio package or not. I do, so i went custom harness using the standard harness and having it re pinned out. In the back, I'm actually running the amp in the truck coming off the AA amp. I know it doesn't make sense, I've been playing with car audio for 14 years ...but it sounds much better than running the 2nd amp from the deck.

I agree w/ the others re: the back speakers. Put money in to sound dampering material and speakers for the fronts.

I have an 04 also. Not sure if it has the advanced audio system or not (does have indash 6disc changer, tweeters, and a small factory amp in trunk).

but I'm not sure what you are talking about with the wiring harness?

[jaycizzo]

Originally Posted by Watts-Up

I dont even run rear fill speakers, put all your money in the front stage, that's where you are going to get all of the imaging and SQ from.

If I was to get rid of the rear speakers is the factory amp in the AAS capable of powering a decent set of component speakers in the front? Don't want to spend money if I don't have to.

[snobrdrdan]

Originally Posted by Chachi

I have an 04 also. Not sure if it has the advanced audio system or not (does have indash 6disc changer, tweeters, and a small factory amp in trunk).

but I'm not sure what you are talking about with the wiring harness?

You have the Advanced Audio System (AAS) then, the amp in the trunk is a give away & the tweeters are too

The 6 disc changer is a separate option from the AAS though