RAD69

I read conflicting information about using the ECU box to run my 4-gauge amp wire. Some say don't - most say did with no problem. Since I am Mr. ****, and did not want to take a chance, I decided not to use the ECU box. I ended up finding an easy alternate way to run the wire that ended up being a better solution.

Right next to the hood latch cable there is room for the wire. The wire will drop down right over the power distribution block behind the fuse box. It was easy and the amp wire is right next to all the other power so the power stays together and I do not have to be concerned with interference- yup, I'm ****...

I purchased a 1/2"o/d - 3/8"i/d grommet. I simply drilled a 1/2" hole right in front of the hole for the hood release. Once the hole was cut, I put the grommet on the wire and pushed the grommet into the hole.

A few notes:

Drill a pilot hole first. You cannot get a straight shot at the hole with the drill and you do not want the bit to skate. Also, the grommet I used was a little small. It turns out that since the 4-gauge wire is so close to the size of the hole, it was hard to fit the grommet into the hole - not enough wiggle room. I should have either put the grommet in first - which may not have worked since the amp wire was a tight fit into the grommet, or used a grommet that had a larger O/D with the same 3/8" I.D.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/dscn0339.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/dscn0342.jpg">

pyite20v

I am doing the same thing this weekend, 4 guage wire and all. Please post pics on where to run stuff, it will help me out so much.
THanks

RAD69

Here is what I installed (mostly from an old system):

Head Unit:
Keeping stock using Blau Adapter
Installed a separate switch for sub-woofer amp

Front doors:
Boston Pro 5.2 componets
Sountstream 50Wx2 Amp

Rear doors:
Boston Pro 6.5 componets
Sountstream 90Wx2 Amp

Rear Deck:
Kicker 10" subs (replacing with JL Audio 10IB4s)
Sountstream 100Wx2 Amp

Misc.
Phoenix Gold inline fuse (60 amp)
4 gauge power cable
16 gauge speaker wire
2 - 15' Soundstream RCA cables
3 - 3' Soundstream RCA cables
Soundtream distribution box
Nakamichi active crossover


Here is the stuff on a test bench:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/stereo-test.jpg">

Here is the grilles for the back door and the amp switch:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/grilleswitch.jpg">

The Front door with new speakers:

The tweter fit perfectly
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/front_tweet.jpg">

The 5 1/4" speaker required 1 new hole
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/front_speaker.jpg">

Here is the rear door originally:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/rear_door_stock.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/inside_of_rear_panel.jpg">


The rear door after speakers (no tweet in this pic):

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/rear_door_with_grille.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/inside_of_rear_door.jpg">

Amp switch ( Second from the right):
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24886/dscn0361.jpg">

I took most of my pics on the speaker installation - making adapters etc. I did not take many pics of running the wires. I ran the power along the driver's side and the RCA's along the passenger side. I just pulled up the trim on the inside of the doors and put the wires along the track with the other wires. Keep the power wire away from the speaker wires...

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions. Your install will be quite different with the avant...

BTW - nice sig...

cansley

Thanks for the post. This is exactly what I was thinking of doing, except I was thinking about using this at the firewall<ul><li><a href="http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=5394802&St=2460&St2=-58389518&St3=50192725&DS_ID=3&Product_ID=6303&DID= 7">http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=5394802&St=2460&St2=-58389518&St3=50192725&DS_ID=3&Pr

RAD69

I am a little worried that my grommet will be COMPLETELY water tight. Water will sit where I drilled it. Mine is a tight fit, but that peice is much better.

BTW - where I drilled the hole - you cannot get your hands up there w/o taking things apart. Looks like that peice will need good access to both sides.

HDClown

How does the trim come off? Is it just clipped in? Do you need a lot of force? What about around the B pillar?

RAD69

Take the kick panel off in the front with two screws - it is attached to the trim top and bottom(clip and a latch). It has 3 (I think) metal clips along the driver door. Just pull up firmly. It is cliped in the middle - just pull out carefully. It has 2 or three metal clips along the back door - pull firmly. Last - it has a screw under the back seat.

I do not know the best way to describe it - prolly should draw a pic - then again - you haven't seen me draw...

HDClown

knowing it's all 1 piece and primarilly clips helps..

Snail (1.9Tdi 90)

Where did you get the Grills for the rear speakers?

RAD69

They easily found the part # for the grille with the Bose logo. I insisted on the ones without the Bose logo - it took two tries to get the right ones.

Email me if you want the part #s for black without the Bose logo.