OhioLariat

What amp will you be installing? If something small, you may be able to mount it behind the seat on the back wall. You don't have to get as intricate as I did below. A piece of 3/4" plywood glued to the back wall will work just as well.



For power, I ran from the battery-to-solenoid connection, then up through the existing wire cover at the top of the firewall and into the cab through the driver's side grommet referenced earlier.



The ground goes through a floor grommet in the back and is bolted to the truck's frame.



Whatever you do, *don't* use a seat bolt for the ground. They don't fasten directly into the body/frame. (You can see one in the top right corner of the pic above.) It might work for awhile, but can become intermittent down the road.

If you would like to see more of what I did, info on my audio install starts in POST #64 in my build thread.

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Potatoe

Thanks for pictures - I bought Pioneer GM-D8601 and two Pioneer subs, picking them up this week if the box arrives. I realize this is not top notch equipment but he is 16 and I have a budget. I believe the speakers are 12" will confirm this week.

OhioLariat

You're quite welcome.


I see nothing wrong with the amp (other than the fact that you'll probably need to keep the levels pretty low if the other speakers are just running off the head unit) nor Pioneer in general. They make some good, solid stuff.

Just a note: When I built my sub enclosure, I went with a 10" driver to keep the box from sticking out from under the seat in the front. I think most any box with 12's will come out from under it a bit. It can also difficult to get the right enclosure volume for 12's (especially two of them) with the back seat sitting so low, but there are drivers that don't require much space to perform well. One thing is for certain regardless, *two* twelves on that amplifier will be able to shake the bejeezus out of that truck!

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Potatoe

I just read your entire build thread, looks really good and giving me ideas. Not sure we will have time to make the mount you made. Not sure his truck is identical to yours but if so could you post some dimensions of your mount, I could have that made, thinking about putting a flange on the sides and mount with self tappers ??


did you run your power and RCA cables on the same side - Drivers side


not sure the speakers are 12, I did this purchase fast on Wednesday after work, stopped in they had the deal so I bought it. Maybe they are 10 but will verify. They are ordering the custom box tomorrow to fit under seat.


I spent $460 for the items


thanks for all the help - this will be good on x-mas morning

white89gt

Do yourself a BIG favor and buy RCA cables with the remote wire attached. Saves a lot of time, and a much cleaner install.

OhioLariat

I'm glad the build thread was helpful.

Your son's seat setup will be the same as mine, but the mount I made won't work with the amp you have. That Pioneer is too tall. (Mine is only about the size of a 2x6.) It might, though, fit flat on a mounting board glued to the back wall. Note that you'll likely need it to be as far up on the wall as possible to miss the cross brace on the seat-bottom assembly. Using a cardboard mock-up would be the best way to insure it will fit. You can't mount the amp directly using screws through the metal (and you wouldn't want to for avoiding ground-loop issues), as that is the actual back wall of the cab, and the screws will protrude outside the cab body.

EDIT: I'm not sure how hot that Pioneer amp will run. If you look at mounting it behind the seat back, be sure there will be enough space left for cooling air to circulate. Mine still has an inch+ between the amp and the seat foam.

My power runs down the driver's side, while the RCA's are on the passenger side. I'm a believer in the premise that power and audio signals should be separated to avoid potential noise issues. Many (most?) vehicles already use the driver's side for the body wiring harness, so that's the side you'll usually see recommended to run your additional power wires. I'm on the fence about the remote trigger/audio cable combos. Yes, they're convenient (really convenient), but the possibility of noise being induced (although slight) is still there. My suggestion: Before tearing up both sides of the truck, run your power down the driver's side, lay the RCA cables alongside, then hook things up temporarily and see if you get any engine noise or alternator whine. If so, then move the RCA cables to the other side.

HERE is an installation tutorial from Crutchfiled's site you might find helpful.


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white89gt

^^^ That's why I decided on under the drivers seat. My amp gets pretty warm, especially running it at a 2 ohm load.

JKLman

For what its worth, I have photos and details on how I installed my subs and my 5 Channel amplifier.
Build Thread
As for the amplifier, I have had multiple road trips with my backseats full of crap blocking airflow, and have never had issues. I run 2 10" subs at 2ohms each, so there is some power flowing back there.

Potatoe

Thanks for link, quick update the box came in and looks good. The subs are 12" and fit in the box no problem. There is no way I can sneak out into the garage to see if the box will fit but it looks like it should fit. Need to remove the Jack but I have another Jack I can give him to place in the bed.


One question - how do you guys crimp the larger power and ground cable I do not have a large pair of crimpers looking for ideas


thanks for all the help - I have the stuff scattered in the house hidden

OhioLariat

Glad it looks like it's going to work.

I "crimp" mine in a vise, then solder the connection and cover with heat shrink tubing.

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