C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Highlands Ranch CO
C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question
I'm planning on installing a new head unit in my 2003, and based on many recommendations here, I'm strongly considering installing new speaker wiring and speakers at the same time. Before I go forward with this, I would like to know how difficult it is to actually do the new wiring installation. Is the removal of various panels in the door and along the floor, and the threading of the wire behind these panels, fairly straightforward? Time-consuming? Any suggestions or tips? I've never done rewiring before, so I'd like to make sure I'm not biting off more than I can chew! Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: San Jose CA
Re: C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question (Racer_X)
It is actually pretty easy. The front kick panels can be pried off. They have the plastic removable rivets. The door sills just lift right up and the rear carpeting, is easily lifted up and put back in place.
here is a link for the door panels. http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
Look for a small plastic cover in the upper front area of the drivers/passenger sides, roughly where the door meets the body. These are openings that will allow you to thread the speaker wire though the body to the door. These plastic covers, can be pried out and popped back in.
Then check this post for what I did to eliminate any rattles http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=726729
here is a link for the door panels. http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
Look for a small plastic cover in the upper front area of the drivers/passenger sides, roughly where the door meets the body. These are openings that will allow you to thread the speaker wire though the body to the door. These plastic covers, can be pried out and popped back in.
Then check this post for what I did to eliminate any rattles http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=726729
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
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From: Atlanta GA
Re: C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question (Grzldvt)
It is actually pretty easy. The front kick panels can be pried off. They have the plastic removable rivets. The door sills just lift right up and the rear carpeting, is easily lifted up and put back in place.
here is a link for the door panels. http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
Look for a small plastic cover in the upper front area of the drivers/passenger sides, roughly where the door meets the body. These are openings that will allow you to thread the speaker wire though the body to the door. These plastic covers, can be pried out and popped back in.
Then check this post for what I did to eliminate any rattles http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=726729
here is a link for the door panels. http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...or_handle.html
Look for a small plastic cover in the upper front area of the drivers/passenger sides, roughly where the door meets the body. These are openings that will allow you to thread the speaker wire though the body to the door. These plastic covers, can be pried out and popped back in.
Then check this post for what I did to eliminate any rattles http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=726729
The C5 is one of the easiest cars I've every worked on to run the wiring into the doors. Once you pop that panel off, you can stick your whole hand inside the rubber boot that is between the door and the A pillar.
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From: Highlands Ranch CO
Re: C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question (leolufse)
Thanks for the replys, guys, this helps a lot. But what about for the rear speakers? I assume pulling off the door sill trim will be very straightforward, but what about getting the wire up the rear piller to the speaker? A quick glance makes me think that the piller covering doesn't come off easily, so what's the best way to thread the wiring those last few inches? I'm thinking I can tie string to the end of the current wire, pull the wire down from the bottom, tie the new wire to the string, then pull it back up. Assuming the current speaker wire is loose in the real piller, it should work. Thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
Re: C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question (Racer_X)
I've never pulled off the C pillar trim on coupe, only on FRC and Z06. But it cant be that much different. Just have to pull out the seat belt shoulder bolt and the rest of the panel is just snapped in. There are no hidden screws. On the FRC you have to remove the rear window trim first, then the C pillar trim. Just slide your fingers in from the top along the headliner and pull towards you gently.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,750
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From: San Jose CA
Re: C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question (Racer_X)
I left my rears alone, but I just pulled my speaker cover off and you can slip the rear wires under the carpet and slide the wire in right under the trim. Looks very simple to me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: State of Confusion.
Re: C5 Speaker Wire Installation Question (Grzldvt)
Look for a small plastic cover in the upper front area of the drivers/passenger sides, roughly where the door meets the body. These are openings that will allow you to thread the speaker wire though the body to the door. These plastic covers, can be pried out and popped back in.
