After market stereo install
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Davenport Iowa
After market stereo install
I keep seeing all the post about after market stereos and I want one. I have been working tons of overtime at my job so I can afford a nice system. I would like to have some idea as to how to install it my self I would rather spend the money on the components than pay someone to do it for me. But It would nice to have some thing to lead me through the steps. I would like to put the speakers in the kick panels also would like receiver that is ipod ready and be HD radio ready with ipod read out and tagging maybe a amp and sub. I looked at the polk DB651 speakers and they look nice. Is there some sort of manual or other book that can help lead me through a install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
You can buy books on stereo installs, but what your proposing is pretty simple, DB can advise you on specific components, and you'll need a 4 channel power amp, i believe he recommends a cadence amp most of the time. Take a look here for an idea of what's involved, just add the fact you'll be putting in a 4 channel amp too, and running line levels to it. Good luck,, C.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...d-upgrade.html
Especially, Check out the second page, were the stereo bezel is cut.
I also got a cheapo depo 4ch amp from autozone for 70 bucks. Great deal,, sounds Great!. Can't go wrong with DBs setups though.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-boom-box.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...d-upgrade.html
Especially, Check out the second page, were the stereo bezel is cut.
I also got a cheapo depo 4ch amp from autozone for 70 bucks. Great deal,, sounds Great!. Can't go wrong with DBs setups though.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-boom-box.html
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Thanks for the props. 
C3 stereo really is easy and simple, once you let go of certain notions that are pushed on us from places like Best Buy and local stereo shops that want to sell as many items as they can.
I can certainly help you pick and choose your components, and show you how to install them all. Your budget is the most important thing I need to know when suggesting equipment. Quality can go up as the budget goes up.
Basic setup:
Head Unit.
Front 6.5" Speakers.
Single Rear Sub.
4 Channel Amp.
Moderate Sound Deadening.
Amp Install Kit.
Misc. Install Materials.
Lets start with a budget, clue me in as to your willingness to cut holes in your gauge bezel, kick panels, and possibly trimming of the birdcage body mount pockets behind the kick panels.
The amp will be best mounted on the rear wall of the Vette, wired to the battery, with the sub in a small sealed enclosure in a back corner. See attached pics. My kick panels are custom, and look a little bit different than most stock panels loaded with speakers. Interior was dusty when the pics were taken too.
C3 stereo really is easy and simple, once you let go of certain notions that are pushed on us from places like Best Buy and local stereo shops that want to sell as many items as they can.
I can certainly help you pick and choose your components, and show you how to install them all. Your budget is the most important thing I need to know when suggesting equipment. Quality can go up as the budget goes up.
Basic setup:
Head Unit.
Front 6.5" Speakers.
Single Rear Sub.
4 Channel Amp.
Moderate Sound Deadening.
Amp Install Kit.
Misc. Install Materials.
Lets start with a budget, clue me in as to your willingness to cut holes in your gauge bezel, kick panels, and possibly trimming of the birdcage body mount pockets behind the kick panels.
The amp will be best mounted on the rear wall of the Vette, wired to the battery, with the sub in a small sealed enclosure in a back corner. See attached pics. My kick panels are custom, and look a little bit different than most stock panels loaded with speakers. Interior was dusty when the pics were taken too.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 8
From: Hamilton NJ
Here are some shots of my DB install...couldn't be more pleased:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...low-along.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...e-at-last.html
Total job cost just a little over a grand and I went a little over the top with the deadener and heat blocker. Ease of install will have a lot to do with the current state of your wiring, especially the stereo harness.
Best of luck..keep us posted and feel free to ask lots of questions, Steve
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...low-along.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...e-at-last.html
Total job cost just a little over a grand and I went a little over the top with the deadener and heat blocker. Ease of install will have a lot to do with the current state of your wiring, especially the stereo harness.
Best of luck..keep us posted and feel free to ask lots of questions, Steve
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Lubbock TX
I just installed my stereo with suggestions from DB. Everything works great. I used the same polk speaker and they fit great in the kickpanels. I thought the wiring would be hard but it is actually pretty simple.
I bought a kenwood unit off ebay for a great price and the speakers for about $100 I think. I bought a sub and amp off craiglist and a box from walmart. I wasnt looking for a great system but it is good. It cost me a total of about $300. Not bad for everything including a amp wiring kit from bestbuy.
The hardest part was cutting my gauge bezel for the new unit.
Good luck,
Sean
I bought a kenwood unit off ebay for a great price and the speakers for about $100 I think. I bought a sub and amp off craiglist and a box from walmart. I wasnt looking for a great system but it is good. It cost me a total of about $300. Not bad for everything including a amp wiring kit from bestbuy.
The hardest part was cutting my gauge bezel for the new unit.
Good luck,
Sean
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Davenport Iowa
I could probably spend 500 to 750 I really don't want stuff that I'll regret after its installed. My vette is my only addiction so I want quality. If it takes more so be it. Durango Boy give me a list with a couple of options, I'll take what ever advice I can get
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Okay that budget is very easy to work with, but I need some more information about your goals. First off, do you like bass with your music and will you be wanting a sub in the back for low frequencies? Also, do you have any problems with cutting the gauge bezel for the new modern head unit and do you have problems with cutting holes in the kick panels for the speakers?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Davenport Iowa
I don't need a sub I have no problem with cutting either the bezel or the kicks I'll keep the vette till I die then who cares. Went to a local install shop today it would cost me 700 just for a set of speakers and a head unit installed. So I think I'll install my self.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yeah stereo shops have high labor costs on top of the inflated equipment prices you pay.
Here are the speakers I recommend, a good head unit, and a small amp that can fit in the passenger side storage bin. Obviously you'll need an amp install kit and various install materials. This is the bulk of what you'll need for a good system.
Head Unit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenwood-KDC-X492...3%3A1|294%3A50
Kick Panel Speakers:
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=6137
Amplifier:
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=5219
I can give you installation support before and after, giving you tips and ideas and help with wiring and cutting things to make other things fit.
Just let me know if you have any questions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
I noticed a lot of guys laying down some pretty hefty insulation and or sound barrier material under the carpet? I never did that when I replaced my interior? Is there a reason for doing this? The car did not seem to come with it, why add it now? Does it make that much of a difference?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Considering the budget your working with, i would recommend a head unit with 2 rear RCA line outs- F and R, and a 4 channel amp in case you want to upgrade to a sub or rear speakers later. you will. It would be allot easier to add them in the future, if the system was all ready set up to handle them, especially the 2 sets of RCA line outputs, which would give you the ability to fade the front or rear vol from the head unit, and of course the 4 ch amp, to allow for bridging channels 3 and 4 for a sub (still fade-able) or adding 2 separate speakers. looks like DB is just trying to meet your minimum specs, but my advice would be to put in a more capable system now, cost would still be at or below 500, w/o the sub, or in the 650 range with a sub and small sub box. 0.02c.. C.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
I just finished an install of a pioneer head unit that is Ipod, Bluetooth and HD radio ready..I installed the bluetooth microphone up by the sunvisor and created a I-pod dock in my ashtray.
I still need to get my polks in to finish off the install but the head unit works brilliant.
I still need to get my polks in to finish off the install but the head unit works brilliant.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Finksburg Maryland
Hey DB I'm confused. I haven't upgraded a car stereo in decades but are you getting good sound from just the 2 kick panel speakers and the sub? Its just a 2 speaker system? I thought 2 more speakers in the back may add something. Am I wrong?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yeah I have tried it both ways, in fact my very first Corvette stereo had 6 speakers. My best results ca,e from JUST two front speakers, amped, and a sub in the back for bass. Now, I like bass. Some don't care for it. That's why the sub can be added or deleted, and the amp selection changes based on that.
The only time I recommend rear speakers is in an SUV where there is a large cargo area behind the rear speakers, usually in the rear doors.
The reason is because of the stage the speakers crate. With just two front speakers the stage is set pretty much right between the driver and passenger head, which is optimal in a small cabin like the Corvette. When you add rear speakers, the stage is perceived by your brain as being further back, about a foot behind your head. Not the best stage location.
Bass doesn't affect the stage so having a sub in the back simply just adds bass to what you;re hearing in the front.
In short, yes, a good set of front speakers, amped, off of a good head unit, will be more than enough for almost everyone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Alpine amps are AWESOME, but WAAAAAY overpriced. They have a design and function that is hard to beat, but in that class there are much better priced amps that perform almost as well.
Alpine head units have just as much of a following as Kenwood Excelon, and like the Kenwood head units they have their plusses and minuses. I prefer Kenwood, and others prefer Alpine. Some people prefer Pioneer...it's all up to the owner. For that reason, it's sometimes a good idea to stop off at a stereo shop and demo a few units to see which features you like, or looks, or controls...just check it all out.
Yes in fact I have installed one of those before and while it does serve it's purpose I was not quite happy. The woofers are too small...I think the same size as most front kick panel speakers and I feel that if one is going to go to the trouble of installing a powered sub it should be large enough to make a big difference...which is the whole point.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Finksburg Maryland
DB I know the Polk speakers are suggested because they can fit in the kick panel without any birdcage cutting but as far as performance, can you crank the volume up to loud levels without them distorting? I know alot of distortion has to do with too low wattage output of a stereo, but I'm just wondering what kind of sound levels I can expect from that small of a speaker. Can I use the amplifier that you recommended above, if I plan on using a subwoofer or do recommend using a different one? Will I need to buy a wiring harness to connect the head unit and amp? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
DB I know the Polk speakers are suggested because they can fit in the kick panel without any birdcage cutting but as far as performance, can you crank the volume up to loud levels without them distorting? I know alot of distortion has to do with too low wattage output of a stereo, but I'm just wondering what kind of sound levels I can expect from that small of a speaker. Can I use the amplifier that you recommended above, if I plan on using a subwoofer or do recommend using a different one? Will I need to buy a wiring harness to connect the head unit and amp? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
The Polk speakers will perform good enough for most people off of an after market head unit with no amplification. However, as you mentioned, at high volumes the quality diminishes because there just isn't enough power.
I always recommend an amp because you almost always end up with better sound through the entire volume range. If someone wants only front speakers then a 2 channel amp is in order. If someone wants a sub in the back, then a 4 channel amp is needed so you can bridge channels 3 and 4 for the sub.
If you're wanting a sub I can recommend a 4 channel amp and sub, and I can recommend higher watt handling speakers that will require cutting of the birdcage where the lips cover part of the body mount pocket.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Finksburg Maryland
I don't want to cut the birdcage in any way.I'm thinking I'd like to start out with the 2 kickpanel Polk speakers, but if I find that its not loud enough, I'd like to have the capability of adding a sub and 2 more speakers in the rear. What amp and sub would you recommend for a 4 speaker w/sub system? I'd like to use the Kenwood KDC-x492 for the head unit. Thanks