With out a doubt, the best thing thing to do at this point is to just go ahead and hardwire the radio in, other than the added time I am unaware of any reason not to, considering the car's age it shouldn't be a problem down the line. As for measuring the power wire, assuming you run it down the same side as your battery, and mount the amp(s) on that side, near the back seat in the trunk area 17 feet should be sufficient. The last thing you want, however is to be short on wire....even if you're buying 1/0 wire a few extra feet will only cost $12. The ground point in older body on frame cars like yours is not too difficult. Be certain it's not only in a proper, paint free spot, but secure, and not pivoting or spinning. If you aren't going directly to the frame try a spot in the spare well. A meter can be helpful when doing this, checking continuity between spots, or even checking resistance. I just had a thought...battery not in back? Good luck, don't forget a fuse @ battery, and as short a ground length as possible.....
I hadn't given any thought to using a meter with it. I'll definitely do that. Will this make it harder to use the head unit in another car?
What I'm really getting at, as far as wire lengths go though, is what is the best way to measure length under the seat, and for the amount of wire fed under the hood to the battery, and in the dash to the radio? I know I'll need some slack, but, my grandmas medical expenses are well expensive, and it is the holidays and alas - I'm broke. I'd wait if I wasn't such a music junkie. Can't hardly stand going without a system of some sort. Call me cheap, but it's really just an effort to save as much money as possible.
