Arythael 10+ year member
Junior Member
So I've been working on installing a set of front comps + 4-chan amp in my spare time over the past few weeks, and I've run into a couple noob problems. Some quick info: I'm trying to install in a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE, speakers are a CDT CL-61 6.5" component set, amp is an MB Quart ONX4.80, with a KNU Kolossus Fleks 4 Gauge Wiring Kit.
First off, how do you properly terminate large wire? I've done some small electronics soldering before but never for anything on the scale of car audio. I've watched youtube videos, read guides, etc... they all make it look/sound so easy, then when I try to do it I can barely get the solder to melt or stick to the wire/terminal. What wattage soldering iron/gun should be used for 4 or 1/0 gauge wire? Besides being rosin-core (as opposed to acid-core) solder, what type of solder should I be using (tin/antimony, lead, etc... ratios too, like 60/40 or 95/5)?
My bigger problem is the difficulty of running speaker wire (KNU Karma SS 12 Gauge) from the cabin into the doors. I've searched countless threads on Maxima forums, and it appears the easiest way for me accomplish this is to drill a hole through the exterior kick panel and run the wire into the door from there. There are several difficulties here: every drill bit I've found is either too short or too long for me to use, I have to drill from a ridiculous angle (from the floor where the passenger's feet rest), and I have no idea where to get rubber grommets that would fit over the 1/4"-1/2" of steel that I have to drill through. I've checked several local hardware shops and car audio shops and have yet to find any solution to these problems.
If anybody could offer any advice, I would greatly appreciate it... my install has been at a standstill for almost two weeks now because of these obstacles.
First off, how do you properly terminate large wire? I've done some small electronics soldering before but never for anything on the scale of car audio. I've watched youtube videos, read guides, etc... they all make it look/sound so easy, then when I try to do it I can barely get the solder to melt or stick to the wire/terminal. What wattage soldering iron/gun should be used for 4 or 1/0 gauge wire? Besides being rosin-core (as opposed to acid-core) solder, what type of solder should I be using (tin/antimony, lead, etc... ratios too, like 60/40 or 95/5)?
My bigger problem is the difficulty of running speaker wire (KNU Karma SS 12 Gauge) from the cabin into the doors. I've searched countless threads on Maxima forums, and it appears the easiest way for me accomplish this is to drill a hole through the exterior kick panel and run the wire into the door from there. There are several difficulties here: every drill bit I've found is either too short or too long for me to use, I have to drill from a ridiculous angle (from the floor where the passenger's feet rest), and I have no idea where to get rubber grommets that would fit over the 1/4"-1/2" of steel that I have to drill through. I've checked several local hardware shops and car audio shops and have yet to find any solution to these problems.
If anybody could offer any advice, I would greatly appreciate it... my install has been at a standstill for almost two weeks now because of these obstacles.
