Installing an entire system for a noob

[Masikr]

I have a date next week to have an audio shop install my system, but I still don't really want to pony up the money to have them do it, and yet I really am not quite sure I can do it myself... I realize this is kind of a dumb thread but nonetheless, half my friends tell me to go for it and the others think i'll fry my entire electrical system and render my car useless... I can go over all the videos/tutorials out there but idk if just going for it yourself is quite a good idea.. is it possible to just have at yourself, or better to pay a little for the pros to handle it?

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[inferno1985 10+ year member]

do it yourself.

its very easy. watch some videos on youtube. do you already have an aftermarket head unit?

 

[Masikr]

i do have an aftermarket head unit, and realize i have to get another electrical harness for that, and metra does have that for my car atleast lol.... the main thing that worries me is figuring out how to replace all the factory speaker wire to handle the new system.. going into the dash and the doors and how to configure everything with other fuses and everything lol, grounding... crimping... lol it seems like quite a daunting task

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

i do have an aftermarket head unit, and realize i have to get another electrical harness for that, and metra does have that for my car atleast lol.... the main thing that worries me is figuring out how to replace all the factory speaker wire to handle the new system.. going into the dash and the doors and how to configure everything with other fuses and everything lol, grounding... crimping... lol it seems like quite a daunting task

Only daunting if you dont have proper tools. If you have the basics to do all that, you are golden. If you arent running more than 75 watts rms, you dont need to run new wires. Whats your whole setup consisting of? Include model numbers.

 

[dailyrider123]

I'm in the same dilemma I'm torn between getting gangsta and doing it and tucking my tail and paying for it. Because my schedule date to pay for it is at the end of July I've been doing things though like running all new speaker wire, building an amp/battery rack, sound deadened my truck, and plan to install second battery under hood and run my power wire. The more you do to it the less the shop will have to so that's less money to pay out. Majority of the shops in my area charge at the least $100 an hour so I'm trying to do a lot of things first than let them handle the things I'm kinda fickle about

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

i do have an aftermarket head unit, and realize i have to get another electrical harness for that, and metra does have that for my car atleast lol.... the main thing that worries me is figuring out how to replace all the factory speaker wire to handle the new system.. going into the dash and the doors and how to configure everything with other fuses and everything lol, grounding... crimping... lol it seems like quite a daunting task

Bay Area ? As in sf Bay Area ?

 

[Masikr]

System details:

HU: Kenwood ddx372bt

Front: dash, ID CTX-4; door, Alpine SPR-10TW

Rear: deck, Alpine SPR-60; trunk, JL HO110-W6v3

Amps: Alpine PDR-M65+PDR-F50

I've actually decided to just do the install myself. I think theses are all the materials I'll need: Metra harness for HU, butt connectors, 4-gauge amp wiring kit, wiring snake, distribution block, 14 or 16 gauge speaker wire (don't really know what I'll need size wise there).

Concerns: I don't know if I'll need a crossover unit for the system. Or if I'll need additional wiring to run from the distribution block that doesn't come with the amp wiring kit. And just generally worrying about the fit of the speakers in the car, maybe having to make some type of bracket. Also sending the wire through the car; I figured I could do the slit in the carpet and run in through like that, but I don't know if a snake can achieve that on it's own?

 

[Kai Winters 10+ year member]

Tools, time and patience...if you have this "big three" you will be fine.

Most important bit of advice I can offer...make sure you have time to do this...it is not an hour job...you may be looking at an entire day depending on your abilities, tools to make the job easier, etc.

The wiring harnesses, etc. from the factory system to the after market unit can be a b itch depending on how much time is required to set the system up for steering wheel controls, displays, etc.

Lifting the carpet edges is better than cutting slits in the carpet.

Components require a crossover, coaxials don't. Keep the power wires away from the signal wires. Make sure your grounds are solid. Don't connect the power wires until you are finished and have checked your work carefully. Use a bit of insulation material, Ive used insulation strips from a home depot and have seen plumbers dope used as well, to isolate your speakers from the door metal. You can use the factory speaker wiring...very few can actually hear any difference...if you want to.

Take your time, think twice before cutting, etc.

Good luck and keep us informed

 

[Bacovish]

For some folks(beginners) installing an aftermarket hu can be complex with the vehicles these days. Depending which hu you pick and the options your car has.(dvd,brake wires ,nav,steering wheel controls etc..) Sometimes having the hu installed at a shop and then doing the rest of the install yourself can simplify things a little. Doing a whole install at a shop is just crazy expensive. Also if something goes wrong you can find the problem easier knowing where all the wires are run and how equipment is set up.

 

[Vocaloid]

Piecemeal for sure. Install the headunit one day (and maybe fronts). Install rears on another. Mount the sub on another. Run the amp on another. It'll give time to test as you go!