Only thing stopping me from bumpin is getting my amp power wire through fire-wall.

[its10v1 10+ year member]

Just got a '97 Chevy Lumina as a winter beater, need to get some tunes in there so it's not dead quiet other than noises from vehicle and the road.

I have done everything in my old car (audio wise) aside from finding the hole in my firewall for the amp wire, I would say this is my weak point.

I took a look around the hood release cable, followed it (where visible) to the release, but the rubber grommet doesn't look to be big enough to support both my 4 gauge wire and the release cable.

At this point I'm at a stand still (by choice mind you.) I feel if I'm going to wire my car with a radio, why not just throw it all in at once, rather than having to pop the radio back out to connect RCA cables and Remote line.

If anyone has a suggestion on where to try to put the wire, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm going to do a build log w/pics of what I'm putting in there, but of course, the stuff I'm putting into it is coming from my old car, and I'm without a job meaning I have an almost non-existent budget.

Thanks in advance for those who reply with knowledgeable information.

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[Wingsfreak9 10+ year member]

drill yourself a hole and throw a grommet in there

 

[its10v1 10+ year member]

Thanks for that, but where? Right thru the steering wheel? I don't want to end up destroying my car.

 

[daboyfrumdabx 10+ year member]

Thanks for that, but where? Right thru the steering wheel? I don't want to end up destroying my car.

Drilling through the steering wheel may create airbag issues, not to mention it may be difficult to hide a wire protruding from the steering wheel. Probably a driving hazard honestly. Drill through the firewall. Make Sure there's nothing you can damage directly on the other side. I typically use a step-bit for this, like the ones below. It works out nicely.

 

[Wingsfreak9 10+ year member]

i got so sick of looking for a hole in my firewall that i just drilled a hole straight thru the floor the first time i ran a power wire lol it was winter and i was in a hurry.

 

[05fronty 5,000+ posts]

i run mine through the main wire harness boot

 

[thisistiny 10+ year member]

I just picked a spot. made sure it was clear on both sides, of course. used a step drill thing like stated above.

 

[thisistiny 10+ year member]

I just picked a spot. made sure it was clear on both sides, of course. used a step drill thing like stated above.

Stock battery FTL, i know. LMAO.

hopefully new XS battery coming during the group discount. HAHA

 

[TMali 10+ year member]

i had a 97 monte carlo, i ran 0 guage wire right through the steering wheel boot with no problems

I just sliced an X with a razor blade and pushed through.... I cant remember if there was one wall or two, anyway it was easy

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

In my 99 Grand Prix there was a hole on the passenger side firewall towards the center console that the 4 gauge fit through. In my 08 Caliber the wire had to be ran through a rubber boot that goes into the wheel well. You cant see the boot unless you take off the inner fender liner. From there you feed it up into the engine bay. I have never drilled any unneeded holes.

 

[its10v1 10+ year member]

Looks like I'm going to have to drill a hole of my own, seal it with caulk, expansion foam, or even just latex adhesive.(around the power wire of course.)

Just realllllllly scared'a drillin cause.. I have no way to know for sure where the hole will lead. Sure I can look and guess that where I want to put my hole isn't going to hit something and cause a problem, but I won't know until I do something.

But of course my luck brings me to HAVE TO HAVE IT in the winter, while the temp is barely hitting double digits. ZZ

Thanks to everyone who replied.

 

[its10v1 10+ year member]

i had a 97 monte carlo, i ran 0 guage wire right through the steering wheel boot with no problems

I just sliced an X with a razor blade and pushed through.... I cant remember if there was one wall or two, anyway it was easy

Sounds risky, but I'm not sure if I want to chance slicing my cruise control wire.

 

[daboyfrumdabx 10+ year member]

Looks like I'm going to have to drill a hole of my own, seal it with caulk, expansion foam, or even just latex adhesive.(around the power wire of course.)Just realllllllly scared'a drillin cause.. I have no way to know for sure where the hole will lead. Sure I can look and guess that where I want to put my hole isn't going to hit something and cause a problem, but I won't know until I do something.

But of course my luck brings me to HAVE TO HAVE IT in the winter, while the temp is barely hitting double digits. ZZ

Thanks to everyone who replied.

The step bit comes in handy there. Some cars are easy to find a spot where you're clear on both sides, others not so much. It helps if you can use an existing group of wires running through tat are visible on both sides to gauge where you are. At least with the step bit, you're drilling in steps, so if after a step or two you realize something is in your way, seal it off any try again.

 

[theMessenjah44 10+ year member]

I did a couple luminas in that generation....pretty sure there's a good spot right next to the throttle cable to drill

 

[its10v1 10+ year member]

I did a couple luminas in that generation....pretty sure there's a good spot right next to the throttle cable to drill

Looking real soon, will get pics of what I decide to do after I clean my car somewhat.

I know one thing's for sure, once I get the amp power cable through, it'll be practically smooth sailing.

Can't thank everyone enough for advice.