Stereo Installation Part 2 - Speakers and wiring

[Rockets2000]

Continued from here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/475002-stereo-installation-part-1-overhead-console.html

After a couple of days of total frustration, I finally got the HU working. The hot wire I was using had an intermittent connection. Go figure....

In the meantime, I bought some pre-fab speaker boxes from Car Toys - $20 for the pair, so that puts the total install cost (not including my labor) at about $100.

I couldn't be happier with the system. It will make your ears bleed just on two 6x9's in the back. Looking forward to getting the fronts installed.

Where are the wires?

Tucked nicely in front of the cage with some split loom and zip ties

Rear speakers mounted

They barely clear the lowered jump seat. I might paint them black or tan to match the truck better.

I have them hinged on the top in case I need to lift them for cleaning the tub or hauling something larger when I need the room. They're screwed through the tub on the bottom.

For the front speakers, I found some sweet Alpine 3" coax units that fit perfectly in a 3" PVC pipe cap. I did have to grind out about half of the PVC thickness at the opening, so I used my handy Dremel tool.

 

[71AZFJ]

I gotta hand it to you, That is an outstanding job.

 

[Rockets2000]

Front Speaker Pods

The PVC pods drilled for mounting bolt and wire feed-through, and painted black like everything else.

I drilled and tapped holes in the bar for mounting. The pods are light and strong, so I have them bolted in with a single bolt and fender washer to help keep them centered and distribute the vibration loads.

There is also a grommet on the backside for the same purpose.

I cut off the little ears on the speakers because I don't need them and they look funny.

Filled the pods with insulation to help augment what little bass they will produce.

Used some Plastic Welder epoxy around the front edge of the pods and put the speakers in permanently. More split-loom and zip ties, and she's good to go.

Total cost for front speakers and install was less than $100.

 

[no clue FJ40]

Nice, I like the PVC speaker boxes you built. Ive been looking for ideas on where to put speakers in my rig.