Where to mount an amp? Space inside cargo area right panel?

[dace voit]

Under the passenger front seat?

I'm looking for a place to put an amplifier for a future audio upgrade. I've looked around a bit for some pix of what's behind the interior body panel on the right in the cargo area of my '06. I want to get a D-class 5 channel amp and have it hidden in the truck somewhere. I was hoping either behind the panel in the cargo area or possibly under the passenger front seat. The amp dimensions would be roughly(depending on what I get) 12 x 8 x 2.5". It looks like there might be space behind the rear panel but I don't know whats in there other than the DVD player, which would go away. Under the front seat might be a good place also but I don't know the space available there. It sounds like at least some of the stuff would be removed from under there which would free up space, how much I haven't found yet.

Anybody have any info/thoughts on this?

 

[jerryb]

any 12x12 x2 is fine.
I like the JL hd9005, or that's what I want at least. there is space behind the right rear panel forward of the rear AC and aft of the sat radio ECU. There are limited mounting options though.
Under the seeat is best. Alpines 5chan is roughly the same. The JL RD 9005 although cheaper is a little too long.
Smaller + best brand, that's what I like. Otherwise... there are people on here with noce class a&b stuff.

 

[SmoothLC]

I put the main 4 channel amp under the passenger seat and the sub amp in place of the subwoofer on the DS rear cargo area.

 

[fireball]

Under the passenger seat works great. Still enough space for proper air flow, and it mounted correctly you can move the seat all the way forward and still reach all controls.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

I have a 5 channel JL Audio under the passenger seat. Out of site/out of mind.

 

[dace voit]

Thanks for the replies guys. I like under the front seat the best. If the 12x8x2.5 can fit there then I'll look to put it there first.

The JL hd 900/5 is a really nice looking amp. I would love to go that route but my budget isn't going to allow it. The amp I'm looking at is the Pioneer GM-D9605. It specs out pretty well for a lower to mid-level unit.

 

[2001LC]

Under PS seat has all the factory wires in place, so good spot. Even if upgrading wiring you can follow paths.

Random shots I've collected

 

[shadow247]

i would go under the Pass Seat if possible. I used the rear cargo area on the passenger side of my 4 Runner. During a heavy rain, moisture built up in that panel, since it's not insulate to the outside. Condensation built up in the amp and it fried.

Turns out the drain was clogged, so check that while you are in there if you plan to mount in that rear open space.

 

[El Cid]

I put the main 4 channel amp under the passenger seat and the sub amp in place of the subwoofer on the DS rear cargo area.

Listen to smooth, he’s pre med.

 

[dace voit]

Under PS seat has all the factory wires in place, so good spot. Even if upgrading wiring you can follow paths.

Random shots I've collected
View attachment 1838004 View attachment 1838002 View attachment 1838001 View attachment 1838003

Thanks for the pix Paul. It's definitely a help to see in without pulling the panel myself.

 

[Pbm]

I will be putting in one later today under the drivers seat (RHD japan model). Will post some more piccs later.

 

[2001LC]

Thanks for the pix Paul. It's definitely a help to see in without pulling the panel myself.

You're welcome.

If you happen to want to pull a rear DVD player out without removing panel, press releases in (I used old exacto blade):

Notice brown plastic is now pressed in

Here under PS seat with replacement AMP. I was unhappy whomever cut wires and carpet. Hack Job!

Along outer edge of Door thresholds moldings you'll see little cutouts. Slide plastics body tool into cutout and pop up snaps to reveal wire runs.

Tip: removing plastic is best done on warm days

 

[dace voit]

Was that amp install in the Unicorn?

 

[2001LC]

Was that amp install in the Unicorn?

Yep.

DVD & threshold pic's are from Snowy.

 

[spressomon]

Its snug but I have both JL amps installed under the passenger seat.

 

[Pbm]

Finished the install today. New radio. and soundstream amp under the seat. Ran power cable through this rubber thing under steering into the engine bay