Seat removal is definitely optional, but it makes the wire run under the console and the clip removal a snap.



Besides, it only takes about three minutes and I got to vacuum underneath! :-)

 

nice write up!

as i installed my alpine HU the day before, i've decided to pre-wire for rear speakers.

i plan to run the wires under the kick panels, door sills and then the side panels.

how's that sounds as an alternative?

 

I've read that it's easy to run the wires down the door sills - just underneath the carpet. Supposedly just one clip secures the carpet once you remove the kick panels/ sills. Sounds like a clean route for the wiring.

Have fun - I know I did!

 

Hey lig

Did you take any pictures after you cut the beam for rear speaker placement?

If you do could you post them here please.

Thank You

 

Ahhh... that's the beauty of this install. No need to cut metal. I would not be comfortable taking a sawzall to my baby!!! That metal is pretty beefy.

I just wanted to show what kind of space you had to work with after you take the panels out. I hadn't planned on installing an amp so I was looking for efficient speakers that had a magnet size that would fit in the hole you see there.

 

Removing seats is definitely optional...I just installed rears myself and running wires were not really an issue with seats in place.

 

The passenger seat is a snap. I'm not sure about the drivers side. Clearly, if you don't feel like taking out the seat it isn't necessary. Then again - I'm not a big guy so if you're 6'2" and 220 or so, you'll probably want to take out the seat! :-)


Sam - did you run the wires under the console or down the side under the carpet?

 

Ran under carpet down the side (without removing carpet clips); I tried that before I tried anything else and the carpet was plenty tight and wires don't show. I'm not a big guy either (are there any really big guys that own this car?) so there was room for me to work. Method works great for driver's side. I posted a thread with some other tips/lessons learned.

I'd probably go with your method if I intended to go mongo with the sound system and have to run alot of wire, but I think I'm all set, hence my method.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't look at the door sill route - I can see where it would be perfect for the drivers side.

Since the S2k is a lousy environment for listening to music - I don't think I'll be really going stereo crazy. Maybe a different head unit or new front speakers, but that will be pretty much it.

Just read your post - lots of useful stuff!

 

Can you even hear the rear speakers since they're mounted behind the seats?