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David
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2003
09:09:38
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 Subject: The smoke has cleared...
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...and the system is around 75% installed.
Over the last two weeks, I've worked here and there in getting most of the components of my sound system installed in my truck. Here are some thoughts I just wanted to share with the group:
Of all the panels I had to get off to run wires, or make something more accessible, there was a total of only 8 screws to pull off the upper-lower dash piece, the factory radio, the glove box, both left and right kick panels, floorboard trim and rear speaker panels. Amazing what a bunch of clips can do. Makes for a much easier install.
Those back speaker panels were a real bear to get off and snap back in. I managed not to break any "Jesus Christ" clips (called that because when you break one, you yell "Jesus Christ!" and pull out each panel far enough to remove the old speakers and put in the new. Getting the panels back was the real pain in the butt. Everything has to line up just right before the panel will push in properly. Putting those speakers in chewed up the most install time for me.
I just love the Dakota door panels. Five screws and a slight push up and out, and the panel is removed. No "Jesus Christ" clips to break. Very easy to get those speakers.
Running 4 sets of speaker wires, 3 sets of RCA cable and 2 power lines under, around and over interior trim is not for the faint hearted, nor the stiff body. A person learns how to be a contortionist when working inside the cramp quarters of a Dakota CC. I definitely don't bend and twist like I once did. Nor do I return to my normal shape as well.
Trying to slide the Alpine head unit into the DIN sleeve and radio recess with all those wires in the way, proved to be quite a task. A little push here, a little wire adjustment there, and I was finally able to lock it in. I then paused and prayed that I had not damaged any connections, because I don't want to have to do that all over again.
So the head unit, speakers and wires/cables have been run to the back. Now it's off to a friend's house for the subwoofer box install, mounting the amps and making all the final connections.
It's been quite an experience so far and I hope all worth it when I turn that Alpine unit on, drop in a live Led Zeppelin boot and crank it up.
Many thanks to those here who have really made me a much smarter and better stereo installer—especially Jim and Tony. You guys are great.
David
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JMII
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2003
11:29:23
|  RE: The smoke has cleared...
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Yes the door panels are very easy to work on... once the screws are out they just pull up and pop off. Those "JC" clips are the worst - I hate them too! But it is kind of cool to see how all those parts fit into the vehicle, I think most people would be shocked to see how half the parts are just pressed into place!
If you think cramming into a Dak CC is hard try shoving eight 12"s into a CRX along with around 900 watts ;) now that was a tight squeeze for both the components and my 6'0" frame. Luckliy I'm a thin guy, but you can tell Honda's are built by much smaller people.
Did you take the seats out? That makes running all the wires under the carpet alot easier. Plus gives you more room to work in general.
Can't wait to hear what you think once your all powered up. Hopefully all the wires behind the head unit are OK, that's the scariest part :o
- John
http://www.blueoceanpress.com/~storage/truck/index.html
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David
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2003
12:43:40
| RE: The smoke has cleared...
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No, I didn't take the seats out. I ran the amp speaker and RCA wires on the passenger side and the power wires on the driver's side. I am a little concerned about noise, because the factory speaker wires run on both side, so it's possible I might pick up noise from the power wires.
Hopefully it will all be put together and fired up Thursday evening, provided I don't have to re-open anything.
David
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JMII
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2003
15:53:13
| RE: The smoke has cleared...
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The RCA jacks are the ones that are really sensitive to noise. The speaker wires do not pick up (or radiate) any "noise". However, the ground & power wires pick up and radiate tons of noise that's why you have to keep them away from the RCA cables and use good cables. Almost every electrical assesory in the vehicle radiates noise, the more power it draws the worst the problem - most notable are your headlights and AC. Of course the alternator itself is the noisest thing in the truck and it's what charges the battery your amp is running off of - so there is not much you can do about that.
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JMII
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2003
09:09:16
|  RE: The smoke has cleared...
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Any updates David???
I got my sub in this weekend FINALLY (been too busy fishin')... pics to come as I still have to carpet it.
That little Kicker 8" L5 drops LOW and hits HARD, but it's clearly underpowered with only 220 watts. Thus it's a touch muddy sounding in the upper bass (80-120Hz) so I need to tweak my crossover to clean it up. Thankfully my 6.5 mids play pretty clean down to 80Hz.
Box is around .5 or .6 cu ft, we made some minor adjustments during the building so I need to recheck the final specs. It's made of 1/2" MDF and fits nice 'n snug between the center console and rear seats of my Quad Cab.
http://www.blueoceanpress.com/~storage/truck/index.html
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dakstrat
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2003
10:32:32
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JMII:
Any pics of the sub install yet and where did you get the box and would you be interested in making one if it's homebrew. I've seen you website and I'm very impressed with your work.
Thanks,
Dennis
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JMII
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2003
12:12:37
| RE: The smoke has cleared...
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Dennis - thanks... and yes I made the box from my own plans. I'll upload some pics tonight. It was about 6 hours worth of work and thats with my buddy Jan helping out alot (he is table saw /angle cutting wiz!). Keep in mind it's not finished. If I made another one I'd charge alot $$$ for it 'cause it's all custom work. I'll make the plans available via a PDF file for those that want to try themselves... atleast all the measurements and cuts will be figured out for ya that way.
Email me if intrested - john_mooreii@excite.com
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