Hidden Amp in a Highlander

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=26632
Printed Date: May 01, 2024 at 11:45 PM

Topic: Hidden Amp in a Highlander

Posted By: markcars
Subject: Hidden Amp in a Highlander
Date Posted: February 17, 2004 at 10:06 AM

Has anyone tried to install an amp inside a highlander and have it hidden (from view of thieves)?

I know that the upgraded JBL system comes installed under/behind the back seat but I now have two Alpine amps, a MRV-F540 and a MRD-M500 and am wondering if any has ever tried to install it there without troubles or am I the first to try this experiment? Thanks for any info.

Also does anyone know where I can get a custom enclosures for the highlander, where I can add a 10 inch Sub or a smaller sub? The point is to not occupy trunk space. I tried a sub box from Circuit city that was about 2 feet be 2 feet square and about 11 inches deep. Quality was not that great. Then I tried the Alpine sub with original alpine case. My whole trunk space was lost.

Replies:

Posted By: jeffchilcott
Date Posted: February 17, 2004 at 5:49 PM

The only suggestion i can offer is fiberglass. Fiberglass can hide anything and match body panels. but you could hide those amps possibly by the wheel well behind the pannels with minor cutting. but thats rough..Fiberglass can get expensive though. look around in the vehicle and get creative, even look into builind a amp box to conceal amps but be sure to leave sides open and possible put fans on the sides to pass cool air withen

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2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place

Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: February 17, 2004 at 7:56 PM

What did you buy from Circuit City(im guessing its a custom Q logic box). If the amps fit and there is enough ventilation then you should be fine. If there isnt enough ventilation then try adding some fans if possible. If you dont add fans make sure there is at least 2" of space above the amps. I guess you could try putting them under any of the other seats if there isnt enough room in the factory amp location. Does your enclosure from Circuit City look like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-fwIOY2NtL8m/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=841&I=044CT4R63&o=m&a=1&cc=01&avf=Y

Posted By: markcars
Date Posted: February 17, 2004 at 8:31 PM

Thanks for writing. The box from Circuit City that I purchased was not a Q-Logic but a rectangular shaped (when viewed from side or top) and square when viewed from front or back. It was originally an Infinity box with 12 inch sub, from which I asked them to remove the speaker and give me the box only since I already had the Alpine Type R dual coil 4 ohm sub. They said that that box was not made anymore and that was the last piece from infinity, and a demo piece, which I took at full price. I took it for its dimentions so that I do not fill up my trunk. Also the enlosure of which the link you sent me from Crutchfield is what I really wanted. Circuit city said they do not have anything for my car. Also when I inquired with Crutchfield, they said that they do not have that for my highlander but only for the 4runner. I wish they made such ones for highlanders too.

Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: February 17, 2004 at 8:57 PM

Humm. when I looked at your vehicles page it said that it fitted your highlander. I guess its there mistake. I bet you could make a similar one out of fiberglass if you were up to it. It shouldn't be too bad of a shape to make. It kinda sux that they charged you full price for a used demo box. posted_image JL Audio or Q logic should be coming out with a box for your highlander soon. Only a limited number of JL boxes come without one of their subs so I dont know if they will come out with one or not. Keep looking.

Posted By: nbahoopstar
Date Posted: February 18, 2004 at 1:34 AM

Well you are in luck my friend. I just got done installing 2 amps. I placed them to the right of the spare tire where that poor excuse for a plastic storage container is located and moved the jack handle and accessories to the left side of the spare tire in the tire well. Then I simply laid the cargo carpet pieces back over the top in position and ran my RCAs under the carpet down the right side of the car. NOTE**** YOU CANNOT RUN THE RCAS under the floor trim covers as there is not enough room with rear winshield washer line and other spool of low voltage lines tha are underneath. Trust me, don't try it. Simply run it along the INNER edge NEXT to the lip where the floor trim covers as much as possible. Hope this helps.

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Loud Subwoofers only, do not make a quality car audio system, especially when they are worth more than your "car"

Posted By: markcars
Date Posted: February 18, 2004 at 10:16 AM

Thanks a lot nbahoopstar, I will definitely have to try this one. When done, I will post my results so that anyone else who has this problem can benefit too.
About the sub, I decided to just remove my huge subs and put in a small Altec Lansing (computer subwoofer) that sounds excellent at home but need to find out how I can wire it with the amp since this one has a built-in amp. Maybe I have to just use the built-in amp. Or maybe I will remove the circuits and connect my Alpine amp's output directly to the speaker inside the Altec lansing sub after making sure the impedance matches. I don't want my sub's sound to shatter my glass or anyone else's glass. Just want anything for pure enjoyment. I hope that project is a success too.

Posted By: markcars
Date Posted: February 18, 2004 at 10:17 AM

Posted By: markcars
Date Posted: February 18, 2004 at 10:19 AM

Sorry I tried to cancel my first post and sent the corrected one. Both went up. Mods, please delete the first one if you get a chance. Thanks.