running power wire
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=129584
Printed Date: July 23, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Topic: running power wire
Posted By: lucky4designs
Subject: running power wire
Date Posted: December 08, 2011 at 3:27 AM
I'm getting ready to finish off my system, I have my amp (SPL Dynamics Z2X-820), my subs (RE Audio REX-8D4), and box design. I have already hooked up my ground and ran the RCA's and remote, completely hidden. My truck is a 1996 GMC Sierra SLT Extended cab and I've ran into a problem. Where do I run my power to get inside the cab? I have 12 feet of uncut Knukonceptz 4ga wire which should be plenty for this install, I just don't know where to run it? I've had people tell me to drill in the firewall but I'm really not wanting to do so in case I hit something important, and there's other people who say go through the rubber grommet under the power steering pump, but when I look there I see no grommet? If anyone could help with this it would be awesome, the guys at the SMD Forums didn't help at all. Thanks!
Replies:
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: December 08, 2011 at 9:57 AM
Find a grommet, bound to be one somewhere on the bulkhead.
Some Japanese vehicle looms go through a hole adjacent to the wheel arch and into the vehicle at the kick panel.
If you can't find it, you will have to carefully drill and grommet.
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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.
Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: December 08, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Drilling a hole isn't a big deal, just verify that you can see both sides of where you are drilling BEFORE you drill. Then, start with a small bit to get through and again verify that you are in the location you want to be. Also, don't go though any further necessary with the drill bit. Once you have a small hole and you have verified you are clear drill a larger hole and fit in a plastic grommet. Finally, run your wire through.
I always prefer to use a factory grommet when available, just be careful when poking through that you don't skin any wires or cause any other damage. It is also a good idea to seal up any hole you make, as the open hole may allow water to penetrate in to the vehicle causing a host of other issues - this goes for drilling holes and poking through grommets.
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Kevin Pierson
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: December 08, 2011 at 11:04 AM
As Kevin stated plus RTV on the bulkhead to seal it off. Never yet found a vehicle without some sort of grommet.
On the engine side loop or run the cable UP to the grommet. This will drain moisture away.
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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.
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