I am going to be installing a full stereo upgrade to my wife's 2005 Equinox and have a few questions that hopefully you guys can answer to make my life a bit easier come this weekend. First of all, here is a list of parts that we have purchased and links to them if anyone needs specs to answer the questions:
Alpine CDA-9856
Diamond Audio D3400.4
JL Audio 10W1v2
JL Audio VR Componants
I know how the console comes apart already, but I am wondering if it is possible to mount the amp and crossovers beneath it somehow, as it would save a ton of wiring time and would save me at least 50 bucks on materials as I have some short RCAs already and could return the 17 footers I bought. If not there is space under the back seat but I am hoping the above will work, has anyone done this or seen the space under there? Also, 8 gauge is enough I would think, I am going to run the VRs off one channel each and bridge the other two channels for the 10W1V2.
The other question is how do the door panels come off, as she bought this vehicle new she prefers that I don't break any clips or anything, and prior knowledge would aid that.
Thanks in advance.
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2003 Chevrolet Silverado Standard Cab ~ Alpine CDA-9851
Diamond Audio D3600.1 ~ 2x Diamond Audio TM310D4
Diamond Audio D3400.4 ~ Diamond Audio Hex S600s
AstroStart RS5204 Remote Start/Alarm
You can put the crossovers there if you want, but do not even consider putting the amp there. It'll produce a lot of heat and needs to breathe. If there's room you can put it under the seat if you like.
I haven't done one of these so I can't help you on the door panels.
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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Heat was one of the issues I was concerned about, but the 3400.4 I have hardly even heats up and I run it twice a day for a straight hour on my drive to and from work. What about if I was to incorporate a couple of fans into the console?
Putting it there would save a lot of wiring time and money but if there is no way at all to keep it cool I will just put it under the rear seat and probably put the crossovers back there as well, easier access anyway.
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2003 Chevrolet Silverado Standard Cab ~ Alpine CDA-9851
Diamond Audio D3600.1 ~ 2x Diamond Audio TM310D4
Diamond Audio D3400.4 ~ Diamond Audio Hex S600s
AstroStart RS5204 Remote Start/Alarm
If you put a fan blowing with cooling fins and cut a hole (or slot) in the side of the console for the heat to out. Maybe even a fan close to the opening. You can use wire mesh to cover the the spot you choose. As long as the heat has somewhere to go and is motivated by the fans you should be ok. I've done this on a few installs with dual fans, worked well but time consuming. If you take your time it should come out pretty nice. I think If you do this right it will take a lot more time than just installing it under a seat or in the utility area though, if time is a concern. just my thoughts:)
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I forgot to say that you should have a slot/hole for cool air to come in on opposing side from the other slot to draw in fresh air. That equinox doesn't heat/ac vents and ducts in the center console either?
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