Car Stereo Install Questions

[Osilith]

Hey guys I asked this question about a year ago but have long since lost that thread plus my data that I saved after a reformat mishap...anyhow what all do I need to look at when going for a custom Stereo Install

I know that I will need 6 3/4" in the front (aka 6 1/5)
and 6x9 in the back

but what worries me is the wiring harness I remember it being mentioned that you must get a custom wired one otherwise you would have to rewire the whole car which I'm trying to avoid


any advice is appreciated...

[Crazy_pilot]

SVXdc makes and sells harness adapters that will allow you to instal an aftermarket head unit without splicing your cars wiring system.

[Osilith]

another question...

Will I be able to still use my fold down cover to hide the stereo with a custom install...or should I use a WRX stereo? also Im planning on componet 6 1/2 speakers in front and coax 6x9 in the rear with I can't decide 2 10" or 12" SUBS I mainly listen to Techno but occasionally everything else lol. any suggestions appreciated

[ensteele]

Originally Posted by Osilith

another question...

Will I be able to still use my fold down cover to hide the stereo with a custom install...or should I use a WRX stereo? also Im planning on componet 6 1/2 speakers in front and coax 6x9 in the rear with I can't decide 2 10" or 12" SUBS I mainly listen to Techno but occasionally everything else lol. any suggestions appreciated

It depends on what you use for your stereo. Some you can and others need to have the door modified to get it to close.

[Wikedjuggalo]

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

SVXdc makes and sells harness adapters that will allow you to instal an aftermarket head unit without splicing your cars wiring system.

But what is the fun in that? I mean you don't get to sit in your SVX after dark for 5 hours attempting to hold a flash light and splicing wires. O and the almost cutting your finger off. :P

[Wikedjuggalo]

Originally Posted by Osilith

another question...

Will I be able to still use my fold down cover to hide the stereo with a custom install...or should I use a WRX stereo? also Im planning on componet 6 1/2 speakers in front and coax 6x9 in the rear with I can't decide 2 10" or 12" SUBS I mainly listen to Techno but occasionally everything else lol. any suggestions appreciated

I am waiting on my 2 12" to come in to put in the trunk as I listen mainly to Techno and Heavy Metal . That should be a fun install. I will try to do a How To on installing a Sub and amp. There are some threads on where you can run wires but I'll have to dig them up.

[ensteele]

Email them to me and I will get them into the How-To Docs. Thanks

[94SubieSVX]

When I took mine out, the guy had run them underneath the white plastic that runs along the bottom of the door.

The RCA, remote, and power wires were tucked neatly under there. It's practically impossible to pinch them through that so it was a pretty good place I think.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by Osilith

... what all do I need to look at when going for a custom Stereo Install

I know that I will need 6 3/4" in the front (aka 6 1/5) and 6x9 in the back

but what worries me is the wiring harness I remember it being mentioned that you must get a custom wired one otherwise you would have to rewire the whole car which I'm trying to avoid

The SVX sold so well that the aftermarket radio harness manufacturers didn't bother to make one for the SVX.

Installing a radio without a harness doesn't require rewiring your whole car, but as Wikedjuggalo said you'll spend hours reaching into your dash splicing the radio wires, probably cut or burn yourself (as well as parts of your dash), and likely blow one of the fuses.

I make harnesses that fit the SVX. See this post: For Sale: Radio Wiring Harnesses for SVX!!
Please e-mail me (see address in that post) with any questions about the harnesses or to purchase one.

With my harness you can do all of the soldering on your kitchen table. Plus you'll be able to easily switch back to your stock radio anytime in the future. Or, when you trade up to a newer aftermarket radio, your SVX's factory wires won't keep getting shorter when you cut off the old radio's harness and attach the new harness.

Here's a link to my SVX radio installation guide. It should tell you just about everything you need to know about installing a new radio.

Originally Posted by Osilith

Will I be able to still use my fold down cover to hide the stereo with a custom install

Nearly all aftermarket radios (and ones from other Subaru models) will let you keep the radio cover door. Which is just as well, because the door is attached to the metal "cage" that mounts the radio.

As Earl said, in some cases you'll need to make a small modification to the back side of the door (the black plastic piece), or simply leave that piece off. But most aftermarket radios and some of the newer Subaru radios fit without any mods needed.

[ensteele]

My experience is that the custom harness that he sells is well worth the time and effort to use. It is one way to keep things neat and tidy and not bloody or burn your hands. It is a very high quality harness.

[Wikedjuggalo]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

The SVX sold so well that the aftermarket radio harness manufacturers didn't bother to make one for the SVX.

Installing a radio without a harness doesn't require rewiring your whole car, but as Wikedjuggalo said you'll spend hours reaching into your dash splicing the radio wires, probably cut or burn yourself (as well as parts of your dash), and likely blow one of the fuses.

Even though I spent hours doing it I had a sense of accomplishment afterwards. As for Soldering , I skipped that part as I was in the dark and after almost chopping my finger off I was ready to just test it. My after-market came with simple diagram for which was which. Also I did use your diagram it helped o so much . I will try to make a write up for Sub and Amp as best as I can soon as Circuit city sends me my crap . I will need some pointers on where to run the power wire and possible locations of wire running. I will be sure to include you names for credit .
I will make sure I do it during the day maybe start at 8 am to give me plenty of time to do it and not run into darkness again.

O and follow his instructions as they are very detailed and helpful. Just make sure you attached the wires right. Make sure you disconnect the battery. I am by no means saying don't buy his harness, if you don't just be ready for some time in your SVX but who doesn't like that.

Last tip Keep all the screws in a safe spot as if you don't the Deck will not sit right. If you have the CD player installed you can leave it in there untill you find something to "plug" that hole. Most decks will sit right on top.

>.> if you wanna make a trip to Fayetteville I'll do it for you, just make sure I have the damn daylight to do it

[Hondasucks]

So is that adaptor harness that he sells some 'secret' connector that's readily available, or is it like, a custom made thing? Not that I care, since the price he's askin for 'em is about what they go for from the stereo shop.. and I need one lol...

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by Hondasucks

So is that adaptor harness that he sells some 'secret' connector that's readily available, or is it like, a custom made thing? ...

It's custom-made. No other car uses the same 20-pin connector for the radio, so none of the aftermarket radio harness manufacturers makes one.

Occasionally you'll see online stores or eBay listings selling harnesses claiming to fit the SVX. That's because Scosche (one of the manufacturers) had an error in their catalog which said that their harness for other Subarus also fit the SVX (it doesn't).

[ensteele]

Originally Posted by Hondasucks

So is that adaptor harness that he sells some 'secret' connector that's readily available, or is it like, a custom made thing? Not that I care, since the price he's askin for 'em is about what they go for from the stereo shop.. and I need one lol...

It is also professionally done, so it is very high quality and works great.

[BeneathNorthernSkys]

Honestly, 12" subs don't usually sound that great for metal. I bought some 10" b/c I wanted as little distortion as possible. I have a full set, subs, 6 1/2's and 6X9's of alpine type-S speakers. It sounds really good. I am looking for a good setup for an amp to run all the inner speakers, to add clearity at higher decibels. I'm pretty impressed with that setup. The hardest part is doing the rear 6X9's for sure though. real pain.