General question 01 explorer sport audio system with amp

[Astar24]

Hello everybody
I'm planning on putting on my car some nice speakers and an amp. I've never done this specific kind of work, but I'm familiar with common electric works, soldering, and mechanic in general. Is it a good idea to try doing it by myself? or is it better to have the work done. In case I can do it, where can I find a general guide about the plugging and cabling process? I believe it's going to come with the hardware, but maybe some of you know some useful tips!
thanks a lot

 

[RckStrGrl21]

Hi Astar24,

I can tell you from my own personal experience that if you take your time, and not rush through the install than you could definately do it yourself, garanteed!

I know VERY little about electrical stuff, and a little bit of mechanics (I'm a girl, go figure) and on my previous car (1991 Nissan 300zx) I did a complete install myself:

Amp
Speakers (4+ tweeters)
Subwoofer
I even built my own box.

BUT, I asked very detailed questions as I went through the install on the Nissan forum website.


And after it was all said and done I can say:

It worked and sounded AMAZING, But I rushed through the "Putting everything back together" step since I already heard the system and loved it and had about 20-25 extra screws/nuts left over EEK! It didn't really affect anything so I didn't go back through.


I Started in the front (engine bay) with the power wire and worked to the rear routing it carefully, removing panels (labeling them) as I went.

and then went to the rca's and speaker wire.

I wired everything first, then installed the components.

Anyways, I learned A TON doing it myself, and if you have the accurate amount of time (it took me all day outside in 112 degree Arizona summer weather) go ahead and do it!

My new install (in the explorer) I took it to get done because A. It was adouble din dvd unit and it requires modification, didn't want to deal with that and B. I didn't have time, too many things going on right now.

 

[sjr033]

JL Audio's website has some good reading on building a box, what kind of box to build, how to set the gain on your amps and how to wire speakers etc.

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/support_pages.php?page_id=127

 

[Astar24]

thanks for the tips guys! i guess i'll give it a shot.
i just noticed that the speakers have a weird single plug instead of the 2 separate cables. is there an "adaptor" to put aftermarket speakers, or my only chance is to cut and solder?
second question (i'm really not an expert about sound..): all the speakers in my explorer are 6:8, i believe, but i heard that other speaker's sizes have better qualities (correct me if i'm wrong). will i be able to make them fit without excessive works of drilling and cutting, or i should just stick with that size?
thanks