Confusion on aftermarket head install

[joecrouton]

I am going to be getting a panasonic CQ-C7413, but i am still confused on the whole wiring setup that I will need to do. Do I run rcas from the deck preout to a 4 channel amp to run the speakers, and then use the stock speaker runs from the stock amp in the trunk? or do I need to run all new wiring from the trunk/new amp to all the speakers? really confused here, can anyone simplify?

[StereoInstaller1]

Joe, if you have the late model car with the 4 channel amp, all you gotta do is run 2 pair of RCAs and a remote turn on wire to the trunk.

You can tell if the car is 4 channel or not by seeing if there is a fader in the dash or if it is in the deck...if in deck, it is 4 channel.

The reason you want to run a new remote wire is to save confusion.

There is a white wire (sometimes 2) in your stock harness. There is another white wire run with the antenna cable. Your deck will want a seperate wire for power antennna vs. amp turn on (AKA "Remote").

If your car is gracious enough (my GF's car is: I checked) to have a seperate wire to the stock amp turn on, all is OK. Either way, it is just easier to run a new wire when running the RCAs...so why not?

GL,
Luke

Oh, BTW, would you please PM me the price you paid for that 7413, and what you think of the customer service?

[mpunklil]

Joe, if you have the late model car with the 4 channel amp, all you gotta do is run 2 pair of RCAs and a remote turn on wire to the trunk.

You can tell if the car is 4 channel or not by seeing if there is a fader in the dash or if it is in the deck...if in deck, it is 4 channel.

The reason you want to run a new remote wire is to save confusion.

There is a white wire (sometimes 2) in your stock harness. There is another white wire run with the antenna cable. Your deck will want a seperate wire for power antennna vs. amp turn on (AKA "Remote").

If your car is gracious enough (my GF's car is: I checked) to have a seperate wire to the stock amp turn on, all is OK. Either way, it is just easier to run a new wire when running the RCAs...so why not?

GL,
Luke

Oh, BTW, would you please PM me the price you paid for that 7413, and what you think of the customer service?

interesting, my 86 es had the fader in the dash...but no stock amp. On the otherhand, it never hurts to upgrade from that thin stock wiring...especially w/ an aftermarket amp

[StereoInstaller1]

interesting, my 86 es had the fader in the dash...but no stock amp. On the otherhand, it never hurts to upgrade from that thin stock wiring...especially w/ an aftermarket amp

You sure? Under the left rear trunk liner, by the antenna. I haev never seen a 6 cylinder car not have an amp.

Not saying you are wrong, mind you...just curious.

Luke

[mpunklil]

You sure? Under the left rear trunk liner, by the antenna. I haev never seen a 6 cylinder car not have an amp.

Not saying you are wrong, mind you...just curious.

Luke

positive, im an ex gold mecp installer of 4 years. I ripped up half the car to stuff four 15's in it, i think i would have found the amp wiring at some point :D it only had the 5.25's in it as well, no tweeters. Fader next to the hazard switch.

[StereoInstaller1]

Wow....oh well, if you don't learn something everyday, you might as well be dead.

Now I wanna know where the rear speaker wires are on that one. You said '86 325e, right? I just happen to have one of those sitting as a parts car, I should go find out.

[mpunklil]

Wow....oh well, if you don't learn something everyday, you might as well be dead.

Now I wanna know where the rear speaker wires are on that one. You said '86 325e, right? I just happen to have one of those sitting as a parts car, I should go find out.

rear wires are ran down the rear seat, and they just go up front to the fader. its the same as the older ones.

[PSAphoto]

I can't seem to find a wiring diagram for my E30. Anyone want to ID the wire colors for me so I can get my aftermarket unit in?

I plan to run new wires to all speakers from the headunit and not use the stock fader.

[StereoInstaller1]

White is power antenna
Brown is ground

Testlights are $3.00 at an auto parts store

Luke

[PSAphoto]

Thanks! I'm guessing purple is the ingition power, and the red/yellow is the main power.

I'll have to look into a test light, my multi-meter just got fried the other day.

[StereoInstaller1]

Red/white is dash lights

Just get a cheap-o test light, it is adequate

Luke

[NomadE30]

i think my car has like 5 extra wires. I also need to get rid of the old speaker wires and attempt to hook up the trunk amp for better sound. Any one know the specs of the stock amp?

[ummagawd]

does the factory amp have RCA leads? or are you talking about some type of converter?

I want to use my pioneer DEH-P490IB with the factory amps... unless you think using the HU's amp would be better for my stock speakers..