Installing Amp to stock radio using Fierce Audio line converter

VDC_OFF · 03-14-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vividracing

I'd like to point a few things out that could potentially cause problems...

1st off, what is going on here with the tape? It looks like you just used electrical tape to connect the wires. Big major no-no. Also, ANY time you step down in wire size (especially from 8 AWG to what looks like 12 or 14 AWG), you MUST use a fuse. Car fires are not fun. Ask me how I know.

You're right, I usually solder and heat shrink but wifey was rushing to come back in the house and help with the baby so this is me being rushed. And I didnt know about the downsize, thanks for the input! When I first bought this bazooka for my pathfinder, the guy at circuit city installed it like that so I thought it was fine. Scared to ask how you know?

Quote:

Originally Posted by vividracing

Next, your grounds need some help. In the 1st photo below, it looks like you didn't remove any paint or body coating material. I'm really anal about grounds, so I like to use "star" lock washers in addition to grinding the paint away. On the 2nd photo, what you've basically done is grounded the Line-Out to the radio chassis, which then grounds via the ground wire through the radio harness. I'd suggest just tying directly into the ground on the harness to avoid any potential ground loops.

I like the way you ran the wires to the anchor point, by the way. Really helps keep things clean in the hatch.

Yup, forgot to do that. I just sold this which is why I did the write up so he could install it. Im going to install some bigger amps in mine so I will keep the ground tips in mind, thanks again!

vividracing · 03-16-2012, 11:15 AM

No problem! I like regular butt connectors just as much as solder (both have their appropriate places/uses), but just taping things up is too iffy for me. As for the fire situation... When I was younger, a friend and I were cruising in his sweet Blazer and a pinched 4 gauge wire caused a gnarly fire. I've never had any fires/shorts on my installs; I learned from other peoples mistakes haha.

I like seeing people work on their own cars, but just wanted to post up when I saw those issues because I'd hate for an inexperienced person to see your write up and replicate it. Thanks for contributing to the community!

03-16-2012, 11:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
vividracing The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Gilbert, AZ Age: 38 Posts: 7,306 Drives: 350Z,370Z,GTR Rep Power: 39	No problem! I like regular butt connectors just as much as solder (both have their appropriate places/uses), but just taping things up is too iffy for me. As for the fire situation... When I was younger, a friend and I were cruising in his sweet Blazer and a pinched 4 gauge wire caused a gnarly fire. I've never had any fires/shorts on my installs; I learned from other peoples mistakes haha. I like seeing people work on their own cars, but just wanted to post up when I saw those issues because I'd hate for an inexperienced person to see your write up and replicate it. Thanks for contributing to the community! __________________ Rocky @ Vivid ♦ 480.966.3040 x236 ♦ Rocky@vividracing.com Email, PM, or call me directly for aggressive The370Z.com member pricing!!!

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