Stereo Instalation questions 2001 4dr

[kaveman1551]

Im putting a new stereo setup in my car, to start off with, i'll give the plans i have: I currently have the monsoon stero, but F*** that, to expensive to replace, so im going to be running all new wires. I dont plan on keeping the door chimes or anything, so no special harness. Is there any reason that i shouldnt do this? I have run full stereos before, not in a Grand Am though.
First question is How do i fold down the rear seats?
Any tips on removeing rs ear shelf or door panels?
3rd, what kind of configuration have you guys put for Subs in the trunk?
4th What color are the power wires that run the monsoon deck? (i want to use those)
5th Where can i run a wire for the main power to my Amp? is there a hole in the firewall that i can use, or do i need to make a new one? also where should i run the wires?(undercarpet, or where?)

Thats all i can think of right now, any other tips or POSITIVE thoughts?


-TIA
_Kaveman

[JBlack16]

lol..Pull down the seats by the two little black things that are coming down in the back of the trunk near the speakers kind of and pull and push the seats down. You could probaly use the search button for the rear shelf and door panels for those there is a sticky i think well the rear ones. The power wire for the amp you could use the search button because i know have seen that on here somewhere.

[norbit2]

Fold down rear seats----pull two ropes hanging in trunk down while pushing on back seats from trunk.

Door removal, Be careful pry slowly, http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=83

I ran the main wires through the stock harness conduit(very hard to get through) I then ran it under the carpet; through the center counsel; under the rear seat; up the rear drivers side cushion and through the hole that is over there.

What do you mean buy sub configuration? Please feel free to PM me or post any questions here that you have for others to learn from. I did a full stereo system myself with all new wire. Good Luck!

[Blackhawk]

I don't think all rear seats were the 60/40 fold downs for the fifth gen, but I'm not positive on that. I tihnk there's a sticky for the stereo wires with a diagram, and the power cable for the amp could probably run under the plastic trim right by the door. I'll need to know these for sure too once I get my ass in gear and get the materials needed to get my amp and subs into the car.
This may help, harness color chart: http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56640

[kaveman1551]

ok, thanks for evrything so far, by sub config. mean where have you guys put them, 1 box or 2 (i have to 12" s)
seats are 60/40, i'll look for the black things (BTW i seached but there was nuthin for 01's) I'll do some more searching tonight, thanks again

[norbit2]

I have a single closed box with two subs, but it all depends on the subs you have and what kind of sound you are looking for.

[kaveman1551]

Where are the factory AMPs for the rear deck(if there are any) and what is the easiest way to remove kick panels????

[markm_04]

The factory "amp" for the monsoon system is located in the fendwell under the carpeting on the left side of the trunk compartment in a black box. And to remove kick panels on the front, just simply pull straight up and in on them, there should be about 3 clips holding them in, just give them a little tug.

[kaveman1551]

Can we use the power from the factory amp 2 power a new amp??

[markm_04]

I wouldnt recommend it, I would just run a power wire from your battery, through the firewall if you can and run it under the kick panels to the back seat, tuck it under the drivers side back seat and run it through the seat back where it is split on the drivers side. (FYI, I could not get my power wire through the firewall so I ran it through the hinge on the door and into the car through the rubber bushing where the power wires for the door controls are)

[kaveman1551]

Was it that hard 2 do this??...n how did you flip down your rear seats......?

[markm_04]

No it was pretty easy to run a power wire to the trunk. The hardest part is to find a way to get it into the car from the engine bay, but there are a couple of ways. To flip down your back seats, there should be two black strap loops hangning from the back deck inside your trunk. Pull both of the straps and push forward on the back seats at the same time. They should fall forward.

[kaveman1551]

Is there anything that i need 2 know when doing this..or that i should be aware of???..any words of advice?

[markm_04]

When running your power wire back, just dont pinch it anywhere i.e. door hinge if you run it through there, other than that just tuck it under the kick panels and tuck it around the back seat so it will be hidden. Good luck with it! Let me know how it turns out.

[kaveman1551]

ok i will..ne other suggestions?

[markm_04]

I dont know, make sure you have a good ground, and dont cross the wires, I did the first time and it blew my fuse and it took me FOREVER to figure out that stupid mistake, I almost ripped everything out and rewired everything before I noticed the fuse was blown.

Anyway best of luck to you, I am sure you will get it all figured out.

[Nighthawk243]

If possible, solder your wires rather than crimp or tie them together. It'll be better. But there are some situtions where you will have to crimp though.

[Blackhawk]

Run your power wires on the opposite side as your signal wires. Keep your ground short, the bolt for the seat belts will work fine as a ground. Have a fuse within 12-16 inches (depending on who you ask, the closer the better). Don't use the power wire for the supplied amp if you have one, it is a thin gauge judging from the 99 I looked at with one. You're better off just running your own wire, and watch out for Wal-Mart kits, they may say 4ga. but are rated 5ga.