Upgrade stereo options

[spaulding]

"82 Wag
Here's a pic of what you're considering:

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa306/spauldings/general%20jeep%20pics/Picture2013.jpg

<please see picture posting rules>

[Ristow]

i've done a few clean DIN installs on these older ones. also,i've had great luck with panasonic stereos',i recently bought a model 7105,and like it a lot. in addition to the bass and treble,it also has a electronic 7 band EQ as well. i can take a pic if you like,it's in my '83.

[Campcar_david]

My wife was using the Wagoneer while I spent six weeks refurbishing her Suburban. The original AM radio finally died last summer and she got so tired of no tunes that she drove to the local CarNutz and had them install a system.
Kenwood KDC-MP338 headunit with remote (Single DIN tuner/CD/MP3 Sat,HD and Bluetooth ready)
Infinity plate speakers under the original dash grill
Infinity 6" round speakers in the kick-panels
Rockford Fosgate Power Amp under the passenger seat
Rockford Fosgate 10" Subwoofer in a standard carpet box in the cargo area.
5 year no-matter-what-happens warranty
$1300:eek:

They ended up doing a very clean job and it sounds really good. I especially like the speakers down in the kick panels because I didn't want to cut any holes in the doors.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/th_DSC02778.jpg (http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/DSC02778.jpg)
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/th_DSC02779.jpg (http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/DSC02779.jpg)
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/th_DSC02780.jpg (http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/DSC02780.jpg)
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/th_DSC02784.jpg (http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/udavidj/DSC02784.jpg)

[Gil]

i've done a few clean DIN installs on these older ones. also,i've had great luck with panasonic stereos',i recently bought a model 7105,and like it a lot. in addition to the bass and treble,it also has a electronic 7 band EQ as well. i can take a pic if you like,it's in my '83.

I'd like to see a pic...

[The Anti-Chrysler]

As long as its clean, I don't mind cutting to put in a DIN size receiver. For a true restoration, its a no-no, but for everything else, its good in my opinion.

[DanHS]

How much do you want to spend? For $300 you can have a nice Pioneer setup with a din mount cd player that can play wma/mp3 cds and four nice Pioneer 6 1/2" speakers, that's what I have right now. If you want to go high end, you can get the newest Pioneer premier din mount cd player and Pioneer Premier speakers, for about $600, and then depending on what you want to do for bass could add another $150-400 or so. That's what my Mustang is getting with shallow mount Pioneer subs under the front seats. If you want good quality audio without cutting the dash or sticking a radio someplace else that looks bad, you could mount an amplifier in a concealed location and use a 3.5mm stereo (headphone size) jack to rca cable connector in the glovebox to connect to an mp3 player/ipod/laptop/walkman/etc. I suggest poking around Parts Express' website, they have good prices. For a good sounding setup without cutting the dash, I would suggest a Pyramid 4x35 amp running 6 1/2" Pioneer 4 way speakers using a 3.5mm to rca y-adapter, not sure where to put the amp but it's not too big, perhaps inside the right rear fender, might even fit under the dash on the pass side.

[Smith]

I am puttin' my stereo right into the glove box. It is large enough already accomodate everything I need, so I figure I will use the rest of the space for a hidden deck.

We have problems with stereo theives in our area so a hidden one on a truck with no functioning door locks is a must ;)

[YellowJeep]

I'll be keeping the functioning factory 8-track player in it's stock location. I will have several 8-tracks on hand and ready to go too! Blasting down the road with a late model motor, ice cold air and some 8-track 70s disco blaring. Yeah, I'm twisted!

BTW...I'll also be hiding a modern MP3 stereo in the glove box or console for when the 8-track don't cut it. :D

[Ristow]

here's the one i just got from an ebay store for 118.00,free shipping. i've had 3 panasonics' so far,i like them a lot. easy controls,both on the unit and the remote. good sound too. this one has a 7 band EQ in addition to bass and treble controls.

the po did the cutout on this one,did a good job as far as cutting the hole,but the paint fell off around it. i need to repaint it.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f318/milltownmike/P1090723.jpg

i use panasonic speakers too,i get the better ones with "discreet edge",basically,the foam is behind the cone,so the cone is bigger. they have great bass,probably more from design than the discrete edge,if you look at the frequency response,they go lower than most other brands. i don't run my bass above flat,and they still bump.

they're not real expensive either.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f318/milltownmike/P1090726.jpg


my old '91 had a similar panasonic setup,little cheaper model stereo,and the better model 3 way speakers. if matt checks in i'm sure he'll agree it sounds very nice.

[Chrome]

It all depends on what best fits your own personal needs. There are alternatives to cutting the dash. You can do like mentioned and put the radio in the glove box or you can buy a underdash mounting kit and put it there. I mounted my CD changer under the dash with no problems. You can also buy a console that has a mount for a radio.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/363000-363999/363842_42_full.jpg

[Wagonforever]

Or you can get something modern to fit in your dash from somewhere like this.

http://www.vintagecarradio.com/radios.html

[bigun]

You might look at the radios they make for marine use some of them are still shaft mounted and have the added feature of being water proof

[spaulding]

Thanks for all the ideas, folks. I think we're going for economical. I'm a bit suprised at the numbers frankly. I thought a lot of people would be against hacking the dash. Oh well, that why we have polls - to see what people think and what people know. I like the underdash cd changer idea. Reason being is there isn't a lot of ideal locations for cd storage. Also should note that this wag is not only a DD, but is the ONLY driver. I do think we're leaning for an MP3 player that'll hold a huge library. Also handy in that we can take it out for theft deterrent. We tend to leave our doors unlocked, because it's much easier to replace a stereo or seomthing then replace a window and a stereo.

[JERSEY JOE]

THE LATER ( 86 AND UP ) TRUCKS ARE DIN READY. I USED THE ORIGINAL BRACKETS TO INSTALL A HIGH END KENWOOD.

I WAS WONDERING WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING FOR REAR SPEAKERS ON THE J SERIES PICKUP.....

[Lindel]

Putting in a DIN isn't all that hard if you take your time and get the cuts right. I've done it quite a few times and I've always been happy with the results.

That will allow for a CD/DVD/NAV if you want it.

[brielly]

I just did the DIN dash hack on my 83 and put in a JVC unit http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7788901 from wallyworld. I cant believe I drove around for 4 years with a jensen unit that skipped everytime I hit a bump. Whatta POS. The jvc has been great so far and was easy to install. I plan to pick up a cheapo mp3 player that can plug right into the front of the jvc. That way if I'm wheeling hard I can play from the mp3 player and not worry about the cd skipping.

[bigun]

THe guys on pirate have been talking about feeding thier MP3 player signal straight into a amp then to thier speakers on trail rigs.

[Kali]

THE LATER ( 86 AND UP ) TRUCKS ARE DIN READY. I USED THE ORIGINAL BRACKETS TO INSTALL A HIGH END KENWOOD.

I WAS WONDERING WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING FOR REAR SPEAKERS ON THE J SERIES PICKUP.....

In dream land I would like to have rear speakers mounted into the headliner. The speakers I had in the truck were POS units but were mounted right below the headliner and (i thought) it was a pretty neat place for them.

Actually doing this would probably require a professional job and lots of $$$ because I dont think I would be creative enough to cut a headliner and make sure the speakers didnt rip it to pieces on the first bump I encounter.

[DieselSJ]

Get your stereo online from Crutchfield. They have great prices and they automacally include the wiring harness adapter and the mounting kit for no extra charge.

[frank_c]

i'm going to put the same model Pioneer that i have in the Wrangler into the J20. i want to be able to switch IP bus accessories between the two radios. having an extra faceplate isn't a bad option either.

Pioneer has a USB adapter box, if i use that and a 4 or 8 gig USB drive i'll have no issues with skipping.

[JeepinPete]

I just put a Pioneer DEHP6000UB into my Cherokee. It has a built in USB port. Plug in your flash drive filled with mp3s and never listen to a radio station again :D Sound quality is very good, and the built in amp is sufficient unless you are looking for a sub or something.

[DanHS]

Well, the mp3 player to amp setup can be very inexpensive, and with the amp concealed, who's going to try stealing an old cassete deck?

Pyramid 4x35w(75w max) amp, $46 (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=265-081)

high quality y-adapter to connect mp3 player directly to amp (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=181-591)

and an assortment of 6 1/2" speakers on Parts Express (http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&CAT_ID=35&ObjectGroup_ID=45)I'm disappointed not to see any Pioneer speakers though, they must be waiting for the newer stuff. Pioneer is usually my first choice, good clarity and frequency response. The newer Pioneers also are a dull silver grey color and have black mesh grilles, so mounted behind the stock speaker grilles they're pretty much impossible to see, theives won't know you have nice speakers. Anything you install, put behind the stock speaker grilles so they don't stand out.

if you do upgrade your speakers, I also recommend these foam baffles (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=260-788) to protect the speakers from water and dirt, and improve the bass a little

[1977cherokeechief]

what i am doin is putting in a stereo in with two 6X9's on the trans tunnel. then in the hole fromt the factory file out about 1/8" all the way around it to fit my CB in there.

im different tho...:D

[thejum57]

I'd love to have the original AM/FM/CB, except for 2 things, where does the mic hang? the radio is directly above the glovebox. And 2 not putting down the OEM, but you can mostlikely get a much better, powerfull, and more compact CB today, and mount it where it fits best.

[spaulding]

I pulled the am/fm/cb out of a parts truck and can't remember anymore where the mic hung. I really appriciate all the suggestions here folks. Believe it or not - I'm really not looking for really high quality (a four and a five year old WILL talk louder than any other noise, no matter how loud). I like the DIN with a USB port - seems like a good option. I still like the old shaft with an FM transmitter, esp. the CB for cool factor (and I'm a truck driver by trade). Also like the idea of mp3 player plugged into amp idea. Simple and compact. Someone here, I'm sure, has an mp3 player that can receive FM stations. Are those recievers any good? I'd like to get a traffic or weather update from a local station maybe.

[Rande]

The mic has a remote plug that you can mount pretty much where you want it. It does not plug into the radio and hang in front of the glove box.

For speakers, I use Infinity 6x9s from Chryco products with the Infinity system. They have built-in amps and sound great. I get them for $5 a piece from the salvage yard. They will give anything you get from a stereo shop a run for their money and cost so little. I doubt anyone would hear any difference in sound in one of our trucks while on the road.

I use the amp trigger line from the head unit to trip a relay to supply power to the speakers. After I installed them in my old Musang, my nephew couldn't figure out where my sub was. I had a car audio dealer from Rochester listen to it and he was impressed with how good they sounded. Good enough for me.

I'm building a couple of boxes to put some in the back of my XJ. Need to hit the salvage yard for some more, as I only have the two left.

As they are so cheap, I would suggest getting a couple and trying them out. If you don't like them, sell them to me. Anyone nearby is welcome to hear the 'stang (after some rain has cleared the salt from the roads).

[spaulding]

That'll certainly help the sound quality. I remeber when you did that swap and I snagged the pics you posted then. An absolutely great idea.

[Custodyboss]

I am in the process of setting up my wag for IASCA Sound Quailty Competitions. I am gonna cut the dash, the rig is not so valuable that making it your own is a "long term value" issue. I am using Image Dynamics HLCD's mounted under the dash, I am mounting a set of 6.5 inch midbass drivers in the doors and using one ten inch sub. I will be powering with an eclipse 4 channel amp.

One on many things the Wag is perfect for (at least to me) is stereo installs. All the room leaves soooooo many options open.


I will post pictures if anyone is interested.

[DanHS]

I forgot about the Infinity 6x9's, those might be a good idea for making it ultra compact and simple, just stick them in the back of the truck and use a little toggle switch on the dash to turn them on. Connect the speakers to a 3.5mm stereo jack extension wire, connect the two negative leads of the speaker wires together on the jack and the left and right, then you can plug the mp3 player into the headphone jack and it'll give each amp a mono signal to amplify, simple simple simple. Although, you need the tweeters that go with the speakers, and I don't know if they run off the amps or just the input, cause the output of the mp3 player will never be enough to power the tweeters. Without the tweeters you'll have no high notes, nothing above 2k hz prolly, it'll all be mids and lows.

[Bev25]

I'm keeping the stock radio and putting Sirius hidden in the glove box.
I thought the one speaker in the dash was really neat, but now I'm ready to actually hear the music!!!

[my 2j20's]

I made a plate to hang my speckers in the rear corners.

[bchesley]

here's the one i just got from an ebay store for 118.00,free shipping. i've had 3 panasonics' so far,i like them a lot. easy controls,both on the unit and the remote. good sound too. this one has a 7 band EQ in addition to bass and treble controls.

the po did the cutout on this one,did a good job as far as cutting the hole,but the paint fell off around it. i need to repaint it.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f318/milltownmike/P1090723.jpg

i use panasonic speakers too,i get the better ones with "discreet edge",basically,the foam is behind the cone,so the cone is bigger. they have great bass,probably more from design than the discrete edge,if you look at the frequency response,they go lower than most other brands. i don't run my bass above flat,and they still bump.

they're not real expensive either.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f318/milltownmike/P1090726.jpg


my old '91 had a similar panasonic setup,little cheaper model stereo,and the better model 3 way speakers. if matt checks in i'm sure he'll agree it sounds very nice.

Nice selection on the music. My favorite POD is the first album Snuff the Punk. There lyrics then are much more in your face about christ. Great stuff.

[drlocke]

Upgrading your dash sheetmetal to DIN specs opens up a much wider vista of options.

I stick with DIN-spec Pioneer in all my rides, simply because when one of them goes FUBAR, or there comes a newer unit with recently developed and desirable options, I can do the switcheroo in about a minute or so.

[Lindel]

A hacksaw blade (or sawsall) and a file, and you can get good results, just takes a little time (or care with the sawsall).

Personally, I've had very good luck with Pioneer, sound, quality and length of life in most of the units I've owned.

[mattmopar440]

I have had very good luck with my pioneer good sound and it looks almost original :D
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd140/mattmopar440/P10703261.jpg

[1977cherokeechief]

I have had very good luck with my pioneer good sound and it looks almost original :D
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd140/mattmopar440/P10703261.jpg


that does look very sleek and nice. and also OE:thumbsup:

great job!:cool:

[J20jeepster]

I have an Alpine cd player with 4way speakers in the doors and a 6" kicker behind the seat. It sounds really nice! Not a whole lot of bass, just enough to sound good. The 4 ways are the only way to go since it is so hard to install rear units. The Alpine has also been a good unit for me. The only time it skipped fourwheelin' was when I hit somthing so hard my friend hit his hed on my ceiling!

[gotmike]

there's a cobra cb out there that is controlled completely by the mic... so you can mount the main unit completely out of sight... then all you have is a slightly oversized mic hanging next to the steering wheel... i believe it is made by cobra... so you know it's a good CB...http://www.www.premiere-electronics.net/store/cobra75wxst.html

[scotty1998]

I put a Kenwood Excelon 597, 697? Can't remember the model # exactly... into the DIN Slot in my '87. I believe it fit perfectly. I may have needed to make a couple of razor blade modifications to the cheesy dash panel. I really don't remember.

Any how, it comes with an external USB port which I mounted into my glovebox. I use a thumb drive adapter for removable SD card. I've got a 4 gb and a 2gb that I interchange which keeps me plenty satisifed with song selections. I also picked up a newer Kenwood 10 disc CD changer off of E-bay for a mere $40 that I keep in my cargo area. I hardly ever use it and may sell it.

I do want to upgrade my speakers and get an amp or two in there as part of an ultimate wish list. A sub would be nice also. Too many other things to spend money on right now :rolleyes:

[RTFM]

Well, the mp3 player to amp setup can be very inexpensive, and with the amp concealed, who's going to try stealing an old cassete deck?

Pyramid 4x35w(75w max) amp, $46 (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=265-081)

high quality y-adapter to connect mp3 player directly to amp (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=181-591)

and an assortment of 6 1/2" speakers on Parts Express (http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&CAT_ID=35&ObjectGroup_ID=45)I'm disappointed not to see any Pioneer speakers though, they must be waiting for the newer stuff. Pioneer is usually my first choice, good clarity and frequency response. The newer Pioneers also are a dull silver grey color and have black mesh grilles, so mounted behind the stock speaker grilles they're pretty much impossible to see, theives won't know you have nice speakers. Anything you install, put behind the stock speaker grilles so they don't stand out.

if you do upgrade your speakers, I also recommend these foam baffles (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=260-788) to protect the speakers from water and dirt, and improve the bass a little


I tend to concur with DanHS, I still have the original AM shaft radio in the 77' J20 and intend to keep it that way. Route the MP3 cable to the ashtray, amp behind the seat and no one's the wiser that I have modern tunes by looking and seeing a AM only radio - not even a cassette deck in the dash.

[Guru]

Hey guys, I'm getting ready to address this issue with my Golden Eagle as soon as I get the new motor in.And if all goes as expected,I hope to build a custom headliner that will house a 5" in each corner...hence no cutty the factory metal.And the cab corner pocket really offer themselves to some decent speakers as well.As far as the head unit ,I plan to leave the factory am/fm/cb in the dash(if I can find someone to make it work,it will make it even better).Then I plan to build a bolt in console to house the new head unit/gps/scanner with plexi cover so its hidden.The headliner will also acommodate for some gauges.So, when it is finished I will post picks ,and if anyone is interested,and I can build them without anyone goin broke...I would be glad to push a few yalls way.Well, thats my 2 cents...just tryin to keep the ol' time FSJ hardcores from rubbin me out for cuttin up my truck and still bein able to listen to my ol' rock/bluegrass/contemporary and gospel so loud the people in the next county can hear.Oh and as far as quality best experiances have been...Blaupunkt,Alpine,and Pioneer.In that order.:thumbsup:

[duncanstives]

Get rig of the radio, put in an amp where it went, cover it with a piece of metal, use the metal to mount something useful (winch controls, extra lights, etc) and add a 3.5mm jack to accept input from an MP3 player (wire the jack to the amp inputs). If you are feeling like a feature creep install a pot (variable resistor) between ground and the input with the center tap going to the input of the amp.... Add a nice machined metal knob and vola! Volume control!

I am doing this since my radio does not work.

[Guru]

That's pretty cool duncan ,I will be calling on you for some electronic how to's when I get to them hook ups...wiring and electronics are still pretty new to me.

[JeepStew]

in one of my other jeeps i had no radio. i drove it like that all over south carolina for years without one. i guess i just sang with the tire whine. in the current rig i barley turn it on. come to think of it, unless i am on a really long journey i never even think about it.

[RubiconMike]

My $300 Cherokee was already cut for a DIN radio, but the one that came with it had no AM/FM and the CD skipped!

I checked the local stereo big box store chain called Fry's Electronics for any specials and got a Panasonic high power AM/FM/CD/MP3 indash player with an aux jack and remote control for the enormous sum of $57. I had a pair of 5 1/4" Polk Audio two-way speaker that fit the stock location in the front doors. I then made replacement panels for the inner rear quarter panels and put in some Pioneer 3-way 6X9" from Best Buy ($65). So for a total of $122 it plays loud and sounds reasonably good.

[royaustin2000]

Custom autosound can make a shaft receiver to fit fairly reasonably , Or
Crutchfield has a model, but it's 300 bucks. I think I'm going to hack mine.

[Chuck Brown]

I'm keeping the stock radio and putting Sirius hidden in the glove box.
I thought the one speaker in the dash was really neat, but now I'm ready to actually hear the music!!!

x2 on the Sirius unit, I have Sirius in my Explorer and wouldnt trade it for anything. Ive got all my MLB games in the summer, Sinatra when Im working in the garage and Stern in the morning. Tried going back to terestrial radio when our truck was in the shop and soon got sick of the local "wacky morning zoo" guys...real fast.

Chuck Brown

[badaboom]

Interesting topic: :thumbsup:

I haven't come up with what I am going to do as yet, for this issue.
I do know, I will be installing the factory AM/FM cassette unit as a impression, BUT IT WILL NOT BE HOOKED UP AT ALL.
I WISH to create a power supply - fuse / relay and power amplifier block
SUB-STATION behind the passenger seat.
I will need to provide most/all the plug and play options possible from there for the aft/rear of the truck and for the in-cab accessories. (Stereo IPOD, NAV, AUX speaker jacks, rear / rollbar undercarriage) you name it accessories baby. I have to check my inventory. I believe I have a pair of old KC highlights that are actually speakers for the rollbar.(go with a speaker A/B switch)

I can tell you the stock fuse block can only handle so many accessories effectively.

I will run a thick 1 guage cable split to this power sub-station to the rear of the passenger seat area in the cab. The seats I will install the back will fold up as necessary to allow for better access to this area.

Speakers will be behind the original speaker covers in the door and will appear to be nothing exciting. I have a set of Eclipse 3 Way Coaxial Speakers to place there currently.

Definately going to go with dual batteries also. INFRARSTRUCTURE baby.
All this must take place prior to installing NEW carpeting.

I'm still trying to figure out how to / where to place the second battery.

I saw something pretty kewl like a old coka-cola cooler made into a battery box maybe mount in the bed I don't know - haven't figured that out yet. (IDEAS Here??)

Alot of figuring no function as yet. Just ideas.

Keep them coming.

I like this sites information and some electrical stuff hate to sound technical LOL
http://www.rallylights.com/

[duncanstives]

Interesting topic: :thumbsup:

I haven't come up with what I am going to do as yet, for this issue.
I do know, I will be installing the factory AM/FM cassette unit as a impression, BUT IT WILL NOT BE HOOKED UP AT ALL.
I WISH to create a power supply - fuse / relay and power amplifier block
SUB-STATION behind the passenger seat.
I will need to provide most/all the plug and play options possible from there for the aft/rear of the truck and for the in-cab accessories. (Stereo IPOD, NAV, AUX speaker jacks, rear / rollbar undercarriage) you name it accessories baby. I have to check my inventory. I believe I have a pair of old KC highlights that are actually speakers for the rollbar.(go with a speaker A/B switch)

I can tell you the stock fuse block can only handle so many accessories effectively.

I will run a thick 1 guage cable split to this power sub-station to the rear of the passenger seat area in the cab. The seats I will install the back will fold up as necessary to allow for better access to this area.

Speakers will be behind the original speaker covers in the door and will appear to be nothing exciting. I have a set of Eclipse 3 Way Coaxial Speakers to place there currently.

Definately going to go with dual batteries also. INFRARSTRUCTURE baby.
All this must take place prior to installing NEW carpeting.

I'm still trying to figure out how to / where to place the second battery.

I saw something pretty kewl like a old coka-cola cooler made into a battery box maybe mount in the bed I don't know - haven't figured that out yet. (IDEAS Here??)

Alot of figuring no function as yet. Just ideas.

Keep them coming.

I like this sites information and some electrical stuff hate to sound technical LOL
http://www.rallylights.com/

1 guage wire is WAY exessive. Accessories like that will not draw more than 30A combined even if you have a 1000W stereo... The 1000W will be PEAK power... Average will be much lower (MAYBE 100W). If you are adding a high power radio transmitter (CB with an amp or Ham radio) you might want to consider peak current up to 60A but even then 4 guage wire would be more than enough.

As for the idea in general: Sounds cool... I would put selector switches in the dash to turn on or off inputs (AUX, NAV voice instructions, Radio, etc) as well as to turn on you off outputs (interior speakers and exirior). Also make sure your inputs are in an accessable location.

[badaboom]

duncanstives
1 guage wire is WAY exessive.
I hear you I might have purchased 3 or 5 guage or something.
You understand my conceptual idea though.

I know it was large braided copper and heavily insulated, been awhile since I haven't checked my inventory for that project.

I just need to wait and see what the reality is.

But I do like the idea.

Especially since there are limits to the stock Fuse block.

[Frzad]

This is mine
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2805/4441/32012220005_large.jpg?311113-008

I have 1 amplifier(fender driver side) and 4 speakers for rear , 2 front doors speakers for factory AM/FM stereo radio.
My CD player is a pioneer and my ipod is in the dash.

[duncanstives]

duncanstives

I hear you I might have purchased 3 or 5 guage or something.
You understand my conceptual idea though.

I know it was large braided copper and heavily insulated, been awhile since I haven't checked my inventory for that project.

I just need to wait and see what the reality is.

But I do like the idea.

Especially since there are limits to the stock Fuse block.

Yeah... I have a 50W VHF/UHF ham radio in the jeep... Ran seperate fused wire straight to the battery... This is the recommended way to install any high power device. The interesting exception being modern jeeps... A couple of chysler reps actually came to the dayton hamfest a couple years ago (a large gethering of ham radio operators that come to buy and sell stuff... Like 40,000+ people) and show off a couple of jeeps, the best way (and place) to install radios and head units and pointed out that that while it is possible to run a cable to the battery chrysler vehicles were designed with large loads to the "lighter" socket (in this case they did not actually have the lighter part... Just a plasistic cover.. The "smokers group" is extra.. LOL) in mind... Since I heard this I ran my VHF/UHF radio in my ZJ to the lighter and never had a problem (it draws about 10A). When i got the waggy I figured the chrysler guys statement did not refer to 20 year old jeeps so I wired to the battery.

[Randyzzz]

1 guage wire is WAY exessive.

I did a rear mount battery in a street rod- found 1/0 welding cable for under 2 bucks a foot, it was more than enough to handle the complete electrical system. The stereo shops charge big bucks for cool colors/coatings/bling- welding cable is super fine strand, extremely flexible, and a lot cheaper.

[1977cherokeechief]

keep in mind that most stock battery cables are only 4 gauge... so 1 IMHO is way too big...

[duncanstives]

I did a rear mount battery in a street rod- found 1/0 welding cable for under 2 bucks a foot, it was more than enough to handle the complete electrical system. The stereo shops charge big bucks for cool colors/coatings/bling- welding cable is super fine strand, extremely flexible, and a lot cheaper.


Yep... I used to live in a solar powered house... All the batteries were wired with welding cable... That said $2 a foot still seems to steep to me for wire (though i guess you don't need much of it so its not a big deal).

[JPSwapMohn]

Wow, you folks have jeeps that are complete enough to start working on the audio system? What is that like? :rolleyes:

Other than BEV (I would NOT cut anything on that cherokee!) and the wag formerly known as Chrom-a-nator, I did not realize any of us had "complete" projects.. :p

I have Diamond Audio speakers in the dash and overhead bar in my YJ. I blew 3 or 4 sets of "decent" speakers just trying to hear the stereo over the road noise and finally just bought good stuff. Have not had any problems with them in 5 or 6 years and they sound good. I am definitely no audiofile and do not crank the radio unless the road noise warrants it.

I have been hypothesizing about fiberglassing some kickpanels to mount speakers. I don't think the normal ones would support them very well. I already have the double roll of raammat for the interior once I get to that stage.
Somewhere in cardomain there is a GW that a guy cut wood side panels and mounted marine sub and speakers in. I thought that looked really nice although the white speakers leave a little to be desired.. I plan something similar.
I have a center console from a S10 Blazer that has the Bose amp inside of it. May not use the console, but will be using that amp.

I had no idea about the Crystler Infinity speakers..maybe a trip to the salvage yard is in order when the weather breaks!

Last, but not least, I would LOVE to have a working AM/FM/CB unit in the stock location. I can mount a head unit in a center console easy enough. I think I read that the older CB's are higher power than the new ones as the regulations were not in place, but that may be a complete error. Anyway, I like the old stock ones for the coolness factor.

I would definitely like to see some pics of how you all have set up your systems. I am not going for 4 subs and 9 amps and all that junk, I just want a clean, quality sounding system...right after I get the drivetrain right and the bodywork and paint, and a sweet leather upgraded interior...and I win the lottery, and ... and....

OK, back to the salt mines for me..:o

[suzq044]

I have decided I will be hacking the center of my console- namely the glovebox & Radio area - however I will leave it "Looking stock" with a custom center piece for a GPS & Multimedia monitor; complete with 'stock looking' cover.. I just need to get out to the Jeep and do the measuring. I did a sketch of what I will be making (or have made), but my camera sucks, so I can't share. For the rest, I am still undecided, however I like my JL audio slim-line subs - just for the space-savingness. There's other ideas in the works too for Levi - but first i need to get him running.

As far as what you will be doing; i'm not sure which I would choose.

PS - I'm right with you on the Lotto thing there, JPS.

[1977cherokeechief]

I did a sketch of what I will be making (or have made), but my camera sucks, so I can't share.


are you sure it is not the sketching???? :D







just givin you a hard time...:eek::thumbsup:

[twmattox]

I am working on my sound as we speak. I have 4-Pioneer 5" speakers (they are small but free). For bass, I have a Kenwood KSC subwoofer with built in amplifier that I plan on bolting in the rear where the jack goes. Had this set-up in the wife's Grand Cherokee and it sounded very nice (though would have loved larger speakers).

As far as my stereo goes...right now I am stock. However, I have an FM Modulator plugged in that lets me use my iPod. Cost $35 at the local Best Buy. Works lots better than those stupid FM Transmitters...

My only complaint is that on my '87, all the lights in the radio have burnt out. I may upgrade to something better looking...but no real hurry here.

[Crist Clapper]

Other <sharing>: I like the visual of the original. That said and wanting more... I plan on installing a concealed unit with a handheld remote control.

[smogdredd]

If You still listen to radio You can't beat the reception of a factory unit. In My scout I use a chaep dash radio unit with a hidden sony amp. The amp has high level input that works with any radio and low level input I run to the mp3. My waggy already had a pioneer din done quite cleanly.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

I have had very good luck with my pioneer good sound and it looks almost original :D
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd140/mattmopar440/P10703261.jpg
Matt, that's a Panasonic...but you're right, Mike did a nice job on that setup, sounds niiice.

[ClovisMan]

My 88 came with a Pioneer Stereo Cassette and get this, the radio pulls out of the housing for security. I think that was the trend in 1990, carrying around your car stereo in a man-purse. LOL!

The speakers sounded really crappy so I went and removed all the door panels and stuff and I actually have 4 Pioneer replacement speakers that are 5 1/4. Here's the best part, instead of using speaker wire, the PO cut up some of those brown extension cords and pieced them together to wire to the back of the radio. LOL!

If my Waggy ever gets to the point where it needs a good stereo system, I will have to re-wire it entirely.

[Blinkinlights]

I think it's a Pioneer but I need to replace it with a deck that has better ipod control. Don't seem to listen to the stereo very much lately...


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/bANGr/Forum%20Pics/IMG_9440.jpg

[EBCIII]

I went with Alpine. Two 6" round and 2 tweeters. Cleam sound and I also use my I-Pod 99% of the time, Beale.

[mudhunter241]

Matt, that's a Panasonic...but you're right, Mike did a nice job on that setup, sounds niiice.



AWESOME BUST JON!!! Mike did good on mine to :thumbsup:

[texasskeeter]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/bANGr/Forum%20Pics/IMG_9440.jpgseeing all that electronics hangin off yer dash reminded me of a cop car!!:thumbsup:

[Showngo]

I went with an Eclipse AVN 7000 all in one.Got it used off ebay for 215.00http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd128/Showngo/Grand%20Wagoneer/Jeepbuild065.jpg

[3rdelement]

i went with 2 pair of the 6.5" mb quart components custom installed into doors
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182022_10150097210622218_573337217_6481492_4003349 _n.jpg

tweeters mounted in door panel, thinking of cutting out the stock speaker grill, i think its shadowing the audio badly.
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198245_10150104400522218_573337217_6554941_923858_ n.jpg

also they have baffles behind each speaker to protect from water and improve audio quality.

alpine cde-105(will be upgrading soon, its a basic deck...im spoiled to alpines with more features)
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/196568_10150104401337218_573337217_6554961_5479558 _n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189873_10150104401177218_573337217_6554957_2610705 _n.jpg
2 solo baric 15" subs
soon to be 1000watt alpine amp.
14 gauge wire throughout.
amp power wire 4gauge.

[Jeepguy77]

One question for all those with speakers in the door, how do you guys protect the wires since the doors on these things open so far. My rig never had speakers in the door, the PO installed some in the headliner just above the doors. I want to install some but was wondering how to protect the wires.:thumbsup:

[EBCIII]

On the speakers in the doors? I used the heavy duty wire loom. Zip tapped it to the actual hinge. left the play back in the hole. I also used shrink wrap on the wires under the loom. Beale.

[3rdelement]

the 85's have a plastic channel attached to the hinge that all the wires go inside.

[Greenfish]

Can anyone point to a good thread on cutting the dash on a 90's era waggy? I am looking into a stereo as well but need to find out what is going to be required for a DIN. Did i miss it in this thread?

thanks

[DanHS]

Simple, pull out your old stereo, it's already DIN format.

[Schlagger]

I have a radio delete plate and I like the way it looks. If you dont want to hack your dash and still want your glovebox, go with this. You can mount it anywhere and it all works off the remote:

http://www.casmfg.com/Secretaudio.htm

[men in black]

Can anyone point to a good thread on cutting the dash on a 90's era waggy?
I am looking into a stereo as well but need to find out what is going to be required for a DIN.
Did i miss it in this thread?

thanks
Here's my thread on put a din stereo in my 90 GW

I used Crutchfield.com they included the stereo plug to convert to the new unit and
a Scosche mounting plate free.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=140396&highlight=stereo

[86gwrhino]

Can anyone point to a good thread on cutting the dash on a 90's era waggy? I am looking into a stereo as well but need to find out what is going to be required for a DIN. Did i miss it in this thread?

thanks

I even used the stock mounting brackets just sscreewed in to my din radio. Works perfect. It doesnt use the din sleeve but it works.

[nclugnut]

another vote for a DIN mount

[CutterN55]

I've got a iPod/mp3/cd/radio that didn't cost me big bucks but it works. cool thing is, the ipod cord drops out the back and runs down into the glove box. I keep the iPod in a sleeve velcro'd to the inside top of the glove box and never have to touch it. I control it from the player.

Tried the FM x-mitter thing and it and my iPod would always go flying around when wheeling and signal sucked most of the time. my wife also popped the fuse for the power recepticle/lighter a couple times when plugging it in. Think it was a Belkin...

[Alleneoc]

We are planning to remove the ash tray and clock and install the radio where the ash tray and part of the radio where and the CB where the clock and radio was. in our 77 Cherokee.