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  • Custom Stereo Install with 8 inch Speakers

    After all the info I've leached from Pradopoint in the last 12 months, it's time to give something back...

    I've put a decent stereo in every car I've owned, but always used subs in boxes in the boot. For the Prado I wanted decent sound, but not sacrifice any cargo space. The answer? 8 inch speakers in all doors, with the option to switch the rear door speakers to bass-only to act as mid-bass support.

    Here's how I did it...

    First, check out this guide to getting the door skins off - http://dixonarchive.com/motorblog/?p=787

    You're left looking at this:
    http://s7.postimage.org/comws3q9z/P1010017.jpg

    As others have found, the factory speakers are a custom type with an integrated plastic mount to the door. Unscrew the four mounting screws and you'll see the cutout in the door panel that you have to work with.
    http://s9.postimage.org/ympiw6uaj/P1010026.jpg

    This is easily big enough to fit an 8 inch speaker. Depending on the mounting depth of your speakers, you could just cutout a flat MDF baffle and screw this to the doors. But the speakers I'm using are Morel Elate SW9, which are actually 9 inch and have a large basket and so they needed to be mounted out a bit from the door panel.
    http://s10.postimage.org/9i6a0pd6t/M...e_SW_9_7_T.jpg

    ...
    2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
    [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

  • #2
    Originally posted by mybo View Post
    After all the info I've leached from Pradopoint in the last 12 months, it's time to give something back...

    I've put a decent stereo in every car I've owned, but always used subs in boxes in the boot. For the Prado I wanted decent sound, but not sacrifice any cargo space. The answer? 8 inch speakers in all doors, with the option to switch the rear door speakers to bass-only to act as mid-bass support.

    Here's how I did it...
    Good onya mybo.
    [B][SIZE=4]ntp
    [/SIZE][/B][COLOR=#000040][B][SIZE=1]Love the Outback............. Love my Prado.[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR]
    [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/Picture23.png"]My Prado[/URL][/SIZE][/I], [I][SIZE=1][URL="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w328/ntpryce/MyExtras.png"]My Extras[/URL][/SIZE][/I]
    [B]4wdriving First Party[/B][COLOR=#0000ff] - [/COLOR][B][COLOR=#0000ff]dןǝɥ ɹoɟ ןןɐɔ 'sıɥʇ pɐǝɹ uɐɔ noʎ ɟı[/COLOR][/B]

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    • #3
      I decided to make up my own fibreglass pods to mount the speakers, which also let me angle them towards the listener a bit. There are lots of good tutorials on how to do this on the net. I used 9mm MDF to make the frames. The frames are just a ring to mount the speaker to, and a base to screw to the door panel. I used dowels to secure the ring at the correct angle to the base.
      http://s9.postimage.org/ybd4gjk63/P1010315.jpg

      Next I stretched some cheap fleece material over the frame and stapled it to the back of the base piece. Then I stapled cutouts of 3mm MDF down over the top so that I had nice flat mounting points.
      http://s11.postimage.org/dq0ndd2e7/P1010318.jpg

      To fibreglass, I just mixed up the resin and catalyst and brushed it onto the fleece. I soaked it really well, and because the material was pretty thick, it ended up being strong enough without needing to worry about applying fibreglass matting. Once the fibreglass was set, I cutout the mounting hole for the speaker and applied a heap of acrylic sealant inside on the inside to make a nice strong and acoustically dead pod.
      http://s11.postimage.org/kpjaqgrq7/P1020076.jpg

      Before mounting the speakers I ran heavier duty speaker cable through the main door grommet and into the kick panel to hook up later to the speaker crossover and amplifier. I then screwed the speakers to the fibreglass pod, and mounted the pod to the door using the screw locations for the factory speakers.
      http://s13.postimage.org/gw10d5u77/P1020060.jpg
      2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
      [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

      Comment


      • #4
        Now for the important part

        To get any kind of decent bass out of door mounted speakers you MUST deaden your doors. The difference it makes can be huge if you are using decent speakers run from an amplifier. Again, there a good tutorials on the net on how to do this.
        First I removed the plastic seal over the access holes in the door panel, unclipped the main cable that runs across the panel (assume this is for central locking?) and gave the panel a good clean.
        http://s9.postimage.org/q8xbo6t3v/P1020061.jpg

        I pieces of 6mm MDF to fit the shape of the access holes, with about a 3-4mm gap left around the edges. I also had to cut a wedge out of the piece for the top access hole to allow for the locking rods. Then I placed overlapping strips of duct tape across the entire access holes. This layer of tape provides a barrier to stop your MDF from getting wet and disintegrating, as well as something to push against when you apply the pieces of MDF.
        The MDF pieces themselves are just held in place with some extra strips of duct tape.
        http://s12.postimage.org/6w8q6rlbt/P1020062.jpg

        The deadening mat I use is Dynamat extreme.. it's not cheap, but it is the best product I've used, and is nice and thin, so you don't have any trouble fitting the door skin back in place. Dynamat is self adhesive, so to apply you just lay it on the panel and use a small roller or a smooth brush handle to work it into all the nooks and crannies on the door panel. There's a bit of fiddling to make sure you don't cover over screw holes, clip holes and other terminals. And it took a couple of layers to get a half decent seal around the locking rods.
        http://s7.postimage.org/9rr5jpmmf/P1020063.jpg

        ...
        2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
        [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

        Comment


        • #5
          I'm using the tweeters and crossovers from a set of 6 inch Alpine Type X component speakers that I took out of my old car. The Type X are very nice speakers and the crossovers have a heap of configuration options so I was able to tune the overall response with the new 9inch woofers.

          The tweeters are just in the factory mount locations. The only modification required was to trim some of the plastic from the back of the grill that sits in the door skin. Here's a pic of the part I'm talking about, but before I trimmed it.
          http://s1.postimage.org/q40d0cmuj/P1010021.jpg

          I'm yet to install the 8 inch woofers in the rear doors and deaden them, but I'll post pics soon as they're done..

          The crossovers for the front speakers are mounted behind the panels in the centre part of the dash down near the drivers left foot and passengers right foot. They're a tight fit, so no need to screw them down at all.
          http://s11.postimage.org/tce4lic0v/P1020074.jpg

          The amplifier is a Cadence Z4000 that I've had for 8 or 10 years now. It's a bit bigger than some of the new amps, but it has a built in fan to keep it cool and is generally a good quality amp. I mounted it under the drivers seat because the main power cable runs to my auxillary battery on the drivers side, and so I wanted to keep the cable run as short as possible.

          The amp was simple to install. I just ran the power cable from battery through an existing grommet in the firewall, down through the kick panel and under the plastic trim along the door-sill. From there I went under the floor carpet and brought it out under the drivers seat along side the existing wiring for the weight sensor that is under the seat. The earth cable was kept as short as possible and is screwed to the chassis using an existing earth point under the seat (thanks Toyota ).
          http://s8.postimage.org/3o5mg0669/P1020078.jpg

          ...
          2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
          [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

          Comment


          • #6
            I've got the 6 disc in dash changer in my GXL, which I want to keep, so to connect the amp to the factory radio I've used a NE-7V line output converter (LOC) from David Navone Engineering ($20 US)
            http://davidnavone.com/zencart/

            To connect this up I had to find the front speaker wires coming from the factory radio. I found where the wires ran through the loom in the kick panels, then to connect the LOC I ran cable from where the LOC is mounted (up under the dash) to the kick panels, stripped back the factory speaker wire and soldered the contacts.
            http://s12.postimage.org/jbs4enrg9/P1020072.jpg

            Once connected to the factory speaker wires, a standard RCA cable is used to go from the LOC to the amp. The amp also requires a remote turn on wire, which can be any 12V accessories lead. I tapped into the wire leading to the 12V auxillary socket in the dash in front of the gear shifter.

            The best thing about using the factory stereo is that I retain my stock steering wheel controls.

            The only thing left now was to connect the speaker cables and tune the amplifier gain so that when the radio is cranked to high volume the speakers are not distorting.

            So far so good, sound is already 10 times better than the stock stereo. I'm very keen to get the rear speakers in, but will have to wait until after xmas
            Last edited by mybo; 21-12-2012, 08:37 PM.
            2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
            [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

            Comment


            • #7
              Mybo, Great read. Excellent write up. Well done. Was talking speakers with my bro the other daay and decided not to. Now you making me rethink this.

              SOL.
              [COLOR="#006400"][url]http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?26339-SOL-s-150-shorty-SX[/url][/COLOR]

              [COLOR="#00FF00"]4wdriving[/COLOR] [COLOR="#0000FF"]First Party[/COLOR] - [COLOR="#FF0000"]Bitumen: A Blatant Waste of Taxpayers Money![/COLOR]

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by ntp View Post
                Good onya mybo.
                Cheers ntp. You'd be one of the ones I've leached off.. Thanks by the way
                2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
                [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

                Comment


                • #9
                  Cheers SOL. Life's too short to not have a nice stereo... and I spend too much time in my car to go without
                  2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
                  [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Nice work Mybo. If you going to the effort of deadening the door panel, can I also suggest that you apply Dynamat to the inside of the outer door skin as well. Cut up a few small pieces and place it in behind the speaker as this will deaden the sound waves coming off the back of the speaker.

                    VXWesty
                    [SIZE=1]2011 Crystal Pearl VX D4D Auto, MT ATZ 4 Rib, Full River 105AH / Redarc SBi12 DBS (TJM Tray), CKMA12 Air Comp, Alpine INA-W910R - PDX-5 - Type-R Speakers, Engel MT60FP, Rhino Alloy Platform, Foxwing Awning, Rear 12V Cig and Engel Socket, ARB Deluxe Combi Bar, Safari Snorkel, LF 240 XGT's + HID Upgrade, HB3 (9005) HID Upgrade, Bilstein / Lovells 2" Lift Suspension, Chip-It, Alpine PKG-RSE2 Roof DVD Monitors, Maxtrax, GME TX3540 + AE409L, Avenger TDS 9.5, ARB UVP, ARB Protection Steps.
                    [/SIZE]

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                    • #11
                      awesome work mate.

                      well done. puts my stereo install to shame.
                      SIK-120
                      2008 Toyota Prado 120
                      ...with a few bits and pieces on it...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by 8608 View Post
                        awesome work mate.

                        well done. puts my stereo install to shame.
                        Ha! I've read your buildup! Your 120 is a beast compared to mine
                        My wishlist is still pretty long.. top marks for installing your own stereo and using alloy speaker plates too..
                        2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
                        [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by mybo View Post
                          Ha! I've read your buildup! Your 120 is a beast compared to mine
                          My wishlist is still pretty long.. top marks for installing your own stereo and using alloy speaker plates too..
                          i decided against timber for a number of reasons. the main reason is moisture or water.

                          as we all know, water doesn't leak in through the door sills, but in through the drain holes on the bottom of the door.

                          i was lucky enough to have swamped my car this year, and having to strip out the whole interior. i blew my amp to bits, but the speakers survived. poly cones is the only way.

                          also, if you wash your car as much as i have to, water dripping in through the window seal will drip straight onto the speaker.

                          so i try to keep things as practical as i can, and if i could fibreglass, i would.

                          cheers
                          SIK-120
                          2008 Toyota Prado 120
                          ...with a few bits and pieces on it...

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Found a few spare hours and put some more work into the stereo. One of the rear doors is now all done, and the lucky last door will hopefully get polished off this week.

                            Door skin removed - this is what it looks like stock:
                            http://s9.postimage.org/80pp07vob/P1020272.jpg

                            After removing the stock speaker, this is the hole you have to work with. It's larger than a normal 6.5 inch speaker mounting hole, so I decided to squeeze in 8 inch woofers.
                            http://s8.postimage.org/y0hhnsy7l/P1020274.jpg

                            I selected a pair of Morel speakers for this that use neodymium magnets and have a shallow mounting depth. With a bit of careful angling with the fibreglass pod I was able to get these to fit:
                            http://s2.postimage.org/61dwqbutx/P1020280.jpg
                            Last edited by mybo; 20-01-2013, 08:59 PM.
                            2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
                            [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Ran some heavier speaker cable in to the door along side the factory wiring loom - had to undo the bottom bolt for the seat belt and remove some trim panels for this:
                              http://s8.postimage.org/5hl5wq9m9/P1020275.jpg

                              Door all cleaned up, wiring looms shifted and waiting for the deadening:
                              http://s13.postimage.org/ajqqkdlab/P1020276.jpg

                              Put some deadening on the inside of the door skin as suggested by VXWesty - Cheers!
                              http://s13.postimage.org/fsh64iebn/P1020278.jpg
                              2008 Charcoal 120 GXL - D4D Auto with Option Pack
                              [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?33254-MYBO-s-Charcoal-120-GXL"]My Build Up Thread[/URL]

                              Comment

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