Yet another radio question

[bjb]

Ok, I think I've read a lot of the radio/speaker threads in this forum, but I still have some questions on a planned stereo upgrade.

I have an '89 Coupe which I recently acquired. The speakers are all shot and the head unit is acting up, so I figured "what the heck I bought the thing to have a black hole to throw money into", so I decided to replace the whole thing. The car has the "Hi-Fi" option with separate tweeter and woofer in the doors and the 4x6" plate mount speakers in the back. Under my seat is a small amplifier with the DIN cord that must come from the back of the radio. Looks pretty easy to just replace all the components and use the same wiring.

Everybody speaks well of the MB Quart speakers, so I looked up the 5.25 separates for the doors (I don't have ears good enough to justify getting something larger that would force door modifications). They also have some 4x6 that will fit in the back.

I like the look of the Nakamichi CD-400 head unit, so I will probably go with that (although it's a shame it doesn't have XM radio, which I have on my Audi S4 and really like).

Here are the questions:

1. The MB Quart speakers have crossover panels that are about 6" x 4 1/2". Where do you put those?

2. How do you get that back shelf out? I took out the 4 obvious screws but then what?

3. You can get the pricier separates in the front, but MB Quart has only one 4x6 which is in their lower-priced series. Is that going to cause any problem?

4. Any recommendation on amp? I'm too middle-aged to need a subwoofer or big boomin bass.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Barry

[bjb]

Ok, answer to 1 is on http://www.caraudioinnovations.com/tips.htm

[Decolliber]

The box under your seat is not an amplifier; it is the DME box. When I got my '88 Carrera I replaced the non-working OEM radio /CD with an Alpine unit. The main door speakers are 5.25". You may need to bypass the antenna amplifier in the trunk, as it is meant to be used with the factory unit. I disconnected the antenna amp and connected the windshield antenna directly to the Alpine. The rear speakers were also shot, but I just removed them and use only the new door speakers. You are not going to hear the rear speakers because of the engine noise anyway

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by bjb
Ok, answer to 1 is on http://www.caraudioinnovations.com/tips.htm

Rod can walk you thru the whole install.. and he'll have an idea of what your needs are from a phone call. He's wonderful to deal with and very patient with his customers..

[bjb]

John,

The DME box is under the driver's seat. The amp I am talking about is under the passenger seat. It's pretty clearly marked with speaker outputs.

You are probably right about the engine noise, particularly since my next planned improvement is a new exhaust system.

Thanks,

Barry

[Install425]

1.The crossovers you can mount in the same place as the factory ones, in the front side of the door pocket.

2. the 4 screws should be all that hold it in place, just lift up on the rear deck and it should unhook. ( in the center of the vertical part there is a hook that holds it in place.

3. The 4x6 mb quart are the only ones that they make, They should work fine, rear speakers are for rear fill.

4.What kind of radio are you using? Most newer radios are high power and should run the speaker fine, Unless you really want to rock out, buy a name brand 4 channel amp. ( 50 watts a channel or so).
Good luck. If you have anymore questions let me know, I have been installing mobile electronics for quit some time.

[bjb]

Rob,

Thanks for the help. I ordered the Nakamichi CD-400 head unit and a Rockford Fosgate 551X amplifier to go with the MB Quart speakers. I may well take you up on the offer with more questions!

Barry