Subwoofer Hole Repair

As you can see in the picture above, a friend of mine has two 10" JL W3's, one of which that is wounded pretty badly. Neither of us really knew exactly how to fix it, or how it's SUPPOSED to be fixed, but saw hope in silicone!

We then proceeded to clean off the cone of the subwoofer and apply a layer of silicone that was said to be black (obviously not black), over the punctures. We know it looks like shit so there's no reason to tell us, but the sub now works and sounds A LOT better! However, the sub has less 'travel' than it's brother when it hits (most likely from the silicone), but both sound relatively the same. I would recommend using clear silicone, as well as using as little as possible for anyone looking to repair holes in speakers.

2010 Subaru Impreza Kenwood Install

The day had finally come! All of the necessary components to installing my new stereo had arrived.  Items included; The new 2013 Kenwood DDX470 double din stereo, a double din mounting kit for a 2010 Subaru Impreza, Metra Axxess universal steering wheel control adapter, along with some insulated wire connectors.

Tools included:
Wire stripper/cutter/crimper
Phillips Screwdriver

The first part to my install was removing my dash panel and removing the stock stereo. The dash panel was secured by pins that just pulled right off, you also had 4 screws to take out in order to remove the radio. After that I removed the black wrap around the stock radio harness and began to cut, strip, and reconnect the wires. To figure out the stock wiring colors I simply searched "2010 Subaru Impreza stereo wiring diagram" on Google. I also followed Axxess's instructions to installing their steering wheel adapter on my car. I had already cut off my stock radio harness and ran my rear output USB cable into the little "cubby hole" under the climate control on the dash, in the picture above.

Here's a look at most of the wiring for the head unit. This includes wiring for the radio itself, my steering wheel adapter, bluetooth, and my audio video cords.

After connecting the Kenwood harness I also took the time to run my RCA and remote wires for my amplifier (yet to come)! In the picture above you see the wires coming around the back of the glove box then under the passenger side carpet. The picture below is where I'm storing all the wire, under the rear seat cushion.

I had original plans of not using the bluetooth, but then later decided that I might as well. To run the mic. I just dropped it off the left side of the stereo housing and mounted it on my steering column  As for the bluetooth cable, I also dropped that off the left side, because the instructions say to not put it where it's surrounded by metal.

And then at last here is the final product! All systems are go on this, and now i'm just waiting for an amp and subs next!

CHEAP Touch Screen Security

Upon waiting for my new head unit and such to be delivered I thought to myself, "How in the hell am I suppose to keep my new touchscreen stereo from getting stolen in my Subaru when my windows are clear as day??"
Well after a little bit of research I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Faceplate-Security-Dummy-Panel-Double-Din-In-Car-Stereo-/150701595678

Introduction to Car Audio

As stated in my "About Me", I created this blog is to help myself and others towards installing car audio systems. With saying this, my first couple posts will be on the topic of head unit installation. The head unit (stereo, radio, or whatever you call it) is usually the first component to your cars sound system. Aftermarket stereos, with brands including; Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer, Alpine, and many others, offer a wide variety of single DIN, and double DIN (touch screen) stereos. Whether you choose a single or double DIN stereo, both are about the same as far as installation goes. However a lot of it depends of the vehicle. Most cars will have enough room for a double DIN stereo after removing the factory one, but others might have to buy a different dash kit in order for it to fit. Besides that the only other thing you need would be a mounting kit made for your specific make and model (made for either single or double DIN). I have recently ordered a Kenwood DDX419 for my 2010 Subaru Impreza that should be here in the next couple of days. I'll then be posting pictures as well as instructions as to how the installation goes!

Here's a link to the head unit I bought: http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DDX419-In-Dash-Head-Stereo/dp/B0073V9NCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360959665&sr=8-1&keywords=kenwood+ddx419

As well as the mounting kit: http://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-8902-Installation-2008-Up-Vehicles/dp/B001JT03VM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1360959746&sr=1-1&keywords=2010+subaru+impreza+double+din+mounting+kit

My adapter for my steering wheel controls: http://www.amazon.com/Metra-ASWC-Universal-Steering-Interface/dp/B0039H2W66/ref=pd_sim_e_2

About Me

Hello, my name is Richard, I’m a senior in High School from the wonderful state of Colorado. Ever since receiving my first car during my sophomore year of high school, a 1995 Chevy S10 Blazer, I’ve gotten myself into the car stereo world. I started by installing an aftermarket Kenwood stereo in place of a much worse, and much older, Alpine stereo that came with the car. After about 3 hours of dash disassembling and installation everything came out as planned, and that was the end of it. I’ve since then researched everything about subwoofers, amplifiers, as well as other people’s installations. All in which to better myself towards helping several of my friends install stereo systems in their own cars. I’m making this blog to share the important information, and knowledge I have obtained from previous installs and for many more to come! I will be posting installs that we have done on my friends vehicles as well as my own. I hope to make posts to help others towards a more perfect car stereo installations. As well as use others information to aid myself.