New thump in the trunk

[BlackIceLSC]

I have been toying with the idea of adding subwoofers to my 95. I had a nice set up in my old 94 and in our 97 LSC.
I replaced the head unit with a nice JVC with bluetooth a few months ago and while the stock JBL sounds amazing in these cars, I wanted to add some bass.

I was looking for a cheap used set up here from a member that may have some old stuff laying around, but that's a needle in a haystack sometimes.
So I ventured online(Amazon, ebay, etc) but am leery of online purchases sometimes in case things go wrong(shipping damage, warranty hassles, etc).
So being a small-business employee/manager I wanted to buy local from an independent. Problem is, most of the items they sell/install are top-quality components, and tend to over-stretch my budget.

I have seen some no-name products on the cheap when shopping online, but, you know...ya get what ya pay for.

I went in to a local shop, saw the new mercedes they were working on, and saw the high end components in their "theater/show room" and was about to walk out for budget reasons.

The manager and I began talking about my budget and needs and within minutes, we were test-fitting a sub-box in to my trunk. Some bartering and hand shakes and I ended up with a killer set up (amp, single 12" sub, enclosure, and install kit) for $480

I am so happy to see small businesses that are willing to take the time to make a sale and earn a new customer...on a Saturday afternoon during the holiday season. I gave him my budget, and he was able to dig out the right matched components, test fit them, and throw in a freebie (per se).

Knowing I was doing the install myself, he gave me some pointers, pre-set the amp for what settings he think should be right, and then invited me back when it's all done to "fine tune it" for free.

Here's the shop's website:


http://kustomkaraudio.myshopify.com/

 

[driller]

Good to hear stories like this.

There are two local car audio shops that have been around here for years. Many have come and gone in the past. Customer service pays dividends in longevity of the business.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

So what kind of equipment did you end up purchasing?

 

[BlackIceLSC]

Sony single 12" subwoofer in ported box, Sony 1200w amp, and custom install.
I wasn't using the stock CD changer in the trunk, but kept it there anyway when I installed my JVC head unit.

I decided to treat myself to a subwoofer set up since although I was enjoying my sound system, it was missing the set up I used to have in my old 94 that went with the car when I sold it to Chadly back in 2009.

So I ran the wires to the trunk(RCA's on opposite side of the car as the 12v power wire and remote wire) and modified the CD changer location to hold the amp for easy tuning. I then needed something to protect the amp from something sliding around in the trunk so I found the old cage that hangs on the front of my BBQ to hold utensils, etc. and used it to protect the amp.

I am not a fan of wires all over the place so I took my sweet time pre-measuring everything/test-fitting everything before reassembly. I am no audio installer and I actually abhor this tedious work but I am happy with the set up and sound. I was able to force it back deeper in the trunk after taking the photos but the factory amp tray is very tight against the enclosure. I now need to buy a sub protector of some kind to prevent any damage from the occasional spirited drive with anything in the trunk!

This thing hits WAY harder than I needed, but the stereo shop offered such a good price(cheaper than Amazon, believe it or not) I grabbed it.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

Lmao, is that an actual black ice air freshener in your trunk?


Good job on the install though. Interesting touch on the amp protector.

 

[BlackIceLSC]

It IS an actual Black Ice air freshener. When I bought it, the former owner had used the trunk to haul uprooted plants and yard-waste in the trunk and there was a horrible "mulch-like" smell. I stripped it clean, and re-assembled all the interior carpet panels and deodorized it...then added the little tree.

 

[thegr81]

Ported boxes are so large, you should try getting it as far back as you can even turn sideways if it gains more room.you still lose a little with angle of rear seat. It looks deeper than wide.I removed my amp tray and put amp against rear seat and i have 2 12" and all trunk space.pics on general tech forum.the soundwave should also improve keeping the sub to end/back of trunk rather than middle