JuicyJ

Hey this is going to be my first time installing an amp..I understand how to do everything but how difficult is it to locate the firewall? Is it a matter of just pushing the wire through ..no drilling or no tools needed right? I saw a picture on the "How to gut a tc" thread but haven't tried to locate it yet..is it well hidden or easy to spot? Thanks...any pics or advice before I attempt this later will help..thanks!

Oh and is there a place to mount the fuse or do I just leave it be...?

mandos

It's straight up from the steering wheel...you'll need to make a hole in the gasket...it's a little tricky.

Fuse should be mounted under the hood.

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...highlight=runs

That's a bit better on how to get through

JuicyJ

Damn, what drill size is recommended? I'm going to be using a 4 guage power cable. I'm gettin a bit nervous to try this out now =). Thanks for the help mandos.

mandos

As you can see by the picture...I didn't use a drill.

It's just a rubber gasket you need to make a slit in...it's pretty easy to do w/ just a screwdriver/paring knife and patience...I don't know how you'd get a drill up there.

JuicyJ

Oops my fault =)..now it doesn't sound as nerver racking...will give it a shot now. Thaks mandos.

SCI_TC_GUY

use some spray on white lithium grease when running your wires.... it makes them slide though holes like nothing else..

JuicyJ

hey new problem...i just got my amp today..JL 500/1 I bought it on ebay. the dude that sent it stripped most of the hex screws..the one for ground, 12 , and remote wire i can't loosen up. this sucks..is there any thing I can do? All I need is it to touch the screws right..can I crimp something on my wires? Help please !

SCI_TC_GUY

are they stripped or cross threaded??

JuicyJ

my hex bit can't bite into it..the head on the screw looks pretty rounded so i think it's stripped..what is cross threaded by the way? the joys of ebay purchasing..!

JuicyJ

what a freakin nightmare...I called JL and they said they charge a flat 180 dollar to repair..FOR STRIPPED SCREWS..jesus..for that much extra money i could've jsut bought brand new so I refuse to go that route. I'm sure the ebay dude won't take it back so thats useless..damn I don't know what to do..I'm thinkin of buying one of those screw extractor kits to see if they work. Any help would be appreciated

SCI_TC_GUY

try taking a small drill to the bottom of the screws.... not trying to drill through them, but trying to turn the screw so it will back out.... then go to a hardware store or bolt store and have them measure and replace the screws...

JLTD

I don't recommend cutting into the steering wheel boot. This is how I did it:

Drop the glove box and ECU. There is a big grommet there with plenty of space. I ran 2 AWG wire through there.[/url]

JuicyJ

^That looks like a good method too. but anyway close call.. I somehow managed to get the screws out..I guess I got teh hard part out of the way now lol. By the way did anyone use a wire loom to cover the wires in the engine bay?

Will post pics once I get this baby installed. Thanks everyone for the input.

SCI_TC_GUY

Now Honestly JLTD, Why go through the trouble of dropping the glove box and ECU if there is a rubber boot just like that on the other side??? sounds like a waste of time to go that direction....plus, i know mandos has had 2 runs of 0AWG over by the steering wheel....

JuicyJ

New question..I just tried today and took a look under my hood and located the area. I had a flat head screwdriver in hand but could not reach that area properly....such a tight fit..! Did you guys remove something before hand? or did you just keep trying to maneuver your hands to get it in..I may get my girlfriend and her skinny arms to try lol.. LET ME KNOW Guys..thanks

mandos

Go from the interior of the car out

Plus, it's much easier to feed through 3' of wire than it is 14'

SCI_TC_GUY

white lithium grease....

JuicyJ

will take a peek under my steering wheel..how uncomfortable is that going to be running in to out but it should be well worth it =)