Audio Installation

[2E151]

I want to throw two questions out.

I'd like to put a descent system in my 78'. Just something I can listen to going down the road.The current system is ruined at best, everything will need to be replaced. Back speakers are blown, radio only works if you jiggle wires under the dash, and door speakers barely work.I would want all the wires replaced. If I provided the system (head unit, door speakers, Back speakers, sub and amp) whats a ball park estimate of what I would expect to pay for a quality install?

I’m not looking for a special set-up, no fancy locations. Just a rewire and a quality install. A ball-park figure; I know we’ve got several audio professionals on here, give me a figure you’d charge or your store would charge. PM if you wish, I’m just looking for an estimate so to know roughly what to expect.

Second, I have a fuel cell in my trunk, 15 gallons, can I put a amp and sub back there with it, or is that a electrical no-no?

[Batman]

Radio install figure about $40. Each pair of speakers about the same. Add another $30-40 per pair for rewiring, as it's a PITA. Figure it's going to run ballpark around $200 for radio, 4 speakers, and all new wiring. Ask questions, and look around the install bay. Does the shop look like it's a rat's nest, with wires running all over the place? Have the installers ever worked on older cars? (Sounds like a dumb question, but if all they've ever done is Hondas they might not know what to do, especially when there's no wiring code on their computer or harness to work with). Ask how long it will take. Should take about 3-4 hours, although a good installer might be able to do it in 2.

As far as an amp and a sub, I don't forsee a problem as long as the fuel cell isn't leaking. Considering all the old Mustangs that had the gas tank as the trunk floor, I don't see it as an issue.

[2E151]

Originally Posted by Batman

Figure it's going to run ballpark around $200 for radio, 4 speakers, and all new wiring.

Wow, I was expecting about 4 times as much. Especially considering all the wires pertaining to the radio system will need to be redone.

Thanks for the advice, sounds like great information. I suppose I could do it myself, but I'd rather have a professional do it. Besides, I don't have the time to sit down and do it right.

[Batman]

No problem. As long as there's already something there as far as speakers go (i.e. no cutting involved), then the quote should be pretty accurate.

[Bikefixr]

I did these cars by the dozens. I never used any factory wiring except the power harness. I ran all new speaker wires every time. These cars as sooo easy to work on. 3 wires for the radio, a pair of RCA's to the trunk. I used long RCA's that had an integral turn-on wire. Hook that up to the power antenna lead from the radio. Run a power lead from the battery to the amp,ground amp to trunk.Mount 6x9's in factory locations and hook uo the wires, run a set of speaker wires up to the front and install speakers in factory locations. I usually didn't installfront speakers on basic installs because unless I wascutting the doors for a 6" speaker, usind factory dash or 4" door speakers sounded like crap because they were too small compared to the 6x9's. If you must use a sub, you'll need a bigger amp, the sub and a crossover network. if you just want some rollin' around sound, use a set of 6x9's ( good ones), a decent stereo amp and a head unit. You could doit yourself in a few hours.