Finally, new system in Blazer!! (Pics!)

[jeff in co]

I spent some time redoing the door speaker and cleaning everything up. I was able to use the existing deck and had 2 amplifiers laying around. The only thing I bought was a new set of "Hertz" component speakers. 6-1/2" woofer in door along with a tweeter.

I also had an extra pair of 6x9 Infinity Kappas laying around so I put those in the rear as a filler. For the base, I am able to use the 2-10" JL Audio base box in the suburban and use it in the Blazer whenever I drive it. Works out pretty good!

When I got the bottom of the door apart, there were several holes everywhere as well as the window regulator framing. I was able to grind down a portion of the regulator bracket to allow room for the new speaker.

I also took the opportunity to clean up some of the rust and hit it with some paint before putting things back together. Because of the size and depth, I had to use a ring spacer (which I had left over from my 91' suburban).

I found a nice spot in the rear to mount the amps and they turned out pretty good. I only had so much of the 4 gauge wire so I ran it as far as I could and then installed a 12V dist. block. From there I ran one separate 8 gauge to the smaller amp and 2-8 gauge wires to the larger, JL amp.

Finally, I installed the 6x9s in the rear that run off of just the deck power. Can't hear them too well because I have the larger amp driving the front speakers and the smaller amp driving the sub.....but it does help a little.

Final result......fantastic! I really like the larger amp on the front speakers. They really drive them great, clean and loud! Overall, very happy.

I did try these Hertz speakers against the Focals and I actually liked these better......same price however.

 

[JBerno]

Looks good man,

I am looking at doing something like you did with the amp mount in the back. How did you mount the wood to the side of the Blazer?

I may hit you up with a few more questions once I really get into mine

 

[jeff in co]

Looks good man,

I am looking at doing something like you did with the amp mount in the back. How did you mount the wood to the side of the Blazer?

I may hit you up with a few more questions once I really get into mine

It's double-walled so nothing too bad to worry about. Just make sure the screws that attach the wood to the inside sheetmetal aren't too long! I did a feel test to be sure the screws I used weren't going to push through the other side. Pretty easy.

When I had Car Toys install my amps in the suburban, they put it on a piece of plywood.....so I just copied them. I did use MUCH thicker wire than Car Toys did though, for sure. They used 18 gauge from the amp to the speakers .......I used 12 gauge which makes me feel better.

 

[JBerno]

It's double-walled so nothing too bad to worry about. Just make sure the screws that attach the wood to the inside sheetmetal aren't too long!

My luck I would get it all done and then walk around the side and rip my shirtsleeve off

Thanks man, my cousin is going to come up in a few weeks and install a system for me, he worked his way through college installing stereos for a shop in Flagstaff. HE does some awesome work...I will more than likley take the credit when I post pictures though

 

[K85 Octane]

next question

how are you keeping the amps cool with the panel covering them? I have been thinking about doing this as well, but I would cut some horizontal slits in the panel (I'm going plywood panels) to allow them to breathe.

 

[jeff in co]

Good thinkin' on taking credit. Just make sure he doesn't look at this forum and you're good to go!

 

[jeff in co]

next question

how are you keeping the amps cool with the panel covering them? I have been thinking about doing this as well, but I would cut some horizontal slits in the panel (I'm going plywood panels) to allow them to breathe.

I plan on doing nothing. I've had several amps in various vehicles and have yet to see any of them shut down to overheating. If they get too hot, they are thermally protected to shut down before burning anything up.

I try to stick with decent quality stuff. The Kenwood amp shown is an original one from 18 years ago. Still going strong. The large heat sinks are designed to dissipate that heat.

Although Car Toys is no expert, they did the same thing in my suburban......

(One of the JL Audio amps is missing)

 

[Jessie James]

Did you fuse that main power line? If not, be sure you have a fuse no more than 18" away from the battery. If that grounds out in a few years and it's not fused you'll be glad you did.

 

[jeff in co]

Did you fuse that main power line? If not, be sure you have a fuse no more than 18" away from the battery. If that grounds out in a few years and it's not fused you'll be glad you did.

Yes, the main line is fused. The Phoenix Gold and Kenwood both have separate fuses as well. I don't recall seeing one on the JL Audio amps though on the outside.