Project log: My first CB7 stereo upgrade project.

[oZexi]

Hi Guys,

I've sort of taken over the family car as I mainly use it most of the time. As I don't have plans to make this car as awesome as most have here, I'm going to certainly make some small "improvements". My aim is to give you a step by step insight as to how I'm going with my install - especially for Australian model CB Accords as I know there's quite a few floating around. Currently my experience in installing stereo's is pretty much next to nil, but I've bit the bullet and I'm going to do this as much as possible myself and hopefully as professionally as possible. Any critique or feedback on how to improve my install will be highly welcomed.

So many CB7's on here are very inspirational so I'd feel inadequate making use of all the knowledge available but not really giving back. Hopefully my diary will give fellow CB7tuners fellow thought as to how they should tackle a stereo install.

So far the "vision" is to:

1. Keep it below $500AUD (Cost so far is $561AUD)
2. Keep it as stock looking as possible to reduce the temptation of theft.
3. No subwoofer yet as my old man will complain about bootspace.
4. Remove stock head unit, install new one.
5. Remove stock speakers.
6. Install rears to run off headunit.
7. Install fronts to run off amp and recable the front speakers.
8. Place amp under the front driver seat (right hand side for Aussie model).

All the equipment has been pretty much purchased!

• Pioneer DEH-P1Y Headunit. Purchased 2nd hand off a mate. $150AUD
• Aerpro AP1720 Honda Accord Wiring Loom. Purchased from Autobarn $15AUD
• Aerpro FP997898 Honda/Acura universal Single-DIN Mount Kit (Metra Turbokit). Ordered and purchased from Burson Auto Parts $44AUD
• Precision Response CS2329 6.5" Kevlar Splits. Purchased from Jaycar. $135AUD
• Precision Response CS2374 6.5" Kevlar Coaxial speakers. Purchased from Jaycar. $90AUD
• Aerpro 6.5" MDF speaker spacers 16mm depth Purchased from Autobarn $12AUD
• Alpine MRP-T220 2 channel amplifier. Purchase 2nd hand off a member on another forum $60AUD
• Rampage 8 Gauge Power Cable Kit. Purchased from Supercheap Auto. $35AUD
• A random roll of Jamo speaker cable. $??
• Some Acoustic Research 3.5m interconnects I had lying around. $20AUD

[oZexi]

Headunit install

The headunit install was a success!

I followed this thread with ease:
http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=68700
and
http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs...PDF/466033.pdf

Differences from guide
The Australian domestic Accord has an extra piece of plastic that covers the park brake and is attached to the plastic that covers the gearstick. So in addition to the screws that had to be removed, there was 3 vertical screws that weren't visible that had to be removed! But it didn't take long to figure out!

I strongly recommend you buy before installing a headunit

• Wiring loom
• Single DIN mount kit

I got the wiring loom first, and tried to do a ghetto install with the existing shelf. It wasn't as easy as it looked and required some custom work. As I'm pretty time poor and at the same time, cbf, I just went and bought the single DIN kit.

To do:
Un-ghetto the Pioneer loom to the Honda wiring loom. Currently I did a twist of bare cable and used electrical tape to cover it. Will have to redo this with solder and heatshrink to keep it professional!

Single Din Kit


Random Info
Did you know the stock head unit / tape deck inside the Australian Honda Accord is manufactured by Alpine? Pity my stock head unit was a piece of crap and stopped working after 16 years. =P


BEFORE


AFTER

[oZexi]

Rear speaker install

So far, I've only dismantled the rear speakers according to a service manual that can be found in this section: http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=1515
Actually I've been using a Honda Service Manual for CB Accords and its bloody handy in ripping apart the car to install stuff, I highly suggest you get your hands on a copy.

Last night, I jumped into the boot, loosened 3 bolts that hold the rear speaker in place, went back in the rear of the car, and lifted the speaker out easily!
My plan was to follow this guide to prevent the cutting of any stock wires...
http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...k+speaker+wire
but knowing my luck, Honda has done something a bit different and fixed the stupid connector directly to the speaker, if I remove the connector its going to be a royal bitch. Might have to see how I go if I rip the sucker apart first! Looks like at this point in time, I will have to cut the speaker wire and do a solder/heatshrink job to get the rears going.

Reminder: Insert photo of stock speaker connector.

Anyhow, I removed the grille, and removed the stock speaker. I lowered in my new Precision Response 6.5" Kevlar Coaxial speaker and it lines up nicely, but the basket doesn't fully go into the gap as the speaker basket is a bit too wide. Looks like I'll have to do some modding to cut the stock 6.5" rear speaker pods.

I'm now looking at cutting the rear plastic speaker pods with this trick using a blade shaped soldering iron point:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/854340...c_like_butter/
To ensure a clean cut of the speaker pod and not destroy it completely!

[oZexi]

Front speaker and amp install

Splits, amp and cables are ready to go! Just not the install bit yet.
I'm thinking of ordering some A pillar mirror covers to make some custom pods.

[darkfusion42]

sounds good so far! A tip on the speaker wires and connectors, you can purchase speaker harnesses from metra for around $12 US a pair. Keeps factory harness intact with no cutting.

[sonikaccord]

Nice. I would suggest putting the tweeters in to the sail panels. How are you going to run the wires?

[oZexi]

Nice. I would suggest putting the tweeters in to the sail panels. How are you going to run the wires?

I've just spent some of today planning the cables.

I'm currently scratching my head on how to lay the power cable from the battery to the firewall without it rubbing against moving/vibrating parts and also fix them. I might see if I can get some clips at a hardware shop that hold the cable in place or use ghetto cable ties. =(

The power will be on the LHS (passenger side for AusDM model).

The RCA's, speaker cable and headunit trigger cable on the RHS (driver's side).

All will be underneath the carpet and the amplifier will be located under the driver's seat.

Is this okay?

[sonikaccord]

Yes that's perfectly fine.

[n1ce_hat]

Nice upgrade. I like the double-din kit with the little slot at the bottom, when I got my deck installed in my Buick (R.I.P.) they used a slot adapter that put the deck in the middle with no slot, I felt ticked off because the car had no storage areas to begin with. I'm sure there was a reason.

[nicko]

sounds awesome mate. i cant wait to see pics of it all installed! im still rockin the 'before' picture stereo so you can help me with mine when youre done

[NEXVCTM]

Nice upgrade. I like the double-din kit with the little slot at the bottom, when I got my deck installed in my Buick (R.I.P.) they used a slot adapter that put the deck in the middle with no slot, I felt ticked off because the car had no storage areas to begin with. I'm sure there was a reason.

X2