let's strip her clean!

[noboost4you]

about to perform audio surgery on the ole' 97' eclipse. gonna wire her up from the HU back for subs; rcas, power, remote wires. i'm not a big fan of running wires on the side of the car, although there's nothing really wrong with it, i just think it's a half-ass job. so i'm going to remove all seats, console, and carpet to run the wires (separating the rcas and power) down the middle console.

my question is, since this is my first time removing everything on the inside of the car, what should i look for? anything tricky that should come my way? hhgregg installed my HU so I don't know how to remove the console area. so if someone could inform me on how to do that, or where and how many screws I should be looking to remove, that would be a great help. i can pretty much figure out everything else; seats, plastic panels, and carpet should be an easy removal. hopefully i don't have to hack the carpet any? also, are there any drain plugs near the battery so i don't have to drill a new hole to fit the power cable?

any suggestions for a quick and smooth removal and installation would be great. tia

 

[Attack Eagle]

Its pretty easy to remove the center console to pull the head unit

if I remember you have to pull the trim piece around the radio, remove the shift knob (on a 5speed) pull the center ashtray/ pocket thingie to get to the screws and remove the console. I think you have to run the seats all the wat up to get to two in the back also.

One point of concern.

How are you going to hide the wires if you run them up the console?
They will be right in the middle of the seat and would bulge out in the front there and would be in the middle of the cushion too.

Thats why I ran mine down the sides becasue they can be tucked behind the side plastic.

There is a grommet on the pass side of the firewall but having an N/T your battery is on the drivers side.
You probably want to use that same side for power and that will give plenty of room on the pass side for all wiring and rcas. Some I think have used the steering boot.

 

[Hammer_Gaidin]

I was ripping out the dash and I can't figure out how to get the thermal controls our. Help

 

[VOTBLINDUB]

removing it is simple, take out the plastic panel that surrounds the HVAC controlls. It will pop out, its held in by fasteners, theres no screws. Behind it you will find 2 screws on each side, about in the middle or it, right up against the sides. Take those out, they hold the top of the center panel. Next, move your seats all the way forward. Behind them you will find a screw on the side of the center console panel, remove those. You should have 4 screws in your pocket. If its an automatic car, pull up the E-brake and put the car in neutral, so when u remove the panel it doesnt snag on the shifter. If its manual, just pull up the E-brake handle and pull up on the panel. The cigartte lighter ring should be pushed inside or u can just pull out the wires from it, then connect them back onto it, mark what one is which. Youre done Put it back the same, just 4 screws and then HVAC panel. Hope it turns out well. If you got more questions PM me, I can help you out Good luck!

 

[noboost4you]

Everything was a success. Looked for screws, and popped everything out. Ran all wires down the center with no bulging under the carpet. Never knew two 12s would sound so good in this car. I was, and still am, quite shocked at how nice it sounded

Thanks

 

[Attack Eagle]

really glad to hear it.
Hatchbacks always sound great with any sub, 2 12's must be incredible!

 

[VOTBLINDUB]

good to hear it went fine, thats just great. our cars are shaped pretty nice inside for sound. 2 12's will thump. i've got one and it hammers, just depends on what kind you get, ya know? I've got a W7 12 movin around in my trunk, so obviously it's loud as a mofo and just as clean. lets see some pics