Possible amp and sub placement?

[Psittac]

I spend a lot of time in my vue for work so I have decided to put money into the sound system. I have a new head unit and front components. I am thinking about potentially adding an amp to my components and/or adding a sub/amp combo. The problem is that I regularly use the entire back for work, seats down often and everything moves around.

1. Any unique ideas of putting a sub somewhere it won't be in the way?

2. Where do I mount an amp for the components?

[amarv12]

I'm pretty fond of the placement that I went with:

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=194195

Even if you mount the sub elsewhere, that area down there is great for an amp. You would have to consider adding new floor supports to support the load floor if you remove significant amounts of the foam though. And there is always the stock location of the sub, where the milk jug holder thing is.

[Ikiris]

Could also do what I did! I found the Stock Amp/sub online and went and picked it up not too far away. I did not use the amp, but the sub/box/interior quarter panel and it looks and sounds great. I have a small aftermarket amp powering the stock sub. Am looking to replace both in the coming months. Didn't think I would like an 8 inch sub so much!

[Ikiris]

Would look like this! http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/dat...4subwoofer.jpg

[Psittac]

I really like both of those ideas, I can see myself still being able to load tools and what not in each situation. Thanks for the ideas.

[Ikiris]

Originally Posted by Psittac

I really like both of those ideas, I can see myself still being able to load tools and what not in each situation. Thanks for the ideas.

Forgot to mention, I mounted the amp underneath the removable cover. The one you have to take off first before the fold-able grocery holder one. So basically just slightly under the rear seat. If you can find the stock sub/box and the interior panel, I highly suggest this route as it is the cleanest look. Just make sure the sub/box comes with the mount and nuts!

[lord_varon]

Ikiris,
That factory design looks interesting.. My problem is that I have both of the 'milk jug' holder pockets behind the wheel wells full of 'Just in case' tools and fluids and the such. So I couldn't get the factory design setup without losing that capability. And that is something I won't do. There are those two little pockets under the back seats, but the drivers side has the xm system in it. I would probably go with a small amp and 8" sub under the passenger side back seat myself if it would fit. But honestly I don't see myself updating the system any time soon. Would rather add a backup camera and removable GPS to the car... Got my eyes on one, just need tires and a few other things first.


John..

[Ikiris]

Originally Posted by lord_varon

Ikiris,
That factory design looks interesting.. My problem is that I have both of the 'milk jug' holder pockets behind the wheel wells full of 'Just in case' tools and fluids and the such. So I couldn't get the factory design setup without losing that capability. And that is something I won't do. There are those two little pockets under the back seats, but the drivers side has the xm system in it. I would probably go with a small amp and 8" sub under the passenger side back seat myself if it would fit. But honestly I don't see myself updating the system any time soon. Would rather add a backup camera and removable GPS to the car... Got my eyes on one, just need tires and a few other things first.


John..

Have you ever removed both floor panels from the back? Tons of space for "just in case" items. I keep a lot of items in there, jumper cables, tire foam, oil, tools, and the spare tire of course!

As for your reverse camera. I have a Pioneer AppRadio 3 installed in my Vue, and it has the option for rearview so i bought a cheapy license plate mount camera. Not liking the whole design of it, I removed the camera from the mount and took a look. Just so happens under our SATURN logo on the hatch are the pieces of plastic that it supports it. Turns out they were the exact measurement apart for me to nicely tuck the camera in just by drilling two holes to put the camera tabs into.

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...7&postcount=19


Link to the camera on ebay.

http://www.ebay.ca/sch/sis.html?_nkw...d=310974533342

Actually now that I look over the thread I pulled that from you were there! haha

[lord_varon]

Ikiris,
I have seen those areas, would use them for the amp maybe, but I carry stuff in the cargo area a lot and wouldn't want to have to unload it to get to tools underneath the cover.
And I remember that conversation on the rear view camera.... I am looking at one from Navsgo that is the little pod type to mount up under chrome bar above the license plate... Back up can and 7" GPS with touch screen $170.00. Seeing as I don't have the full OnStar system for the turn by turn directions.

[Psittac]

I just purchased that camera, the head unit I just installed has a plug for one, just didn't know you could get one that cheap.

also I just popped out my tweeter in order to start on my components and well..... it's not a direct swap so i'm gonna need to put some time into it. Any advice you guys may have would be appreciated.

Ikiris: I thought about putting an 8" sub under the rear bench but assumed it wasn't a big enough opening, not to mention building a box that will fit.

I don't want head pounding bass or even something loud, just a fuller sound experience. An 8" sub or two should get that done I'd imagine.

Any thoughts on an amp for the components down the road? Would I mount that under a seat and run all new wires under the carpet?

I can't find a stock sub anywhere online, no idea where else to look.

I'm going to look at that removable panel in the back, maybe do something like what you did ikiris but perhaps put them facing up with a really strong cover ontop of them, that way the speakers won't get in the way when I load a furnace.

[Ikiris]

Originally Posted by Psittac

I just purchased that camera, the head unit I just installed has a plug for one, just didn't know you could get one that cheap.

also I just popped out my tweeter in order to start on my components and well..... it's not a direct swap so i'm gonna need to put some time into it. Any advice you guys may have would be appreciated.

Ikiris: I thought about putting an 8" sub under the rear bench but assumed it wasn't a big enough opening, not to mention building a box that will fit.

I don't want head pounding bass or even something loud, just a fuller sound experience. An 8" sub or two should get that done I'd imagine.

Any thoughts on an amp for the components down the road? Would I mount that under a seat and run all new wires under the carpet?

I can't find a stock sub anywhere online, no idea where else to look.

I'm going to look at that removable panel in the back, maybe do something like what you did ikiris but perhaps put them facing up with a really strong cover ontop of them, that way the speakers won't get in the way when I load a furnace.

The camera wiring was the most difficult, I had to extend a couple wires. I removed the interior hatch panel and even the wiper motor to run the wires nicely up and through the stock grommet at the top, then over and down to the right rear light to get my reverse light power, then down the passenger side to the stereo. Since it is an ebay cheapy, and living in Canada, the camera stops functioning at certain, frigid temperatures.


For your components. I have not switched mine out. I believe you can find some mounting kits online, as the stock 6.5 inch speakers are in a plastic housing that hold the speaker out a bit, and mounting the speaker directly to the door frame is a bad idea.

For the component amp, That sounds like a great idea. I know if you had the upgraded stereo, the stock amp was under the right rear passenger seat. If there is enough room there, wouldn't be a bad idea. If not, try under that panel in the rear, you'll see there is a lot of wasted space there.

8 inch sub is perfect, I like my sound for me, not for the neighbours and other motorists to hear. Try the wreckers in your area, It may take a bit of time to find, but is completely worth it, as the stock sub can be removed from the box and updated.

Good luck!