Ultimate GU Stereo Installation - Lots of pics

[Flex]

I love my music and the patrol's factory stereo system wasn't doing it any justice. So I decided to upgrade it, which ended up replacing everything!!!

Prep & Wiring: I started with wiring an Aeropro adapter (for the patrol's factory stereo connector) to my new head units harness so I could simply plug it in. I planed to install an amplifier to power all the speakers however I found the factory speaker wire to be super thin (~0.3mm2). Then I found out that Nissan had used connectors on all the door grommet which made it impossible to pass speaker wires through them. I inspected on connector and found that there was empty cavities in it, so I tracked down the original terminals and added in new speaker wires into all the grommets. I obtain a bunch of connectors from the wreckers, however to remove the old wire from the terminals wasn't easy as the wires where professional crimped which is basically cold welded. So I had to cut the wires out with the dremel, see below pictures. Then I crimped & soldered the terminals onto my new speaker wire. I ended up using around 20m of speaker wire after I had installed all the wires for my tweeter split, sub woofer feed in the rear and all the door speakers.

Here I decided to dyna mat all my doors as I wanted the doors to have good mid bass. I bought a package of dyna mat and completely covered the inside of my doors. Then I noticed that the plastic waterproof liner that protected the door trim from water had been damage by the people who installed the window tints. So I thought why not replace it with dyna mat and turn my doors into speaker boxes. After another box of dyna mat I have completely covered the inside and trim side of my doors, see bellow for pictures. I still had to retain the speaker sheilds from the plastic liner as these are needed to protect the speakers from water coming through the window seals
It also made the doors sound like a European car when I shut them.

Amplifier
Where to installed the amp was another issues, I've seen people on the forum put it under the seat, but there's the possibility that it would get soaked during a water crossing, also in the back cabin area was another option but then you have to run speaker wires & RCAs all the way back then forward. I went hunting and found a 50mm space under the center console, this place was perfect, high, close to the head unit and center of all the speakers I went searching for an amplifier that would fit there and I came across a JL 5 channel amp which was really good as I would only need one amplifier. The only thing I had to do was to sand the injection molding peg under neath the center console bin. To mount the amplifier I used male Velcro to attached it to the carpet and foam on the bottom of the center console bin to apply pressure down once re-installed. (Hasn't moved a mm)

I couldn't find any RCA the size I needed so I made my own. I used Neutrik RCA connectors and Canare cable and red and white heatshrink added strain relief to the cables, see pictures

Speakers
For the rear doors I used Apline 6.5" Type R Coaxials. For the front I was going to used Apline Type R Slits, but after listen to the JL C5 splits I was sold. Much better mid to high end sound quality.

For the split's tweeters I wanted to use the Ti's factory A pillar mounts. I couldn't find any wreckers with a wrecked Ti GU 4+ so I had to buy the A pillar trims brand new. I machined down the JL tweeter mounts and mounted the tweeters with automotive grade double side tape, (see pictures) this stuff was like super glue.

The crossovers for the splits were another challenge as I didn't want to mount them too far from the speakers, I found a spot just be hide the bottom kick panels (under the auto computer on the passenger side and under my CB radio on the drivers side). I made some foam pockets for them to sit in so they wouldn't rattle.

I didn't go overboard with the subwoofer as I still wanted my cargo aera, I found this Pioneer 12" ported unit which wedged in just behide the 2nd row seats.

Headunit
I used an Apline single DIN head unit as I didn't want a touch screen unit. I bought a Aeropro Nissan pocket to fill the other DIN space, it didn't fit..... As much as I tried couldn't get it to mount correctly. I went to Nissan and they source me the pocket from the DX model pocket from my year and to my surprise it fit perfectly.
The whole stereo (head unit and amplifier) is powered off my second battery so I can't kill my start.
As I didn't need two cigarette lighter plugs I removed one and installed a USB socket with 3.5mm AUX in, see head unit picture.

Sound
So how does it sound, as it took me 3 months to install, absolutely fantastic!!! I don't even have to run any EQ!! Bass, treble all flat. Plus the dyna mat has made the car sound like it has a stock stereo from outside.

Wow that was alot of words, haven't written anything that long since university. Hope you guys can learn from this post.


http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0277.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0279.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0280.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0283.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/CIMG3877.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/CIMG3880.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/CIMG3881.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0272.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0291.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0371.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0378.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0376.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0402.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/CIMG3888.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0383.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0322.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0001.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC00352.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0049.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/DSC_0050.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/P1030769.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/P1030767.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/djflexdex/Patrol%20Stereo/P1030762.jpg

[Punderhead]

Wow man, a lot of work. I feel bad for just replacing my speakers and head unit now......

Aside from time, what would you say it cost you $$$$ wise?

[katwoman]

very nice job. Especially love the tweeters in the pillars.

[Hodge]

Bloody hell. That is some awesome audio work. Well done.

[Winnie]

Great work. Need to do this as I am still listening to paper speakers from Nissan... lmao
How did you go with putting the Dynamat inside the doors? Are you worried about it getting wet or holding water?

[TPC]

Very professional job, well done.

Has it improved the off road ability? :)

[BigRAWesty]

How did you go with putting the Dynamat inside the doors? Are you worried about it getting wet or holding water?

The dynamat is a solid rubber layer so no chance of it absorbing water.
If you install it over the drain holes in the bottom of the door then that's a different issue and id say the water would then be trapped.
I installed mine all 1' from the bottom of the door. So if anything pools it has a bit before it touches.
But in saying that even the foam I used is closed cell so won't absorb the water.

[Winnie]

The dynamat is a solid rubber layer so no chance of it absorbing water.
If you install it over the drain holes in the bottom of the door then that's a different issue and id say the water would then be trapped.
I installed mine all 1' from the bottom of the door. So if anything pools it has a bit before it touches.
But in saying that even the foam I used is closed cell so won't absorb the water.

I definitely want to Dynamat the doors when I get around to doing the stereo. How hard was it to cover the inside of the door? Not much access room. Just cut into small pieces and do it that way?

[Flex]

Thanks guys for the praise.

The dyna mat doesn't hold water as biggqwesty stated. It's basically tar with an aluminium backing and I didn't cover up the drain holes in the bottom of the doors. It wasn't too hard to install the dyna inside the doors. Just had to cut it into smaller pieces, say 300 * 300mm

Well the stereo installation has increased the weight of my Patrol, which goes against off road ability. But doesn't every mod we do increase weight. :wink:

As for cost I'll try to sum it up tonight and post a list of gear I used.

[BigRAWesty]

I definitely want to Dynamat the doors when I get around to doing the stereo. How hard was it to cover the inside of the door? Not much access room. Just cut into small pieces and do it that way?

I wiped my doors out with soapy water then metho. Don't use kero..

And the halved the sheets so they fit in nicer. I pre pealed the top couple of inches and peeled and stuck as I went. With the window up and all electronics out its not to bad in the gq.
A bit more cutting and shaping in the rears of course.

[megatexture]

But doesn't ever mod we do increase weight. :wink:

.

I pulled out my dickie seats lol ftw . Nice write up it looks like its come up a treat

[mullet_hunter]

good job cobber... love the pics.. just rewiring mine at the moment.. won't be as flash as ur number tho...

[MEGOMONSTER]

Great job.
You obviously love doing it.
Spent a lot of hours on it.

[Flex]

Here's a list of all the gear I used:


Apline Head Unit: $320
Nissan DX single DIN pocket: $40
Custom RCA Leads: $74
USB Socket: $30
Nissan Radio adaptor: $12 (Nissan part number: 68475-3U000)
JL 5 Channel Amplifier: 650
DC Power cable: $40
Speaker Cable: $50
Nissan Connector (from wreckers): $50
Dynamat: $320
JL CS5 Splits: $680
Apline Type R Coaxials: $160
Pioneer Subwoofer: $50 (second hand)
Ti A pillar trims: $190 (Nissan part number: 76912-VD260 and 76911-VD260)
Miscellaneous items (crimps, tape, cables ties, split tube, etc.): $60

Total: $2046

[threedogs]

great job and write up, thanks for the detailed instructions
2 thumbs up

[Winnie]

Do you think one box of Dynamat would do the inside and outside of the front doors only?

[Winnie]

Are you worried about the service holes in the doors being covered now?

[Flex]

One of the larger boxes of dyna mat should cover the front doors inside and out. The problem is that the Patrol front doors are longer than most cars, so you have to use alot more dyna mat to cover them.

Before I covered the inside of the doors, I greased the gears for the electric windows and door locks and torqued all the bolts up. However if something does go wrong (touch wood) you can just use a hair dryer on the dyna mat to remove it.

[Winnie]

One of the larger boxes of dyna mat should cover the front doors inside and out. The problem is that the Patrol front doors are longer than most cars, so you have to use alot more dyna mat to cover them.

Before I covered the inside of the doors, I greased the gears for the electric windows and door locks and torqued all the bolts up. However if something does go wrong (touch wood) you can just use a hair dryer on the dyna mat to remove it.

Thanks mate. Looking at doing this job some time so this thread has been great.

[mullet_hunter]

Doing the inside of the doors... worth the extra effort?

[Winnie]

Sorry for the 50 questions but when covering those service holes did you just stick the dynamat straight over them or did you cover them up with something first? I see a lot of people cover them with some thin mdf

[Flex]

When I covered up the service holes I stuck some of the old plastic liner so nothing would stick to the dyna mat.

[Winnie]

When I covered up the service holes I stuck some of the old plastic liner so nothing would stick to the dyna mat.

Great, cheers.

[threedogs]

Awesme job Flex feel free to pop over and wire up my amp,
everything is here,ready to go lol
Going to remove the amp from the cargo barrier to under the front left seat.
Makes sense less wire

OOI what side of Melb you on??

[Flex]

Under the seat is a good place, however it's not very flat as the rear air vent ducts are located there. You may need to make a shelf.....

I'm located in Greensborough, Melbourne

[threedogs]

ok not far away now with the ring road Im over Deer Park way.
Ill remove the seat and see where I can make some brackets fit

[lucus30]

What about if your car goes swimming 3d's? Id put mine under the seat but worried that it might go for a swim one day

[threedogs]

such is life, wow you going through some deep water to get that high,
I dont do bog holes way too expensive so it would only be river crossings.
Plan is not to get it wet, but my cargo barrier is only a half cage so its mounted shoulder height atm.
did flood the other 4x4 a few times I must admit, any suggestions

[Winnie]

I will be putting mine either on the cargo barrier or screw it to the back of the drawers.

[lucus30]

Yeah I like the under the seat idea. Least then the Ms won't see it and ask when i got it ha ha

[Punderhead]

Yeah I like the under the seat idea. Least then the Ms won't see it and ask when i got it ha ha

Just dirty the box, hide it in the garage, pull it out and go look honey, I bought this years ago, and forgot all about it! (Works with other mods too, just not all at once!)

With regards to under the seat I wouldn't put mine there because I always seem to drag a lot of mud into the footwell. And don't really want to kick any underneath.

Cheers

[lucus30]

Just dirty the box, hide it in the garage, pull it out and go look honey, I bought this years ago, and forgot all about it! (Works with other mods too, just not all at once!)

With regards to under the seat I wouldn't put mine there because I always seem to drag a lot of mud into the footwell. And don't really want to kick any underneath.

Cheers

ha ha I like your thinking. Might have to wait a bit I'm already in trouble for buying a new drill and impact driver

[TD42_PWR]

Here's a list of all the gear I used:


Apline Head Unit: $320
Nissan DX single DIN pocket: $40
Custom RCA Leads: $74
USB Socket: $30
Nissan Radio adaptor: $12
JL 5 Channel Amplifier: 650
DC Power cable: $40
Speaker Cable: $50
Nissan Connector (from wreckers): $50
Dynamat: $320
JL CS5 Splits: $680
Apline Type R Coaxials: $160
Pioneer Subwoofer: $50 (second hand)
Ti A pillar trims: $190
Miscellaneous items (crimps, tape, cables ties, split tube, etc.): $60

Total: $2046

where did you get the pillar trims? i have a set of splits id like to put in my truck and i was trying to decide where to mount the tweeters, i like the look of those pillar trims

[poindexter]

where did you get the pillar trims? i have a set of splits id like to put in my truck and i was trying to decide where to mount the tweeters, i like the look of those pillar trims

yes I'm interested in the trims too.
no luck on ebay as yet.
I suspect it will be a dealer sourced item.

[rjo89]

He mentioned in the first post that they are Ti A-pillar trims and that he couldn't find Series 4 pillars at a wrecker, so they had to be bought new. Dealer sourced I guess.

[blocko05]

great job, thanks for sharing

[threedogs]

a mate of mine has his tweeters in the top of the door card or what ever its called.
In the padded section up near the rear view mirror, looks good there

[Flex]

The A Pillar trims are from the Ti version (as the Ti had splits). Part numbers are 76912-VD260 and 76911-VD260. These part numbers are for GU6, should fit anything from GU4 to latest (unless Nissan changed them post GU6) Cost around $100 each

You will still need to mount the tweeters to the body as the trim only have a grill. Also note that there isn't much room between the body and the grills so you need to get very thin tweeters, I think around 18mm from memory.

[Flex]

Just found the part number for the DX single DIN radio pocket that I used: 68475-3U000

[Navarra]

Flex, Thank so much for sharing all your knowledge on your mod. There is so much I can pick from your experience.

I have just started on a project to upgrade my audio systems ( a 2001 Patrol GU). I am putting in a Alpine 2-din head-unit and replace the front speakers with a split component speakers, its an Alpine SPR-60C. Got the head-unit installed yesterday and now working on the speakers. I am planning to install the tweeters on the pillar trim. Will be drilling a hole on it and flush mount. I hope there is enough room between the trim and body. I can appreciate why you choose to get a TI trim. The tweeter need a 18.3mm clearance.

[threedogs]

Flex, Thank so much for sharing all your knowledge on your mod. There is so much I can pick from your experience.

I have just started on a project to upgrade my audio systems ( a 2001 Patrol GU). I putting in a Alpine 2-din head-unit and replace the front speaker with a split component speakers, its an Alpine SPR-60C. Got the head-unit in yesterday and now working on the speakers. I am planning to install the tweeters on the pillar trim. Will be drilling a hole on it and flush mount. I hope there is enough room.

Hi Navarra no harm done but can you pop over to the intros
and tell us a bit about yourself, just something the Forum
asks of us all, Polite and all

[Navarra]

Hi Navarra no harm done but can you pop over to the intros
and tell us a bit about yourself, just something the Forum
asks of us all, Polite and all

Oops, done :smile:

[Zoc]

Where did you route the power cable through the firewall for your amp?

[Flex]

I routed all my cables through the passenger side factory grommet. You have to un-tape it in the engine bay to get the cables through, which is very hard. Another option is to use the manual pedal hole if you have an auto.

[Spiv]

After reading all the useful posts, I set about installing new front speakers and tweeters in my GU Y61
While at the end I am happy with the result, I also made a couple of mistakes that I am about to describe hoping to help others not do the same......

After unscrewing the fitting between the door and the car where all cables go through, I realised that there is a multi-pin plug that precludes passing another cable through, so I decided to put the tweeters in the door.

Not knowing how to remove the door trin I made a couple of mistakes:

I removed this trim which is not necessary to do.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74981&stc=1

Then I pried open the window switch instead of just removing the two screws and subsequently lost a 3mm ball bearing.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74980&stc=1

After that I drilled thehole for the tweeter:
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74988&stc=1
And installed it:
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74986&stc=1

Then drilled 10mm hole to pass the cable to the speaker gain control box:
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74987&stc=1

and fitted the box:
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74985&stc=1
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74984&stc=1

Before reinstalling the door trim, I tightened all screws in the panel behind that were all loose (two had fallen to the bottom of the door:
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74983&stc=1

Before reinstalling the door trim and the speaker, I put some shock cord in the old, stretched, elastic mesh:
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=74989&stc=1

[Green Ti_gress]

Great job Flex. Looks awesome 👏