A couple unclaimed in Tennessee
I wrapped up my head unit installation and 4 door speaker installation this afternoon.
There were a few issues I had, that may make someone else’s STi stereo install go smoother.
The installation instructions from Crutchfield are for a 2002 WRX, they were similar to the 2004 STi, but no where near exact. The install kit they sent me yielded nothing positive to the install, however the wiring harness adapter, speaker harness adapters and front door 3/4" risers were 100%.
The head unit (Single DIN) mounted perfectly into the factory bracket. No Trim bezels needed.
The antenna lead in the dash was completely out of sight. I was looking into the center dash for 15+ minutes thinking to myself that Subaru forgot it, when my wife who knows nothing about cars, reaches into the dash hole and pulls it right out. It turns out to be a thin black wire with the usual coax sleeve at the end. However it was tucked way in the back left of the hole. ?????
The next issue was removing the door panels. The crutchfield install notes give you a hint, but the hardest part is removing the door lever pull bezel. The one around the door opener and lock thingy. The plastic trim around this area is very easily scratched, so pry the bezel from the inside, not around the edge. I used a flat number 2 flat screwdriver and gently torked the bezel from the top around to the left. The front door panels easily popped off once the sail panel trim piece and the door pull pocket and the trim rings come off. I pried from the bottom and they came off with a tug.
The rear door panels have a extra plastic screw and retainer that needs to come out (both pieces) from the top edge in the area that meets the jam on the side edge of the door.
Due to the shallowness of the front door, you need a 3/4" speaker riser plate to lift the speaker out of the mounting hole. These of course needed to be cut around the top right and left to reduce the corners to 1/4" to fit the odd shape door frame.
I used a foam sleeve around all four speakers. With the abundance of tire and road noise that resonates through the car. They are a must.
The rear speakers went in without a problem. Although the typical four holes for the speaker lined up with the factory mounting square holes, which of course we missing the plastic retaining clip. How is that for Jap efficiency, don't put retainers in unless they are needed. I am glad there was freaking speaker wire there.
Speaking of speaker wire. The rear deck has two holes for speakers. They appear to be wired. I have not seen any postings about that. If someone knows or figures it out, please let me know what fits.
I am sure I am forgetting something, but this should cover the bigger issues.
I wrapped up my head unit installation and 4 door speaker installation this afternoon.
There were a few issues I had, that may make someone else’s STi stereo install go smoother.
The installation instructions from Crutchfield are for a 2002 WRX, they were similar to the 2004 STi, but no where near exact. The install kit they sent me yielded nothing positive to the install, however the wiring harness adapter, speaker harness adapters and front door 3/4" risers were 100%.
The head unit (Single DIN) mounted perfectly into the factory bracket. No Trim bezels needed.
The antenna lead in the dash was completely out of sight. I was looking into the center dash for 15+ minutes thinking to myself that Subaru forgot it, when my wife who knows nothing about cars, reaches into the dash hole and pulls it right out. It turns out to be a thin black wire with the usual coax sleeve at the end. However it was tucked way in the back left of the hole. ?????
The next issue was removing the door panels. The crutchfield install notes give you a hint, but the hardest part is removing the door lever pull bezel. The one around the door opener and lock thingy. The plastic trim around this area is very easily scratched, so pry the bezel from the inside, not around the edge. I used a flat number 2 flat screwdriver and gently torked the bezel from the top around to the left. The front door panels easily popped off once the sail panel trim piece and the door pull pocket and the trim rings come off. I pried from the bottom and they came off with a tug.
The rear door panels have a extra plastic screw and retainer that needs to come out (both pieces) from the top edge in the area that meets the jam on the side edge of the door.
Due to the shallowness of the front door, you need a 3/4" speaker riser plate to lift the speaker out of the mounting hole. These of course needed to be cut around the top right and left to reduce the corners to 1/4" to fit the odd shape door frame.
I used a foam sleeve around all four speakers. With the abundance of tire and road noise that resonates through the car. They are a must.
The rear speakers went in without a problem. Although the typical four holes for the speaker lined up with the factory mounting square holes, which of course we missing the plastic retaining clip. How is that for Jap efficiency, don't put retainers in unless they are needed. I am glad there was freaking speaker wire there.
Speaking of speaker wire. The rear deck has two holes for speakers. They appear to be wired. I have not seen any postings about that. If someone knows or figures it out, please let me know what fits.
I am sure I am forgetting something, but this should cover the bigger issues.
)
