Advice on new stereo install in a P5

[allenpg]

I just got a new 2003 Protege5--it rocks! I want to remove the stock HU and speakers, which I think sound like a $10 boombox; and, replace them with an aftermarket stereo from my old Sentra SE. BTW, I want to thank everyone for their posts on this site, there's lots of great info; however, I still have a few questions and need some advice:

1) Is there a site that visually shows the stock radio removal? I noticed that http://www.astolfo.com/p5/p5install.asp is no longer running.

2) Also, I found a great post for removing the back door panels, but is there one for the front doors?

3) I have a JVC KD-SH55 HU, 4 Polk 6.5" speakers (can't remember model #), and a Kenwood powered subwoof (again, can't remember model) to install. Based on previous posts, it looks as if there are the materials I need to get (I'm looking at SoundDomain):

-Scosche MA1537 (install kit)
-Scosche MA03 (harness)
-Scosche SA68 (6" x 8" to 6.5" adaptors for front speakers)

From the previous posts, I imagine I'll need to drill into the speakers to get the screws to align for the back doors.

I've installed a few HU before, but never speakers, so I appreciate any advice you might have. Thanks!

-Pete

 

[mtnbiker26]

1) Stock radio removal is pretty simple, just pop off the vertical plastic pieces on the sides of the face of the radio (they pull straight out away from the radio, just be gentle) and use the home-made wire coathanger tools listed in the sticky tread at the top of the car audio forum. I used a bench grinder to make a rounded point on the tips of the tools so that it would engage easier. If you get a flashlight you can actually stick your head down by the gas pedal and look up at the back of the radio and see the tool engaging the release clips on the driver's side of the radio. The opposite side of the radio releases the same way but you can't see up there. I would also recommend using some electrical tape to mask the silver trim around the radio so that you won't scratch it with the coathanger or the radio itself when you pull it out.

2) Here's a link to some basic instructions for removing the front door panels.
http://www.protege5online.com/Tech_Help/Audio/Speakers/speakers.html

Here's another link to some decent pics of component speaker installation up front.
http://www.protegemp3.com/vbb225/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14121

The MA03 harness does work but there are no dimmer or illumination wires. It shouldn't be an issue though because you're using an aftermarket HU.

 

[1sty]

I would just use 2 sets of ford radio removal tools for the radio.
Much easier and thats how it is designed to me bemoved.

Also use masking tape as eletrical and leave some real b**** smudges.

 

[porkcrackers]

Just my 2 cents, a lot of peeps here have gone to the trouble of fitting 6.5's into the 6x8 cutouts in the front. IMO if you get a kick ass 5x7 or 6x8 to drop in the front stocks, it's going to sound a lot fuller than the 6.5's. I speak from experience. I have a nice setup in my PR5. I listened to both sizes in the fronts to make sure..and there was no question...6.5's had to go back in their boxes!

 

[1sty]

Just my 2 cents, a lot of peeps here have gone to the trouble of fitting 6.5's into the 6x8 cutouts in the front. IMO if you get a kick ass 5x7 or 6x8 to drop in the front stocks, it's going to sound a lot fuller than the 6.5's. I speak from experience. I have a nice setup in my PR5. I listened to both sizes in the fronts to make sure..and there was no question...6.5's had to go back in their boxes!

I would agree but I still do find the SQ of a 6.5 superior to the 6x8.

Also I think alot fo people just have the 6.5"s from other cars or its just that 6.5" components are much more aboundandt, especialy in higher line audio, then are 6x8 components.

 

[chuyler1]

I'm still curious about those 5x7 JL Audio Components...They seem identical to the 6.5" ones.