Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Sub power wire through the firewall?

I thought I had found the answer to this question a while back, but can't find it now.

My new sub recommends connecting directly to the battery. How can I get the power wire through the firewall? There doesn't seem to be a good place that I can use where other wires/hoses are currently running.

Any ideas?

When I ran mine ( 4 gauge) I looked at the firewall just above and to the left of the Brake pedal (from the inside) and their was a hole, but it was only on the inside. I drilled it thru and made it a tiny bit bigger, and got a snug fit for 4 gauge.

If you don't have an SVT, you can go through the rubber teardrop in the firewall. If you have an SVT, do as bkent said, it was fairly easy. bkent, call me so we can set up a time to finish the box.

If you remove the plastic cowl under the driver's windshield wiper, there are 2 grommits that work great. The power cable would enter the cabin above and to the right of the fuse box.

on my 95, there was about a 1" hole factory drilled in the firewall with carpet stuff covering it, it is reall easy to go through that (it is right behind the steering column

Ok, I've done searches and looked over the entire board. I have a manual transmission...don't know if that makes a difference.

First, the teardrop shaped opening has to cables going through it. A 1" diameter one in the wide part, and a .5" one towards the top. I removed the foam around the cables and saw that there is no room to get an opening, since there is a plastic flange or border around the cables. Does anyone know what I am talking about?

Second, I'm going to look at going through the wiper grill. It seems the wipers have to come off to get the grill off. I removed the nut that holds the wiper on, but can't seem to get the wiper to come off. Do you just pull straight up? I couldn't do it by hand, but thought about takeing pliers and trying it. Any thoughts?

I'll also try the grommit behind the steering column tonight. Should I be able to see the opening from the engine side, or do I need to remove the carpet and insulation to see the opening from the passenger compartment.

Thanks everyone for your help. I was able to replace the door speakers myself (only broke 1 sail panel trying to get that screw cap off though). Once I get that power wire through, I can install the subwoofer myself. And eventually I can replace the HU. Even though I have a double engineering degreee, I feel so stupid that this stuff is not as easy as it should be. I really appreciate a place like this where people are willing to help.

I had to really work to get my wiper arm off, but it does lift straight off. I applied WD-40,grabbed the wiper arm, and rocked it back and forth to work it loose. The reason it is hard to get off is because the wiper "post" has grooves in it that grip the wiper arm. Have patience... it will let go!

Good luck

Thanks guys. I removed the wipers and grill and found an easy way to go through. I'm kicking myself for not also changing the air filter while I was in there. I was eager to finish up with the install. Oh well.

I really appreciate everyone's help.