Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Help me mount some amps (not contour related)

Ok, so I have an old 92 exploder that I use as my daily driver, and also a work vehicle. Since i'm soon selling my car, i'll be spending more time in it than ever. The stock stereo is garbage. I've upgraded the HU so i can play cd's...but the stock amp is still in place (long story!) and stock speakers as well. Atleast one speaker is blown or somehow damaged, and the rest sound like crap anyway.

So, I'm gong to pick up some speakers and decent amps on ebay, as well as a fairly cheap HU with all the correct outputs for connecting through an amp.

1st question, any recommendations for HU? Preferrably something less than $150. Clarion?? Whatever will work. I don't care how pretty it is, as long as it works.

2nd question, Space is a big issue here - believe it or not. Since it's a work car, I often have to carry "stuff." I need to keep the cargo area open. A sub box isn't a big deal, since i can just unplug it and put it away if i need to. But anyway, I can't mount the amps to the back seat, because i'll be needing to fold the seats down and use that storage space as well. I contemplated mounting them under the reas seat, which would work, but i wouldn't be able to fold the seats down. Under the driver/passenger seats is no good because people would kick them.

The only spot I can think of where I really wouldn't sacrifice cargo space, is the ceiling, over the rear cargo area. I don't care about drilling holes in the roof, the truck is old and crappy. It's also good for accessability, and it'd make it easier to keep the power and speaker wires seperated.

My main concern is leaks. I'd be looking to run a few bolts through the roof, into a piece of plywood, and mount the amps to that. Any idea's on what kind of bolts and other things i should use to prevent leaks? I was thinking some sort of bolt with a flat bottom on the head, like a carriage bolt, and a rubber washer...or some sort of rubber membrane, as well as silicone between it, the roof and the bolt. Any input is greatly appreciated.

as long as it's sealed properly, i don't see the problem.

Thinking it through more thoroughly, i might be able to fab up something that will let me mount them in the desired spot without making holes in the roof. Have to do some homework...

Beater or not, Carriage bolts through the roof is well, redneck installation. Mounting an amp upside down may cause it to run hot, but I suppose you will have adequate room for ventillation. If you must mount to the roof, remove part of the headliner and use some subflooring glue that can be used for wood and metal. Don't be shy with it, I think that would be better then carriage bolts. No rust or water damage down the road.

Please dont mount them on the roof! Not only would it be more work to run the wires to there, it would look f*#&$n stupid. Mount under the seat, do it right, and save yourself from any malfunctions in the long run

can't you mount them to the sides of the cargo area? i can't imagine that would take up too much room.

not really, i there's the 2 tire humps, plus with them sticking out i'd have to worry about boxes and stuff smashing into them, or build a box around them and lose more space...tough dilemma huh??

got a digital camera? maybe snap some pics so we can get some ideas....

ask and ye shall receive:





i can't really find anything with a pic of the ceiling online, if you want i can probably get one with the digi-cam tomorrow.


the pic isn't my car, but that's what the interior looks like. I'm open to all idea's, but i really don't see the problem with poking some holes, there's already a luggage rack on the roof that had to be attached somehow