Radio Installation - '86 C/10 SWB

[VeeTwin60]

Hey Guys,

I've looked around, but really didn't find an answer to my question.

I'm working on the wiring (already got it installed in the dash).  The vehicle harness has a black connector with a yellow, black, and gray wire.  From what I can see, the yellow is +12VDC w/ignition on, the black is actually a ground, and the gray is not needed, as the after market head unit is always illuminated.

1st... is this correct so far?

2nd - where do I get the constant +12VDC for the head unit's memory?

Now, for the speakers - I've got a pair of 6-1/2's, and a pair of 6x9's.  I'm putting the 6x9's in the back, but would get better sound from enclosures, or getting the adapter to mount them in the stock locations in the corners?

The 6-1/2's are going up front.  I do like the kick panel installation idea, but I've also seen people put them in the doors.  Which is the better route?

I know it is a lot of questions, but I do appreciate it.

[werewolfx13]

Put the 6.5" in kickpanel enclosures if possible, doors are pretty wet, not well located, and tend to resonate a lot.

Build some 6x9 truck wedges (upright instead of laying down) and put them as far into the corners as you can, preferably angled inwards a little. Build them out of 5/8" MDF if possible, or 5/8" particle board, but **DO NOT** use OSB(Blandex, the stuff with the big chips of wood pressed together) or plywood, as both can resonate and really hurt your sound quality. Plywood is more prone to resonating than OSB, but OSB can still buzz pretty bad. Also, keep your fader set toward the front, for proper soundstaging, you want minimal sound over 80hz behind you, just enough for slight fill. Really, the rear speakers aren't neccessary in a regular cab truck if you use 6.5s in your kick panels, especially if they're components.
I use 6x9s behind my seat for two reasons..A. My subs are too deep to run in the truck without losing leg room, so I needed all the midbass I could get to offset it, and B. I don't have kickpanel speakers, just a set of 3.5" aftermarket speakers in the dash.

I forget what wire I used for the ign on power, I tapped into a battery hot terminal in the fuse panel for the memory/power lead. Keep in mind, the "memory" wire is the MAIN source of power for the head unit, not just for memory, so don't skimp on the wiring. You can go light on the ign hot wire, since it works like triggering a relay.

[Leevon]

You're right about the wiring.  Yellow is switched 12V.  There are several 12V constant orange wires in the fuse block to use.  I chose a single orange wire coming from the fuse block and just tapped into it up high and out of sight with a 5V in-line fuse.  And the black is ground, unlike new vehicles where it is often anything but ground.  I did not need the gray wire for illumination either. 

I just did an install in my '87 last week and boy what a mess.  The PO had it so hacked up they lost track and ran house speaker wire with alligator clips!

Good luck! 

Constant 12V+ Orange 
Switched 12V+ Yellow 
Ground Black 
Illumination Gray 
Dimmer Brown 
Antenna Right Front 
Front Speakers 3 1/2" Dash
Left Front (+) Tan 
Left Front (-) Gray 
Right Front (+) Light Green 
Right Front (-) Dark Green 
Rear Speakers 4" x 10" Rear Kick
Left Rear (+) Brown 
Left Rear (-) Yellow 
Right Rear (+) Dark Blue 
Right Rear (-) Light Blue 

[VeeTwin60]

Thanks guys.  Very informative answers.

I went with enclosures for the 6x9's, and I'm going to wait until I can get the kick panel enclosures to install the 6-1/2's.

[VeeTwin60]

Got it installed.  Thank you for your help.

Everything works great except for the left front speaker.  I double checked the wiring and connections, but no luck.  I actually am not too worried about it though, as I'll be running new wiring when I redo the interior and install the kickpanel housings.

[choptop]

I may have missed something, but didn't see where you hooked up the constant hot for the new stereo. If you just hook up the switched power, then you will have to reset your channels and time everytime you start the truck. I usually tap the constant power source off of the cigarette light. ( I don't smoke cigarettes, just my tires)

[VeeTwin60]

I ran it into a constant on the fuse panel.