Aviator 902S

Most of us who own Series 3 (ie: '84 and '85 model) RX7s are familiar with the one-size-fits-none adapter plates available from aftermarket car stereo shops. These are used to both accomodate the new deck and to fill the gaping hole left by the much larger stock deck. Even though they don't look state-of-the-art they do get the job done.

But there's one thing some of us may not be aware of, and that's the aftermarket harnesses available from such places as A&B Sound, Future Shop, Visions, etc. These are supposed to just plug into the existing male plugs from the stock wiring, ie: just plug and play--- no extra wiring required. By simply telling the clerk what make, model and year your car is you can fork over a measily $15 and save yourself some installation hassle.

At least that's the theory. Reality is somewhat less encouraging. The one we just purchased for my wife's '85 GSL doesn't even come close, even though A&B Sound claimed it was exactly what we need. First, the stock color codes are out-dated and non-standard. This would be no problem if the plugs matched but they don't. In fact, there aren't even enough receptacles in the stock plugs to accomodate the necessary extra wires of the aftermarket (Sony) deck.

This means we must now use our own aftermarket speaker wiring and route it to each speaker using time we don't have--- in the dead of winter in an un-heated garage. And since I'd already spliced the harness onto the new deck I can't take it back for a refund. Even if I could the time and fuel burned to do so would eclipse the purchase price of the harness. I'm sure those who sell these useless pieces of crap know this and therefore can act with impunity.

So if stereo sales personnel try to sell you one of these harnesses, and they emphatically tell you that "this is what you need", remember: They are LYING to you. Boycott these bastards.

(end rant)

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

The factory speaker wires all terminate with the stock amplifiers, in the rear bins. Just run your speaker wiring to them, and your golden.

John64

Very true. If you are using an aftermarket headunit, you would have to run new speaker wires no matter what. You cannot send those powers signals from your new headunit into the old amplifiers.

MattG

iTrader: (2)

Yea I feel ya! those kits are a joke, I only used one of the plugs in that kit and that was for the constant power. I ran all new speaker wire, Some monster street cable 14g I believe. Its your best bet, I mean the stock speaker wire was a joke to begin with!

if your gonna upgrade your head unit might as well get some new speakers. Install took me about a couple hours. With tons of breaks

Aviator 902S

Yeah, I've installed many basic systems before now, and it's only a two-hour job at a leisurely pace to run the new wires directly to the speakers. I've always just by-passed the stock amp, and with 50+ watts per channel the aftermarket decks I buy have more than enough punch for my needs.

The problem with the above plan (ie: using the aftermarket harness) is that it did not deliver on its promise. Now I have to scare up a portable propane heater for the garage so that I can install the wiring. We just bought a house with a 28ft x 30ft heated garage, but we don't take posession until mid-may.

ratboy

iTrader: (1)

I had the same issues with a crutchfield harness in an 85 SE. I fugure it just comes with the territory in a 20 year old car with "premium sound" ...