'88 Convertible Build (PNW)
04-14-14, 02:38 PM
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'88 Convertible Build (PNW)
Hello everyone! Thought I'd finally share my experience working on this car, it's been my pride and joy since I got it, and it's been my first real car experience. It's the first car I've personally purchased, and truly worked on.
That said, I've been working on cars for about a year now, and I don't have any formal training or experience, so I'm a bit of a noob when it comes down it; that said I love it, and I'm always looking to learn and experience more, so here's what I've done, all comments, suggestions, criticisms and support are welcome! If any of the information or ideas I've used help anyone, then I'm extremely happy with that and would be glad to help if you have any questions regarding what I've done!
Pics When I First Got Her (after a nice wash, clay bar and wax):
Work Done So Far:
Custom Audio System:
Having a convertible meant being "blessed" with the headrest speakers (that didn't work), the door speakers and front speakers, all controlled by the stock cd/cassette/radio (of which only the radio worked, and cassette intermittently). What I've done is removed all of that, including the amplifiers and eliminated the front speaker usage. I added 6.5" Kenwood Excelon's (KFC-X168) to the doors, but in the larger hole toward the interior (which works with my S5 door panels). For some bass and rear speakers I added some Infinity 6x9's that I sourced from the Junkyard for cheap out of some Chrysler. I removed the spare tire and cut some custom holes for them. I wired them with 16-gauge speaker cable that I ran along the factory wiring under the carpet/door sills when I was redoing the entire interior. For control and powering of the system, I went with a JVC KD-R330 Stereo (a wicked stereo for the price I might add). It puts out enough power without an amplifier that I was satisfied with it.
To mount the speakers, I created custom baffles that I measured and cut to fit the spaces. For the baffles I chose to use 1/8" Hardboard. My reasoning was that it was thin enough for the door baffles, and sturdy enough to remain rigid for the rear. Also it was cheap. All things said and done, I paid $20 for the Kenwood speakers, $9/piece for the Infinity's and $55 for the JVC Stereo, then probably $15 combined for the stereo dash kit and cables. All the connections were soldered to ensure quality. For around a total of $108 this system absolutely kicks ***. The sound is excellent, and it has enough to kick feel it in the doors and your seat.
I'll be updating this as I go along, for now the future holds...
That said, I've been working on cars for about a year now, and I don't have any formal training or experience, so I'm a bit of a noob when it comes down it; that said I love it, and I'm always looking to learn and experience more, so here's what I've done, all comments, suggestions, criticisms and support are welcome! If any of the information or ideas I've used help anyone, then I'm extremely happy with that and would be glad to help if you have any questions regarding what I've done!
Pics When I First Got Her (after a nice wash, clay bar and wax):
Work Done So Far:
- Maintenance - Tune-Up (Spark Plugs, Oil Changes, etc.)
- Pulsation Dampener Replaced
- Replaced Water Pump & Alternator
- Entire Interior Swap to Black Leather
- Custom Red Lighting in Footwells (Hooked up to Foglight Switch)
- Custom Audio System
- Custom Power Door Locks
- Custom Straight Pipe Exhaust (w/ mufflers)
- New Tires
- Cleaned & Degreased Engine Bay
Custom Audio System:
Having a convertible meant being "blessed" with the headrest speakers (that didn't work), the door speakers and front speakers, all controlled by the stock cd/cassette/radio (of which only the radio worked, and cassette intermittently). What I've done is removed all of that, including the amplifiers and eliminated the front speaker usage. I added 6.5" Kenwood Excelon's (KFC-X168) to the doors, but in the larger hole toward the interior (which works with my S5 door panels). For some bass and rear speakers I added some Infinity 6x9's that I sourced from the Junkyard for cheap out of some Chrysler. I removed the spare tire and cut some custom holes for them. I wired them with 16-gauge speaker cable that I ran along the factory wiring under the carpet/door sills when I was redoing the entire interior. For control and powering of the system, I went with a JVC KD-R330 Stereo (a wicked stereo for the price I might add). It puts out enough power without an amplifier that I was satisfied with it.
To mount the speakers, I created custom baffles that I measured and cut to fit the spaces. For the baffles I chose to use 1/8" Hardboard. My reasoning was that it was thin enough for the door baffles, and sturdy enough to remain rigid for the rear. Also it was cheap. All things said and done, I paid $20 for the Kenwood speakers, $9/piece for the Infinity's and $55 for the JVC Stereo, then probably $15 combined for the stereo dash kit and cables. All the connections were soldered to ensure quality. For around a total of $108 this system absolutely kicks ***. The sound is excellent, and it has enough to kick feel it in the doors and your seat.
I'll be updating this as I go along, for now the future holds...
- E-Fan Upgrade (Have it)
- Alternator Upgrade (Have it, need custom bracket)
- Custom Air Intake w/ Heat Shield
- Paint Job ($50 Technique)
- New FTP Lenses (Have, but need restoration)
- New Tail Lights (Have, but need restoration)
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