I just started my stereo install. The Form/FAQ are a good help but not organized as a how-to guide. I read how to install a subwoofer to a non-Bose system but it never said how to run the wiring under the carpet until I read about how to install the racing harness which explained how to remove the trim piece that surrounds the edge of the carpet. Also, you can run an 8 gauge wire through a rubber nipple that sticks out of the ECU case by cutting off the tip and force the power cable through.<p>I also have the Scosche stereo install kit that includes the faceplate and 1/8" trim ring. It seems pretty flimsy and I don't know how the faceplate is going to stay on. Also, my Sony sits too deep inside even with the trim ring. I don't like the way it looks. I will probably make something better.<p>Someone should mention that you need about 5-6 meters of RCA cabling if you plan to run it along the passenger side to left side of trunk/cargo area.<p>In regards to speakers, so far I've read that 5.25" could be mounted in the front with an MB Quart adapter with about 2 3/8" mounting depth. I also know that the rear door will accept 6.5" speakers, but would like to know what the mounting depth is for the rear door speaker (I have an Avant). I guess I'll find out eventually but would like to know before hand.<p>This leads to two questions: Has anyone installed their own speaker cabling rather that use the factory leads? Also, where did you install the crossovers?

>I also have the Scosche stereo install kit that includes the faceplate and 1/8" trim ring.<br>>It seems pretty flimsy and I don't know how the faceplate is going to stay on.<br>Yes, I was worried about it, too. However, the plate has stayed in place quite well for me. I have a Kenwood with the MASK rotating face, and everything fits fine and sits exactly at the depth I would want it.<p>>Has anyone installed their own speaker cabling rather that use the factory leads?<br>Absolutely! If you're running higher power (separate amp) the stock wire is probably too thin. Plus the amp isn't in the dash.<p>>Also, where did you install the crossovers? <br>In the trunk next to the amp, which means I had no choice but to run my own speaker wires up to the front doors.<p>Jim

What was the easiest way to install the speaker wires?

Run the speaker wires back along the same route as the RCA cable.<p>Pass them up under the kick panels and through the rubber gaskets into the doors.<br>You'll have to feel around carefully, but you'll find that the wires will pass through the gaskets easily. I then tie wrapped them along with the other door wires. I mounted my crossovers with a little velcro along the bottom edge of the door frame. They fit perfectly and don't interfere with anything.<p>Good luck. E-mail me if you have any questions.<p>Ken<p>

>What was the easiest way to install the speaker wires? <br>There is no easy way! :-)<p> It actually was easier than I thought it would be, though. I ran them under the door sills on each side. (Consult the A4.org's FAQ section for info on removing all the panels you'll need.) The hardest part was feeding them through the rubber grommets going from the body to the doors. If I remember correctly there's a "wire connnector holding frame" on each side of the car at the footwells. They're visible once you remove the panels in the footwells. These frames cover up the holes which feed up to the rubber grommets. I was able to move the holders out of the way to gain easier access to the holes. I fed the wires starting in the doors and let gravity pull them down to the hole in the body's footwell. By reaching 2 fingers into the hole I could pull the wires through. Running them from there down the sides to the trunk was straightforward.<p>Jim Meyer<br>

run your aftermarket stereo without having the engine on?

Call Scosche back...I had the same problem with my Eclipse unit sitting too far back. Jerry at Scosche was very helpful & sent me some DIN spacer rings FEDEX at NO CHARGE! Now it looks great.<p>Scosche really goes the distance for a relatively minor purchase!<p>steve