wiring

bahama68 · Post by **bahama68** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 2:49 pm

I'm a complete novice at this. I need to run a line for power from the fuse box to my stereo in the glovebox. Is there an obvious place to run the cable through the wall beneath the dash into the boot? Or will I need to drill a hole of my own?

I hope this makes sense.

John.

MdR · Post by **MdR** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 2:59 pm

Given that the factory wiring is both above and below the dash 'wall' there must be holes for it to pass through.
When I wired the stereo in my old 914/4 I just laid under the dash followed the wires away from a random switch/connector until I found some wires that went through the 'wall' via big rubber grommet.
Get a wire coat hanger, straighten it out & gently poke it through the grommit. Go to the front boot & find the coat hanger then tape your new wires to one end or the other & gently pull the coat hanger plus new wires through.
My '66 911S has wiring passing through the 'wall' near the steering column.

bahama68 · Post by **bahama68** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 3:11 pm

Thanks for the help.

Are the big rectangular grey things rubber gromits? I followed the wires back from the light switch into a big grey thing.

When you wired the power to the fusebox in your 914 did it matter if there was a wire already going into the fuse? Or do you just need to find a fuse with the correct amp rating? Or am I making no sense again?

John.

Nige · Post by **Nige** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 3:26 pm

No they sound like your relays mate

rubber grommet=black rubber ring with a hole in the middle that wires/cables pass through. Prevent chaffing on the metal surround. Could also be used as a sexual device if you find one big enough

Just find a hole under the dash and stick your wires through. On the back of the fuse box lid there is usually a diagram showing what the fuses are for, headlights, indicators etc. There should be one called Aux or Auxillary or Accessory, use this fuse for the radio. For an earth find a wire that is screwed directly to the bodywork/bulkhead I'm sure there is one under the dash connect there.

Hope that helps as you are making little sense! are you mad

Only joking

bahama68 · Post by **bahama68** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 4:10 pm

Yes, I am mad. Why else would I advertise my incompetent ignorance for all to ridicule on the internet?

I don't think they are relays, I changed a horn relay once, but I'll have a look and see if I can find some black ones.

Thanks for the advice on the aux fuse, I'll have a look for that too.

John.

MdR · Post by **MdR** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 4:55 pm

Nige wrote:black rubber ring with a hole in the middle ... Prevent chaffing ... used as a sexual device ... Just find a hole ... and stick your .... box ... is usually... screwed directly ... I'm sure

The S is at home today so I can't dive under the dash & have a look. I think there are some big grey plastic connectors near the column but they're not what I meant.

Nige · Post by **Nige** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 4:59 pm

reading between the lines eh Martin? either way its good advice

bahama68 · Post by **bahama68** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 5:08 pm

I think there are some big grey plastic connectors near the column but they're not what I meant.

Ah, that's what I was thinking of. Not them then? I'll have a look under the dash for some rubber gromits this weekend. Last thing I want is chaffing.

impmad2000 · Post by **impmad2000** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:18 pm

On my car there are numerous through bulkhead connectors, and very little going straight through to behind the dash (I know 'cos I've just stripped it all out !) There are some holes, that the heater controls and speedo cable go through. BUT there may be an easy way. My car had wiring in for the optional petrol heater('69 Targa), There wires had been used for Foglights in my car, but you may be able to pick up on them and use them instead of running a new wire into the car. Neat if you can find it, hanging around the back of the heater controls (i.e next to the radio) and go under the bonnet ! Have a look, you might get lucky

Cheers
Tim

Lightweight_911 · Post by **Lightweight_911** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:25 pm

Alternatively run your live feed off the back of the ignition switch & use an in-line fuse.

I prefer to wire it this way as, although the radio will then only work with the ignition on, it means that you can't accidentally leave the radio on (& flatten the battery) when you leave the car.

impmad2000 · Post by **impmad2000** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 7:02 pm

Andy is right, but you must be careful not to overload the wiring. I doubt you will unless running big booster amps etc.
Tim

bahama68 · Post by **bahama68** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:10 am

Alternatively run your live feed off the back of the ignition switch & use an in-line fuse.

Sounds like a good idea.

bahama68 · Post by **bahama68** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 11:26 am

Andy - Did your headunit have a wire for constant live feed and a seperate wire to the igniton switch? Just wondering which one I should use if it's going to be the only source of power, i.e. will they both be able to handle it?

Thanks.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 11:54 am

If this is a modern radio won't you lose your preset information without a permanent live feed?

Just a thought.

impmad2000 · Post by **impmad2000** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 11:54 am

You can certainly pick up both permanent 12V feed and switched feed off the back of the ign switch. They are both pretty meaty wires, and the permanent live feed to the headunit will take practically no current anyway (fit a small inline fuse to that too)
Tim