I’ve always thought my stereo sounded way to thin, and needed an upgrade. There was practically no bass in the system at all. The previous owner installed a pretty basic head unit and speakers:
While my side panels were off, I decided to replace the speakers:
These speakers got good reviews with the other Delorean owners, and fit the rear location, albeit with better hose clamps and some persuasion:
I also took the time to upgrade the front dash speakers. I’m glad I did since the speakers the previous owner installed were very low quality. I found some Pioneer speakers that fit the location perfectly:
After some searching, I decided to upgrade the head unit as well. The new one features Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, wired external microphone, voice recognition, Pandora, USB direct control for iPod/iPhone, Android Media access, a remote control, and more.
It’s been said the stock wiring might not handle a modern stereo’s electrical needs. I took the time to run a new 12 Gauge yellow wire from the positive post behind the rear wall. A fuse holder is spliced into the wiring. Sorry, I didn’t get any pictures of that.
My upgraded negative battery cable features a smaller wire that was currently being unused. I found a new use for it: dedicated ground for my stereo.
Upgrading the wiring meant I got to remove all the glass fuses behind the dash:
While my A pillar trim is removed, I ran the cable for the microphone up the A pillar:
The result: The new features of the head unit are great!
I still think the sound quality isn’t great. It needs more bass. I’m going to have to investigate a subwoofer.
Costs:
| Item | Vendor |
Quantity |
Unit Cost |
Cost |
Shipping |
Tax |
Total |
| Infinity 529I 165W (Peak) 5-1/4 -Inch Two-Way Speakers (Pair) | Amazon.com |
1 |
$73.49 |
$73.49 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$73.49 |
| Pioneer TS-A878 3 1/2 Inch 2-Way Speakers | Amazon.com |
1 |
$33.27 |
$33.27 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$33.27 |
| Pioneer Bluetooth USB SIRI Mixtrax MVHX360BT | Amazon.com |
1 |
$85.00 |
$85.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$85.00 |
| Hose Clamps | Ace Hardware |
2 |
? |
? |
$0.00 |
? |
$5.37 |
| Black Primary Wire | O’Reily Auto Parts |
1 |
$6.99 |
$6.99 |
$0.00 |
$0.58 |
$7.57 |
| Yellow Primary Wire | Advance Auto Parts |
1 |
$6.99 |
$6.99 |
$0.00 |
$0.58 |
$7.57 |
| Fuse Holder | Advance Auto Parts |
1 |
$3.29 |
$3.29 |
$0.00 |
$0.27 |
$3.56 |
| heat shrink tubing (assorted box) | Advance Auto Parts |
1 |
$10.99 |
$10.99 |
$0.00 |
$0.91 |
$11.90 |
| Butt connections | Advance Auto Parts |
1 |
$2.99 |
$2.99 |
$0.00 |
$0.25 |
$3.24 |
| Ring Terminals | Advance Auto Parts |
1 |
$3.49 |
$3.49 |
$0.00 |
$0.29 |
$3.78 |
| Assorted disconnect terminals | On Hand |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Split Cable Wrap | On Hand |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Total |
$234.74 |
