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'66 El Camino: Sub-Box, Media System and Completion The final touches in the restoration of the 1966 El Camino include new carpet and sound system. From "Resto Rides" episode DRRD-105

Auto-restoration renegades Andrew Totolos and Christie D' Amore with the refurbished '66 El Camino.

Now that the new carpet has been installed, it' s time to move on to the new sound system for the '66 El Camino.

Andrew Totolos has obtained a sub box built specifically for this model vehicle. He and Christie D' Amore install the custom box in the car, along with the new subwoofer and amplifier. They also reinstall the seat that was removed for the carpet install.

The steps in this final portion of the restoration, as seen in episode 105 of Resto Rides, are summarized below.

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	Before
	After

Materials and tools:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), the essential tools required for this phase of the project are listed below.

sub box
kick panels with speakers
wire snips
level
measuring tape
2x4
drill with bits
wiring for new amp and speakers
eyelet connector
splice connector
door panels
new steering wheel

	Before
	After

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the restoration procedures shown in this episode of Resto Rides. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.
Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

	Before
	After

Custom Sub-Box Installation

In the El Camino, the box will be hidden behind the seat, so rather than spending lots of time and money building his own, Andrew decides to custom order a simple, pro-built box.

Once the professional builder has the proper measurements, he goes to work building a new sub box. Because they have the experience, tools and materials at the ready, having a sub box custom built can cost about the same as doing it yourself.

Once Andrew and Christie get the sub box back to the garage, they test fit the sound system components in place. The speaker and the amplifier fit great, but they have to add legs to the box so that it will fit over a hump in the middle of the El Camino.

• Christie sets a level across the highest point and measures to the floorboard to see how long to make the legs. Andrew and Christie cut off short sections of 2x4 to provide support, and then screw them into the bottom front corners of the box.

• Next it' s time to mount the components into the box. Andrew drops the sub into the hole and drills out the mounting holes all the way around.

• Meanwhile, Christie hooks up the speaker wires that run to the sub before she mounts the amp to the box.

• The speaker Andrew has chosen has a rubber gasket that seals the speaker to the box and hides the mounting screws.

• Andrew and Christie pull the speaker wiring tight and hold the amp cover in place to position the amp. Then Andrew drills through the mounting holes into the box and screws down the amp.

• Once the amp is attached, Andrew strips off the wiring from the other end of the speaker cable and attaches the wires to the sub. Because of the gasket, it takes both Andrew and Christie to screw in the sub. They work in a star pattern to keep from warping the basket.

• Once the sub is installed, they carry the box to the car.

• Initially the fit is a little too tight for Andrew to plug in the RCA cables. He has to pull the amp out of the box on the bottom in order to plug them in.

• Next, they attach the power and ground cables to the amp along with the remote turn-on lead. Christie hooks up a fuse in the power line before stripping off the end of the cable, adding an eyelet connector, and attaching it to the battery.

• They put the amp cover on to finish up the sub-box install.

• Now it' s time to put the seats back in. Once the seat bottom is in position it' s easy to tighten up the nuts. The seat backs slide on to the center pivot pin. Hammer an axle nut on the outside hinge to hold in place.

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