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Stereo Upgrade: Subwoofer, Amp and Custom Amp-Cover It may look like a mini-mite but, with a new subwoofer, this Mini Cooper gets a mighty thump. From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-212

(Continued from page 3)

Subwoofer Installation

In this final segment, Andrew completes the booming stereo system upgrade by installing a subwoofer that is specially designed for the Mini Cooper.

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.

The subwoofer unit BEFORE installation.

AFTER: The installed subwoofer and power-amp.

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The subwoofer's speaker must first be removed in order for the subwoofer to be installed in the car. First, unscrew the grill to expose the speaker. There are six screws holding the speaker in place. Remove those and pull the speaker out, disconnecting the internal speaker wires before pulling it out completely.

• Once the speaker is removed (figure A), take the box to the trunk of the car.

• Flip the two tabs on the storage compartment and open it up (figure B). Remove the mini tool kit, which can be stored on the other side of the car.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Remove the two screws securing the back panel and gently pull the bottom of the panel out to feed the wires under and up into the storage compartment (figure C).

• Once the wires are through you can put the screws back into place.

• Remove the nut on the bolt in the center of the storage container. This is where the new sub will be held in place.

• Strip the speaker wires and attach them to the terminal on the back of the speaker box (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  	Figure E
  	Figure F
  	Figure G

• Then just slide the box into place over the bolt (figure E), and tighten the nut down with a ratchet.

• Plug the enclosure speaker wires back into the speaker (figure F) and reinstall it.

• Finally, reinstall the speaker grill (figure G) and the sub is ready to thump.

$120 Amp
$450 Subwoofer
$20 Line-level converter
$15 Speaker wire
$55 Wiring fuse block
$4 Lumber
$8 Adhesive
$5 Vinyl covering

Total = $677

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps represent general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

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RESOURCES :

Car Stereo Speaker Projects Illustrated
Author: Daniel L. Ferguson
Publisher: McGraw Hill (July 2000)
ISBN: 0071359680
Order this title from Amazon.com.

How to Design and Install High Performance Car Stereo: A Beginners Guide
Author: Joe Pettitt
Publisher: Car Tech, Inc. (1996)
ISBN: 1884089178
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Speaker Works Inc.
www.usdaudio.com