I've lost my Music Guys!!!

[KarenmacHopkins]

Hi again, it's been a while since I've last been on the website, but I really do appreciate all your advice. It's been totally invaluable!!!!

The last time I posted a message was in complete frustration because of my truck constantly attracting the attention of the local stereo fiends. Since then, on advise (although I didn't wire my electrics to the nearest operating lamp post which would have tickled me enormously) I've upgraded my security system and so far...yeah...so far, SO good.

Problem is, the wiring system's been cut through to get the old (seventy bucks worth) sound system out to trade on the black market for probably a crusty old joint or two. Because of the damage to the vehicle to get the stereo out, I was able to make a claim on the insurance.

I've had a "professional sound engineer" visit half a dozen annoying times. All I want is my old sound back. The original power that came with my truck's built in speakers. I'm being told that it's all connected to the main wiring loom of the car that's obsolete and would cost in the region of £5K!!!! to get fixed.

Surely that's not right, pleeze!!!???

If I can get the sound back in place this side of Christmas I'd be a very happy bunny because the replacement sound system (some ol' piece of junk with speakers in the front only) got hurled out the window one very frustrated night.

I know I can count on you to help once more.

Thx guys!

Kx

[BUSHWHACKER]

You don't need the existing wiring to install a sound system. Just some speaker wire, wire for the 12volts, earth wire a fuse or two and some screwdrivers and a sunday afternoon.

[TheWolfCub]

£5K? £5,000?? Someone's trying to take you for a ride!

It may be a pain, but it shouldn't be that difficult to wire a new radio into the existing loom, even if the connectors are all gone - I've done it myself and I'm no professional - ask anyone!! There are plenty of wiring diagrams on the forum, which is all you should need in order to get the job done. Anyone that know's anything about car elctrics should be able to do this, best asking friends for recommendations for a small garage rather than an ' expert'.

Might even be a fellow surfer in your area that could help out.

Rob

[KarenmacHopkins]

But Bushwhacker and WolfCub, as niave as it may sound, I've been flim-flammed by the sound-mechanic chappy who said that because the rear speakers have these special amps fitted, it was going to have to go back to (sorry) T....A themselves as it was factory fitted. I don't get it. Professional car stereo person tries six times to fit new stereo to old factory fitted system and scratches chin. I don't want to be a pain, but do you have anymore leads on where I could find a person who can?

K

[Vagrant No2]

I did not have the same system as you guys and girls have in your Surfs when first fitted , but I know these amps can be by passed and/or removed all together , and most have . I remove my audio completly each time I park up outside my house because , as you said , they will nick a £20 radio for a couple of joints .

[TheWolfCub]

But Bushwhacker and WolfCub, as niave as it may sound, I've been flim-flammed by the sound-mechanic chappy who said that because the rear speakers have these special amps fitted, it was going to have to go back to (sorry) T....A themselves as it was factory fitted. I don't get it. Professional car stereo person tries six times to fit new stereo to old factory fitted system and scratches chin. I don't want to be a pain, but do you have anymore leads on where I could find a person who can?

K

Karen (i hope that it is Karen), did they nick the rear speakers and amps too?

[KarenmacHopkins]

Thx for replying hun, no they didn't pinch my rear speakers or amp(s). They're still there which is what's very frustrating. What do you reckon would be better? Get a whole new system fitted, speakers and all, or persavere with my original gear? I can't help feeling soooo peeved that I can't get it fixed to "as was" standard, which was pretty good for a cheap ol' JVC stereo.

Kx

[Vagrant No2]

I would have thought someone on here would still have the original set up sitting in a dusty box in their garage and may want to move it on to a good home like your Surf ? If all the amps and assossited fittings were also available all that would be needed is splicing into the loom .

[TheWolfCub]

Thx for replying hun, no they didn't pinch my rear speakers or amp(s). They're still there which is what's very frustrating. What do you reckon would be better? Get a whole new system fitted, speakers and all, or persavere with my original gear? I can't help feeling soooo peeved that I can't get it fixed to "as was" standard, which was pretty good for a cheap ol' JVC stereo.

Kx

Always difficult to say - if I was a plumber I'd be sucking in air through my teeth - know what I mean! I could suggest sticking with it - if it were mine then I would, but I'd hate to set you on a wild goose chase.

All I can think is that they've broken some of the wires when they ripped the old unit out, which would maen replacing a section of cable to replace the broken bit. Or like Bushwhacker says, in round about terms, just replace all the wire between the head unit and the rear amps. Unless your 'expert' is completely useless he should be able to do this easily enough, hardest bit would be getting the back interior panels off and back on, but they're used to doing this sort of thing.

Rob

[KarenmacHopkins]

Vagrant, WolfCub, y'all would think it would be straightforward. I just want my truck pimped back to its original audio state that I got it in (which I was quite proud of!!!). The back panel's can be removed by may own fair hands, I think this time I'm gonna have to go and get myself a second opinion from the person who has been trying without success to sort out the speakers because I appreciate without seeing the damage done and wiring stuff, it's hard to fix. On another note (can I??) is there an easy way to get those stickers that run down the side of the truck off (they remind me of Chris Christopherson)?

Kx

[TheWolfCub]

Vagrant, WolfCub, y'all would think it would be straightforward. I just want my truck pimped back to its original audio state that I got it in (which I was quite proud of!!!). The back panel's can be removed by may own fair hands, I think this time I'm gonna have to go and get myself a second opinion from the person who has been trying without success to sort out the speakers because I appreciate without seeing the damage done and wiring stuff, it's hard to fix. On another note (can I??) is there an easy way to get those stickers that run down the side of the truck off (they remind me of Chris Christopherson)?

Kx

Having failed miserably to solve your audio situation, I'll embark on another abortive mission...haven't removed any decals myself, but I've seen posts on here about how to do it - I vaguely remember something to do with a hot air gun or something - best thing to do is to do a search for decals. I'm sure you'll find something helpful.

Rob

[BUSHWHACKER]

Could someone please tell me where these amps are, 'cos I've got two Kenwood speakers in the back and just used the original speaker wires that were connected to the original speakers, and they work fine. I left the Toyota speakers behind the panels, 'cos the Kenwood ones are sufaced mounted.

[Andy Dawson]

Hi-ya,
Going to be down your way (ish) over Christmas - Tilbury Docks Area.

If you're still having problems I'll be glad to help out with advice and such like - I've installed several radios over the years (including one in my 3rd Gen) I also do electronics for the RAF.

Let me know if you can hang on till mid December and I'll let you know when I'm going to be down.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Professional car stereo person tries six times to fit new stereo to old factory fitted system and scratches chin. I don't want to be a pain, but do you have anymore leads on where I could find a person who can?

K

Some so-called professionals rely mostly on plug and play installations i.e. most of the work is done for them and all they have to do is connect up a few plugs and everything works.
You need to talk to one of those 'boom tish' car drivers, the guys who have installed thier own sound systems.

[KarenmacHopkins]

Thanks WolfCub and Andy!

Hey, I'll check out any info on decals, my vintage friend suggested using my hairdryer, which I'm not about to part with at this present time for a trial, so what your saying makes some sense (cus' he's a real ol' boff).

Andy, I reckon next stop's the boom-shacka shop down the road just to see what they make of the situation, I'll let you know what they say..shld be interesting.

BTW I LOVE MY SURF!!!!!