[robTX]

I have successfully installed a basic stereo system with 2 speakers in my DX. This may be a simple task to a Car Audio Veteran, but to me it has been a learning experience. For the benefit of any others who want to try this, here's a list of components I used:

Jensen 4X25watt AM/FM/Casette
removed from recently departed Dodge Shadow (RIP)

Car Stereo Connector
Scosche HA028
from Wal-Mart
$6.99

Metra Dashworks Speaker Wire Harness Adapter
DW-7800SH
from Circuit City (installation dept.)
$6.99/pair

Pioneer 6.5" (16cm) Speakers
TS-163P
from Best Buy
$24.99/pair

Metra Dash Kit (placed order, should get it in a few days)
99-7863
from River Oaks Car Stereo (www.installer.com)
$18.95

Obviously this is not top of the line gear, I might have been able to get better prices, or bought all this stuff at the same place, but there ya go. Here's a a brief description of the process:

1) Prepare the deck by installing the wiring harness with crimp connectors, the wires are color-coded so it's very simple.
2) Remove the bezel from the dash, VERY CAREFULLY! I used this document as a reference:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/element/elementdxtuner.pdf
Read the part about wrapping a shop towel around the screwdriver, and pull the screwdriver towards you DO NOT TWIST IT! My bezel was a little stubborn, and I ended up leaving a couple small marks on the plastic :x
3) At this point you will see the stereo connection and the antenna connection attached to the blank piece of plastic hooked onto the bezel. Connect these to the stereo.
4) Attach the speaker wiring harnesses to the prongs on the back of the speakers, using the harnesses makes the connection very easy, and you won't have to cut any wires in the E. The connectors are different sizes so its easy to match up + and -
5) Pull off the speaker grilles (refer to the diagrams in the .PDF above) These come off much easier than the bezel, I removed them without tools.
6) At first it looks like just a hole in the door, but the wires are in there, Honda has made it very easy for you. Inside the door, just below the speaker hole, you should see a grey connector with two wires, which will be taped to a larger bundle of wires. Pull the speaker wires free. Connect the speaker to the wire, and then screw the speaker into the door. There are three holes which correspond to the holes already drilled in the speaker (I assume this is true for any round 6.5" speaker, other shapes and sizes may require drilling)Replace the speaker grilles and you should be set. Repeat the last few steps if you want a pair in the back doors too.
7) Install dash kit - I don't have mine yet, but I'll post again when I get it.

The components and installation process described above worked for me, and I hope it works for you, if you have any questions, I'd be happy to clarify. Big thanks to all the replies in my previous posts on this subject.

Happy driving and happy listening!

 

[E-Bobbert]

I tried to get the black cover off, but it was way too risky....

I wrote in your other post how I took the entire consol off. In fact, you will prob have to do that in order to get the fit kit in, because you will need access to the screws.

Believe me, it was WAY easier and WAY less risk of any damage being done.

 

[robTX]

[quote:03d9abda1b="E-Bobbert"]
I have a 5-spd, so you will have to figure this out if you have an automatic.

First, I unscrewed my shifter and took it off. Then I pulled the boot and cover off. (it sounded scary, but it just released) Then I pulled the entire dash consol off, (same thing, souded scary, but it just released) Then behind the dash are clips holding the black cover on, just press those clips and the cover literally falls off.

Then you can screw in the housing, plug the stereo in and your ready to just push the dash consol back on... Simple. [/quote:03d9abda1b]

I had not seen this post. I do have an automatic, so I'm not sure it would work the same. I followed these directions:

To see what the console looks like with just the bezel removed, look at the "head unit" link on the element.j site:
http://www.ecnet.net/users/gallery/element-j/

Thanks for your suggestion, sounds like both ways will work, just be careful with that screwdriver!

 

[E-Bobbert]

Nice... Yeah, it looks like we both ended up with minor blemishes, barely noticable :wink:

I am trying to get tips from gmdod about the tweeter installation, I am going to try to that tonight and I am freaked out. gmdod is indicating that I have to run wiring through the door. I am confused about setting up a crossover.

Any pointers?

 

[robTX]

I got my dash kit yesterday, so I completed my installation, and took a bunch of pictures of the process. I hope this helps another in their quest for sound:


http://members16.clubphoto.com/rob714204/1338249/guest.phtml

 

[gmdod]

Hey Tx an you give me a bit of guidance - I just looked at your photo's there great and thanks for putting them up.

I need to know which product it was you used to connect your deck to the blue connetor already in there.

Is it the wiring harness? or the Stereo Connector?

Also my deck already has little adaptors so do you think there is a connector that will attatch two different types? i guess i mean will it convert it - **** im not making sense i hope you guys no what im saying - basically my deck is different and the wires in the dash are different im hoping there is a connecotr that will magically put the two together without to much headache.

Thanks GM

 

[robTX]

[quote:b2bdcde43f="gmdod"]
I need to know which product it was you used to connect your deck to the blue connetor already in there.

Is it the wiring harness? or the Stereo Connector?

Also my deck already has little adaptors so do you think there is a connector that will attatch two different types? i guess i mean will it convert it - **** im not making sense i hope you guys no what im saying - basically my deck is different and the wires in the dash are different im hoping there is a connecotr that will magically put the two together without to much headache.
GM[/quote:b2bdcde43f]

In my description, the item called a "Stereo Connector" is the same as a "Wiring Harness". I'm not sure if there is a connector to go between your stereo and the one in the dash. You might have to cut the connector off your stereo and attach the Honda-compatible harness.
I hope I am not confusing more than I am helping, Definitely check with an expert before you proceed.

Good Luck!

 

[hunterbase]

robTX, I did basically the same install over the course of the last 2 months or so. I threw in another set of speakers and a bass tube too. Mine was rather more frustrating, unfortunately.
1. the mounting bracket took 4 weeks to finally arrive.
2. when I installed the stereo, it was broken, so it had to be sent back, repaired, and reinstalled. Another week and some odd days...
3. my bass tube's wiring harness had been messed up (by me, accidently) and it took a week to get an electrician friend to fix it.

Well anyway, it all worked out in the end, even though I only messed around with installing stuff in my spare time, and sounds pretty cool. I went with Sony speakers and cd player, and then the Bazooka Bass Tube fits nicely in the back.

When I initially tried to take the blank panel out to get at the Honda wiring harness, i got so frustrated I took a dremel to it and cut out the center so i could see what the hell was holding everything together. Not the smartest tact, but it did the job.
oh, and I scarred the poor car a couple of times prying the plastic out, just like you. oh well.