How to Install an Amplifier Rack on a Car
Many modern high-end cars have fully integrated audio systems that include a dedicated power amplifier. If you are upgrading your car audio system and plan to use a dedicated power amplifier, it's essential to house the amplifier in a manner that keeps it safe, well-ventilated and away from heavy vibrations. Car power amplifiers are typically located in the rear part of the car, on a fixed rack. Correct installation of your rack and the amplifier is integral to your listening pleasure. An unsecured amplifier is likely to moved about when the car is in motion, inhibiting optimum performance.
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Things You'll Need
- Amplifier rack
- Stanley knife
- Standard electric drill
- Standard 1/8-inch drill bit
- Rawl plugs
- Screws
- Phillips screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Plot the location of your amplifier. Car audio amplifiers are typically located inside the trunk or inside one of the rear trim panels. The design of your car will determine which is the most suitable location. The amp should be positioned so that power, remote and ground wires connected to the battery can reach the amplifier. Ensure that ventilation grilles on the rear of your amplifier are not obstructed. For example, the Harman Kardon power amplifier that is fitted as standard to new Mini Coopers is side-mounted inside the passenger-side rear trim panel.
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2
Remove the trim panel. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the brass screws, fixing the trim panel to the interior of the car. If mounting in the trunk, use a Stanley knife to cut the carpet in order to access the amplifier mounting well.
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3
Place your rack against the metal panel and use a pencil to plot the mounting holes into which you screw the rack. Use a standard electric drill and 1/8-inch electric drill bit to bore the mounting holes. Install a rawl plug in each hole.
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4
Mount the amplifier rack in the mounting holes. Hold it flat against the metal panel and line up the mounting holes with the screw holes. Put each screw in and fasten them finger-tight to hold the amp rack in place. Use a Phillips screwdriver to fully fasten the screws into the mounting holes.
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5
Check the amp rack is fitted correctly. Gently pull the top of the amplifier to ensure the amp rack is secure. If it moves or slides, fasten the screws tighter so that it is capable of safely holding weight of the amplifier. Amplifier weights vary. For example, the stock Harman Kardon amplifier in new Mini Coopers weighs 1.3 kg.
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Some cars have a dedicated mounting well in the trunk. Mount the amplifier inside the rack. Slot the amplifier vertically into the rack, making sure no part of the ventilation grille is obstructed. Line up the screw tabs with the mounting holes on the amplifier rack. Slot in a screw into each screw tab so that the amp is secured to the rack. Fasten the screws using a Phillips screwdriver.
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Tips & Warnings
When fitting your amplifier cables, fit the ground, remote and then power cable in that order. Remove them in reverse order.
If the amplifier rack is not mounted inside a panel or mounting well, fashion a piece of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and screw it over the amplifier rack to protect it.
References
Resources
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