Installing Car Audio? 10 CHEAP things to have FOR EVERY BUILD!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

If you enjoyed this video here is another I recently did for 5 low cost installation TOOLS. You can check out that video here on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZDVaWWrr9Oihas

[@riveralley]

When people don't put wire ferrule in for the amps and speakers it kinda makes me annoyed. Even though it's something tiny it just seems like something that should be done. It looks cleaner and it probably makes it safer. Your videos do teach me stuff for car audio even though I forget something's. Also, with sound treatment installed will it be possible to hear the speakers from the outside of the vehicle?

[@riveralley]

@CarAudioFabircation you should make a kit of everything besides wires. But your choice

[@endall39]

Good list. I would also suggest: zip ties, sound deadening material, various fasteners, 2 part epoxy, CA glue, and wood glue. I also think it's a good idea to have spray paint around that matches the final color of whatever the carpet, vinyl or whatever is going to be the final finish. I like to paint all the wood parts before they get finished, so that any slight reveal won't be noticeable. For example, if it's a basic trunk liner wrap going on, I paint everything underneath black or dark gray.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+endall39 good additions to the list

[@bigvell02]

Car Audio Boy Scout :-). Nice comment...

[@Johnny-vg3vp]

endall39 is

[@LCRLive687]

Too much for us on appearance. Not enough focus on sound.

[@3RDERA]

My favorite item I use installing head units are my plastic panel popper/ pry tools. Nothing worse than damaging someone's dash!!! Keep it up bro nice tips today

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+The3rd ERA definitely a must, I was focused more on the consumable type items for this video but definitely a good tool to have on hand

[@casemods]

I love the Mac tools 20 piece set for $100.

[@devanehebert3765]

Hey Mark, I've been out of car audio since the eighties, I'm preparing to install a complete NVX system in my 1992 Dodge Caravan, I've watched several of your how to video's regarding several installation tip's do and don'ts you've definitely made it tons easier for me to select and narrow down my choices for audio components, I will keep watching and learning from the car audio guru, Thank's very much!

[@erkothetechno9185]

I'm just about to start a build in my son's 2004 Mazda RX8 and he was asking about getting a list of install materials before the build. This video answers most of exactly what he was asking for. Thanks Mark!!!!!

[@HifiVega]

Strangely enough these are my favorite type of video's! I guess I just like to see what everyone else uses.

[@rydenroam5551]

I used the wire Ferrara, they work so great in my application.

[@marcello033]

Yeh me too

[@MrRushifyIt]

I started watching your videos last year and would just like to say thank you for all the knowledge you've given. I stopped doing car audio and moved to hi-fi, and also switched my major to mechanical engineering with an acoustics specialization. I've found my passion and you have had a big influence on that! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+Greg Zanchelli that's awesome! From on M.E. to another, good luck!

[@keydaniels]

Your videos are the best! You stick to the particulars that matter most and you speak in terms amateurs like myself understand.

[@anthonyguy1347]

I always keep a metal coat hanger, that has been untwisted with one end sharpened to feed wires through existing grommets. I strip about an inch off the wire, if it's a bundle, I stagger them so there isn't one big blob. I wrap the hanger with Scotch 33 tape, several turns before taping down the wire. Once I've gotten it so it is a gradual increase in diameter, I spray it with WD 40 and it generally goes through smooth as silk.

[@rolandschoenke1840]

was just going to add my list but endall39 covered most, however I also keep ducttape, textured ABS Plastic sheets in 1/8" and 1/4"' for making plates and adapters, i also heat and bend it to make my own hold down brackets for boxes etc.. and of course MDF 3/4" 1/2" and 1/4"

[@williamcorley2477]

57 dislikes for what? He's nice, knows his shit, and makes videos all the time to help other people. What to dislike?

[@jesus8263]

You are a car audio GOD!!! YOU HELP BRING LIGHT TO THE DARKNESS OF CAR AUDIO IGNORANCE AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. You have turned me into a subscriber and no longer fear working on my car anymore wondering how to do something. Now I just do it knowing how to do it with your knowledge and guidance. Thank you a million times over and over. You are an amazing teacher. Keep it up car audio GOD. (KNEELS AND BOWS DOWN)

[@tjablaj]

Good list, also i would say that a multimeter, zip ties and the most importante - a good motivation is a must as well when dealing with car audio!

[@RaymondUrias]

You are the Jesus of car Audio! How do you not have over a million subscribers?!

[@marcintolas572]

Raymond Urias heading straight there

[@chrispohl7185]

he's like every other installer that's up to date with the industry

[@monkeybusiness636]

his tongue is too big

[@408civettethreat]

I’m with you imo this is the best channel for research on car audio, he is very detailed and very thorough with all of his tutorials. Happy holidays to all

[@tylermiller8768]

Endless amounts of GOOD info you sir are a rare and awesome resource for people like me who keep finding there is always something more to learn and apply to our car audio hobby/passion. Thanks for all you share with us its super helpful to have a trustworthy source of knowledge to access its truly appreciated every time.

[@THEGOLDENCAR]

A multimeter is pretty much essential although I don't know if it would really fit this list since all these are "cost-effective" as you said. With that, I guess a pair of crimpers and wire cutters could really be useful rather than trying to strip wires with a blade or teeth. I don't know if this is a thing but sound deadening tape seems useful.

[@opiyumpharma5556]

things i have used on an install. Silicone caulk, i use this in place of the dielectric grease and to plug up any holes that sound could escape through. - also can double as a gasket where gasket tape wouldnt - a thin bead around the edges of say a panel. (to give an example of this i used silcone around the edges of a homemade MDF panel, that was then riveted over a car side panel that had a recess for cup holders - recess was perfect shape for 69's) Regular pop rivets, hold shit down really tight. Soldering iron and solder. Portable Angle Grinder w/ flap disks P2000 sandpaper. Garage carpet - looks good over speaker panels/sub box. You can usually get this for free if you go to a flooring installer and ask for thier offcuts. Wool Carpet off-cuts - Honestly the best sound deadening over any of the purpose built stuff, but it is heavy.

[@mrbigbri]

I used each and every one of these in my recent install (my first full install).

[@tjordan4436]

Zip ties are a must! Not only are they good for clumping pieces of wires together, it's also a good wire threader if you don't have a wire fish to fish down a piece of from or through your dash. I keep lots of Super 33 tape on me for mock up, and I always have a spool of clothing thread on me, preferably white. That way, if I have a small amount of wire, I can map out my path, say from my radio to my amp, with the thread, cut the piece off, and leave a little extra wire on the ends for stripping. That way, I have just the right amount of wire with no waste and no undersized pieces.

[@yotech6756]

Earth to space.. you have everything to get the work done..love from India

[@ClausenLT]

I've been installing my own systems since I was 19 or so, so 31 years. This is one of the best videos I've seen on the subject. Very professional. Thanks. The reason I've kept doing it myself is because of all the idiot installers. I own a paint and body business, so I appreciate good info!

[@tx1999]

Where at, im looking for job, I know a little bit about body work

[@cbr1thou]

Yep you want it done right, do it yourself

[@ryanwilson5936]

Idiot installers.... the reason I’m taking on my install myself.

[@TheJgryder1]

I subscribed last week sometime, I can't get enough info! You really rock out videos. Tons of very useful tips and tricks. Because of you and your videos I'm all audio control in my 2021 chevy install. Thanks for ALL the info! Keep up the good work!

[@markphilpot4981]

Really good video Mark. Getting the viewers to understand the whats and whys of the needs of an install is important. It matters because prior planning prevents poor performance! Just had to drop that line in there! It helps to be OCD also!

[@bigbikerboys2127]

Bro I’ve been seeing your videos but I haven’t subscribed till now your one of the only good and informative channels thank you very much boss

[@FTW_Wolf]

spare DOOR TRIM CLIPS :) Always handy.

[@jugglalee1918]

I was hoping to finish up my stereo build this weekend - then I watched this and realized how much more I have to get done!

[@emo65170.]

My tip to contribute to the discussion is to store your various tapes in a cool location. Keeping them in a hot garage will break down the adhesive.

[@mrtwitch965]

I'm not sure what "genre/category" this is but the consumables and otherwise less talked about materials used is muuuuch needed in various diy communities.

[@theverizondroid]

Here I am mid install missing ferrules so now I'm waiting on them watching this lol

[@JaMarvelousjmar]

The installer is the main tool. You are gonna need the time set aside and the patience. Some of the best builds were done in numerous steps. Most rush jobs end up being redone over and over. Love the videos.

[@EurekaLove]

You forgot a very key component to installation! Sandpaper! Depending on what's being done, I like to have 60/80, 100, and 150. If I'm working with thin wood or ply I would also recommend a 220 Grit. As for tools that you can pick up at any major retailer, (Walmart, etc,) wire cutters/strippers, some kind of illuminating tool; whether a flashlight or a work light as well. I personally use a rechargeable small work light. It puts out a lot of lumens and can last for 8 hours without needing a charge, you CAN run it while plugged it also. One other small piece I recommend is wire butts. You CAN always wrap unused/nonpower wires with electrical tape of some sort. I prefer to use a butt and crimp lightly on it in case I need it for future use. Lastly, probably the most important thing for audio install; cleaning supplies! Vacuum, general vehicle cleaner, alcohol, and paper towels or cloth that do not leave debris. For all those scuffs, metal surfaces, battery terminals, grounding points, loose debris afterwards, etc. It's an extremely critical step to ensure everything is tidy and cleaned afterwards. You don't need loose wire clippings in your engine compartment. Hope this helps!

[@lansonfloyd4687]

A cheeeeeep way to do a speaker gasket while also lending a higher degree of customization ability and decoupling, etc. is to use peel-and-stick Ensolite. Buy it by the yard for your regular sound deadening efforts, and cut thin strips of it for speaker gaskets! Spray paint also works great for ground connections after mount, simple and clearly no grease concerns. I will be buying ferrules asap, I'm starting to see the light on those

[@SwordLords1234]

Best thing to have on any install is a $.39 rod from home depot. I use it to puncture firewall grommets on my quick amp installs. I also bought a crap ton of the water proof grommets off amazon along with a few stinger brand ones to cover the larger 1/0 wire just incase I ever need to make my own hole through a fire wall.

[@alfcarjackstheclown7849]

I used to keep some silicone 2 bath and title seal. It never fully hardens and makes for a great air tight gasket

[@moreaudio760]

Great video Mark as always ...far to often we overlook the small items during an install and have to run to a hardware store or similar to get a job done ..wasting valuable time ..

[@bdanyluk]

Rope Caulk at home depot for subwoofer gasket....helps to hold still while bolt in also...super strong and 100% air tight.

[@wfr3454]

I Love this kind of videos, i find these tips very useful!! Keep up the good work!!

[@vermili0138]

I need some of these quick disconnects and ferrules. I hate cables fraying especially on 1/0 AWG.

[@henrytavarez8112]

Can you please let me know Where can i buy it

[@andraealston8478]

Yes!!! I work at an audio shop they are a Godsend

[@patrickjohnson9629]

Color coated heat shrink and permanent makers to match color coated wires cause I'm OCD! LOL! Awesome video!

[@jasonhall9331]

I always keep a sheet of cardboard or 2 handy, ziplocs for the panel fasteners from the car, extra panel clips for older vehicles, and a Sharpie for labeling

[@VWonder737]

Thanks for the ferrules and dielectric grease.

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

Great video Mark. Your shop cabinets are awesome for organizing all your tools and equipment.

[@portmurphy1]

You're too good man, I don't even want to install mine now -_-

[@fdfc78]

Cold beers and snack food!!

[@TheoneDragon51]

I always keep a double A battery. To check for polarity. It has come in very helpful a few times.

[@JordanKeller]

Greg Myers place speaker leads on the AA battery, if the speaker pushes outward, that means the wire you placed on the positive side of the battery is truly the speakers' positive connection. If the speaker pulls in when connected, switch the wires around. Hope that helps!

[@TheFXofRobbRee]

Wiring colors and materials can vary from different manufacturers. That is why you test polarity with a battery. Also, it doesn't happen often but manufacturers can make mistakes. There have been instances in which a speakers polarity was wired backwards from the factory.

[@AldenPez]

Love the newest intro man! Short and to the point. I like how the text appears to the beat. 👍

[@psementalist]

I think the most things people have a tendency to forget about is the small stuff and hardware . The small stuff will always come back to bite you in the butt

[@ELEVOPR]

I always make sure I have my radio for install 😜 Awesome video and great tips. Love those threaded rivets.

[@fishnhomeylod462]

Strip caulk makes a great gasket and sound deadening option. Not cheap, kind of messy, but worth the effort.

[@1-Six-dee]

Never seem anyone use a Ferrell in that way but that is great

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+Daniel Harrell Yeah check out this video here for more info about the ferrules kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip25YpJ9n66GptU

[@klipnotik7835]

Daniel Harrell I use it all the time

[@JOakay]

ive been adviced to do so too. a audio buddy told me you should theoretically be able to swing around with your amp while the plus-cable is attached. without those ferrells , the cable would just breaks loose.

[@elsey1976]

appie dagtutffnie the "plus cable " lmfao noob.

[@detox2778]

@@elsey1976 lmao ahhahhahahahahaah

[@miata350]

I used to use adhesive weatherstripping before I knew you could buy speaker gasket tape. Once I got gasket tape I realized it's basically the same thing.

[@brewcitymike1]

any chance I can have you on hand for my installs, lol

[@Jpilgrim30]

I have tons of xt30 and xt60 connectors for my drone builds. Never thought to use them for speaker connections.

[@rydenroam5551]

Mark I was wondering where can I buy your CAF heat shrinks.

[@UltraCon79]

Cable Glands for the firewall and passing the primary ground through to the frame. Hydraulic Crimper and tinned copper marine rings for all external power wire termination.

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

Look online for companies that wholesale specific parts like stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers and the vinyl end caps for them, wire terminals and their separate insulation sleeves, wire & hose clamps/separators etc. Companies like Nichifu, James Glen, Narva, Mocap, Jae etc sometimes have dedicated specialty wholesalers in specific countries with actual tradesmen/women or people WITH experience to help you out. You will be amazed at the companies out there that actually do specialise while saving money and not dealing with those popular faux wholesaler/retail franchises.

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee882]

Weather stripping is amazing like speaker gasket tape.

[@varaokaka]

Boa tarde. Gosto muito do seu vídeo e informações. teria como colocar legendas em português. Thank You.

[@Zanshire]

With the wire ferrules. Do you use a small torch and solder the inside of the ferrule so you have a solid connection between the ferrule and all wires. I also solder the battery terminal connections. Just curious as to your preferences. A set of tools that I keep on hand are Tap and Die sets.

[@A6Legit]

Its so worth having electrical stuff on hand. Connectors, shrink wrap, etc.

[@jermzmoney8319]

appreciate the vids very useful id like to make a suggestion can you please go over like whats a good place to mount an amp and what to use like self tappers through the frame or other ways to mount without going through the frame also can you go over a little bit more detail on how to tune an amp how to set the hz when using a ported enclosure and what size of techflex do you use I noticed they were in inch measurements not gauge I know we can measure it but does the techflex has some stretch or is exact fit

[@strikeforce4581]

Wireloom and spray on deadner. I'm starting my audio build on my supra today but I still need a few things but. I'm trying to do it as professional as possible

[@2v_media]

Between you, Steve Meade, and Johnathon Price.... I’ve learned enough to probably install systems better than most audio shops 🤫 especially here in Dallas where they hardly try. They just run some wires the easiest way they can, run RCAS on the same side to save time, and wire it up. No wire management or anything.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

They are probably also the cheapest guys in town, trust me there are plenty of shops that do things right, but they also charge for their time. Doing it right ain't cheap!

[@2v_media]

CarAudioFabrication agreed

[@broncoramfan]

the threaded fasteners are great idea. my question is the threaded rivets. the tool to set them in place looks huge. is it difficult to use in hard to reach areas?

[@markphilpot8734]

Some people still don’t get the fact that the considered little things are what get you into trouble by not doing your prior planning as this prevents poor performance! Thud! It’s not hard and this video is a perfect example of why knowing that you have these things on hand and their availability is not in question can prevent your install from becoming an unnecessary embarrassment! Pay attention to your inventory management. It will make or break you! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷

[@TacoViolator872]

I hope you get this, what do you have for a 14 ram sub box? 8" would be nice. Great work man. Quality stuff.

[@myusername00]

Hey Mark, what a great tutorial, which wire ferrule sizes are most common for Hifi installations?

[@ezfly5680]

hey CAF. love your videos. they've helped me a lot. when ever people ask me about car audio I tell them to check out your channel. I'm going to try my first vinyl wrap on my next project and I'm wondering (since its all I can find by me) which would you use, 3m 77 or 90 spray for vinyl?

[@pk386]

90

[@marciojunior1837]

Congrats on hitting 400k!!!

[@marioalves7610]

wish i saw this 2 days a go i just ran out of female spade connectors installing my head unit and cant install my new speakers mad list though ill try pick some of this stuff up before im done

[@mindovermatter3988]

It's kind of funny because I have everything you listed in this video and I've never done anything that has to do with car audio. Let alone speakers or anything. I just Tinker around with electronics, but he is not wrong everything listed in this video is a lifesaver super handy to have on hand. Not to mention it's all pretty cheap

[@camerondavis2012]

CarAudioFabrication I absolutely love your channel and seen every video atleast 10 times. But i still have a few questions with some things. Exactly how do i wire stock head unit to amp or stock headunit to dsp to equalizer to amp? Could you make an more in depth video or layout on how exactly the wires will go. I have a 2014 infiniti q50 and no one has done an full audio video on KZbin for it. I plan to do one and promote your channel from my video. Im going to run 4 speakers, 2 componet speaker sets, 2 12in subs, 2 amps, 1 dsp and 1 eqaulizer to a the stock headunit. Im looking forward to hearing back from you thank you so much.

[@Jenuin]

Great car stereo install items. Some of those I don’t have but I also keep extra wire in different gauges , Soeaker , switches (in case you need to turn off the remote wire to the subs) [= thank you for making this video

[@yodaddy4944]

Assorted sizes and lengths of self tapping screws and nuts/bolts for mounting and grounds. Insulated and non insulated Spade and butt connector terminals, non insulated for a more streamline wire after heat shrink.

[@riddempestcontrol8601]

What’s the name of the “DIY speaker wiring clips” ? I NEEEED those.

[@BBGuitars]

Butane soldering iron is must have, though I seem to have lost mine in my last house move.....

[@andy11894]

or the ability to have power near the vehicle

[@danc2014]

USB power port irons are the thing now.... or plug into 5 v power adapter.

[@FranklyFrankie94]

Should I install speaker with both speaker baffles and speaker gasketting tape?

[@mikerider007]

The link to the Tesa tape doesn’t work. Do you have another link? Thank you for sharing your videos. Very much appreciated

[@d_dizzie_druck5753]

I have aquired a box of random wires, fuses, connectors, spacers, zipties, blocks, & much more car audio install stuff. I had @ one time thought about getting rid of it, but it ALWAYS comes in handy every now N then.🤣 Also my friends threated to kick the crap outta me when i wanted get rid of it.

[@Humanthing123]

A tough one to have on hand for every car, but plastic panel clips and manufacturer specific screws. From junkyards. I've gone to countless junkyards to pull nearly every screw and clip car has when I'm working on one. Getting panel clips from a dealer is horrendously expensive. Junkyards I go to give them to me for $5-$10 depending on if I grabbed 50 or 200. Plus you can practice taking panels off a car and doesn't matter if you break something. Gm, Chrysler, Honda, Mazda etc typically use the same clips and screws within a generation on many of their cars.

[@imafk2361]

Furrows seem very handy. But I've never used them so you don't need them every install and I've never had any wiring issues with them coming loose later

[@davidwiley652]

Crimp tools. How do you crimp both styles of 1/0 ring connectors?

[@NordicDan]

Given that most quality amps have built in fuses, when you use a large fuse in the power lead, is it still advisable to use a fuse rather than a circuit breaker?

[@zackbrumis7831]

Had to stop what I was doing to go get a battery post accessory adapter to hook up the amp. Didn’t even think about that.

[@3.6pentastardude81]

I like t nuts instead of screws for subs into mdf

[@bsracer]

Hey great video just wanted to know about the heat shrink with the logo on it where can I get it from to put my logo on it. thanks

[@lathropedition]

I’m desperately trying to find the Tesa Harness tape. The link you have doesn’t work. Any other suggestions?

[@1chrisrowe]

What about a great source for wires of different colours and gauges?

[@r.predding875]

i try to always use marine heat shrink. it has a glue inside for double the insurance

[@andreynesterenko4176]

May i ground my amplifier right to the chasy, or it's important to run the wire to the battery?

[@quirinonavarro1857]

As all ways, very good advices, thanks.!!

[@jeremy7923]

What double sided tape do you use for the router templates?

[@EjuEj]

HI! Which Tessa tape do you prefer to reduce creaking? the cotton model or the non-woven model?

[@literate-aside]

We call those ‘wire clamps’ P-clips. Good video 👍

[@youdoofus]

Do you have a video showing how you added those bolt style grounds? I just have a self tapping sheet metal screw for mine and im not so keen on how secure it is. Thanks in advance!!

[@ilovetoyotatrucks]

can I make a box extremely simple for first timers -but tuned showing us how to simplify TUNNING mabey & using a router by hand not table? just for those who BARLY know what a router is!

[@OlafurArons]

Contact cleaner. iFixit toolset, preferably one of the bigger toolsets as they have small prongs and even plastic tools which can be used to remove doorpanels and other dashboard parts. Electric tape. In worst case scenario, when you desperately need to clean something up. Red, Blue & Yellow male and female spades, eye connectors, wire "combiners" and all sorts. Full set of philips screwdrivers as well as the flat type.

[@richkidd537]

Hey Mark, I was wondering if you can drop a link or the type/name of the wide oem foam type tape used to hold down the wiring harness/wires when running them under the carpet? Thanks in advance!👍

[@marcintolas572]

always good to have a piece of cloth to wipe accidental dirt or just to keep things clean or to quickly protect some parts we don't want to take a risk on

[@bobthomas8142]

I wasn’t expecting the bug voice, made me laugh😂