Running cables from the front.

[silvermilnec]

I'm replacing the amp in the front of the 996. Does anyone know the easiest way of running cables through the front bulkhead and upto the head unit.
I can only see onle large rubber gromit in the centre of the bulkhead behind the battery but i would think it hard to see this from inside the car!!

Come on Richard i'm sure you done this!!

Cheers all.

 

[markr]

if you look from the front just behind the battery to the left there is a blank gromit, it is easier to access with the battery removed. If you remove the gromit and poke a screwdriver through then put your hand up from the inside just above the top of the clutch you'll feel the end of the screwdriver. I fitted a Dension and fed the wire through here, came through a treat. One thing to note is that when you are finished make sure that you cable tie the wires to something so they don't catch your feet.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Yes Chris, I have! This is the grommet Mark is referring to, and as he says, it comes out near to the steering column in the footwell. With my battery it was easy to access without removing, but if you had an 80Ah original battery, it is a bit wider.

 

[silvermilnec]

Thanks to you both, i was going to go through the large gromit next to the one in the picture. the one arrowed Richard, does this just pull off? and can i get cable down the pipe or do i need to cut the gromit?

Thanks again, i've been up to my neck in it recently so havn't been on the forum, BUT as soon as you need help it's available, cheers.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Those are my speaker wires coming through the arrowed grommet, but were put in by the installer of the previous system. (About the only thing they got right). IIRC, that's where the CD changer wires normally run. If the grommet is blank in your car, just pull it out and run a drill through the middle to make a hole. The other grommet to the right of the photo isn't as thick, and is less suitable for running wires through.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

I ran my iPod wires through the large one on the right... I cut a slit in and pushed the wire through... It ran down the back of the carpet (which has a sticky backing, but you can push a wire through) and ends up near the pedals as previously stated.

I actually managed to unseat the grommet at first - and it was a real pain to get back in! But in the end using the same technique they use to get windows in to cars (with a bit of string around the groove in the grommet) I was able to get it back in without needing to shove my hand up the back of the carpet - at the same time as I was needed to push it in place from the battery side []

 

[silvermilnec]

Ok the gromit in the picture does have cables running through it down a tube and is quite strong/stiff i don't think i'll get another cable down it and don't want to disturb it, i'll have to use the one on the right.

 

[Davedavies]

Sorry, but couldn't resist this one.

Gromit is a dog (and also a friend of Wallace), gromet is the rubber bung you are all discussing.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Sorry, but I'm an Engineer by training - and it's Grommet !

[]

 

[Davedavies]

Sorry, missed 2nd M

 

[silvermilnec]

that made me laugh!! i've never been the best at spelling! but i'm sure everyone knew what i ment.

thanks for the spelling lesson, lol.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Silly me. The wallace I arrowed is blank on mine, but it must be for the pipe from the clutch master cylinder on a manual car. Obviously the wallace to use is the one on the right. I would suggest smearing a dobble of black silicone around the wires when everything is fitted, so that it seals them better.

 

[Nick_USA]

I've always used the large bung to the right of Richards arrow ... easiest way to avoid poking out the grommet (Not the wagging tail one) is to use a 'Stanley Knife' to cut a cross in the middle of it. Doesn't have to be to big a cut btw.

 

[silvermilnec]

Richard/Nick thanks, i'll follow your instructions this weekend.

 

[silvermilnec]

ok update, i've pushed cables through the grommet behind the 2 pipes, but getting the grommet to go back is a bit of a pain!

What are the 2 pipes in front can i disconect them to make the job easier.

Cheers.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

ORIGINAL: silvermilnec

ok update, i've pushed cables through the grommet behind the 2 pipes, but getting the grommet to go back is a bit of a pain!

Cheers.

See my post above !
I managed it in the end

 

[silvermilnec]

Mark do you use the sring to reduce the size of said grommet?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Ah- No.

You put the string in the groove around the edge of the grommet, overlapping a bit when you have gone all the way around - and leaving a few inches free to grab. Carefully feed the grommet through the hole (did I say it's awkward?!), and when you have it in place behind the hole, gently pull the string so that the edge of the grommet is pulled over the hole in the metal, and into place. As the string gets pulled free the grommet will pop in to place.

This did take me a few goes, but no matter - the grommet is not going to fall down the back because of the sticky back carpet - and if you have the wires already through it then you've got something to help hold it in place [].

I managed to do it without resorting to removing the battery. However I may have been lucky!

 

[silvermilnec]

Ok it's back in!!! it took some doing. I had to push from the inside though, more than one way to skin a cat!!

Thanks for the help, i'll report back with how the new amp sounds.

Cheers
[]