Toyota 4Runner SQ rebuild - Audible Physics, Zapco, OnCore

I finally finished my build last year just in time for finals. So, after enjoying it for a few months I guess it's time to tear it all out and start over. I had a very successful first year competing but it's time to more onward and upwards. :D


Last year I did my entire install by myself and had my tuning done by multiple people including myself, Chris Zenner, Kyle Ragsdale, Michael Myers, and the final tune performed by Steve Cook. Many other people helped me as well.


With the new install I am getting help from some friends / professionals. For example the pillars were made by Steve Cook of Audio X, the dash kit was made by Rafa, and the lower dash panel that will hold the Helix Director was made by Ed Rice and his buddy Darin Laughard. Tuning will once again be handled by myself (initial crappy tune) and then corrected and perfected by Steve Cook.


Here is a link to my previous build.


Here are a few pictures.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psufwuc74z.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps8ugu8z9e.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psvngcq0mx.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps7utcrvpm.jpg


Photo after finals with Tam from SLA Accoustics / Audible Physics.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psovdvtavl.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pseckiwwqz.jpg


System Diagram by Nick.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps2imzuvm7.jpg

Now enough about the past, time for the future. This install will take a little while since I am temporarily crippled. I had ankle / knee surgery on my ankle almost seven weeks and I'm still recovering. If you get bored check out the OATS ankle procedure. I'm still on crutches another week then I'll be in the boot / air cast another five weeks. So, I'll be able to do some easy work in the next few weeks then slowly increase to the real work.


So here's my plan.


Head unit - Sony RSX-GS9 head unit mounted in the dash behind an iPad mini 2 that will be controlling it.
CD Changer Controller - Alpine CRA-1667RF
CD Changer - Alpine CHA-S624
DSP - Helix DSP Pro MK2
Amps - Zapco Z150.6 LX - two of them
Amps - Zapco Z-1KD - two of them
Speakers - Audible Physics Ram 6a, Ram 3a, Ram 2a, Ram 1a
Subs - OnCore SM12 - two of them
Batteries - XS Power D3400 and XS Power D3400R


Oncore Sub
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psb0imxqto.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psdimubzfd.jpg


One of the batteries. Great Dane beside of it for size comparison.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psdpfcktal.jpg


Shrockworks second battery tray.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psg2yaedey.jpg


Amps.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psserzqzcs.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psstf4xfoq.jpg


Pillars built by Steve Cook.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psnlo1qn7y.jpg


Audible Physics Ram's.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psiachpzko.jpg

Saturday was my second day hopping around without crutches so I decided to check out the fit on the dash panels and play around with the angle on the head unit. I need to figure out some trim pieces for the Sony but I'm pretty happy with how every thing looks.


So far the only thing hooked up is the volt meter.


Before.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psvp35vaka.jpg


After.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psdfgewjrp.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pszjnhovzq.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psctwmybbp.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psrjzy3x4n.jpg


Lower in the dash, new panel holding the Director and a voltage meter.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psgvcgs10d.jpg

Very nice! I like the iPad in the dash

A great dane for comparison eh? lol nice!

What is your dogs name ?

Let that ankle heel up good !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hic

What is your dogs name ?

Let that ankle heel up good !

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That monster's name is Izzy. He will tear you up.

I don't think my ankle and knee will ever heal. I'm just happy to be off of crutches.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Notloudenuf

Very nice! I like the iPad in the dash

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Thank you. It is going to take some getting used to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bobditts

A great dane for comparison eh? lol nice!

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Well, he thinks he's a Great Dane. Either that or a Pit Bull. :D

Bruce great to see you here. The new build is coming along very nicely. Awesome gear going in for sure. Love those pillars.

That is tricked out with the hidden Sony!

I messed around for a little while today and made a little progress. I don't have a garage so I have to work outside under my carport. Today it is rainy and in the low 50's so a few hours was enough for me.

The iPad dash kit that I received did not have a mount for the head unit behind. I was using the old head unit mount from my last install which was only using two screws into plastic mounts. It was very secure before since it also screwed into the Scosche dash kit. However, now that it doesn't screw into the iPad dash kit it was very flimsy. I corrected this using some epoxy and connecting the mount to the dash kit. It's nothing pretty but it is now very solid.

I still have to get the head unit lined up properly then do some trim around the head unit, I'll try to work on that some tomorrow. There is only so much I can do right now so there is no need to get in a hurry.

Using the mounting cage to get the right spacing for the head unit.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pszywupo3l.jpg

The sexy white epoxy...
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pswnwvs1wy.jpg

Nice and secure.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psx8acy2f9.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pspsjokn3p.jpg

I'm using barrier strips behind the head unit to hook up all of the accessories. I'm not crimping anything, everything is soldered. So far I wired up the powered USB for the iPad, the steering wheel control adapter, the wifi adapter for the rear camera, and the rear camera.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psbqcfaljq.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps23duears.jpg
I also cleaned up some old wiring from when I used my head unit as the main source. The old connections are embarrassing but they did work. I removed the top hats and the extra speaker wire and soldered the factory wires back together.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pstx11xkbk.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psnydf3usf.jpg

Showing the rear view camera working through the iPad (and/or iPhone) as well as showing the battery is charging. I'm disappointed in the picture quality but it will do the job.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psusicqo28.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pszg2hkoaf.jpg

I could only do ten photos in one reply so this one gets it's own post.. I received a couple hundred feet of Knu OFC speaker wire today.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psmsqakayj.jpg

Great work and a "do it right first time" approach.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Very impressive , nicely done!

I can't wait to hear the improvements!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Michael Myers

I can't wait to hear the improvements!

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I feel the same way about yours.

It's not much but I'm trying to get a little done every day I'm off work. I won't be messing with it again until next Friday so I'll won't be boring you all for a few days.

It doesn't look like much but I did some trim work around the head unit. I plan to use a little filler in there then flock the area behind the iPad. Here's a before and a couple of after shots. If it weren't for the knob on the Sony this would be easy. I really wish I knew what the hell I was doing.

Before.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psvfpazhyu.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psxolx8xii.jpg

After.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psbxf5ts5e.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pswiaytrh0.jpg

nice to see you posting this stuff here, Bruce! Nice work as well, man! Looking forward to hearing it again sometime this year. :)

I know this stuff is probably pretty boring to most but I'm an amateur so nothing seems easy to me. This is my third weekend working on this dash kit. More abs, some bondo, some glazing putty, then some SEM paint and primer. Tomorrow I plan to flock-it and call it done (hopefully).

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ps1nawwtwc.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pspneenkwc.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pshxmmorpy.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psi39xlvox.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psow7clkej.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pszwlbg4ym.jpg

Not boring at all man! Good stuff!

I'm about to do something crazy with a Helix Director install in a cheap Civic console so.. plastic fab is a fun read.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

No way is the fab work boring! Don't forget we love this stuff as much as you do, lol. So keep them pics coming....nice work so far.

Thanks guys. Just to refresh the slider kit was molded into the dash kit by Rafa. I'm just working on getting the Sony to look right mounted behind it. I don't want anyone to think I'm taking credit for work I didn't do.

Flock It!!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psdyhcapwq.jpg

I removed the tape and I am pretty happy with how the flocking looks. However, I've decided that I'm not completely done with the dash kit after all. After the flocking has a week to dry I plan to tape it up then paint the dash kit with some SEM paint to give it some texture.


Here is how it looks now.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psk42yqedm.jpg

Back to work this morning, I installed the Sony. Other than needing to repaint the dash kit I'm extremely happy with how it came out.


No more gap around the head unit. It's amazing how much time and energy I put into this considering how few people will ever see it.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psygjb5yvg.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psbfs7tasc.jpg


Installed in the car.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pstguvp9yi.jpg

Wow, that turned out awesome. Did you use a flocking applicator, or did you just sprinkle it on there?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigAl205

Wow, that turned out awesome. Did you use a flocking applicator, or did you just sprinkle it on there?

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Thank you. I used the tube applicator that came with the kit.

Indeed sir, looks spectacular!

I also worked on the sunglasses holder which now holds the CD Changer controller. This spot formerly held the Helix Director and to be honest it didn't look that great. Hopefully I've learned a few things since my last install.

This is what I started with. I did start a little sanding prior to taking the photo but you can see all of the bad spots.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pswdu67ole.jpg

Next I added a piece of abs to fill in the hole. I also ground down the bad spots.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psaehe1fya.jpg

After using CA glue to hold the new abs piece where it needed to go I cut out a hole for the controller then added some bondo.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psyuliltq3.jpg

I did a bunch of sanding and then test fit the trim piece.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psspkqib6n.jpg

Next step, paint with SEM black trip paint. Color in the photo is not accurate.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pshd8sgywu.jpg

I allowed the SEM paint to dry for three hours then lightly taped it. After that I added glue then flocked it.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psdahda1sw.jpg

After allowing it to dry most of the day yesterday and overnight I installed the controller and mounted it to the console.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psfa2arhcl.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psq8govxmc.jpg

Closed up it looks factory to anyone that doesn't know that it was originally beige. I actually like it better black.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psfb8qtlkd.jpg

I know this isn't pretty but it had to be done. I had to allow room for the controller cable and to allow room for the knob and buttons. It will never be seen.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psuyc7duxm.jpg

You been busy! Nice progress


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Babs

You been busy! Nice progress


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Thank you.

Short video showing how easy it is to mount the ipad in the dash kit now. With the felt that came on it I had to force it into place.

https://youtu.be/EYfqxtRt5Gg

Well it looks like I now have a must finish by date. I have an appointment with Steve Cook from Audio X in Florence Alabama for a tune on June 23rd. I'll head down there on the 22nd and spend the night. After the tune I'm heading to Kingsport, Tennessee for the MECA show Bangin' On The Dashboard II. I'll be driving about 1,1100 miles but it should be a fun long weekend. :D

:clap:901 W College st

Bunyan's Barbeque

Iffn you feel like ribs while you're there ( 2 thumbs up )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lowcel

Well it looks like I now have a must finish by date. I have an appointment with Steve Cook from Audio X in Florence Alabama for a tune on June 23rd. I'll head down there on the 22nd and spend the night. After the tune I'm heading to Kingsport, Tennessee for the MECA show Bangin' On The Dashboard II. I'll be driving about 1,1100 miles but it should be a fun long weekend. :D

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Kingsport huh? I have some family there, and know the town pretty decent. If I wasn't gonna be at the beach that week I'd come to the show and meet ya, exchange demos and all, not to mention it's been a long while since the cobalt has been judged..........oh well, bad timing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lowcel

Well it looks like I now have a must finish by date. I have an appointment with Steve Cook from Audio X in Florence Alabama for a tune on June 23rd. I'll head down there on the 22nd and spend the night. After the tune I'm heading to Kingsport, Tennessee for the MECA show Bangin' On The Dashboard II. I'll be driving about 1,1100 miles but it should be a fun long weekend. :D

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I'm less than an hour from Steve's shop and house. If you think about it, give me a shout before you head this way and I'll try to come by and hang out with you guys and offer a hand if it's needed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by erinh

I'm less than an hour from Steve's shop and house. If you think about it, give me a shout before you head this way and I'll try to come by and hang out with you guys and offer a hand if it's needed.

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That would be great. I would love to hear your car.

Kind of a sad day, have to say good bye to the old install that I worked so many hours on.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psizewj5ql.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psgmawvpj4.jpg

I'll have to get rid of this, I've had help from some friends on the new install.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psek0okwti.jpg

I'll be getting rid of these as well.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pspjajud4c.jpg

For some reason after removing the install I didn't seem to know when to stop. I just kept removing parts.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pskcz8ebpf.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...pswqngb4pm.jpg

Two boxes of Sonic Barrier did the roof and 3/4 of the hatch area. Tomorrow I'll work on all the side panels then try to finish up the floor. I'll have to order more for the doors I believe.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psn82chhai.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psmxc3ah5i.jpg

Wow, you really gutted it!