Looking for pics of car audio conversion
I am replacing my RCA 120v factory bookshelf stereo with a 12v car unit. After removing the RCA unit I have a large space to fill. I would like to install the head unit and the speakers in this space...
Forum Discussion
I don't have any photos of our install, but our original setup sounds similar. Our 120v setup had a wire antenna that hung off the back of the unit and output to speakers in the ceiling. The original unit was located in a book shelf area between two cabinets above our dinette... it also had the controls on top, which made it difficult to see and operate.
I installed an amplified automobile antenna through the roof (from AutoZone) using a flat washer and plenty of Dicor on the roof. I had to bring 12v into the area. I considered tapping in to the existing 12v lights above the dinette, but decided it would be best to run a new line to avoid noise and run a heavier wire. The positive lead (#14 wire) was run from a fuse block I installed in the front pass through... I could have used the camper's factory fuse block, but this option allowed me to bypass my battery disconnect switch. The negative lead was grounded to the camper's frame. I utilized our existing in the ceiling speakers and a set of outdoor speakers ran into our bunk area and out a storage door (we already had the outside speakers with our previous setup).
To install the auto unit, I framed the shelf between the cabinets to make a flat "dashboard" with a small piece of 1/4" plyboard. Then cut a hole to mount the radio. I included a switch for the positive lead to the radio and antenna amplifier (from AutoZone, similar to Roy's above). At first I included the radio's memory power on the switch, but later removed it from the switch... it does not have a significant impact to my battery storage, even over the winter months.
I then added framing & plyboard to hide all the wiring above the radio. This created a nice shelf/nook to store stuff. All the plyboard was painted to match our camper's decor.
I really wish I had photos to share... I think the install turned out really good. It has been in place for 2 years now with no issues or problems. Our radio's reception is MUCH improved, the controls are all located on the front face, our preset stations are not lost, we have radio even when we do not have 120v, and my DW is happy with it. It was a win-win upgrade!
Happy Camping!
John.
I installed an amplified automobile antenna through the roof (from AutoZone) using a flat washer and plenty of Dicor on the roof. I had to bring 12v into the area. I considered tapping in to the existing 12v lights above the dinette, but decided it would be best to run a new line to avoid noise and run a heavier wire. The positive lead (#14 wire) was run from a fuse block I installed in the front pass through... I could have used the camper's factory fuse block, but this option allowed me to bypass my battery disconnect switch. The negative lead was grounded to the camper's frame. I utilized our existing in the ceiling speakers and a set of outdoor speakers ran into our bunk area and out a storage door (we already had the outside speakers with our previous setup).
To install the auto unit, I framed the shelf between the cabinets to make a flat "dashboard" with a small piece of 1/4" plyboard. Then cut a hole to mount the radio. I included a switch for the positive lead to the radio and antenna amplifier (from AutoZone, similar to Roy's above). At first I included the radio's memory power on the switch, but later removed it from the switch... it does not have a significant impact to my battery storage, even over the winter months.
I then added framing & plyboard to hide all the wiring above the radio. This created a nice shelf/nook to store stuff. All the plyboard was painted to match our camper's decor.
I really wish I had photos to share... I think the install turned out really good. It has been in place for 2 years now with no issues or problems. Our radio's reception is MUCH improved, the controls are all located on the front face, our preset stations are not lost, we have radio even when we do not have 120v, and my DW is happy with it. It was a win-win upgrade!
Happy Camping!
John.
