for those of you following my Indy resto thread ( https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/024239.html ) I thought you would like the details on how I installed a subwoofer from an '86 SE into the Indy.
The '1984 Fiero did not come with a subwoofer option and so if you find one in the wrecking yard it is not a simple bolt-in procedure. But that is not to say it is a difficult job either.
Step 1)
Find a complete subwoofer with wiring harness, slide control dome light, and amp.
Step 2)
Locate a heater core cover plate from a late model Fiero. The '84 cover plate has screw holes on it for the relay cluster but no braket for the sub to mount to. The 85-88 model cover has the bracket. The cover on the left below in the '84 and the one on the right is the 85-88 model.
NOTE: this is a good time to replace your heater core if you suspect it is about to go or if it has more than 100k on it.
Step 3)
install the new heater core cover and subwoofer (I put in a new subwoofer speaker from Rod Dickman while I was at it). Use 7mm screws from the bottom. Note I did this with the dash out. It is possible to do it with the dash in place but with the routing of hte wiring harness and getting the right fit for everything you will be much happier if you take it out. The dash is not that complex a removal job after you have done one or two of them. In the end, it WILL save you time and aggrivation.
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09:34 PM
PFF
System Bot
Toddster Member
Posts: 20871 From: Roswell, Georgia Registered: May 2001
The hole in the support column for the dash IS there for the subwoofer cross conection plug. Mount the plug with a 7mm screw in this hole right behind the stereo opening. Route the subwoofer wire to the sub and the amp wire to the passenger side of the center console. There is no bracket for the amp in the '84 center console so pull the side piece away (pull back the carpet first) and make a simple braket with angle aluminum and screw it in place with three 7mm screws (use SHORT 7mm screws).
Step 5)
run the wire up the driver side A-piller and remove the old lighting wire from the junction box on the driver side wall below the stereo speaker. Plug the new wiring harness plug into the same location for power to your amp and sub.
Step 6)
the '84 had a Gun Metal Gray escutcheon dome light. No later model Fieros came with a subwoofer control slide in this color so we need to make one.
use a small standard screw driver to lift up the small brass wire hold downs. They will lift straight up without damaging the little studs they are on if you use care and go slow. clip the wires to the two side lights and use a small pair of dykes to "squeeze" the plastic melted tabs holding the metal frame in place on the TOP SIDE ONLY! Use the screw driver to lift the TOP edge of the metal frame and 'slide' it up towards you leaving the lower tabs untouched.
Step 7)
repeat this procedure with the wiring from the late model escutcheon and swap wiring harnesses with metal frame and all. Be sure to replace the dome light botton with the black ones from the '84 harness. slide the new metal fram into the lower tabs that you left un-touched while wiggling the slide mechanism into the center hole. use a soldering iron to solder the 4 wires onto the outer light and tape or use heat shrink tubing to insulate. Then melt the upper tabs with the iron to hold the metal frame in place. BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH THE HOT IRON TO THE EDGE OF THE ESCUTCHEON!
Step 8)
carefully pry off the "Performance Sound" escutcheon and use epoxy to glue it over the slide control. Let it dry and you are done!
Install it over the center console, plug in your stereo and rock on!
[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 12-21-2003).]
Cool cool! I'm installing one of these in my 88 coupe sometime in the next 2 weeks. Cant wait! Nice work.
That will be an easy job by comparison. But if your dome light is the wrong color and you don't want to take time trying to find one that matches you can always use the procedure above to make one.
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11:08 AM
Blue Rocket Member
Posts: 243 From: Jacksonville FL Registered: Mar 2002
That's great. I got a sub box on eBay a while back and planned on installing it in my 84, but I never quite got around to removing the dash since I have to drive my car for work. Here's a quick question though, cause I don't know much about stereo equipment. I've got a pretty nice Kenwood mp3/cd player I bought a couple years ago. Is an amp really necessary, or should my stereo be able to pump out enough power without one?
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06:58 AM
vortecfiero Member
Posts: 996 From: Toronto Area, Canada Registered: Feb 2002
My 86gt has this but I hear no difference with it. How can I make sure it is working? The original radio/cassette is in it, although the radio does not work the cassette does.
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10:06 AM
PFF
System Bot
Toddster Member
Posts: 20871 From: Roswell, Georgia Registered: May 2001
That's great. I got a sub box on eBay a while back and planned on installing it in my 84, but I never quite got around to removing the dash since I have to drive my car for work. Here's a quick question though, cause I don't know much about stereo equipment. I've got a pretty nice Kenwood mp3/cd player I bought a couple years ago. Is an amp really necessary, or should my stereo be able to pump out enough power without one?
The amp that comes with the stock subwoofer is designed strictly for it. If you have a Kenwood it probably has the power you need to drive the Speaker. Just make sure you ohm measurements are compatible.
quote
Originally posted by Bonehead: My 86gt has this but I hear no difference with it. How can I make sure it is working? The original radio/cassette is in it, although the radio does not work the cassette does.
I imagine your speaker has bit the dust. They were definitely NOT designed to last. Rod Dickman sells replacement speakers, so does the Fiero Store. To test the sub, simply slide the Performance Sound to max and place your hand over the sub speaker. You WILL feel something if it's working. There is also a possibility that the amp is bad but that is not that common so start with the speaker first.
[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 12-25-2003).]
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06:57 PM
GSXRBOBBY Member
Posts: 3122 From: Southern Indiana USA Registered: Aug 2003
You can see it in step 4 above. The size is approximately 5 inches square and 1 inch thick. You can even make your own if you want to. Oliver Shotz has a wiring diagram. But it is easier to locate one through the wrecking yards or on eBay or the Mall right here on PFF.
