Amp in center console?

[Expedition]

I'm going to be installing an amp for the door speakers. It's a 300watt amp to power the 4 door speakers. I was planning on putting it under the passenger seat, but after looking down there. There isn't enough room because I have the passenger power/memory seat so the motor and all that wiring is in the way. I was thinking about putting it under the center console? What do you guys think? Also do you guys know how to remove the center console? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Remo]

I have a first generation truck, but I installed my amplifier inside (not under) the center console. There was no room underneath the center console in my truck. It worked out fine for me inside the console, though. My major concern would be air space and ventilation. Make sure you have at least an inch of space around the top and sides of the amp. It is also helpful to have the area vented to air can come in/out. A small fan might even be necessary (but I am doing fine w/o one--never overheated). Also, some amplifiers are more prone to overheating than others and some have better prevention/protection against that. As far as console removal goes, I can't give you exact instructions (I have a first gen). But, remove any caps/plugs, disconnect wire harnesses, take out any screws/bolts, and once you think you have them all out start pulling. But I would wait for someone to provide real instructions, rather than risk breaking parts--but that's just me. Hope that helps some.

 

[ELVATO]

http://expeditionforum.com/showthread.php?t=5096&highlight=center+console

Not sure how big the amp is, but there is some space under the "front" part of the console. To remove the top part, lift up the little rubber mat (between the 2 cup holders and the pop out cig tray), and there is a bolt under there. Take it off, and pull up on the top part of the console. Done

This is assuming you don't have the floor shifter.

 

[Expedition]

Alright I'll check it out, and the amp looks like it will fit but I don't know.

I thought the expys didn't get the floor shifter until 07.

 

[ELVATO]

It might be the Navis, then, that have the floor shifter. Them manual just says for floor shifters follow this, for colunm shifters, follow this.

 

[Expedition]

Okay well I took a quick peek in ther and it looks like it MIGHT fit at the bottom, but I don't know I'm going to see on sunday. Whats a good way to run the power wire from the battery? Like is there a slot in the firewall where I could pass the cable through?

If it turns out the amp does not fit. Where would be a good spot to place it? Remember I don't want ANY visable cables.

 

[ELVATO]

There is a huge gromet close to where the steeing column peeks through the firewall. About an inch or so across.

 

[Remo]

There is a huge gromet close to where the steeing column peeks through the firewall. About an inch or so across.

That's where I ran my power wire through.
Then I ran it behind the dash and under the center console.
Grounded the amp under the center console, too.
Speaker wires ran under the console, under the dash to the doors and under the door sill trim plates to the subwoofer.

Other than under/in the console, you could put it under a seat.
Of course you ruled out the front passenger seat, but maybe under a second row seat (not sure how this affects ability to fold in 2nd gens, though).
Other than that, you would probably have to put it in the cargo area or on the back of a seat.

 

[Expedition]

***** ******* me off.

 

[ELVATO]

What, it's not fitting?

 

[Expedition]

Yeah and the rear door speakers won't play anything. I'll figure it out tomorrow.

 

[King Cobra]

I was wondering the same about the console install on my 99 Expy. I have two amps and I wanted to put them under the rear passenger seat but space is limited if seats are folded down. I will be removing my CD(stock junk) player and would like to place an amp on bothe sides inside the console and under the flip-up armrest. Lots of room in there. One amp for front and one for rear doors and not very big in sizes( 200 W and 300 W). I can also do a neat job of cutting vent holes on each side of my console and install those cool fans that you find in junk computers ( all 12 volts I found so far) and then place cheap metal speaker covers over the holes to make them look good. If those CB guys mount the fans on their 1000 to 5000 watt linears, then I know the fans will work. I have used them before and they move air! Any other ideas? Thanks. Scott

 

[97_edition]

I was wondering the same about the console install on my 99 Expy. I have two amps and I wanted to put them under the rear passenger seat but space is limited if seats are folded down. I will be removing my CD(stock junk) player and would like to place an amp on bothe sides inside the console and under the flip-up armrest. Lots of room in there. One amp for front and one for rear doors and not very big in sizes( 200 W and 300 W). I can also do a neat job of cutting vent holes on each side of my console and install those cool fans that you find in junk computers ( all 12 volts I found so far) and then place cheap metal speaker covers over the holes to make them look good. If those CB guys mount the fans on their 1000 to 5000 watt linears, then I know the fans will work. I have used them before and they move air! Any other ideas? Thanks. Scott

If or when you do decide to install the fans, it will benefit to have at least two installed. One pulling in "cool" air and the other pulling out the "hot" air. It is always good to have circulation over any amp as they all produce heat, some more than others (usually cheaper ones).