My Build Plan, Need Help With Wiring And Bypassing Bose

[chris40oz77]

I've got an '09 Sierra Crew Cab with the POS BOSE system. I found out it would be cheaper to keep my stock headunit because otherwise I would have to buy adapters for my onstar, xm, bluetooth, steering wheel controls, etc... to work. I'm replacing all 4 speakers with new 6.5" components up front and coaxial 6.5" speakers in the back, all powered by an amp. I'm also planning to run 2 10" subs (powered by a separate amp).

 

I have no problem wiring the speakers to the amps and running the power from the battery to a distribution block and to the amps. My only concern is getting the signal to the amps without screwing up my xm, onstar, bluetooth, etc... I've done this kind of buildout on some of my other vehicles but it always involved an aftermarket headunit without all the extra stuff to worry about.

 

Aside from a LOC, what else do I need to make this work?

 

Thanks! and btw, lots of great info on this site!

[SavageNFS]

I've got an '09 Sierra Crew Cab with the POS BOSE system. I found out it would be cheaper to keep my stock headunit because otherwise I would have to buy adapters for my onstar, xm, bluetooth, steering wheel controls, etc... to work. I'm replacing all 4 speakers with new 6.5" components up front and coaxial 6.5" speakers in the back, all powered by an amp. I'm also planning to run 2 10" subs (powered by a separate amp).

 

I have no problem wiring the speakers to the amps and running the power from the battery to a distribution block and to the amps. My only concern is getting the signal to the amps without screwing up my xm, onstar, bluetooth, etc... I've done this kind of buildout on some of my other vehicles but it always involved an aftermarket headunit without all the extra stuff to worry about.

 

Aside from a LOC, what else do I need to make this work?

 

Thanks! and btw, lots of great info on this site!

 

Should just need the LOC converter. Depending on the amp you use for the speakers, it may have an output directly on the amp to feed the sub amp. This will save you some cable. Wiring up an LOC is not a big deal. Just make sure you have an accurate wiring diagram of the stock radio wiring harness before you get started and it will be easy if you can handle the rest of the wiring. I have a question for you. Why are you using coaxial in the rear? Why not stick to components there?

[turkish]

Components up front... Will you replace the stock tweeters or use additional tweeters in a new location? Of all the folks that put component setups in GMT900s, it seems none use the stock tweeter location, and I'm curious as to why that is.

[SavageNFS]

Components up front... Will you replace the stock tweeters or use additional tweeters in a new location? Of all the folks that put component setups in GMT900s, it seems none use the stock tweeter location, and I'm curious as to why that is.

 

I used the stock locations, but it required some modifications to be able to do so. A dremel tool, JB weld and patience got the job done.

[zcs626]

Components up front... Will you replace the stock tweeters or use additional tweeters in a new location? Of all the folks that put component setups in GMT900s, it seems none use the stock tweeter location, and I'm curious as to why that is.

 

It's because most "good" aftermarket tweeters struggle to fit in the factory location due to the A-pillar frame that protrudes out so far causing the magnet of the tweeter to hit the frame. It doesnt allow the tweeter cover to sit back on the a-pillar flush.

[SavageNFS]

Stock Tweeter location with Alpine SPX17 REF Tweeters

Modified cover (basically shaved off all the support holding the stock tweeter)

Stock tweeter on left, Alpine installed on the right. Note that there is approximately 1/16" between back of tweeter and A pillar. a larger tweeter would be a problem at this location IMO. I used a hot glue gun to isolate the tweeter and hold it in place until the JB Weld cured behind the tweeter. If the tweeter fails, it will be a challenge to remove and swap out, but not impossible.

[zcs626]

I made the mistake of ordering the Kicker QS 6.5" components for my Sierra and pulled the tweeter out of the box and was like holllllyyyyyy shit....thats not gonna fit.

 

Good thing I got them for 75% off, so I wasn't bitching too badly

[turkish]

Excellent info. Thanks, fellas!