I am hoping to start this thread, so that everyone can comment on different things they've done with their SVX stereos. Since this club is searchable, anyone should be able to find this thread.

Seth

Yes both factory units are single DIN, so you'll be able to replace the factory stereo easily. Subaru can provide a DIN "cover plate", but with the lack of storage, I though it made more sense to install a "pocket"

I went to my local car audio specialist and asked him if he had any "extra" pockets from Subarus that he had kept after installaing a new stereo. He happened to have 2 pockets, both from Legacys, I believe. He sold me both for $10. (The Subaru dealer wanted $5 plus shipping for the (cover plate).

I had to make some minor mods to the pocket. Using a dremel tool, I cut off the 2 tabs that were on either side of the pocket, so that it would fit into the SVX chasis. I then installed the new Stereo, and bolted into the chasis. I slid the pocket into the chasis, beneath the stereo, and lined it up so that it was even with the face of the stereo. I marked where the screw holes in the pocket were, removed the pocket and stereo, and drilled holes int he chasis. Re-installed the stereo, insereted the pocket, and screwed it in place.

All in all, it took about 20 minutes (after the chasis and stock radio were removed from the car). I then performed the same procedure on my dad's SVX. I think it came out great, and provided more storage space.

You can check out a pic of it on my memeber profile at the I-Club, or... http://208.9.184.110/MembersList/ViewMemberPics.cfm?MemberID=1530

Good luck,
Seth

well on my svx i just repalced the head unit (tape) with a nice sony box.. for my sisters svx i kept the factory deck and added a cd changer ..and mounted the cd changer display in the second din..(dosn't sound very well but looks good)

jw

94a SVX LS -sold
94 SVX L -sister
97 2.5 gt -sold
00 RS

after re reading your post .. both of our svx's had only the tape player.. so the second din had a filler deal.. no pocket

[This message has been edited by Jaxx (edited June 27, 2000).]

I replaced the standard tape head in my 94 with a premier cd deck, and replaced the speakers with boston pro series componenets in front, 6x9's in the rear.

All in all, the SVX is pretty easy to do stereo stuff on. The door assembly is not as intimidating as you might think. The depth limits on the front door components are a bit tricky, so be sure you get that right.

I'd really like to use something besides 6x9's in the rear, but unfortunately that means cutting out sections of the rear deck, then mounting in fabricated sections to fill the space.. unless I mounted 10"'s or something in the holes (heh, not gonna happen).

Anyone do anything interesting with the rears like this?

Anyone have any ideas on a clever place to mount a cd changer in an SVX besides the trunk? No space in the dash either...

Is there maybe room under the passenger seat? If you remove the little drawer? I suppose it depends on how big the CD changer is. I know if you've got a power drivers' seat, nothing is going to fit under there.

Rich

Yeah, it's old... but I wrote a web-page about stereo installs a LONG time ago. I basically only replaced the head unit and am planning to re-do the same thing on my new SVX when I get some money together. Probably go buy something off-the-wall like an Empeg (at least that's my current plan).

The web-page for those who care is http://home.earthlink.net/~hackrat/Gavin/svx-sound.html

heh, I almost put an empeg in my SVX (was customer #168 http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smile.gif ). But, I decided I couldn't justify the then $1500 cost. These days it's getting better and cheaper each revision, so one may go in soon.

Jason Watkins,

I would love to be able to mount something like an 8 inch speaker in the back deck but have you looked to see all the "junk"(wiper motor, electrical relay for the horn and stuff, rear tire wells) in the way? I thought it would be cool to leave the 6 by 9 grills alone but make a new cut out in the metal plate below that the speakers are mounted to. Less for thieves to see = good. So much for that idea http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/frown.gif I suppose i'll have to find another way to be creative with my SVX.

Kinda upset but moving on
B.C.

Yeah, ditto that on the pair of 8"s in the rear deck..

my plan was to use jordan jx53's down to ~500hz, and then cross them to a pair of seas aluminum 8"'s. The jordans are awsome.. possibly to good to put in a car really, but I spend most of my music listening in the car, so it's worth it. The seas are about the best bass you'll manage. I'd guestimate the SVX trunk to be a couple 100 liters.. so running the 8's directly out of that would be just about perfect for an overdamped system: nice tight precise bass.

But in the end it looks like I'll have to do something else.. god knows what.. probibly hack apart the 6x9 grills to fit a 5.5" seas aluminum, then run a single 8 in a small sealed box in the trunk.

God only knows how I'm going to fit a pair of seas drivers up front.. and the jordans will most definately not fit in the factory tweater grills.. so I'll have to modify those or fab some pods or something..

anyhow, all those plans are on the shelf at the moment

About the Cd changer location.......
I had mine in my trunk until I saw numerous pics fomr japanese sites, now it fits snugly in my glove box

Do you have any pictures? Did you have trouble getting it to fit in there?

i dont have any pics yet but i can get them shortly. i had no probles at all getting it to fit or stay, its the perfect place for it.

Michael

I changed my headunit to an old single din, Blaupunkt Orlando Tape deck/CD changer controller. Still haven't found a permanent mounting place for the 10 CD changer, right now it's behind the driver's seat with some rags around it to dampen movements.

I want to use the glove box for other things, so I'll try to fit it in the trunk. Hopefully I can attach it to the metal deck above the trunk, then it'll be out of the way. I make a lot of runs to the airport to drop off and pick up people, so I need room for the luggage! Putting in a single 8" - 10" or 12" woofer in the deck between the 6x9's would be cool! That deck is pretty solid with that metal! You could probably mount an amp to the underside of it too!

I know what's under there because I replaced the pathetic stock 6x9's with Alpines. That rear window sure is a pain because it's SOOO close to the speakers! Needed a 90degree screwdriver or a socket attachment for a screwdriver to get to them!

Hmmm I'd love to get more bass out of the system but still conserve space! Maybe a single woofer setup would work?

Eric