A tech at my friends shop gave me an idea for wiring speakers to my aftermarket head unit. He said that I could jump the input and output wires from the harnesses at the amplifier, then just connect the speaker outputs from the radio into the former low-level wires that used to go to the amp.

My question-will those thin (maybe 18) gauge wires handle the 60 watts per channel of my radio? It would sure make the job easier (and neater).

Thanks

 

In all of my experience with installing speakers, i've had audiobahn speakers running off of a stock headunit. You probably wont get the full potential of the speakers, but it should work

 

It will work, but as the other poster said, you will not likely achieve the throughput you would if you used thicker wires.
I know your car, no short cuts! If you're up to the task, run the thicker wires. You will be happier in the long run.

 

I ran the wires and began the connections (too many family delays). Cant wait to finish it and see how it sounds tomorrow.

Also---I took off the sub speaker grill, and am planning on somehow utilizing the space. If nothing electronic, then just storage. Create some kind of compartment and a door-possibly the stock speaker grill with a hinge, so it will be stealth.

 

I got the radio wired-no adapter yet (so no onstar/etc). But, it sounds much better than with the factory amp. Plus, since the factory sub is out of the car now, I can crank mine up much louder without the old one degrading the sound. I still may use my 5 channel external amp for even better sound, but then it becomes a matter of losing space in the back.

Next thought-without the sub box, I have a nice big opening on the side of the car. If I fill it with fiberglass, could I mount my 10 inch sub in the panal and get good sound?