Octavia Q's

Dr Zoidberg · 12-07-2003, 17:53

I have parked outside a shiny new octavia.
Whilst it is a lovely car the standard stereo needs a bit of improvement so I shall be starting work on it in a couple of weeks.
Before that I have a couple of questions though.

The front speakers look like standard 6" jobs , is this right?
If so , what do people recommend as I've heard there may not be much mounting depth.
Also can you just take off the lower bit of trim without removing the whole door cards? Also do the tweeter surrounds front and rear unclip or is it more of a job to get at them?

Running cabling to the boot should be fairly straightforward.
I plan to have my changer back there as well as my JBL sub from my old Ka.

Any other surprises I should look out for?

Kentish · 12-07-2003, 17:56

Without appearing rude your best bet is to do a search on I.C.E or check the FAQ, there are plenty of threads and info to read.

Everything that can be done to improve matters for you has already been done, posted and discussed.

Cheers.....and good luck (hope you have a spare week to read them)

Andy

ps and welcome by the way

**robmawer** · 12-07-2003, 18:18

As Andy said, it's been covered on here before, but takes some
searching, so I'll give a run down as best as I can!

Front speaker size - 17cm (think that's 6.5", but 6" will probably
fit in with a mounting plate/ring).
I have Infinity's in the front (652i's I think). However, these are
discontinued, but there *might* be a replacement the same
size. I think Pioneer "shallow basket" ones will fit in pretty
easy too.
The door card doesn't need touching, it can all be done by taking
off the grille.
Tweeter surrounds at the front just pull off, don't even need
any tools. Not sure on the rear - it's easier to unplug some of
the wires in the boot (this is covered in the FAQ).

Cabling to the boot is pretty easy.

And welcome to Briskoda!

Rob.

Stimps · 12-07-2003, 18:24

Welcome to Briskoda, DZ - I'm guessing you're a futurama fan?

As Andy says, this has been covered by quite a few people, so a quick browse through the ICE Forum should answer most of your questions

I don't have an Octy myself so don't have firsthand knowledge, but from memory the front speakers can be replaced, although there isn't much mounting depth, so a lot of "normal" speakers won't fit.

Running the cables shouldn't be a problem - I think there's a grommet somewhere on the driver's side that allows cable entry (whereas on the Fab it's on the left IIRC).

As for surprises, try searching the forums for "k-line" - the wiring loom for the head unit has a slightly different configuration from normal as I understand it. Won't damage your head unit, but could damage the dealer's diagnostic tool!

Even though a lot of this has been covered before, it doesn't mean no one will answer any questions you have, btw

Stimps · 12-07-2003, 18:40

BTW, have just added some futurama smilies to my site - http://quakezilla.com/smiles

Dr Zoidberg · 19-07-2003, 08:06

Thanks to those who replied.
I had done a search on the forums but all I seemed to find were people telling others to search the forums.
Looks like it was a while back that the questions were answered directly.
I'll be ordering my stereo today so I'll see if I can get some suitable speakers at the same time.

redbaron · 19-07-2003, 22:49

Welcome Dr, as rob said 6's in the front with sep tweeter, disconnect the rear tweeters and replace the rears with some coaxial units... the h/u is th emain prob but soulds like u have this covered! let us know how you get on!

**robmawer** · 21-07-2003, 09:41

Quote:

Originally posted by ffelan in this post
replace the rears with some coaxial units...

I'd also recommend buying some longer screws and a bag of
washers when doing this...

Rob.

Dr Zoidberg · 24-07-2003, 20:47

Well all the electronics are now sitting in a big pile in my lounge.
Got a sony MP80 head unit which looks superb but a bit shinier than I had expected. All the pics I had seen seemed a darker grey which would have matched the dash better.
I decided to go to a real shop for the speakers rather than ordering off the net. It will cost a bit more but I can be sure they will fit that way , and I should have it all in on saturday with pics to follow if anyone is interested.
I'm considering mounting the Sub , changer and amp to a false floor in the boot which would make things a little neater and remove the need to drill holes into my shiny new car.

**robmawer** · 25-07-2003, 09:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Dr zoidberg in this post
I'm considering mounting the Sub , changer and amp to a false floor in the boot which would make things a little neater and remove the need to drill holes into my shiny new car.

A wise idea! The Octy does essentially have a false floor anyway,
as the underside of the boot carpet is wood-lined...depends if you
want to make holes in this though, and how well fitting it is...

Rob.

SkodiRS · 25-07-2003, 09:56

Dr Z,

did you get the wire adapter as well? Don't need one for the HU to work but will prevent K-line problem.

Cheers.
Adrian.

Dr Zoidberg · 25-07-2003, 10:29

Nope , not got an adaptor yt. Will definately want one for the aerial power feed and will see if I can get one that does the K thingy as well. If not I'll find out which wire it is and change it by hand.

SkodiRS · 25-07-2003, 10:42

Do a search for "After market radio problem"; there's a diagram showing which pin to short.

***DGW*** · 25-07-2003, 12:48

Ross-Tech's explanation of the problem plus the fix is here.

Dr Zoidberg · 25-07-2003, 12:53

Ah , thats dead easy , thanks.

Dr Zoidberg · 28-07-2003, 21:47

Turns out I didn't need to do anything , my Sony had nothing connected to that pin anyway.

chrish · 14-08-2003, 18:05

Know I'm joining this one somewhere in the middle but could someone confirm the (lowest) budget required for the front speaker mod to the vRS? I called at a shop just now and they quoted me £69+ £25 fitting for Infinity fronts. They could do Pioneer but recomend the Infinitys. Is it practical to fit myself by removing the speaker grille. They also said they would use a spacer to keep the cone off the plastic cover. Guess I could get them to give me those in with it.
Anything else I need to do?
Thanks for your patience as I am not into ICE.
Chris

***ncarring*** · 14-08-2003, 19:00

£46.99 + £10 P&P from MCS-Direct Chris

Edit: Stop press - £42.99+£10 from letsbuycaraudio.com

Should be pretty simple to swap - pop out speaker grille, undo 4 screws, unplug old speaker, plug in new one (may be some connector issue IIRC - but guess you can buy adaptors if need be)

chrish · 14-08-2003, 19:46

Nick,
I assume you mean these:
Speakers - Infinity Ref 6502I
* 6.5" 2 Way Speaker
* 60w RMS
* Silk Dome tweeter
* Uni-pivot tweeter mounting £42.99
Guess the wiring needs recrimping then.
What about the spacers to keep the cone off the waterproof plastic?
This will make the huge difference that everyone raves about?
Chris

***ncarring*** · 14-08-2003, 19:59

Hmmm - seem to recall some people have made holes in the plastic membrane leaving the plastic draped over the speaker from above. Otherwise I guess some kind of spacer might be required - others will advise here but I expect it'd be nothing flashier than a bit of cardboard tube ...

Dr Zoidberg · 14-08-2003, 20:04

Its not the plastic membrane that gets in the way , but a piece of metal just behind it that catches on the metal basket of the speakers.
Some speakers like the infinity ones have a much shallower mounting depth so they won't catch.

shugz · 15-08-2003, 08:05

Chrish,

I've used Pioneer TSE-1775's in the front, be careful of '03 model Infinity's as I was caught out badly by this.The 652i's should be fine but watch out for the 6502's which I think is the '03 model as these won't fit the Octy (too deep).

Any problem's or if you need any help/tips for installing front's, just give me a shout.

Cheers
Hugh

SkodiRS · 15-08-2003, 08:50

Apparently cutting the plastic door membrane improve the sound quality as you are allow more air movement.

I haven't done this and have the Infinity 652i fiited. The new model, 6502i, is too deep so you'll need a spacer (or 2).

If you want to retain the original tweeter you can either get the conversion connectors and jsut connect up or you can cut off the original connectos and use some spade ones. Be aware you need small and medium for this. On the connector front IIRC someone had a problem with the conversion connecters from Halford; gave a funny sound.

Speaker grill just pulls off although you will need a small flat screw driver to prize up one edge Do carefully so not to mark the plastic.

Fro what is a simple job, Halford make a killing by charge £25 although if there's a problem at least you've got some come back.

Wasn't there a speaker fitting FAQ? If not search for the original speaker change thread; I think I detailed there how to do it. Rob also detailed how to do the rears and his patented technique for wiring them.

Have fun.
Cheers.
Adrian.

simon · 15-08-2003, 09:07

When it comes to mounting your amp, I dont know what others have done but mine sits very nicely in that bit of polystyrene under the boot. Just hollowed it out (quite a lot) and fixed in some vinyl covered wood (using silicone sealent) and mounted the amp. Now when you open the little flap all you can see is amp and none of the connections. Looks very nice and tidy

simon

SkodiRS · 15-08-2003, 09:17

Jon (TaviaRS) has done this as well; nice and neat I reckon. However, I wonder about heat dissappation as it's under the "floor" and because of this whether there's risk of the polystyrene melting or even catching fire. Never had an amp in a car before so don't know what sort of heat is generated.

Just interested.

12-07-2003, 17:53	#1
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,750 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 194 Times in 145 Posts	Octavia Q's I have parked outside a shiny new octavia. Whilst it is a lovely car the standard stereo needs a bit of improvement so I shall be starting work on it in a couple of weeks. Before that I have a couple of questions though. The front speakers look like standard 6" jobs , is this right? If so , what do people recommend as I've heard there may not be much mounting depth. Also can you just take off the lower bit of trim without removing the whole door cards? Also do the tweeter surrounds front and rear unclip or is it more of a job to get at them? Running cabling to the boot should be fairly straightforward. I plan to have my changer back there as well as my JBL sub from my old Ka. Any other surprises I should look out for?

12-07-2003, 17:56	#2
Kentish Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 5,245 Members Car: 4 wheels, 4 doors. Thanks: 0 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Without appearing rude your best bet is to do a search on I.C.E or check the FAQ, there are plenty of threads and info to read. Everything that can be done to improve matters for you has already been done, posted and discussed. Cheers.....and good luck (hope you have a spare week to read them) Andy ps and welcome by the way __________________ Andy Owner of a sense of humour.

12-07-2003, 18:18	#3
robmawer Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 12,476 Members Car: Octavia 1.6 Ambiente Thanks: 2 Thanked 74 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Octavia Q's As Andy said, it's been covered on here before, but takes some searching, so I'll give a run down as best as I can! Front speaker size - 17cm (think that's 6.5", but 6" will probably fit in with a mounting plate/ring). I have Infinity's in the front (652i's I think). However, these are discontinued, but there might be a replacement the same size. I think Pioneer "shallow basket" ones will fit in pretty easy too. The door card doesn't need touching, it can all be done by taking off the grille. Tweeter surrounds at the front just pull off, don't even need any tools. Not sure on the rear - it's easier to unplug some of the wires in the boot (this is covered in the FAQ). Cabling to the boot is pretty easy. And welcome to Briskoda! Rob.

12-07-2003, 18:24	#4
Stimps Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Colchester Posts: 5,091 Members Car: Fabia 1.4 16v Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Welcome to Briskoda, DZ - I'm guessing you're a futurama fan? As Andy says, this has been covered by quite a few people, so a quick browse through the ICE Forum should answer most of your questions I don't have an Octy myself so don't have firsthand knowledge, but from memory the front speakers can be replaced, although there isn't much mounting depth, so a lot of "normal" speakers won't fit. Running the cables shouldn't be a problem - I think there's a grommet somewhere on the driver's side that allows cable entry (whereas on the Fab it's on the left IIRC). As for surprises, try searching the forums for "k-line" - the wiring loom for the head unit has a slightly different configuration from normal as I understand it. Won't damage your head unit, but could damage the dealer's diagnostic tool! Even though a lot of this has been covered before, it doesn't mean no one will answer any questions you have, btw __________________ Steve « Nature Green 1.4 16v Fabia Comfort »

12-07-2003, 18:40	#5
Stimps Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Colchester Posts: 5,091 Members Car: Fabia 1.4 16v Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	BTW, have just added some futurama smilies to my site - http://quakezilla.com/smiles __________________ Steve « Nature Green 1.4 16v Fabia Comfort »

19-07-2003, 08:06	#6
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,750 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 194 Times in 145 Posts	Thanks to those who replied. I had done a search on the forums but all I seemed to find were people telling others to search the forums. Looks like it was a while back that the questions were answered directly. I'll be ordering my stereo today so I'll see if I can get some suitable speakers at the same time. __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

19-07-2003, 22:49	#7
redbaron Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,567 Members Car: Thanks: 15 Thanked 70 Times in 61 Posts	Welcome Dr, as rob said 6's in the front with sep tweeter, disconnect the rear tweeters and replace the rears with some coaxial units... the h/u is th emain prob but soulds like u have this covered! let us know how you get on! __________________ ________________________________________ Some times I just feel like smiling.

24-07-2003, 20:47	#9
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,750 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 194 Times in 145 Posts	Well all the electronics are now sitting in a big pile in my lounge. Got a sony MP80 head unit which looks superb but a bit shinier than I had expected. All the pics I had seen seemed a darker grey which would have matched the dash better. I decided to go to a real shop for the speakers rather than ordering off the net. It will cost a bit more but I can be sure they will fit that way , and I should have it all in on saturday with pics to follow if anyone is interested. I'm considering mounting the Sub , changer and amp to a false floor in the boot which would make things a little neater and remove the need to drill holes into my shiny new car. __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

25-07-2003, 09:56	#11
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Dr Z, did you get the wire adapter as well? Don't need one for the HU to work but will prevent K-line problem. Cheers. Adrian. __________________ Adrian.

25-07-2003, 10:29	#12
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,750 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 194 Times in 145 Posts	Nope , not got an adaptor yt. Will definately want one for the aerial power feed and will see if I can get one that does the K thingy as well. If not I'll find out which wire it is and change it by hand. __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

25-07-2003, 10:42	#13
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Do a search for "After market radio problem"; there's a diagram showing which pin to short. __________________ Adrian.

25-07-2003, 12:48	#14
*DGW* BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 17,300 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Estate & Fabia vRS Thanks: 51 Thanked 208 Times in 157 Posts	Ross-Tech's explanation of the problem plus the fix is here. __________________ Denis 2002 Octavia 1.8T 4X4 turbo Estate - rebreathed on by Jabba ... 31.93mpg 2007 Fabia vRS - CC, ESP and full leather trim by Seat Surgeons ...48.57 mpg...

25-07-2003, 12:53	#15
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,750 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 194 Times in 145 Posts	Ah , thats dead easy , thanks. __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

28-07-2003, 21:47	#16
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,750 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 194 Times in 145 Posts	Turns out I didn't need to do anything , my Sony had nothing connected to that pin anyway. __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

14-08-2003, 18:05	#17
chrish Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 557 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Know I'm joining this one somewhere in the middle but could someone confirm the (lowest) budget required for the front speaker mod to the vRS? I called at a shop just now and they quoted me £69+ £25 fitting for Infinity fronts. They could do Pioneer but recomend the Infinitys. Is it practical to fit myself by removing the speaker grille. They also said they would use a spacer to keep the cone off the plastic cover. Guess I could get them to give me those in with it. Anything else I need to do? Thanks for your patience as I am not into ICE. Chris

14-08-2003, 19:00	#18
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,964 Members Car: 1983 Porsche 928S / 1972 MGB GT Thanks: 17 Thanked 96 Times in 79 Posts	£46.99 + £10 P&P from MCS-Direct Chris Edit: Stop press - £42.99+£10 from letsbuycaraudio.com Should be pretty simple to swap - pop out speaker grille, undo 4 screws, unplug old speaker, plug in new one (may be some connector issue IIRC - but guess you can buy adaptors if need be) __________________ Nick North Wiltshire RoADAR Last edited by ncarring; 14-08-2003 at 19:06.

14-08-2003, 19:46	#19
chrish Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 557 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Nick, I assume you mean these: Speakers - Infinity Ref 6502I * 6.5" 2 Way Speaker * 60w RMS * Silk Dome tweeter * Uni-pivot tweeter mounting £42.99 Guess the wiring needs recrimping then. What about the spacers to keep the cone off the waterproof plastic? This will make the huge difference that everyone raves about? Chris

14-08-2003, 19:59	#20
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,964 Members Car: 1983 Porsche 928S / 1972 MGB GT Thanks: 17 Thanked 96 Times in 79 Posts	Hmmm - seem to recall some people have made holes in the plastic membrane leaving the plastic draped over the speaker from above. Otherwise I guess some kind of spacer might be required - others will advise here but I expect it'd be nothing flashier than a bit of cardboard tube ... __________________ Nick North Wiltshire RoADAR

14-08-2003, 20:04	#21
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,750 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 194 Times in 145 Posts	Its not the plastic membrane that gets in the way , but a piece of metal just behind it that catches on the metal basket of the speakers. Some speakers like the infinity ones have a much shallower mounting depth so they won't catch. __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

15-08-2003, 08:05	#22
shugz Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 333 Members Car: Race Blue Octy vRS mk2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Chrish, I've used Pioneer TSE-1775's in the front, be careful of '03 model Infinity's as I was caught out badly by this.The 652i's should be fine but watch out for the 6502's which I think is the '03 model as these won't fit the Octy (too deep). Any problem's or if you need any help/tips for installing front's, just give me a shout. Cheers Hugh

15-08-2003, 08:50	#23
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Apparently cutting the plastic door membrane improve the sound quality as you are allow more air movement. I haven't done this and have the Infinity 652i fiited. The new model, 6502i, is too deep so you'll need a spacer (or 2). If you want to retain the original tweeter you can either get the conversion connectors and jsut connect up or you can cut off the original connectos and use some spade ones. Be aware you need small and medium for this. On the connector front IIRC someone had a problem with the conversion connecters from Halford; gave a funny sound. Speaker grill just pulls off although you will need a small flat screw driver to prize up one edge Do carefully so not to mark the plastic. Fro what is a simple job, Halford make a killing by charge £25 although if there's a problem at least you've got some come back. Wasn't there a speaker fitting FAQ? If not search for the original speaker change thread; I think I detailed there how to do it. Rob also detailed how to do the rears and his patented technique for wiring them. Have fun. Cheers. Adrian. __________________ Adrian.

15-08-2003, 09:07	#24
simon Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sunny Aylesbury Posts: 1,041 Members Car: octavia VRS Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	When it comes to mounting your amp, I dont know what others have done but mine sits very nicely in that bit of polystyrene under the boot. Just hollowed it out (quite a lot) and fixed in some vinyl covered wood (using silicone sealent) and mounted the amp. Now when you open the little flap all you can see is amp and none of the connections. Looks very nice and tidy simon __________________ If it feels good....Do it! [IMG]

15-08-2003, 09:17	#25
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Jon (TaviaRS) has done this as well; nice and neat I reckon. However, I wonder about heat dissappation as it's under the "floor" and because of this whether there's risk of the polystyrene melting or even catching fire. Never had an amp in a car before so don't know what sort of heat is generated. Just interested. __________________ Adrian.

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