Thread: Wiring

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Do you typically run the wiring before or after you install the insulation? I can see where they would be easier to hide in the floor if you did the wiring first, but harder to get to should you have to access them later.

Originally posted by bulldogcountry1
Do you typically run the wiring before or after you install the insulation? I can see where they would be easier to hide in the floor if you did the wiring first, but harder to get to should you have to access them later.

I have seen vehicles with the wiring both under the insulation and above the insulation. When you have it under, you have a messy time getting it out should you ever need it. You also have that extra 10' or so where wire could possibly short to the chassis, making the search for the bad wire/location that much more annoying.

If you go above, in some vehicles the wire can move. I don't know what size wire you're speaking about, but I have seen people who ran 00awg for thier audio amplifiers above the dampening and because the carpet wasn't tight enough, it would move around if you touched it. It was also an unsightly lump running down the interior. I'm sure you're not going to get into 00awg size wire, but still, the lump is something that is a possibility if you run it above the insulation.

If you don't have many wires heading towards the rear of the vehicle, you can run them all in the runner boards like DennyW said, that would probably be your best bet. Run everything through the driver and passenger side, then you don't have to worry about taking up the carpet if you need to access it.

I plan to get some aluminum sill plates, but I don't know how much space will be under it to allow for wiring. I'm looking at rear power windows, taillights, and stereo system. I should be able to pull it off, don't you think?

sorry, double posted somehow.

Originally posted by bulldogcountry1
I plan to get some aluminum sill plates, but I don't know how much space will be under it to allow for wiring. I'm looking at rear power windows, taillights, and stereo system. I should be able to pull it off, don't you think?

Well, you can measure now if you have your rockers intact. Go and measure how much depth you will haveand get back to us. I would imagine there is enough room for 3-4 14-16awg wires. Will you be running a mid/high stage and sub stage amplifier or just a plain jane stereo and speakers?