Aftermarket stereo install for GTI with RCD510 head unit

[kollateralkicker]

Hi Guys,

I'm a newbie here and would like to ask if anyone has upgraded the speakers and installed an amp and sub in a 6R Polo GTi.

My biggest concern is removing the door trims and A/B pillar trim to replace the tweeter. From what I have read on this forum, you have to be extra careful and patient in taking off these trims. I would probably take the head unit fascia surround to get to the back of the head unit to connect speaker cables to connect the amp. As I have read, if you don't have the special plastic tools for this task then a credit card is the next best tool. Does anyone have any workshop manuals for the 6R I could please have a PDF copy?

Any feedback/help would be much appreciated.

[kollateralkicker]

Just an update...

recently installed an amp, new component speakers and a sub to my 6R GTi. The panels were easy to take off. If anyone wants to know how, what, PM me.

[readerr0r]

Just an update...

recently installed an amp, new component speakers and a sub to my 6R GTi. The panels were easy to take off. If anyone wants to know how, what, PM me.

Hey mate, one thing im after is how easy is it mounting the mid-bass speakers? Do the OEM mounts in the doors have room/screw holes for a normal 6.25" speaker or is a speaker ring needed?

[kollateralkicker]

Hey mate, one thing im after is how easy is it mounting the mid-bass speakers? Do the OEM mounts in the doors have room/screw holes for a normal 6.25" speaker or is a speaker ring needed?

what's the mounting depth of your 6.25" mids? In saying that, I guess it does not matter as you can make a fairly thick baffle (speaker ring) out of MDF to push the mids out. There is heaps of room behind the door panel for the mids to come out further than the stock speakers. I used 5.25" mids, and had to use 12mm MDF speaker baffles to clear the window in the door. If you have tweeters to mount in the A/B pillars, I hope they are 1" tweeters as there is not much room for them in there. I have some photos of the install which I can post up later when I get home from work if you're keen.

---------- Post added at 05:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:10 PM ----------

sorry, I didn't read your questions carefully. The stock speakers are held in with rivets so you'll need drill them out carefully and find screws that will fit the holes. I used tiny bolt and nuts to secure the speaker baffles. It's fairly straight forward to mount speakers, anyway you look at it, you'll need to make speaker baffles, neat and tidy, no drilling extra holes in the door and speaker magnet clearance.....
Hope that helps

[readerr0r]

I was looking at the Morel Hybrid Ovations (Link) The mounting depth is good but the basket for the woofer is quite large. Where did you end up mounting your amp? I want to put mine (Link) under the passenger seat but I think the GTI comes with under seat storage. The boot would be a good spot too since the battery is there but I'd rather keep enough space there for a sub and day-to-day use.

[Max_Power]

Would be great to see some install pics mate. I'm keen on doing this myself sometime soon so any amount of info might save me a few headaches in the future!

Could I also ask what components did you use to get the amp running off the rcd510?

Cheers

[kollateralkicker]

Would be great to see some install pics mate. I'm keen on doing this myself sometime soon so any amount of info might save me a few headaches in the future!

Could I also ask what components did you use to get the amp running off the rcd510?

Cheers

The Hertz HDP5 amp has 2 sets of inputs, hi level input (speaker output from rcd510) or rca input (aftermarket head unit). You could buy line level converters such as AudioControl Line output converters or Audison BitTen processor then hook them to an amp or two. I opted for the HDP5 as it was the most cost effective and simplest, less components, less resistance, etc.

---------- Post added at 11:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 PM ----------

I was looking at the Morel Hybrid Ovations (Link) The mounting depth is good but the basket for the woofer is quite large. Where did you end up mounting your amp? I want to put mine (Link) under the passenger seat but I think the GTI comes with under seat storage. The boot would be a good spot too since the battery is there but I'd rather keep enough space there for a sub and day-to-day use.

Morel Ovations would sound very nice.... They are a 6" but with a wide basket, what I would do is find out from where you going to buy it exactly how wide the 6" sets are then take off your door panel and do some measurements. To take the door trim off, takes less then 5 mins.
I mounted the amp in the boot under a false floor I made. I'll post pics up as soon as it's done uploading...
Mounting the amp under the seat would be a pain, and there isn't much room there either. The battery is in the boot so it makes perfect sense to mount it next to it.

---------- Post added at 11:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 PM ----------

tweeter mounted


Door


Midrange


amp install


false floor & sub


false floor & sub take 2


at night

[readerr0r]

Those pics are great, I dont have my GTI yet so I haven't had a chance to flesh out the design. Loving the sub box, where did you get it from?

[gavs]

Dependant on amp size, there would be the option for an upside-down install under the floor of the boot in the front right corner, there is a bit of free space available there...

I have a smaller amp and have been considering it but it comes down to pulling out my finger regarding the speakers etc

[kollateralkicker]

depending on where the heat sink fins are on the amp, mounting it upside down can cause it to overheat. I remember having an amp which stated in the manual that it shouldn't be mounted upside down.
You are right, there is a lot of space between the spare wheel and the boot floor, but remember not to install the amp on the drivers side as when/if you get a puncture you'll need to put your full sized wheel in the boot.....