New Stereo System Install pics:) with rust:(

[minicoopers43]

When my H/K amp bit the dust I didn't have the funds to fix/replace it right away so I was without a stereo for about a year. This was torture so I started saving for a replacement.

I thought about having Independence Audio do the install but they said since it's a MINI they would have to charge more and it would be atleast $350. I thought that was ridiculous so I started researching everything to do it myself.
It took me 2 weeks working a few hours after work every night to finish it but I am VERY happy with the results.


I replaced everything with the following.

• Kenwood 4Ch Amplifier 240W RMS
  Infinity Kappa 6x9 3-way speakers 110W RMS
  Infinity Kappa 6.5 component system 90W RMS
  Kenwood excelon x995 HeadUnit
  10 sq ft Second skin sound deadening
  10" Alpine subwoofer 600W RMS...need bigger amp
  Kenwood 2 ch Amplifier 250W RMS...too weak for subs
  Metra Access Steering Wheel controls...Not currently working
  Monster Cable RCA cables

I already had a few of these things but I ended up spending about $700.

For the amps I made a false bottom so I wouldn't have wires getting caught and I didn't lose too much cargo space other than the sub which might be coming out since I don't have an amp big enough for it and it sounds great without it.

boot view

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Since it wasn't working I used it as a candy bowl at a trunk-or-treat.

I took out the whole lower interior panels other than the carpet and the upper dash.

rear view

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When tearing everything out I came upon...dun dun dun dun *sound effects* RUST
It's in a few spots. I would advise everyone to check these areas and fix it before it gets worse.

• Under the rubber boot trim, there was still water in there when I pulled it off.
  Under the driver and passenger side door trim
  Behind the trim panel on the boot around the plastic license plate bracket

rust arrows

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rust

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everything was covered in a very fine gray dust, I suspect the previous owner lived on a gravel road because I have never seen this under interior in a car before.
There was also water marks on the right rear speaker and the H/K amp, no wonder it died.

right side

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When I took out the rear speakers I found even more dust.
Before

dust hole

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After

clean hole

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The rear speakers went in without a problem but the fronts were a different story, I had to make adapters to make them fit the hole.

adapter

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The door panel ended up hitting the speakers because the factory speaker grills are plastic riveted onto the panel so I did what I didn't want to do.
I cut the factory grills off and made the hole bigger and mounted the aftermarket grills. In the end I think they look better.

grille off

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grille on

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[S-car-go]

Looks good. I'd love to hear it. Are you running off the factory head unit?

[minicoopers43]

I installed the Kenwood x995. I went with it because I originally didn't want to change the factory look too much and it has several different colors to choose from to match the dash lights. It also has usb, ipod, hd radio and my favorite the hands free kit with external mic. I'm not sure how i lived without that one.

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[S-car-go]

I somehow missed that from your first post but now realize you did mention that. Are you coming to the toys for tots run? I'd like to check it out. It looks like a nice install. Looks clean from the dash photo. Great job!

[minicoopers43]

I might be there it depends on the weather. I need to paint my house but can't if its too cold or wet.

[Counterfit_Mini]

I wouldn't worry too much about that rust. My classic Mini has more than that on it. LOL