Zaph32

RANT!

I tried to do a better install of my basslink today (all 4 screws) and was not successful due to those stupid metal tabs in the sub area.

I tried banging them down with a hammer, bending them with pliers, and even tried shoving my foot in there - nothing made them bend.

So, I put the sub back the way I did it last time - two screws holding it up in the front, nothing in the back. I did use larger heavy duty screws though, and got some adhesive weatherstripping that I applied all over the back to prevent rattles.

The really crappy thing is that getting into the sub area requires removing the rear side panels and the trim ring. During reassembly I managed to scratch the front of the rear speaker bar with the trim ring and I also lost at least one clip on the side pieces during reassembly (I heard it fall into the nether regions of the car, never to be seen again.)

Man, I've had it with this basslink install. If the current setup doesn't hold, I may bite the bullet and take it to a stereo shop.

Zaph32

Disassembly of install

Zaph32

Metal sub plate removed

Zaph32

Left side of sub well - note the annoying tab

Zaph32

Center of sub area - both annoying tabs visible.

Zaph32

Right side of sub area

Zaph32

This is why the tabs are a problem - you can see I have all four mounting legs on the basslink, but there is no way to get it mounted to the top due to the tabs.

I am afraid to mount it to the bottom due to the gas tank, so...we have a problem.

wren57

iTrader: (34)

you really want em' gone? get a sawzall with a metal-cutting blade... or take a really long time with a dremel...

Stone Z

Was there a problem with th initial install....why were you attempting to do it again?

Also, does the metal plate that houses the BOSE sub need to be reinstalled? Can you just leave it off, or won't the plastic pieces snap back on with it missing?

Zaph32

I reinstalled because I was getting paranoid that it might break loose being held up with only two screws.

Also, the back end started to rattle loudly against that metal tab during heavy bass.

I wanted to secure it with all 4 screws, but settled for 2 beefier ones instead, and the adhesive weatherstripping seems to have stopped the rattle against the tab.

I am *really* sick of working on the car - I don't even have my permanent license plates yet, and I've already had the thing all disassembled and now scratched inside.

Zaph32

Oh,

And no - the metal plate does not need to be reinstalled. I suppose there is some margin of safety there (if you had a bad wreck the sub would be stopped by it rather than plowing into your back) but since removing the metal plate requires disassembling the car, I decided not to reinstall it.

Future sub access *should* be easier now just by removing the plastic cover.

Stone Z

Do you think the BOSE sub cover enhances the bass or do you think the stock cover is sufficient?

Zaph32

I think it looks cool

And you'll note that with my install the heatsink fins for the basslink amp face the grille - so I figure it can ventilate through there.

derekjsmith

The metal tabs are just spot welded in place by two welds each. So what I did just drill the spot welds out from the top and they just felt off.

neur0sis

iTrader: (3)

What are the metal tabs there for in the first place?

Stone Z

So....how does it sound?!?!

Munky

Stone Z,

Speaking as a not-so-partial observer (Zaph's my buddy), I'd say that it's worth every penny.

I used to have 4, 12" Punch Pros in my car in HS - so I am no stranger to bass, and lots of it. Unless you have 20" Daytons and a huge sticker on the back of your Z that says something like "Playaz Club" on your ride, I think you will find that it puts out plenty of bass. And, clean bass, at that.

So, it's not going to rattle out your fillings, but it will *way* more than fillout the lowend. In fact, Zaph has been backing the beast down a bit since he installed it.

Now, if I can just get my damned car here so I can do the same... wake me on the 20th

Cheers,
Munky

Stone Z

Cool...thanks.

I haven't heard a single complaint yet on this type of set-up......encouraging.

Zaph32

Munky's right - it has tons of bass.

I have some rattle issues that I haven't tried to track down yet - they only manifest on certain bass tones on certain songs. In general it sounds great.

And I do intend to drop the gain a bit - I am running -3 on the head unit and it is still a bit much. I'm going to try reducing the crossover frequency a bit too.

The nice thing is, once it is in, you can easily mod/tweak the settings by removing the grille.

cliffart

I recently installed my Basslink in the way Zaph did and encountered the "annoying tab" problem. I believe they are for mounting the European-right-driver glove box since it would be on the left side of the car. Mass produced cars usually have the same frame for both right side and left sided models to keep production costs down. Anyway, the tabs are useless unless you want to install a glove box behind the driver seat.

I was able to do a decent job of bending the tab flat with some Vice Grips. I'll post a picture of the bent tab in the next few days.