ARCTiC

Hi there, that's my first message on this forum (silently following.. ), and here's my question: i'm gonna install my carpc (had to investigate alot to figure how/where to install any component) and i would like to know what's a convenient way to pass cables from front console to the trunk (where the PC will be installed). You know i've to pass a certain number of cables (vga, usb, power, etc.) but i don't know where to pass em: under the seats? Inside the center tunnel? Under the door-step plastics? I've searched the forum to look for step-by-step installations but i didn't found where these cables passes.
Any advices? Your help is much appreciated! Tnx.

PS: ...ah! I'm 31yo from Italy.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

I'd say, in the center console is a good choice. But there are cable tracks under the doorsill plates as well. Go with whichever is easier for you.

ARCTiC

I'm scared about the center console temperature (i cannot leave the cellphone there...), i'll prolly go with the left and right doorsill, coz i've to separate power cables from the monitor one.
Another question, for you and all, there's a guide to dismount the top console? (where the navi is) i've to mount the modded panel (1din) now, but i've no idea how to procede.

WikkedOne

if length of cable isn't a problem I think that the tunnel under the passenger door is perfect. Its empty and already has little pastic holders and everything ready for ya (driver side isn't empty). no need for a DIY because it pulls off.. no screws or anything. Then to get in the trunk just take the back of the rear seat off and it will give you perfect access to anywhere in the trunk whether it be under the carpet, behind the side panels or up to the brace thing or wherever. just BEWARE the metal support things for the rear seat are SHARP!! My car has drawn blood from me and my 2 best friends so far... it's quite blood thirtsty.

good luck and don't forget to post LOTS of pics

ARCTiC

Thanks for your detailed explanation. I can go up to 5 meters without problems, then i think it will be fair enough for a complete "turn around". Passing the cables there then doesn't need to dismount anything apart the back of rear seat? That's pretty cool.. now i've other two question for you: where to pass the cables to reach the right side from the center console? There's space back to the drawer? And another: is it conveniente to get the power directly from the trunk? (it's a PC inverter) that will solve my problem to pass cables in separate places (because of electric noise) but i'm worried about the power drain and the trunk (eg: trunk light) cable section.

Indeed.. and tnx again!

WikkedOne

from the center console to get to that side you can pass the wires under the cig lighter (there is plenty of room to pass wires down and out the side of that) and then either behind the glove box (I'm pretty sure there is plenty of room)

there is plenty of plastic with nothing behind it to get down to the door guard peice. Then just unclick those little plastic things to get them open. There is a rear seat removal walkthrough somewhere.. do a search.

and as for power... I am inclined as a car audio guy to say you should run wires on the left side of the car to and from the battery(run both power and ground because teh chassis ground isn't that great) (8 AWG wire should be way more than enough)

If you coose to not do that I would use the rear cig lighter as the power source. it is pretty easy to tap into. You can use your fingernail to lift the plastic peice it is in out and give you access to the wires and then run the wires out the back / side of that and along the side, and tucked in, of the console into the trunk. You can do this without taking any screws out if you're lazy like me. but if you give up it's only like 5 or 6 screws to take the whole thing off.

It is really good to do alot of looking and figuring where you are going to run the wires by actually getting in the car and feeling around.. you can find alot of good places and short cuts. this car is one of the easiest cars i've even seen to hide wires. when i found out that the right side door thing was empty.. it almost blew my mind.

you won't have any problems running wires at all.

ARCTiC

Tnx alot, you saved my "mind", i was already thinking to disassemble my car to pass these wires.. Yesterday i mounted the mp3 player (oem) it was HARD because i had no guides and i was really scared to wreck something (i hate the plastic "plug" things without screws), but in the end reached the goal.
I've just looked at that side door plastic, i removed em, yup the space would be enough (there are really some wires there, but less on the right side than the left one) ...now i will have a look at that seat removal walkthrough and i'll be ready to start! At least with the cables.. i'm still w8ing for mazdaparts.com order confirmation for the AUX module ...i want to re-use the oem amplifier for the audio part (jason is prolly on the beach :D ).
Cheers.