I really need to get through the firewall

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DougS - 23 Aug 2007 22:41 GMT

So I finally started installing an amp and sub in my W123 '84 300D. I
have everything run up to the dash/console area, but I can't find a
way to get a power wire straight from the battery back to the amp.
I have a 10 gauge power wire run to the front, but I don't know where/
how to get through the firewall and into the engine compartment. I ran
along the passenger side as someone recommended, but I don't see
anywhere to get into the engine area near the battery.
The only option right now is on the drivers side where the vacuum
lines go in, but I can't find where they come through on the inside.
Any thoughts?

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Tiger - 24 Aug 2007 01:15 GMT

There should be the same on passenger side... by the battery... take the
battery out... and any cover behind the battery.

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DougS - 24 Aug 2007 12:58 GMT

> There should be the same on passenger side... by the battery... take the
> battery out... and any cover behind the battery.

Thanks, I'll try that this weekend.

As far as access on the inside (on that side), would I need to take
the lower cover off, or just take out the glove box?
Hopefully, when I finish I can post some pictures up of how everything
looks. Right now, there's a few posts on my blog (with pictures).
Unfortunately, work has been too busy for me to update my blog in the
last month.
Address is here:
dougsmb.blogspot.com

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weelliott@gmail.com - 24 Aug 2007 14:09 GMT

Another thing you can try is coming in by those vacuum lines and
runnign under the dash. getting to the spot int eh firewall where
those vacuum lines come through is pretty easy. Just pull out the
gauge cluster. Carefully pry around the edges until you get it loose,
then pull it out. Take off what you need to to set it aside. (Be
careful of the oil filled oil pressure line.) I'd prefer this method
simply because I don't like climbing under the dash and working on my
back. Unfortunately you will still need to get the wire over to the
other side of the dash if you use this hole.

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DougS - 24 Aug 2007 22:20 GMT

On Aug 24, 9:09 am, "weelli...@gmail.com" <weelli...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Another thing you can try is coming in by those vacuum lines and
> runnign under the dash. getting to the spot int eh firewall where
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> back. Unfortunately you will still need to get the wire over to the
> other side of the dash if you use this hole.

This was my original thought since I didn't want to pull that huge
battery out. Also, getting those plastic pieces off the bottom of the
dash is pain. I've tried twice this summer, but gave up because of the
heat (its been around 100F here for awhile now -- Yes, I know its
hotter out west, but I'm sweating here). My thought was that it would
be easier to get in by those vacuum lines and in behind the instrument
cluster (I've pulled that out before). Getting down across the other
stuff won't be so bad since I'll have the radio and climate control
stuff out of the center anyway (to hook up the stereo stuff). I'll see
how bad that battery is to get out first though. Shorter wire is
preferred, especially with this direct power line.

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