Amp mounting location
 

Has anyone attempted to mount an amp directly to the plastics behind the seat (just below the rear brace)? I'm a little concerned about mounting an 8 - 9 lb amp in this location but I'm curious about the experience of others.

I vaguely recall someone posting pics of doing that but it may have been mounted on the lower section of that panel, closer to the floor.


Edit: I don't remember what "someone" did but I'd glue a piece of plywood to the back side of the plastic and then screw/bolt the amp onto the plywood. The weight of the amp is on the plywood which spreads out the load on the plastic and minimizes flexing.

Depending on your amp you may be able to place it in the stock amp location.

Excellent suggestion on reinforcing the back, and if I do end up mounting in this location I'll do just that.

The more I think about it though the less inclined I am to use this spot though. It seems ideal because it's largely wasted space...but I'm concerned that in the event of an accident an amp that isn't well secured to the body could possibility become a projectile. I enjoy killer audio, but not in that way!

I still have a few days before i start the install, so I guess I'll kick it around in my head some more.

This is where I mounted my amps and Line Output Converter:

http://www.the370z.com/members/pfdax...-converter.jpg

Where you have your LOC is where I was considering mounting but looking at your pic the location of your lower amp seems like a better option.

Any issues with hitting your seat, or with wires being pinched where you fed them under the trim?

No issues with wires being pinched. It all depends how tall you are or how far back you put your seat. Mine is pretty close.

That panel seems pretty substantial to me. Use a backing plate of some sort (Al should work well, also) that is glued to the plastic (rubber cement?) and make sure the amp is secured to the plate. Should stay put in any wreck that you would live through if you do it right. You might want to add some screws/washers (wrinkle finish black paint should blend in well) around the edge of the plate to further secure the plate, keep it in contact with the glue, and help spread the load.

Edit: I would avoid mounting an amp near the floor and behind the seat. Too easy to block air flow. YMMV

This is a good point...particularly since this is the first time I've ever used an Arc amp and I am unfamiliar with their ventilation requirements.

This was my first choice and I discarded it. It's perfectly suited for an amp...unless you want/need to make adjustments after the install is complete.

Like Ron for from Ronco says "just set it and forget it."

I can get to the amp in about 2 minutes. Not as convenient as mounting it on,say, the steering wheel, but 2 minutes isn't too long.

Now this is an idea that I feel should be further explored! :rofl2:

i installed my amp under the passenger seat :)

That's what they make remote controls for. :)

I mounted both my amps under the back where H2O did and no problems, ive had a few different brands in there. I would do that before mounting on the plastic, it looks cheap there IMO.

I also have one of my amplifiers mounted under there.. Never had an issue with it overheating. Also, one your amplifier is hooked up and gains set properly, you should not have to touch it unless problems develop.

Amplifier produce strong Electromagnetic Field, which not really good for human if mounted too close to car seats

metal springs in seat direct all electromagnetic flow rearward, adding several hp at rear differential, so its all good.

True, but it makes your nuts tingle.

If I need to rely on an EM field for ANYTHING regarding my junk I have far bigger problems to worry about than figuring out where to mount an amplifier in the Z.

When you're an Old fart a cheap thrill is a cheap thrill and ya appreciate it more. Thats why my amp is mounted behind the seat on the lower steel.panel.... Electromagnetic field take me!!!!!

I mounted an Alpine MRV-M500 to the plastic shelf behind the driver's seat. I didn't want to use screws, so I used 3M automotive trim double sided tape. I had to double it up to make it thick enough, but it's on solid. I have a strip at the top and another at the bottom. If I decide to remove it, I can go back to factory without any damage. I also the tape on the remote knob and stuck it to side of the center console, just behind the seat belt latch. It's out of sight, but within easy reach.

Who said anything about "need"???