Mk6 Fiesta Flame 1.4 Build Log (Was Fiesta Mk6 5 Door Custom Sub)

[Hassen]

Oh yea, I did see your thread. I reckon a dry day and then I will get all the seats cleaned. Had the car for just over 2 years and now it deserves a good deep clean. Cheers for the info :)

[Hassen]

Sorry to go off topic but Lenny, I got some parts for you and let me know when you want me to drop them over or post it :)

[Lenny]

Sorry to go off topic but Lenny, I got some parts for you and let me know when you want me to drop them over or post it :)

No problem cheers mate I've got an item for you aswell

Shir cheapest option i suppose if we send them from one parcel motel collection point to another

Will be cheaper than shipping,

Im in no hurry to recieve though mate im not going at it until May

[Lenny]

Have had this item in my watch list for the past week thought id give it a mention on here too,

Its basically three led's in one,

And monitors the voltage of your car battery,

Its remains green until voltage drops below 12.0V

then it turns yellow until voltage drops below 11.5V

Then it turns red for anything lower.

Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-LED-Battery-monitor-IDEAL-WITH-HEATED-HAND-GRIPS-DONT-DRAIN-YOUR-BATTERY-E/201208629820?_trksid=p2047675.c100012.m1985&_trkparms=aid%3D444000%26algo%3DSOI.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28111%26meid%3D600ef176b0c44f0cafea8c644d7e5608%26pid%3D100012%26prg%3D11472%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D191393771437

I had considered purchasing one and fitting to the ST gauge pod bottom centre between the two gauges,

Since ill be fitting two amps to th3 car in spring, there will be a heavy drain on the battery; if listening to the stereo with the engine off,

So having this warning indicator visible on the dash would in theory give early warning of battery drain, leaving enough time to start the engine saving the occupants from becoming immobilised due to a drained battery.

[GingerFlame]

That's a smart idea!! Might have to consider it

[Lenny]

That's a smart idea!! Might have to consider it

+1

Kieran mate I've made my mind up overnight defo on the list now

[GingerFlame]

So I've added this to my shopping list for next month

It's a USB & 3.5mm Jack to connect to the headunit.

Talking of headunits.. I'll be purchasing a Pioneer AVH X2600BT at the start of next month.

I'll also be purchasing some Focal PS165F for the front doors at the same time, with another set in December to install in the back doors.

Also in December, I'll be purchasing a JX500/1D to replace the Blaupunkt Amp powering the subwoofer. I'll then be using the blaupunkt mounted under the front passenger seat to power the rest of the Speakers in the car. Chances are I'll set the frequency cutoff to flat on the blaupunkt and I'll just use the EQ on the headunit, the Focal's also come with a crossover for the Speakers & tweeters

The JL amp might take a little more fine tuning in the shape of the gain as I want to make sure the sub is powered enough without it distorting. On the Blaupunkt I'm currently running it with no gain and minimal 'bass boost' as it blends in with the stock Speakers okay

[Lenny]

So I've added this to my shopping list for next month ImageUploadedByFord OC1416872644.195646.jpg

It's a USB & 3.5mm Jack to connect to the headunit.

Talking of headunits.. I'll be purchasing a Pioneer AVH X2600BT at the start of next month.

I'll also be purchasing some Focal PS165F for the front doors at the same time, with another set in December to install in the back doors.

Also in December, I'll be purchasing a JX500/1D to replace the Blaupunkt Amp powering the subwoofer. I'll then be using the blaupunkt mounted under the front passenger seat to power the rest of the speakers in the car. Chances are I'll set the frequency cutoff to flat on the blaupunkt and I'll just use the EQ on the headunit, the Focal's also come with a crossover for the speakers & tweeters

The JL amp might take a little more fine tuning in the shape of the gain as I want to make sure the sub is powered enough without it distorting. On the Blaupunkt I'm currently running it with no gain and minimal 'bass boost' as it blends in with the stock speakers okay

Perfect list of upgrade parts there mate,

The pioneer AVH X2600BT is a great unit,

The JX500/1D is a serious Mono Sub :)

Those USB & 3.5mm port sockets are a fantastic invention best import mod of the year in my opinion :)

Download the PDF manual for the Pioneer AVH X2600BT to see if its compatable with the Pioneer CZX-5497A - Auto EQ Mic

If it is the headunit will calibrate the sub and Speakers to suit your car,

If you don't like the results you can tweak them yourself afterwards,

To be honest and its your choice but a JX250/1D would be sufficient to requirements in my opinion.

[GingerFlame]

Glad to hear I've picked the good stuff! The calibration mic is compatible! I downloaded the manual Saturday night :)

As for the amp, I'm going for the 500 as I'm considering swapping out my sub for the one I have for sale! I'm undecided at the moment... And also, who doesn't love opening their car too see power both under the bonnet & in the boot? Haha

[Lenny]

Glad to here I've picked the good stuff! The calibration mic is compatible! I downloaded the manual Saturday night :)

As for the amp, I'm going for the 500 as I'm considering swapping out my sub for the one I have for sale! I'm undecided at the moment... And also, who doesn't love opening their car too see power both under the bonnet & in the boot? Haha

True

[GingerFlame]

Hassen, when you installed the Focal's into the Boom mats, did you have to cut a port in the bottom of them? As a lot of reviews I'm reading online are saying that if you don't cut a port then it'll basically destroy the sound quality

I'm ordering them on the 30th/1st and I don't want to have to take apart the door again to cut a port.. But then I also don't want to cut a port if I don't need to

Thanks

[GingerFlame]

Car is off the road now until early January as I've stripped the interior and sent the radio surround, door handles & mirror covers to be hydro dipped by Rade Customs. Getting a carbon pattern.

Whilst the interior is out I'm going to install the Focal's, Pioneer headunit along with all the little extras, and the Blaupunkt amp. I've yet to order another Vibe Fastplug which is what I've used to connect the rear amp, I've also used a 2 pin plastic plug for the sub speaker wire.

I've ordered a 8 way plug so I can quickly unplug all of the interior Speakers (although 4 wires will be redundant until I order another set of Focal's in January

[Lenny]

Hassen, when you installed the Focal's into the Boom Mats, did you have to cut a port in the bottom of them? As a lot of reviews I'm reading online are saying that if you don't cut a port then it'll basically destroy the sound quality

I'm ordering them on the 30th/1st and I don't want to have to take apart the door again to cut a port.. But then I also don't want to cut a port if I don't need to

Thanks

when you say cut \ port do you mean making a hole t9 allow the cable through?

From my understanding the boom mats are supposed to be completely sealed keeping the speaker dry and insulated.

Im open to learning though as i too will be fitting them in May.

Car is off the road now until early January as I've stripped the interior and sent the radio surround, door handles & mirror covers to be hydro dipped by Rade Customs. Getting a carbon pattern.

Whilst the interior is out I'm going to install the Focal's, Pioneer headunit along with all the little extras, and the Blaupunkt amp. I've yet to order another Vibe Fastplug which is what I've used to connect the rear amp, I've also used a 2 pin plastic plug for the sub speaker wire.

I've ordered a 8 way plug so I can quickly unplug all of the interior speakers (although 4 wires will be redundant until I order another set of Focal's in January

Looking forward to seeing updates mate,

While you have the carpet out go t9 your local tesco and rent out a rug doctor for a day or two,

Give the whole upholstery a good steam cleaning,

See my guide:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/47749-rug-doctor-review-cleanng-car-interior/

You can easily cut cables and install the Vibe FastPlug at a later date.

Hydro dipped parts are gonna look sweet too mate,

Are you installing a reverse camera aswell ?

[GingerFlame]

As for the port I mean literally cut about half of the bottom off to allow air to travel as I've read a lot of reviews that say if you leave them sealed they ruin the sound but I'm not sure with the Focal's I'll have to experiment

As for steam cleaning the interior Im going to borrow a steam cleaner off a family member as I'm going way over budget as it is :(

I've ordered this Reversing Camera

eBay 271417734820

This is the plugs I've bought

eBay 151430793986

This is the aux plug

eBay 131215684185

[Lenny]

As for the port I mean literally cut about half of the bottom off to allow air to travel as I've read a lot of reviews that say if you leave them sealed they ruin the sound but I'm not sure with the Focal's I'll have to experiment

As for steam cleaning the interior Im going to borrow a steam cleaner off a family member as I'm going way over budget as it is :(

I've ordered this Reversing Camera

eBay 271417734820

This is the plugs I've bought

eBay 151430793986

This is the aux plug

eBay 131215684185

Ill be keeping mine sealed personally mate,

The company whom design them have spentbalot of reasearch perfecting them so i dont see reason to cut,

But each to there own,

I agree its very easy to go over budget on the mods but its worth it in the end,

Very nice reverse camera you have chosen and those speaker connectors are good quality i used them on my Toyota starlet when installing parcel shelf Speakers.

Aux plug is very tidy aswell

Its an exciting time for you now,

Im excited for you myself to see it progressing.

[GingerFlame]

I'll probably keep mine sealed if I'm honest, I did notice a pattern in the negative reviews... They were mostly chavs installing in their corsa's, trying to improve their banging tunes mate, using the cheapest "performance" Speakers & a 4" "subwoofer" in the boot!

I'm abit nervous about installing the reversing camera as to get cables through the tailgate will be a struggle as it's all sealed metal except below the rear window, any tips?

The plug I've installed on the subwoofer is pretty solid! I'm looking forward to the 8 way one arriving if I'm honest, the post's already getting slower & slower due to Christmas! :(

We'll have to hope there's a meet somewhere slap bang between both of us! Be interesting to see the way you've done things compared to how I have!

I'm filling a 32gb USB drive with a massive variety of albums so I can leave it in the glovebox for when I fancy it! I'll post a screenshot of the folder next time I'm on the PC! Ranging from The Beatles, the who, ELO, queen, abba to the modern albums that are in the charts. Basically going to source every song that's actually worth listening to :)

[Lenny]

I'll probably keep mine sealed if I'm honest, I did notice a pattern in the negative reviews... They were mostly chavs installing in their corsa's, trying to improve their banging tunes mate, using the cheapest "performance" speakers & a 4" "subwoofer" in the boot!

live and learn

I'm a bit nervous about installing the reversing camera as to get cables through the tailgate will be a struggle as it's all sealed metal except below the rear window, any tips?

Get yourself a hard plastic boost pipe or strimmer line whichever is easiest and a roll of PVC tape,

Phish the line through with the cable attached,

We'll have to hope there's a meet somewhere slap bang between both of us! Be interesting to see the way you've done things compared to how I have!

My car won't be leaving th3 country in 2015 but I've got it all well illustrated on my build thread.

I'm filling a 32gb USB drive with a massive variety of albums so I can leave it in the glovebox for when I fancy it! I'll post a screenshot of the folder next time I'm on the PC! Ranging from The Beatles, the who, ELO, queen, abba to the modern albums that are in the charts. Basically going to source every song that's actually worth listening to :)

sounds good,

USB is very handy

[GingerFlame]

So today The headunit, amp wiring kit, silentcoat & the boom mats arrived!

I've installed the headunit & wired everything in

I have also ran the RCA & signal wires the the amp going under the passenger seat! Just before leaving for the walk home, I ripped one of the door cards off (didn't break any clips! Woohoo!) and discovered the stock Speakers to be covered in almost 11 years worth of dust, hair & everything else you can imagine!

I must say, I'm impressed by the sound quality even with the stock Speakers & my JL audio sub. I've disabled the Passover on the amp and I've set everything up on the headunit along with a custom EQ and I love it! I'm even more excited for the Focal's to arrive now!

As for running cables to the door, I may have to run new wire from the amp to the door connector, use a small section of stock wire & then put new wire inside the door again as there's no other way to do it. Myself and Hassen have both come up with quite a few ideas but unfortunately none of them are possible :( why didn't I get a focus?! :(

[Lenny]

So today The headunit, amp wiring kit, silentcoat & the boom mats arrived!

I've installed the headunit & wired everything in ImageUploadedByFord OC1417454377.193234.jpg

I have also ran the RCA & signal wires the the amp going under the passenger seat! Just before leaving for the walk home, I ripped one of the door cards off (didn't break any clips! Woohoo!) and discovered the stock speakers to be covered in almost 11 years worth of dust, hair & everything else you can imagine!

I must say, I'm impressed by the sound quality even with the stock speakers & my JL audio sub. I've disabled the Passover on the amp and I've set everything up on the headunit along with a custom EQ and I love it! I'm even more excited for the Focal's to arrive now!

As for running cables to the door, I may have to run new wire from the amp to the door connector, use a small section of stock wire & then put new wire inside the door again as there's no other way to do it. Myself and Hassen have both come up with quite a few ideas but unfortunately none of them are possible :( why didn't I get a focus?! :(

Headunit is looking fantastic fitted mate,

You will be done and back on the road by the end of the week if this rate of progress continues,

Nice to get a bulk of delivers arriving at the same time too.

You should have post a picture of the stock speaker full 9f dust,

Then drove out the dust with a heavy base on the new headunit

It's all well worth the walk home,

[Hassen]

Headunit looks cool! Can't wait for you to upload more pictures. I keep missing posts from yours and Lenny's build lately. Something up with my notifications :(

I remember noticing a big difference when I installed my old 12" sub and the stock Speakers. Then, when I had the Pioneer headunit and the stock Speakers, another big difference. I loved how at every step, you get a new thing to be happy about. It's very enjoyable. Once you get all the Silent Coat in the car, be prepared to notice a significant drop in cabin noise levels. In my car at 120kph, it was a 5db drop from the phone app. As a result, I had to turn the volume down and got to notice new things in old songs. Great idea to make a list of songs/albums. My recommendation for your list would be Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue as it truly shows the Focals capabilities paired with a good amp and sub. I had that played in a shop in Mauritius on the Focal 165KR and it stunned a few 18 year olds who had no idea who Miles Davis was :P

[Lenny]

I remember noticing a big difference when I installed my old 12" sub and the stock speakers. Then, when I had the Pioneer headunit and the stock speakers, another big difference. I loved how at every step, you get a new thing to be happy about. It's very enjoyable. Once you get all the Silent Coat in the car, be prepared to notice a significant drop in cabin noise levels. In my car at 120kph, it was a 5db drop from the phone app. As a result, I had to turn the volume down and got to notice new things in old songs. Great idea to make a list of songs/albums. My recommendation for your list would be Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue as it truly shows the Focals capabilities paired with a good amp and sub. I had that played in a shop in Mauritius on the Focal 165KR and it stunned a few 18 year olds who had no idea who Miles Davis was :P

Is he any relation to Robert Miles?

Other good tracks to notice the tweters and sub are:

Tiestö - 10 seconds before sunrise

And

Tiestö Feat. Diplo - Come on

[GingerFlame]

The Speakers haven't even been posted yet! So ice got both my door cards off and no reason for it :(. I'll take no a picture of the Speakers when I go up to the garage tomorrow, they're discusting!

They'll be here between Friday & Wednesday! So to fill time I'm going to fit my 12.5mm axle spacers on the rear. The car is off the road now till 15th January, giving myself time to finish all the other little mods I've started and not completed fully!

As for the silent coat, it was packaged using a bin bag so It stuck to some of the edges. The seller has agreed to resend the order meaning I'll have twice as much to use up! This could be a blessing.. Or a curse due to the weight of it!

As for the tiesto album Lenny, I downloaded it a few weeks ago when I listened to one of the tracks on your thread! :)

[GingerFlame]

I've also ordered some 3528 Blue LEDs so I can change all the switches to blue! I'm also going to think about ways of changing the heater controls from green to blue as the plastic itself has been marked green.

I'm also going to fit a Blue LED in a 12v socket I took from a renault laguna I helped break, I'll then install that in the place of the stock ford one (the connectors are identical, the design is actually identical except one is made of black plastic meaning it doesn't light up, the other lights up)

I'm finding every little job I can so I can get it finished by the time the Focal's arrive! :)

[GingerFlame]

After spending the day at the garage working on the car, I've gotta admit I've learnt quite abit!

The first thing is... The "signal" wire on the headunit is permanently live.. Which is annoying as i ended up pushing the car out of the garage due to a flat battery! I quickly rewired the signal wires from the amp into the ignition switched feed, which is how it was with the old headunit

The next thing I learnt, is that when a company say "yeah, that'll definitely fit your car" don't listen to them. Turns out the speaker adapter plates I bought are miles too big to fit onto the inner door card. Because of this I'm just going to install the Focal Woofer, and then fill around it with some bits of MDF on the inside of the door card. I'll then remove the speaker, install the Boom mat and reinstall the speaker!

I've also had to re-reconsider how I'm going to install the amp under the passenger seat. Due to space limitations I've decided that the amp enclosure is going to have to be exposed slightly in the rear footwell. I'm going to mount a piece of MDF and carpet it, and attach some metal brackets to the same bolt that holds the seat in place! The amp will then be mounted to that piece of MDF and then the casing I've made put on top and secured.

I started to install some of the silent coat in the front passenger door today and found out that removing the inner door card would be more hassle than it's worth. Because of this I decided to reach through the speaker hole and install as much as I could that way. I then covered as much of the inner door card as I could without stopping the outer card going on! Unfortunately I was in such a foul mood that I didn't take any pictures except the one below showing how big the adapter plate is!

[Lenny]

Good days progress there mate,

Although your feeling a bit negative about progress its actually not that bad,

You were in the garage when you found the constant live draw from headunit, not trying to get to work encountering a flat battery which could have been the case had you not planned taking the car off the road,

MDF speaker surrounds will aid bass response much better than any plastic substance so thats a bonus,

And the unreachable bit of door isn't going to effect much overall as you can still line the door inside before the doo4 card goes on,

And the best value you got today was time to measure everything up as you now know exactly what is required to install the amp under the seat,

Lack of pictures is no big deal.

All is good in my opinion :)