By-passed fader
 

I just installed a new deck, CD changer and 6 x 9s in my car and thought I would post how I by-passed the fader to greatly improve the sound.

First time around, I installed the stereo by wiring into the fader and felt that the sound was lacking. I quickly realized after reading here that the fader really can't handle the deck's power and needs to be bypassed. There are six wires going into the fader and I couldn't figure out which one did what so I took a different approach to solving the problem that I hope will help some other people here.

I ran new speaker wire from the rear speakers directly to the deck. Take out your back seat and carpets on the passenger side and it will be a fairly straight forward task. For the front speaker, I removed the glove box and the plastic bottom panels on both sides to be able to trace the speaker wire for the front speakers. The speaker wire goes through the center console on its way to the fader. I cut the speaker wire near the console and then spliced in new speaker wire and hooked it up directly to the deck. That way, you don't have to run new wire all the way to each front speaker.

The difference in sound was amazing. My 6 x 9s actually have some bass. I hope this helps someone else trying to figure out a way around that fader control. It's not a high tech method but it is fairly simple and works.

Scott

Hey Scottie, I like oyur idea of removing the back seat and starting basically from scratch. My only porblem is how do I get the seats out? I got a 1977 280SE and I can't figure out how to disengage the seat from the rest of the car.

There should be two plastic levers (one on each side) at the bottom of the back seat. Simply push them in to dislodge the seat and then you can pull it out.

On my seat back, there was a small 8mm bolt at the bottom of the seat back (one on each side) holding it in place. Remove the bolts, then lift the seat back up and then out. The top of the seat back is secured by sliding into metal brackets at the top. That is why you have to lift it up before taking it out.

Scott

I'll try that, thanks.