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Install amplifier on ceiling?

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Old 05-02-2013, 09:51 AM
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Default Install amplifier on ceiling?

I'm hooking up my amp and sub this weekend. I don't want it under a seat or anywhere it can't get enough airflow. I already tore my headliner out with no intentions on replacing it.

Would it be stupid to mount my amp on the ceiling all the way in the back, behind or under the speaker bar? Otherwise I'm cutting up my rear panels to make it fit in that little space behind the right wheel.
Old 05-02-2013, 10:48 AM
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It won't be a clean LOOKING set up with all those wires running across the roof, guess you can clean them up a little with black or red loom, but still.
Old 05-02-2013, 12:29 PM
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I planned on running them in the little lip the headliner sat in. Then covering everything with dynamat sorta stuff. If I cut a slit for the amp under the speaker bar the wires shouldn't be visible
Old 05-02-2013, 01:21 PM
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I did this 2 summers ago when I was replacing my headliner. We ended up running two metal plates between the trusses that support the roof. After we reinstalled the headliner, we just screwed the amp to those behind the speaker bar.

As for wiring, we ran all the speaker, subwoofer, input and power cables through holes drilled in the speaker bar, and then down the channel in the c-pillar. The Amp is grounded by a short piece of wire, attached to the seatbelt anchor.

Inputs and power run under the trim beneath the doors to the front of the vehicle.

It's worked great to get the amp up and out of the way. Someone walking by can't tell that it's in there either unless they crouch down and look up. I would post pictures, but I can't seem to find them right now. Plus, without a headliner in the mix, it'll probably go a lot easier for you.

Hope this helps.
Old 05-02-2013, 01:25 PM
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This makes me a little uneasy... you'd want to make sure there is absolutely no way its going to come flying off in a head on collision or it may just end up being a projectile into the back of your head.
Old 05-02-2013, 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by OttawaXJ
This makes me a little uneasy... you'd want to make sure there is absolutely no way its going to come flying off in a head on collision or it may just end up being a projectile into the back of your head.
Exactly what I was just thinking..

It sounds like a good idea but I don't want to get knocked out if I stop too fast.

Maybe i should weld a little cage to the top to slide the amp into?
Old 05-02-2013, 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by agrasso5567
I already tore my headliner out with no intentions on replacing it.
The acoustics in your ride will resemble that of a metal garbage can.....
Old 05-02-2013, 07:25 PM
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Id use some thick angle and bolt it to the rear roof bow. Should be pretty sturdy that way
Old 05-03-2013, 09:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Turbo X_J
The acoustics in your ride will resemble that of a metal garbage can.....
I'm lining the interior with insulation so acoustics won't be an issue
Old 05-03-2013, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Turbo X_J
The acoustics in your ride will resemble that of a metal garbage can.....
I have no head liner and my stereo sounds just fine
Old 05-03-2013, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by 95Cherokee
I have no head liner and my stereo sounds just fine
You're right, I have absolutely no idea what good music sounds like or acoustics please carry on.
Old 05-03-2013, 12:00 PM
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I really dont see the point in it. I've ran both a 1400 watt and a 5500 watt behind the back seat and neither ever overheated. Just dont have them under the seat or somewhere were the fan will be blocked. Most people normally mount the amp on the speaker box if its small enough to fit. Usually works pretty well and keeps it out of the way. I personally keep mine in front of my box behind the rear seat (I got a pretty big box.. takes up the whole cargo area), and mine never overheats.
Old 05-03-2013, 12:01 PM
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I know the insulation is going to help with the echo and vibrations. One of my friends insulated the entire inside of his xj with no headliner and it actually made a huge difference. but his sub is also way more powerful than mine so I probably won't notice it as much
Old 05-03-2013, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Turbo X_J
You're right, I have absolutely no idea what good music sounds like or acoustics please carry on.
I've personally drove a cherokee with no headliner and a good sound system.. I dont think i've ever heard that much vibrations in my life.

The only thing that vibrates in my 95 with a stock interior is some things in the dash, loose change in the cup holder, and my hatch panel that is barely hanging on. Headliner is a must for a system.
Old 05-03-2013, 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by xj_maniac_newb
I personally keep mine in front of my box behind the rear seat (I got a pretty big box.. takes up the whole cargo area), and mine never overheats.
X2 and I dont have a headliner and it sounds fine only thing that rattles is the lift gate but you only hear it outside the Jeep.

Install amplifier on ceiling?-image-1698301015.jpg

Doesnt over heat on me but having it in the sound board would be pretty cool


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