System install in 20 degree weather

[ChipG]

I just recieved a new Alpine 9857 and have my previously posted
home brewed stealth box to install. I'm excited to dig into it but the weather for Northern Virginia this weekend is going to be in the 20s.
I don't think I'll be able to wait to see if the next weekend will be warmer.

I gotta figure out how to pump some warm air into the 4Runner without killing myself or burning up the buggy.


any ideas

 

[wolfgang]

I'd wait for warm weather - very costly plastic dash parts get brittle and easily break when cold. Spring isn't far off. I'm faced with similiar issue to install seat heaters. I can quickly remove seats and work on them inside though. Getting the wiring in is issue -- ha, and waiting for spring ain't going to warm my buttocks in the meantime!

 

[drake3]

Doing installs when you can't feel your finger tips suck! Can you run an extension cord to the truck? Get a space heater and put it in the cargo area if you can otherwise I think your only other option is to find a nice friend with a garage.

 

[beallen21]

I'm in the same boat as well, finally broke down and got a little trailer to haul stuff around so I don't really need my hatch as much, so I decided I was gonna put a new headunit, subs&amp, and a tv I got laying around the house in the ole Frunner, I got everything just sitting here lookin at me but the weather just isn't want to cooperate with my plans

 

[jacal]

I actually ran a 220V plug out to my garage (from my dryer plug which I do not use) and bought a $80 construction heater. It takes time to get up to temp, but it works.


J

 

[atomic punk]

Start the car, turn on the heat, and quit whinin'. I installed my first HU into the 4R in the middle of winter. Just don't use black electrical tape when it's cold - it won't stick and it won't stretch.:

 

[ChipG]

Got it All in Today

It was about 28 this morning at 8:30, a bit warmer than the forcast. I put on the insulated coverall and went to work.

The head unit install went smooth as I soldered all the wires on my bench last night. Props to Crutchfield for the harness and instruction sheets for the dash and console etc.
I did not have a fun time with the plastic mounting kit. It had to be massaged and I ended up not using the radio sleeve as it set the HU too deep into the dash. I found 4 screws that fit the side mount holes and adjusted the radio so that the face plate was sitting right. I also glued the plastic parts of the mounting kit together to prevent future squeeks.

I also got the sub in, It took some creativity to find a way to mount it without drilling or cutting.

I'll post some pics tomarrow


Walmart insulated coveralls rock

 

[beallen21]

i broke down and suited up in the cover-alls and now I have a system