CD changer mounted to the bottom of the rear deck.

Changer mounted on the trunk floor.

CD changer mounted under a seat.

Mounting tips: Trunk

If you plan to suspend a CD changer or hideaway box from the bottom of the rear deck, first make sure the component won't interfere with the torsion bar of the trunk lid. Observe how it moves as you close the lid before you settle on the exact mounting spot.

Many changers come with mounting brackets that you secure to the vehicle with bolts or screws. Get a helper to attach the nuts to the mounting bolts while you hold the changer in place and run the bolts through the brackets and the holes you drilled in the deck. If your changer mounts with self-tapping screws instead, you might be able to handle this step by yourself.

Mounting tips: Under a seat

When mounting any peripheral component under a seat, be certain that the component is well-ventilated and that it will not interfere with any seat adjustment controls. You may find it necessary to remove the seat to access the floorboard. If you use self-tapping screws or need to drill pilot holes to secure the component to the vehicle, make sure you know what you're drilling into. Check that the gas tank, brake line, and other parts are not on the other side of where you are drilling/screwing. Most components also include the option of using Velcro strips.

Warning: removing your seat could deactivate your vehicle's SRS system.

Cable routing

If you're mounting your peripheral source in the trunk, you'll probably want to run the signal/controller cable(s) from the in-dash stereo down one side of your car. (You'll have to remove your stereo from the dash to access the changer connection.) If you also have an amplifier in the trunk, run the source's cables on the side opposite the amp's 12-volt power cable. You'll be less likely to introduce engine noise into your system.

In most cars, you'll be able to find a hole or crevice to slide the cable from the trunk into the passenger compartment. You may have to remove the rear seat to find it. To hide the cable beneath your carpeting, you will have to remove the door sill. As you pass the cable along the floorboard, make sure it doesn't sit too close to a seat rail, where it could be pinched or damaged when the seat is adjusted.

If you're running the cable up the driver's side, you'll want to make sure it doesn't end up in the way of the pedals, the steering column, or hood latch. Tie it firmly in place with wire ties and coil up any excess cable, so it won't fall on your feet as you drive. Remember to test the new source thoroughly before you fully reinstall your in-dash stereo.

See page 6 for tips on removing panels to conceal cables.