Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which kit should I purchase?

Probably the number one question is – What should I get from you guys? So below, we have put together a couple of ideas to help you make that decision.

Take a few moments check out our install pages and read those over before you decide on which kit to go with. Consider your budget and that you can always "add on" if you plan accordingly. More often than not we have customers come back, change their mind and purchase additional products and change their entire perspective. Don’t make the mistake of not getting the right stuff the first time.

For example, we offer ¼ inch and 1 inch (thickness) mounts for the Tacoma . The ¼ inch mount allows you to install inexpensive speakers and save a few dollars over the cost of our 1” mounts. However, in many cases people decide they want a little more and then ask us if we can take the old mounts back. As long as they have not been installed or used, we will take them back. However you will incur shipping costs.

Personally speaking, I started with the mindset that a new 45 watt (MAX) head unit and some 6x9s in the front doors and speakers in the rear doors would be all I need. In the beginning I was very happy as are about 75% of our customers.

Then we had customers that requested assistance with their sound system and I started to learn a whole lot more about stereo systems than I ever imagined. Never did I envision a full setup with 6.5 component speakers (separate tweeters and mid bass driver) and two subwoofers. I thought subwoofers and separate tweeters were for fanatics. Like I heard a preacher say once "A fanatic is someone that believes a little more than you".

One of our resident audio nuts told me, "it is just a matter of time" before you will upgrade your stereo. With "gritted" teeth, I must say he was right. :-). Needless to say I lost the bet and now I have to type all this stuff!

The two most common installations Types:

Budget Minded Upgrade - just want better sound:

This is usually adding a new head unit (stereo) and speakers in the front and rear doors. The reason for front and rear speakers is due to the low power output. Because head units generally output less than 15 watts per channel (RMS) 4 speakers are better. Consider purchasing speakers that require small amounts of power.

If you plan on just replacing your speakers and maybe your head unit (stereo). Look for speakers like the Image Dyanmics CoAxials or Alpine SPS-69C3 or Pioneer TS-A6962R - Fronts.

Alpine SPS-17C2 or Pioneer TS-A1672R - Rears. These units require very little power and will allow you to add an amp later if you decide you want some more power.

They also very shallow speakers and will work with our ¼ inch mounts.

This type of installation is fast and easy for a do it yourselfer . . . Quite a few NON do it yourselfers have reported very positive reports.

Check out our detailed instructions. They will help you get this done fast and easy.

Then purchase the kit that fits your Toyota !

Want a great sound system at a great price:

WARNING! Once you have this type of audio setup, you will be “hooked” in to good car audio. Think about how much time you spend in your car?

This type of install takes a bit more time to plan, research and execute. Together with our preferred vendors, we have put together some bundled solutions that will allow you not only to save a ton of time but also a ton of money. Each bundle is just for your car! Do not order from different sections of our site.

This type of install usually has component speakers in the front doors and 1 or 2 subwoofers. When properly powered and installed, rear speakers should not be installed in a good sound system. We recommend spending more money on the front speakers and forget about the rear speakers. Detailed information on this type of setup is explained in our installation pages.

This type of install usually requires many different components. We have put together some very detailed instructions on how to install this type of system in your Toyota . Whether you choose to use one of our bundled kits or just some of our components, our instructions will make installation go much faster and easier. You will save a ton of time and money. Plus get the satisfaction you did it right and you did it yourself.

Here are some example installations:

http://www.cardomain.com/id/robsatx

http://www.cardomain.com/id/tx_taco_girl

http://www.cardomain.com/id/fjchelle

There are many more car owners on car domain using our kits. The rides listed above were test vehicles.

Other common questions:

Stereo / head unit installation:

Is the "texture" the same on the replacement dash kit as the original?

After numerous attempts to duplicate the texture we are now selling the silver color matched kits with a smooth surface. It does not have the texture but looks great. We have had great reviews from many customers.

Will my Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, Clarion, Dual, or JVC fit in your single our double DIN kit?

Car audio uses a standard known as a DIN. Most units are single or double DIN. The user manual for your unit will specify whether it is a single or double unit. 

Subwoofer Installation:

Single Subwoofer:

Dual Subwoofer:

 Unlike our speaker mounts that require no modifications (mods) to the truck, the subwoofer does require truck mods. The "tight" fit behind the seat makes it impossible to avoid mods. However, having the subwoofer "hidden" is a very nice touch.

Do I have to modify my truck to install your subwoofer cabinet?

Yes, there will be a few mods to make the subwoofer fit. The first mod, if you want to keep the plastic "around" the sub as show in the products page - will require "cutting" the plastic storage container to allow the cabinet to fit. The second mod is to remove the "anchor" from the cross brace on the truck. It is pretty easy to do with a pair of vise grips or a chisel and hammer. Pictures will be posted very soon. The third mod is to remove the plastic panel attached to rear of the seat. This is very easy to remove. Simply remove the two small screws and the panel will come out without any damage.

Do I HAVE to "cut" the plastic storage container?

No, this is for cosmetic purposes only. You can save your storage container if you ever decide to sell your taco, you can restore your truck to the factory look. Besides how often will any look behind the seat of your car? Make certain to this panel along with the seat panel in a cool dry place. I would also get a zip lock back and securely attach it to your panels for safekeeping.

What size speaker mount fits my Toyota ?

We offer two sizes for the front speakers. You can choose between a 6x9 inch speaker or a 6.5 inch speaker. The mount is the same for both applications - the only difference is the size of the "hole" that is "cutout" for the speakers to mount. Our most popular item is the 6x9 for the front.

We offer one size for the rear speakers. You can use just about any 6.5" aftermarket speaker.

NOTE: Some high end component speakers tend to have a larger basket and require the hole in the mount to be enlarged. The mounts although very strong and heavy are easy to modify with a rasp or dremel.

What are the screw and bolt kits?

When you install the new speaker mount, the factory bolts will no longer fit. We have located the same size (diameter) bolts. Unfortunately, they are NOT available at most Home Depot, Lowe's or other home improvement stores. So we offer these to people that do not want to drive all over town looking for the right size screw to use.

The screws are "pan head" screws that work well with most aftermarket speakers.

What are the speaker harnesses?

Use these if you are going to use your stock radio or aftermarket unit. These little gems will save you the hassle of "cutting" and "splicing". The harnesses are notched and the speaker terminals "match" the speakers. This makes it very easy for a novice to install their own speakers - often saving them a lot of money over a "professional" installation.

NOTE: If you will be installing an amp and running new speaker wire, you may not need to purchase these.