How To: Install Kicker VSS SubStage Subwoofer Kit

Kicker VSS SubStage Subwoofer Kit

In 1973, KICKER's Livin' Loud legacy began as a two-man operation, hand-building professional-speaker systems in a narrow one-car garage. From then on, KICKER has been delivering concert-like audio quality across a wide volume range with renowned bass and accurate sound.

Kicker’s SubStage VSS or also known as vehicle specific solutions subwoofer kit is a great upgrade or add-on to your S197 Mustang! If you’re one of those owners that likes to have a well-balanced car when it boils down to mods, then this subwoofer kit needs to be in your car.

Featuring a 200-watt integrated amplifier, ten inch subwoofer, and a specific enclosed box for the S197’s, this SubStage kit is built to offer exceptional sound and fit like a factory-optioned subwoofer. I know what you're probably thinking by now, “Will this fit into my car if I have a Shaker 500 or 1000 audio system. The answer is, yes! The only recommended modification that would need to be done for those of you sporting a Shaker 1000, is to replace the trunk carpet since yours is pre-cut from the factory to coincide with the factory sub. This kit will come with everything you need to get it installed into your car.

Required Tools

• Socket Set
• Socket Wrench
• Extensions
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Stubby Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Push Pin Removal Tool
• Razor Blade
• Dikes

Installation Instructions

1. To begin installation, start by turning the wheel all the way to the left.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Moving to the passenger side rocker molding, remove the two push pins securing the molding to the splash shield.
4. Remove the push pins securing the back splash shield to the front shield.
5. Remove the rear piece of the front splash shields from the car.
6. Back into the engine bay, remove the cover on the fuse box.
7. Remove the 10mm nut from the main power lug.
8. Connect the Kicker power harness to the lug and torque the nut to 15 ft-lbs.
9. Run the power wire down and right beside the air conditioning lines.
10. There you will see a slot to slide it through into the fender well.
11. Cut the power wire connector zip-tie holding it to the wire itself.
12. Set this aside since we will use it later.
13. Moving inside the car, lift up and remove the passenger side scuff plate.
14. Remove the passenger side kick panel.
15. Push the two tabs toward the back of the car underneath the centers of the rear seat and remove the seat.
16. Pull the passenger side seat-back down.
17. Remove the push pin holding the interior quarter panel to the carpet.
18. This one is located right beside the lower seat belt mount.
19. Remove the two rear push pins securing the interior quarter panel to the trunk and floor of the car.
20. Pull out on the panel and remove it from the car.
21. Moving back to the passenger side fenderwell; make a small incision to the firewall grommet and slide the power wire through.
22. Grab the subwoofer wire harness and attach the quick crimp connectors to both the green and green with brown strip wires.
23. The next part will be the most time consuming.
24. Underneath the dash and behind the glove box; find the harness passing through the door grommet.
25. Trim back the electrical tape and find the designated wire per your application.
26. Refer to the Kicker instructions for the wires you need to tap into.
27. Since this is a base car we spliced the green with brown stripe wire on the subwoofer harness to the white with green stripe wire on the door speaker.
28. The solid green wire on the subwoofer harness was spliced to the light green wire with orange strip on the door speaker.
29. Crimp the connectors with a pair of pliers.
30. Start running the subwoofer harness underneath the carpet.
31. When you reach the back, pass it through the small opening in the body and into the trunk.
32. Moving back to the trunk; remove the trunk carpet from the car.
33. Remove the 13mm bolt securing the trunk side carpet to the car and the push pin; remove the side carpet from the car.
34. Make a small incision in the carpet and pass the subwoofer connections through the opening.
35. Reposition the side carpet.
36. Set the subwoofer enclosure into the car and connect the harness.
37. Position the sub to the side of the trunk and place the bottom bracket over the stud on the trunk floor.
38. Use the included 10mm nut to secure the bracket to the trunk floor.
39. With the top subwoofer bracket in place, retighten the previously removed side carpet bolt.
40. Back in the engine compartment, install the included 30 amp fuse in the fuse location on the power wire harness.
41. Loosen the 10mm bolt on the door jamb and secure the ground wire from the subwoofer harness to this location.
42. Slide the power wire into the electrical connection; this was the one you cut the zip-tie away from earlier.
43. Connect the power wire harness to the subwoofer harness.
44. Tuck this alongside the edge of the carpet as well.
45. Take this time to zip-tie both harnesses.
46. Reinstall the interior quarter panel and rear seat; along with the rest of the interior pieces you removed.
47. Button up the splash shield and reconnect your negative battery cable.
48. Test for operation, and you’re all done!

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