Radio/CD player hookup

[roofman]

Where is the best place to get power to hookup a new radio/CD player on a 72 TR6?

 

[Brosky]

You could come off of the ignition switch or go directly to the fuse box. Probably will be an equal divide of the opinions on either of these options.

 

[kodanja]

Also if you are going to be installing a preamp, get the kit that connects directly to the battery terminal.

 

[roofman]

Which terminal do you hook up to on the ignition switch - 72 TR6?

 

[martx-5]

Which terminal do you hook up to on the ignition switch - 72 TR6?

If you want the radio to only go on when you turn on the ignition, then hook into one of the white wires. If you want it on all the time and have to turn it off with the switch in the radio, then hook into one of the the brown/white wires.

 

[Guest]

When installing an electronic item that is either not stock and an upgrade, or is totally not part of the original TR6 ideal (high-powered stereo, fog lights, etc.) I am a big believer in adding on a totally independent power source that has nothing to do with the original wiring harness. That way, the danger of overloading your harness and creating Lucas smoke is eliminated. It is really simple to access your battery directly for power with a wire that can handle the appropriate load and if you have the need to utilize the ignition switch for on/off demand switching, you can put together your own relayed mini-harness for each item. I wired my fogs and my electric fan this way and never worry about burning wires. Dan Masters' book on Triumph electricals has been a godsend for helping me design my wires. It should have been called Triumph Wiring For Dummies. He also goes into detail on overhauling most OE electrical switches; this is important because so many of the aftermarket switches out there are pure junk, as discussed in another post. (I made the mistake of lending my book and have yet to get it back. Neither a lender nor a borrower be.)

Oh, and I once had a high powered stereo in my TR6 but couldn't hear it over the dual exhausts. Once is the key word here.

 

[Guest]

And as far as my background in electricity, I am still sticking a fork in the toaster......

 

[roofman]

boy, you got a toaster?
Seriously, thanks for the suggestions. I like the no smoke ideas.

 

[Brosky]

I like my stereo cd player for club events. Nice to blast some 60's or rock and roll to liven up the crowds in the morning at the shows or at an ice cream stop. The little kids just love it when they see a nice roadster, top down and music blasting away.

I'm just pulling minimal power, since I don't have any amps hooked up. But Bill's advice is solid, so definitely consider his suggestions.

 

[TR674]

Roofman
I just installed one in my TR6. I found a previously installed live wire under the dash, which I connected to the CD/radio power wire (with built-in fuse) and the other power wire to the ignition accessory lug.
On a previous car I connected the fused power wire directly to the battery + terminal.
Regards
Craig

 

[bunzil]

My two cents: when in doubt, go direct to the battery. It's easiest, mostly foolproof, doesn't threaten other wiring or components, and leaves the harness stock. How many cars have we worked on only to find a maze of wiring left over from other sloppy owners?

The only caveat is that you MUST install an inline fuse as close to the battery as possible - like within an inch or two, and MAKE sure if you happen to pull the fuse out that the wire left dangling from the battery can't touch a ground. Other than that it's the safest way to go.