MG MIDGET STEREO INSTALLATION
Installing a modern stereo in a small car like a MG Midget presents its unique challenges. The console in the Midget is too shallow to fit most AM/FM Cassette or CD Players in the stock location. The solution I used is to blank over the stock location and angle the deck down through the speaker grill hole. This provides plenty of space to change tapes without interferance with the gear shift lever. A stereo installation kit for a late '80's Chevrolet C/K pickup provides the additional depth and finshed look.
Since a proper Convertable usually has the top down, I installed a deck with a remote CD changer and a removable face. The CD Changer is mounted in the boot. Due to the sporting nature of these cars, it is important to mount the changer in a way that minimizes skipping when encountering bumpy roads. I found that mounting the changer at an angle was the best.
The next challenge with a small car like this is where to mount speakers. Many Spridget owners mount 5" round or 6"x9" speakers in the partition between the rear parcel shelf and the trunk. There are three problems with this choice. First, the speakers protrude into the boot and can be damaged by loose items. Second, when the top is folded it blocks the speakers. Third, this still does not provide a space for a subwoofer. My solution was to build a removable subwoofer box, and to surface mount two bookshelf style speakers on top of the box.
As you can see, the folded top easily clears the book shelf speakers, and does not foul the subwoofer. Careful measuring resulted in no sacrifice in available seat recline angle.
The last step to a quality sounding stereo is enough power to push the subwoofer, and be heard over the wind and traffic noises at speed. Again, with space at a premium, selecting a location for a power amplifier was given careful consideration. I settled on the space where the glovebox once resided above the passenger's footwell. Before installing the amplifier, I ran water from a garden hose above the footwell to find any leaks that might damage the amplifier. After sealing the numerous leaks, I mounted the amplifier. I utilized a 180 watt 2 channel amplifier. The subwoffer is a 8" dual coil speaker from Radio Shack wired parallel to the bookshelf speakers. The crossover frequency point on the subwoofer is managed with choke coils.
When wiring the system, keep in mind safety, and servicability. It should be noted that earlier Spridgets must be converted from positive to negative ground before any modern stereo can be installed. Stereos with memory and a clock require both switched and unswitched power sources. A switched wire is available in the factory console harness (green w/pink tracer). To get an unswitched (always live) wire, find the cigarette lighter supply wire (purple) and exchange the female single bullet connector with a double female bullet connector. You now have a place to tap into for your unswitched supply wire without any cutting or splicing. If the stereo unit has lights that turn on and off with the headlights of the car, find the red w/white tracer wire for this function. The amplifier requires large amounts of power. Run a 12 gauge red wire directly from the positive post of the battery through an appropriate fuse to the power amp. Double insulate the wire where it passes through the firewall and utilize a rubber grommet in the hole to prevent chaffing the wire.
Please note that I am not a professional mechanic, electrician, or engineer. Before attempting any alteration on your car consult with a qualified technician.
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