W126 DIY ICE install

[owm]

Yet another weekly DIY session, this time to update the ICE setup in the W126. My requirements were simple, a good SQ head unit that can accept USB/SD input, does not look out-of-place in the 80s interior and easy-to-drive, dynamic and affordable loudspeakers.

As such, I ended up with this simple setup of:

1. Nakamichi NA200R head unit

2. Infinity Kappa 4x6" co-axial dash mount speakers

3. Infinity Kappa 6.5" co-axial rear parcel shelf speakers

Installation was problem-free but I took the time to tidy up the wiring and remove all extraneous cabling plus vacuuming and wiping down the exposed effected areas which was covered with lots of coconut husks fragments and built-up dirt over 24 years.

No canopy/umbrella/awning/shelter? Next best thing, have a fan blowing at top speed at you while you fry under the unrelenting sun from 1.30pm ~ 5pm:

Have some non-OEM wiring/relays/fuses which I have no idea what they control but did not take out...for now:

Had to remove the side carpet to remove the old wiring of the Kenwood head unit and see how much the stock wiring harness was butchered. This is actually a good way to have access to the light bulbs behind the A/C panel especially the temperature turn wheel.

Test run and sorting which speaker cable pairs were the right and left rear which I re-used:

Rear right speaker installed. Did not remove the damn rear seat back due to my bad back as I did not have the strength to lift it off. Still managed to remove the speaker covers with some jiggling:

Finally installed and looks boss:

Still have to tweak the color setting a little to match the ambient lighting:

Finally I can enjoy better quality music on USB/SD!

[owm]

Converted the dash speakers to under-mounting so I can use back the OEM speaker cover for a stock look. Driver side was easy, just had to take out the instrument cluster and insert the speaker into the cavity without much issue.

Passenger side was pretty tight as the air ducts to the two vents blocked the way:

Had to remove the vents and gave them a thorough cleaning in and out.

Also vacuumed and wiped down the exposed area through the glovebox:

Pressure-held in place through the use of foam baffles: