Ford Focus Mk3, Sub, Amp & Speakers Upgrade

[Stevenlee91]

You've got a mini blade fuse tap, but standard 10a fuse extra.

For the extra £40, you can get a 32gb class 10 microsd for £11 on Amazon, and a hard wiring cable (£3ish) on eBay (search 301360340004), and then the 0803 cam off Amazon. Its stated as the upgraded 0803 but its actually an 0805 (mine was!), if it turns out not to be its free return delivery and no restocking costs.

Wrt crimping - I have some draper crimping pliers, they're not the ratcheting type but do the job - ratcheting ones would be better.

Screwfix do 100x spade female or 100x spade male for £3.60 each, fairly good price compared to eBay.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

On the link you have put it states in the description "Upgrade Mini 0801" not the "Upgrade Mini 0803".

Also the screwfix you have put I don't know what they are lol.

Lenny any advice on my shopping list above? Also thinking of more upgrades after I have done this one which you maybe able to help and advice on.

Thanks

[Lenny]

I'm looking to buy everything I need for this, this coming week so I can start to install it. Was hoping you (Lenny) could take a look at my shopping list and see if I have got everything I need and weather of not you could recommend any alternative Ebay sellers ETC.

Dash Cam (With Hardwiring Kit) - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-0805-DVR-Pro-GPS-Car-DVR-Full-HD-1296P-Ambarella-A7-DashCam-Upgraded-32GB-/291296428837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43d29ec325

Piggy Back Fuse -http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180735820543?clk_rvr_id=777114810729&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

Additional 10 Amp Fuse - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-X-CAR-INLINE-STANDARD-BLADE-FUSES-2-3-5-7-5-10-15-20-25-30-OR-40-AMP-CHOOSE-/360619078400?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&var=&hash=item53f6927300

Cable Clips (x20) - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Self-Adhesive-G-Type-Cable-Clips-Wire-Clamps-Black-or-Natural-/181018106997?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&var=&hash=item2a25851c75

Crimp Ring Terminal - Not sure which one to select can you advice

Tools

Crimp Tool/Pliers - Can you advice on one for the job?

Trim Removal Tools - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-pcs-Car-Door-Body-Trim-Panel-Dash-Center-Console-Installation-Remover-Tool-Kit-/361040801062?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item540fb56d26

Socket Set - Already have one

Shopping list looks good mate all 100% except for the additional fuse, as said it needs to be a mini blade,

Perhaps ask Dave to provide a mini 10amp fuse with the piggy back adaptor when your purchasing.

I wouldn't bother with cable clips just use some pvc tape as supplied with the below crimp kit, lighter and doesn't scratch the paint,

Crimp Ring Terminal - Not sure which one to select can you advice

Tools

Crimp Tool/Pliers - Can you advice on one for the job?

This is the cheapest crimp kit i can find:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/81-PCE-ELECTRICIANS-TOOL-KIT-CRIMPING-CUTTER-STRIPPER-TERMINAL-SCREWDRIVER-SET-/111458056058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19f36af77a

Fee extras aswell great value.

Also thinking of more upgrades after I have done this one which you maybe able to help and advice on.

Thanks

No prob,

Happy to help anytime

[mjt]

If you can run to it a ratchet crimping tool such as this is preferable to the simple plier type as it gives consistent results with no danger of over- or under-crimping.

[Stevenlee91]

That looks slightly to complicated to me. Plus I already have a USB slot as standard.

I was thinking of something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-0805-DVR-Pro-GPS-Car-DVR-Full-HD-1296P-Ambarella-A7-DashCam-Upgraded-32GB-/291296428837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43d29ec325

The above comes with a Hardwiring kit but I wouldn't know what to do if you could advice on what would need to been done if I was to buy it that would be great.

Lenny - Having had a quick look at the Hardwiring kit on the link above the last picture. Would I be right in saying I would need to remove the Spade Terminal from the red wire (Positive) and that would be crimped into the piggy back fuse? Then I just need to crimp a terminal to the black wire (Negative) and earth it to a bolt in the car?

I've got my shopping list saved on eBay just have to order which will be done in next 2 days then wait for everything to arrive and get installing.

[Lenny]

Lenny - Having had a quick look at the Hardwiring kit on the link above the last picture. Would I be right in saying I would need to remove the Spade Terminal from the red wire (Positive) and that would be crimped into the piggy back fuse? Then I just need to crimp a terminal to the black wire (Negative) and earth it to a bolt in the car?

I've got my shopping list saved on ebay just have to order which will be done in next 2 days then wait for everything to arrive and get installing.

Yep thats correct mate,

Id strip the insulation gently with a stanley blade as they look vdry thin,

Double them back on themselves and twist the copper to phatten it up a bit prior to crimping,

Much like i done in my puddle light guide when crimping spades to the puddle light looms because that cable was very soft too see guide: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/46244-guide-fitting-ford-projector-puddle-lights-mk2-mk25-focus-05-12-front-doors/

[mjt]

I'd strip insulation gently with a stanley blade as they look very thin,

Double them back on themselves and twist the copper to fatten it up a bit prior to crimping,

Take care if stripping by this method as it's all too easy to nick the conductors and produce a weak point that can fracture due to vibration. It's worth investing in a proper tool such as this, which is not hugely expensive and then you've always got it for the future.

Also I would advise against twisting the conductors before crimping as they will then cut into one another, again producing a weak joint. By all means strip double length and fold back to fatten up if necessary to get a snug fit prior to crimping but don't twist.

[Stevenlee91]

Yep thats correct mate,

Id strip the insulation gently with a stanley blade as they look vdry thin,

Double them back on themselves and twist the copper to phatten it up a bit prior to crimping,

Much like i done in my puddle light guide when crimping spades to the puddle light looms because that cable was very soft too see guide: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/46244-guide-fitting-ford-projector-puddle-lights-mk2-mk25-focus-05-12-front-doors/

I will be investing in some proper wire strippers which I will be able to use maybe in future upgrades/mods. I have no doubt that once it has all arrived and I get ready to fit I will have some questions. I can see one already which I am going to look at before the stuff arrives is the where to put the earth terminal. I am going to look at some of the locations I can see and possibly take pictures and see what you think is best as you have done it before and I haven't.

Take care if stripping by this method as it's all too easy to nick the conductors and produce a weak point that can fracture due to vibration. It's worth investing in a proper tool such as this, which is not hugely expensive and then you've always got it for the future.

Also I would advise against twisting the conductors before crimping as they will then cut into one another, again producing a weak joint. By all means strip double length and fold back to fatten up if necessary to get a snug fit prior to crimping but don't twist.

Cheers for the advice mjt. As above I will be investing in some proper wire strippers slightly different to the ones you linked.

[Lenny]

I will be investing in some proper wire strippers which I will be able to use maybe in future upgrades/mods. I have no doubt that once it has all arrived and I get ready to fit I will have some questions. I can see one already which I am going to look at before the stuff arrives is the where to put the earth terminal. I am going to look at some of the locations I can see and possibly take pictures and see what you think is best as you have done it before and I haven't.

If you remove the glove box there may be an earth point there basically any bolt that you is in metal and you can put a ring terminal on.

If your planning to do a few wiring modifications yo the car then i suggest you purchase a Haynes manual for the mk3 focus in either petrol or diesel.

This will show you exactly how to remove all panels aswell as reference to wiring looms, each cable colour and what it does.

See link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Haynes-Manual-Ford-Focus-Petrol-Diesel-2011-2014-Car-Workshop-Repair-Book-/131276519795

[Micro]

Make sure you use the correct size crimp - see here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-A-Quality-Crimped-Joint/step2/Choosing-the-Crimp-Terminal/

Probably unnecessary, but I also wrapped all my crimps in insulating tape (Red for positive, Yellow and Green for negative, and Black for general use). Tie down any loose wires so they are not flapping/rubbing on the bodywork (There are some cable guides up the A pillar you can use). Make sure you test each crimp after crimping by giving it a gentle tug.

Iirc my fuse tap came with a blue barrel crimp, so I crimped two wires into it and crimped red barrel crimps onto the end, meaning I had a spare ignition switched supply (Useful if you're going to fit two cameras).

[Stevenlee91]

If you remove the glove box there may be an earth point there basically any bolt that you is in metal and you can put a ring terminal on.

If your planning to do a few wiring modifications yo the car then i suggest you purchase a Haynes manual for the mk3 focus in either petrol or diesel.

This will show you exactly how to remove all panels aswell as reference to wiring looms, each cable colour and what it does.

See link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Haynes-Manual-Ford-Focus-Petrol-Diesel-2011-2014-Car-Workshop-Repair-Book-/131276519795

I'll have a look when I remove the glovebox and see what there is. I purchased the Haynes Manual for my vehicle as soon as I bought the car, excellent book.

Make sure you use the correct size crimp - see here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-A-Quality-Crimped-Joint/step2/Choosing-the-Crimp-Terminal/

Probably unnecessary, but I also wrapped all my crimps in insulating tape (Red for positive, Yellow and Green for negative, and Black for general use). Tie down any loose wires so they are not flapping/rubbing on the bodywork (There are some cable guides up the A pillar you can use). Make sure you test each crimp after crimping by giving it a gentle tug.

Iirc my fuse tap came with a blue barrel crimp, so I crimped two wires into it and crimped red barrel crimps onto the end, meaning I had a spare ignition switched supply (Useful if you're going to fit two cameras).

I am hoping that I get the correct size in with this that I bought (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111458056058?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

I have also bought some insulation tape.

I have now bought everything I think I need for this mod and hope to fit it within the next week. I then be moving on to another mod but the next one isn't to major.

[Stevenlee91]

Everything has been delivered now apart the actual camera hoping that arrives tomorrow. Then it'll be time to install.....

My other mods I've been thinking of include:

Changing the Side Light/Head Light & Fog Light bulbs

Upgrading my black side skirts to be colour coded ST skirts

I'd really like to change the rear diffuser on my rear bumper as I hate the amount of black trim on the rear bumper

[Lenny]

Everything has been delivered now apart the actual camera hoping that arrives tomorrow. Then it'll be time to install.....

My other mods I've been thinking of include:

Changing the Side Light/Head Light & Fog Light Bulbs

Upgrading my black side skirts to be colour coded ST skirts

I'd really like to change the rear diffuser on my rear bumper as I hate the amount of black trim on the rear bumper

I recommend contacting ford dealership aswell as email fordpartsuk.com

To get a price on the body kit parts,

Then price around locally for spraying & fitting.

High Beam:

Osram NightBreaker Plus

Low Beam:

Osram Cool Blue Intense

Front Fogs:

Osram Cool Blue Intense

Headlight indicator:

Silvatec Mirror Finish bulbs

Wing mirror indicator:

Silvatec T10 Mirror Finish bulbs

Rear tail light indicator:

Silvatec Mirror Finish bulbs

Reverse Bulb:

Cree Q5 led reverse bulb

Front parking lights:

Set of these I've got them fitted three years now

Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281214995706

[Stevenlee91]

Everything has been delivered now apart the actual camera hoping that arrives tomorrow. Then it'll be time to install.....

My other mods I've been thinking of include:

Changing the Side Light/Head Light & Fog Light Bulbs

Upgrading my black side skirts to be colour coded ST skirts

I'd really like to change the rear diffuser on my rear bumper as I hate the amount of black trim on the rear bumper

Postman has been and camera hasn't arrived as yet (Not happy at all).

I've spotted the ST side skirts which come pre-painted to you cars colour it would just be figuring out how to remove the old ones and fit these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-GENUINE-FORD-FOCUS-13-ST-SIDE-SKIRT-SPORT-DRESS-UP-PAINTED-Moondust-Silver-/161224315042?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2589b7d0a2

I recommend contacting ford dealership aswell as email fordpartsuk.com

To get a price on the body kit parts,

Then price around locally for spraying & fitting.

High Beam:

Osram NightBreaker Plus

Low Beam:

Osram Cool Blue Intense

Front Fogs:

Osram Cool Blue Intense

Headlight indicator:

Silvatec Mirror Finish bulbs

Wing mirror indicator:

Silvatec T10 Mirror Finish bulbs

Rear tail light indicator:

Silvatec Mirror Finish bulbs

Reverse Bulb:

Cree Q5 led reverse bulb

Front parking lights:

Set of these I've got them fitted three years now

Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281214995706

Reading over some forums people have suggested the Philips X-Treme Vision for the headlights. Also lots of people have said to avoid the LEDs for the parking lights due to flickering and not lasting very long.

Is it possible to change the black trim on the rear bumper only?

[Micro]

Flickering from LEDs is probably down to them using inferior bulbs with not enough capacitance filtering all the electrical spikes from the alternator/electrics - an automotive electrical environment isn't nice to electronics!

When you do get your camera do you mind taking a few pics? I'm interested to see if there is any difference from mine

Edit:

Just updated my camera, definitely an 0805 as used the 0805 firmware to fix the Mph/kph speed bug. You can see a comparison table here: https://dashcamtalk.com/mini-0805/

If you are going to update your camera make sure that it is an 0805, you should have the extra resolution option in settings that the 0803 doesn't have.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

[Stevenlee91]

Postman has been and left a card, so looks like I'm going to have to collect it from the depot probably at weekend then to start install.

Lenny - Any answers to these questions? As I know you clued up on this sort of stuff?

Postman has been and camera hasn't arrived as yet (Not happy at all).

I've spotted the ST side skirts which come pre-painted to you cars colour it would just be figuring out how to remove the old ones and fit these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-GENUINE-FORD-FOCUS-13-ST-SIDE-SKIRT-SPORT-DRESS-UP-PAINTED-Moondust-Silver-/161224315042?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2589b7d0a2

Reading over some forums people have suggested the Philips X-Treme Vision for the headlights. Also lots of people have said to avoid the LEDs for the parking lights due to flickering and not lasting very long.

Is it possible to change the black trim on the rear bumper only?

I was going to upload an image of my lights as they are now on this post asking if it would make any difference to change to the suggested bulbs but I can't find how to do it?

Flickering from LEDs is probably down to them using inferior bulbs with not enough capacitance filtering all the electrical spikes from the alternator/electrics - an automotive electrical environment isn't nice to electronics!

When you do get your camera do you mind taking a few pics? I'm interested to see if there is any difference from mine

Edit:

Just updated my camera, definitely an 0805 as used the 0805 firmware to fix the Mph/kph speed bug. You can see a comparison table here: https://dashcamtalk.com/mini-0805/

If you are going to update your camera make sure that it is an 0805, you should have the extra resolution option in settings that the 0803 doesn't have.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

I have no probably with uploading any images you may request just need to know how to do it on this forum. The only reason I got the one I linked was it stipulated it was a 0805 it the description. Where as the one you linked didn't say that.

[Stevenlee91]

I went to the depot today after work and collected my parcel. It's my Dash Cam...... Here are a few pictures having looked at the red & black wires they are really tiny so I'm thinking of just copying what they did on the red wire below and doing that on the black wire I am just wondering how I am going to crimp the piggy back fuse to the red wire?

Everything which came with my camera:

Also a picture of my car lights as they are now (Full Beam)

[Micro]

Your converter looks really chunky compared to mine (I'll get a picture later).

You will need to cut off that crimp terminal on your converter cable and redo it.

Place your camera where you want it to be, and then route the wire from the camera to ensure you have enough cable length - you can easily extend the 12v end, not so easily the micro USB end!

Did your fuse tap come with a blue barrel crimp? You will not be able to crimp that really thin wire into that crimp as it is for far too big a wire size. If the wire on your fuse tap is small enough you may be able to replace it with a red barrel, otherwise you could also do what I did with crimping two smaller wires into that crimp and then crimping to those. Third option is to crimp a blue female spade to the tap, and a red male spade to the camera positive, and connect those together.

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Cable_crimping

Wrt the ground connection, I'd find where you are going to connect it to (and find what size eyelet crimp you will need) - maplin sell a good selection (or eBay).

Consider that everything in your car that is metal has a high probability of being at ground potential, so make sure to insulate any positive joints/connections appropriately to prevent them coming into contact.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

[Stevenlee91]

Having looked at my Piggy Back Fuse it did come with a blue barrel crimp already attached which is to big for the red cable from my Hardwire kit. I think I could get away with a changing it to a red barrel crimp.

But then I need to find a eyelet crimp which will fit the black wire for me to earth the kit.

Any advice from you both would be much appreciated as I think I need to purchase some more items before I can go ahead and fit this. I ask for you both as you may have slightly different ideas.

Micro - I don't quiet understand your other ideas such as crimping 2 smaller wires or the third option.

I would rather have a simple solution if possible.

[Lenny]

Having looked at my Piggy Back Fuse it did come with a blue barrel crimp already attached which is to big for the red cable from my Hardwire kit. I think I could get away with a changing it to a red barrel crimp.

IMAG0098.jpg

IMAG0099.jpg

But then I need to find a eyelet crimp which will fit the black wire for me to earth the kit.

Any advice from you both would be much appreciated as I think I need to purchase some more items before I can go ahead and fit this. I ask for you both as you may have slightly different ideas.

Micro - I don't quiet understand your other ideas such as crimping 2 smaller wires or the third option.

I would rather have a simple solution if possible.

Sorry I've been busy with work and my own build progress past week i haven't been reading,

Halfords stock various sizes of crimp ring terminals worth calling in to pick up the correct size,

I encountered this thin cable issue when fitting the ford logo puddle lights; i used the core of another cable to fatten them up see Guide: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/46244-guide-fitting-ford-projector-puddle-lights-mk2-mk25-focus-05-12-front-doors/

[Micro]

Having looked at my Piggy Back Fuse it did come with a blue barrel crimp already attached which is to big for the red cable from my Hardwire kit. I think I could get away with a changing it to a red barrel crimp.

IMAG0098.jpg

IMAG0099.jpg

But then I need to find a eyelet crimp which will fit the black wire for me to earth the kit.

Any advice from you both would be much appreciated as I think I need to purchase some more items before I can go ahead and fit this. I ask for you both as you may have slightly different ideas.

Micro - I don't quiet understand your other ideas such as crimping 2 smaller wires or the third option.

I would rather have a simple solution if possible.

If you have a red barrel crimp to hand, you can try to see how well it fits over the fuse tap cable (it should have a little play in order to be crimped properly) - if the eBay listing does not have the wire gauge listed.

By two wires crimped I mean like this

My converter is like this, and too suffered from having extremely thin cables (I stripped about 3cm off the end and folded it until it was thick enough to crimp. Mine had an inline fuse too.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

[Stevenlee91]

Sorry I've been busy with work and my own build progress past week i haven't been reading,

Halfords stock various sizes of crimp ring terminals worth calling in to pick up the correct size,

I encountered this thin cable issue when fitting the ford logo puddle lights; i used the core of another cable to fatten them up see Guide: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/46244-guide-fitting-ford-projector-puddle-lights-mk2-mk25-focus-05-12-front-doors/

Hi Lenny - Thanks for coming back to me.

I got some crimp ring terminals with this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/81-PCE-ELECTRICIANS-TOOL-KIT-CRIMPING-CUTTER-STRIPPER-TERMINAL-SCREWDRIVER-SET-/111458056058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19f36af77a&clk_rvr_id=778790463685&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

But I none of them would fit the black cable as it is now.

Can I fatten up both the red & black cable with what you have suggested?

I would need to order some more thicker cable would it need to be a 10amp cable? Any suggestions on eBay?

Have I got this right? In order to fatten the thin cable I would just strip the additional cable and use the copper wire to twist into the already copper cable on the thin wires?

As you can tell from above I am a novice on electrical cables. I can wire a plug and light switch that's about it.

[Stevenlee91]

If you have a red barrel crimp to hand, you can try to see how well it fits over the fuse tap cable (it should have a little play in order to be crimped properly) - if the eBay listing does not have the wire gauge listed.

By two wires crimped I mean like this

My converter is like this, and too suffered from having extremely thin cables (I stripped about 3cm off the end and folded it until it was thick enough to crimp. Mine had an inline fuse too.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

I don't have a red barrel crimp to hand as they are attached to crimp terminals.

I am still not sure about your crimping of 2 wires together. How it is going to work.

[Micro]

I don't have a red barrel crimp to hand as they are attached to crimp terminals.

I am still not sure about your crimping of 2 wires together. How it is going to work.

Where abouts do you live?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

[Stevenlee91]

Where abouts do you live?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Ford OC mobile app

I live in Rochdale. Why?

[Lenny]

Hi Lenny - Thanks for coming back to me.

I got some crimp ring terminals with this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/81-PCE-ELECTRICIANS-TOOL-KIT-CRIMPING-CUTTER-STRIPPER-TERMINAL-SCREWDRIVER-SET-/111458056058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19f36af77a&clk_rvr_id=778790463685&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

But I none of them would fit the black cable as it is now.

Can I fatten up both the red & black cable with what you have suggested?

I would need to order some more thicker cable would it need to be a 10amp cable? Any suggestions on ebay?

Have I got this right? In order to fatten the thin cable I would just strip the additional cable and use the copper wire to twist into the already copper cable on the thin wires?

As you can tell from above I am a novice on electrical cables. I can wire a plug and light switch that's about it.

you can fatten both the positive and negative cables mate,

heres a link to my top uk supplier of automotive cable: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170680456683

i cant wire a 240v plug but i can wire 12v crimp terminal