Wire run from front bumper to dash??
 

Has anyone attempted to run wires (i.e. for a perm mount Escort SR-7) from the front bumper to the dash. Last night I amlost had the whole front end apart looking for a path. Right now the wires are as far as the right headlight. I found a rubber grommet just past the port for the torx that holds the headlight in, where a group of wires come thru to the front trunk. But the passage is too small to stuff the wires through. I could pierce the grommet, but prefer not to. I can drill a new hole, install a new grommet, and continue up behind the radio amp where there is a factory grommet, just to the left of the batttery (facing the front of the car). Then there seems to be a factory grommet behind the battery, but can't find where it comes out under the dash.

The kit is sold for professional instalation only, and I now see why, Half the price has to go to the installer. I like a challange, but this is testing my skills.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Mark
San Antonio, Texas
2001 Seal Grey 986

The grommet behind the battery is about 3" in diameter and opens in to the footwell, IIRC the circle is already cut in the carpet and just needs some encouragement to come loose.

Stick a screwdriver through the grommet and have someone hold it then feel for it from inside. Don't remove the grommet, it's a PITA to get back in (like all grommets I suppose!).

OK it is a slow process...............................for a 2001, So far I have found that there a small opening between the liner of the intake under the bumper and the bumper itselfl. If you pull the the headlight, and look straight down, you can work your finger between the two pieces. From there you can run the wires down the headlight barrel all the way to the windshield, undo the nut in the cowling at the base of the windshield, and bring the wires into the battery compartment. Use a fishtape to pull the wires through the cavity.

The best tool I have found to use as a fish tape is weed eater line. It is rigid enough to be pushed through tight areas, does not scratch like a regular fishtape, and is inexpensive and easy to get, even at 10:00 at night at Walmart.

Tonight I'll work on getting the wires into the interior of the car.

The one thing I can't get over is the amount of sharp metal edges throughout the structure of the car. Reaching down the headlight barrel is like reaching into a bag of razor blades. Ya gotta move slowly or your gonna get cut.

Mark
2001 Seal Grey 986
San Antonio, Texas