I let someone install a head unit in my car once. It was free installation at circuit city and it was a busy time for me, so I decided why not. It was a poor mistake, because when I went to make some changes, I had no idea how everything was wired. Took me longer to figure out how they did stuff and how I need to rewire stuff then it would have if I just installed the head unit myself. I'm a self taught audio installer. I have never worked at an install shop or electronics store. Just a few years on audio boards gets you the information you need to know. I could probably walk in an install shop and know more information then most the installers. I understand the risks of messing things up, but I've learned what to do and what not to do. Although there was this one time I wanted to make a quick change to my wiring, and left the negative terminal connected. Dropped the power cable on accident and it made contact with the floor. Sparks starting flying around and I burnt the in line fuse. I got lucky I didn't blow the amp. Learned that lesson real fast.
Anyways, I couldn't agree with this thread any more. It's a shame that most people will walk into a local store and think they know everything by just talking to a sales representative. Research and knowledge can get you a long ways when looking for certain pieces of car audio or electronics.
We need ya buddy. Welcome back. I'm not super heavy on the install side, I can do the basics. What makes me good, is I know what I don't know and have no problem taking my ride to a pro for the things I don't know how to do or am to lazy to do myself.
What I won't let ANYONE else do (unless they have SQ credentials) is tune my car!!! Most people even installers (sorry if this offends anyone) don't have a clue what "good" sound is!!! They have no clue of proper frequency response, path length differences, phasing errors ect ect. They don't even have a good set of head phones or a good home system to reference when tuning.
As far as the big box installers, They are good at what they do. They are good at speaker and 4's and thier is nothing wrong with that. The system I'm gathering parts for now will be super duper simple using some fairly cheap (about 500.00 total) components. But Once I'm done with it, I'll put it up agains 95% of the system on this forum and it will sound better. And I mean over all better!!! NOT just bass!!!!
i won't let anyone tune my stuff period, you tune your stereo to how you like it to sound. the only think you MIGHT need someone to do for you is to adjust the gain etc... on the amp. once those are set you run very little chance of doing real damage to your speakers... if you keep your setting to a reasonable level (don't turn your bass and treble all the way up on the deck etc..)
No one but me touches my stereo. Not only have I realized that I know as much or more than most of the installers I've come across, but building the stuff and doing the install is an important part of the hobby for me, not to mention that I'm pretty decent at it.
That said, I won't touch an alarm install. I know my limitations. Shops are bonded and have insurance. If I eff it up it comes out of my pocket, if they eff it up it comes out of theirs. An alarm install is much cheaper than a whole new ignition system or main wiring harness.
__________________
Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
No one but me touches my stereo. Not only have I realized that I know as much or more than most of the installers I've come across, but building the stuff and doing the install is an important part of the hobby for me, not to mention that I'm pretty decent at it.
That said, I won't touch an alarm install. I know my limitations. Shops are bonded and have insurance. If I eff it up it comes out of my pocket, if they eff it up it comes out of theirs. An alarm install is much cheaper than a whole new ignition system or main wiring harness.
Wow, people actually go back and read what I have written??? This thing is 6 moths old!!! (I have a tear).
Anyhoo going to a pro is what people should do if it's out of their comfort level. I mean I could rebuild the 455 Pontiac in my TA if I felt like it but I sure wouldn't feel good about it. I'd rather find some old bird who's been tweaking on old Pontiac engines for 30 years do it or better yet, wrench on it with him. The problem with most today is that they know enough to be dangerous about things. Anyone and install anything but only those who have the knowledge can fix potential issues.
hmmm i remember the first install i ever did to my 86 capri. it was a mess but it worked. I even made a homemade crossover to use the facory tweaters off the front speakers.
stereo installs arent rocket science. Body equals -, power wire = positive, dont cross the two. make sure te stuff you buy will work with eachother. Agreed about building your own box or do like i did and pay a guy who builds boxes for a living. Sure ive made minor mistakes, all part of the learning process. Ive never once fried a speaker or started a battery fire and my system sounds good.
damn ponch... how many PMs did we exchange about my compustar alarm BEFORE I put that bitch in?
__________________
. . . . the Kid . . . . . . . . . . . the Car . . . . . . . . . . . the Bike . . . . . . . . . . the Toy . . . . . .
And my real name is George Carlin.
God this thread makes me laugh. I knew there were other people out there like me..... I swore by it. I hated charging 3x the normal rate just because customers are idiots and didn't listen in the first place...... Cavaliers in particular. Or the good one.... mid 90's s10's where you have to replace the turn signal assembly too because the last guy broke off the emergency flasher.
Just thought it ironic that I see this thread the same day as I do a Cavi install.... That is all.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
