posted
I've already asked what you run and why, along with how you got started, and x-overs/power for coaxials & comps. But, what about horror stories with installs and application. What light can you experienced guys shed on the up&comers in regards to things not to do and how to ensure that you don't 'glass your hand, blow up your battery, blow your mids, melt your amp, etc.
For starters: My very first system. Didn't quite realize that the ground had to be all but welded to the chassis of the truck. So, I decided to use the old method of stripping enough cable to wrap through the bolt-hole and twist it together. It worked...for a while. Then one hot summer day while driving through Lancaster County, PA (Amish horse rutt country) the wire started to give a bit, go figure. I started the truck up and all but got a heart-attack from the "cannon" that went off under my hood, aka battery exploding!! Luckily, if you can call it that, I was at a garage and got a new battery. I also learned that day that battery acid has no effect on my skin, although it was none too kind to my shorts, hood paint, and wallet.
Other stories and experiences that can help the other dudes/dudettes learn?
Also, we all know THE brands to look for and desire. But, what brands should one steer clear of: quality, price : performance value, customer service, etc. Or is there a general rule of thumb that you have successfully applied to your coaxial/comp purchases and upgrades? If so, what light can you shed on the rest of us? Any brands that people normally shy away from that has a few/one diamond in the ruff?
posted
The ground is a good point. Also, to beginners: Make sure your ground wire is as large as your power wire and both are large enough for the amperage you are pulling.
When running Power wires through the firewall, USE A GROMMET. Once it cuts the insulation off and the power wire hits the metal, you are going to have blown fuses or possibly a fire.
#3 If you are installing your own head unit, use butt connectors or solder for connecting wire. Electrical tape=bad.
Believe me when I first started way back when I made some big mistakes and learned the hard way. It saves a lot of time if you do something right the first time, rather than do it the wrong way and keep having to fix it. -Jesse
posted
For the speaker selection part... I like to go to a Custom Shop, Best Buy, C/C, you get the point and go hear them all side by side then I pick out the one that sounds the best. ‡‡‡Thinking Back‡‡‡ Man was i dumb back then I dont even want to list the things I did. hehe
------------------ If Your Ears Arn't Bleeding....
Somethings Wrong With Your Equipment.
Posts: 1036 | From: Not where you are! | Registered: Apr 2000
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Third, and a very good rule of thumb... If you can give it a tug and it comes loose... Its not on good enough.
Duct tape is NOT a friend to your car's paint.
Always ALWAYS put a pad over your car when you're working over it w/ tools.. Dropping a 1/2 socket on your car isn't pretty, especially if you just got it painted :O
Hmm.. Check to see whats on the other side BEFORE you drill the hole.
Truck drivers- Back wall flex is inevitable.. Suck up and deal.
Q-forms.. Put a coat of fiberglass in them or you'llll be soooooooooooooory.
Thats all I can think of at the moment.
ShadowStar
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HEY! I'm looking for a CHEAP used Clarion Thunderdome.. Hook me up!
Posts: 2578 | From: Somewhere In the Northeast | Registered: May 1999
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2. Alarm brains, under no circumstances, go under ANY dash.
3. Removing the negative cable helps you keep your job, not to mention your life.
4. Always, always always, use the shortest screws possible.
5. There is ALWAYS a gas line behind/under that panel!
6. The customer is always right, especially when he pays my wages.
7. Reverse polarity locks normally rest at ground.... (learned the hard way)
8. On lock actuators, keep the rod as straight as possible, and always make sure the actuator is at full extension when adjusting said rod.
9. OOOOPSS is NOT what a customer wants to hear his installer say.
10. Your only as good as your last install.
11. If you built it to last, spending much time to make it perfect, it'll break in a day. Conversely, the opposite is true, build it quick, and never see it again.
12. Cutting plastic, no matter how good you are, is always a very messy proposition. Oh, and the plastic leaves a nasty after taste.
13. Never leave an open beer near a customers car.
14. The alarm code for the shop is the last thing you'll remember at 4am after an all nighter.
15. If it dont fit, force it. If it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway!
------------------ Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.
Use your ears to judge components, NOT your wallet! K.I.S.S.
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