stereo system installler

[azrider]

I had some bad luck with a install done at BestBuy. I had them put in a Alpine component system with a amp in my Dodge Dakota, and they scratched my brand new amp, the tweeter install on the doors dont match each other, had to go back back for a rattle in the door and it was the cross-over laying in there. Not to mention a minute after I pulled away from BestBuy, the stereo completely shut off and I smelled smoke, and went back and a power wire had rubbed and shorted somewhere on the steering column. So as you can tell, I dont want to go back there.

So currently the situation is this. The Alpine stereo, amp, and component system is in the Dodge. I want this taken out, and the stock stereo and speakers put back in it. I am replacing the Dakota with my LX450 and cant sell it till this is done.

My LX450 has the stock system in it and I want that taken out and the Alpine stuff from the Dakota put in there.

I researched the stereo stuff on mud and dont feel very confident doing it by myself. So what I am asking is does anyone know a good quality place I can have this done for me? I would ask for help from other members who have experience with this, but I dont feel very comfortable asking someone to tackle this kind of involved project. Thanks guys.

 

[friel01]

cant

I cant recomend a place to go, but can tell you where NOT to go... Chronic Car Audio. Had them attempt to install a Pioneer system in my lx450 and the list of things they screwed up is long. Gave thema second chance to fix it, and some things are fixed, others not. I wont let those goofballs touch my truck for another atempt at fixing it.

I mean, they messed up completely un-stereo-related things, like now my digital clock is hooked to my ignition, so it resets to 1:00 everytime I start the car. They are useless!!!

 

[hj60]

Stay away from Audio Express too.
Home of the $1 wiring nightmare.
Had to deal with their aftermath a couple of times.
Your best bet might just be a dealership. Most of em have aftermarket accessory departments these days. $$$ but better than being stranded with a car-b-q.
Or you could ask a few electrical shops who they'd use.

 

[azrider]

Geez, I dont know what to do. So no BestBuy, no Audio Express( I actually called them today, they said it would $360 for the whole deal) and no Chronic Car Audio( I wouldnt step in their door just because I have always hated their stupid radio ads- not to mention the stupid name, makes me think a bunch of dopers are back there "working". Well guys, just keep an ear out there for me and I might just stop by the dealership, but I bet it will very costly.

 

[a.mus.ed]

Down here in Tucson there's a place called The Specialists. I have had work done by them on cars going all the way back to my very first - 1980 El Camino (damn I miss it...). They do excellent work, and they've been opening up more locations recently...hmmm, just checked their site and no Phoenix location yet. FYI for those of you down here then, I guess.

 

[DSRTRDR]

didn't the stereo come with installation instructions ?

yes, it's tedious, but if you take your time, you should be able to do it yourself

I did it myself for the 40 and my little car [no, Michael does not touch car audio ] and even figured out how to wire a 2 pre-outs model into one amplifier

is a $350 installation worth it relative to the price of the stereo to begin with

 

[MoGas]

These guys are really good:

Creative Car Stereo
338 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix

(602) 263-7969

Camelback, between 7th St. and Central

 

[BMAN]

-3 for Chronic. They ran a self tapping screw (ground) through my neighbor's trunk and rightinto the gastank then proceeded to blame him for not telling them not to do it... WTF?

Audio Express is a negative also.

I've always done my own stuff and have had decent luck. I just put a flip screen DVD head unit, amp and 10" sub in the 60 a couple weekends ago. I'd be more than happy to help ya with the Dakota R&R so you can get it on the chopping block. I start vacation saturday and don't have much planned... actually I have a lot planned but can change on a whim if needed. I'd say a day for each rig is more than enough time to hack some stuff together in my driveway.

 

[friel01]

reinstall

reinstallign the dakota stuff should be easy if the installers didnt hack the original harness. Usually they use a connector harness, so should be easy to plug back in.

I tried to do the lexus myself, but the adapter harness I bought didnt work (lx450s are different than 80 series in subtle ways). I think the seperate amp is what caused the issue; so when I couldnt get hte right harness, I went to Chronic and my troubles began...

 

[mrhustle23]

I can help. Stereos is one of the things I can do. I'm not the best, but can help you get done what you need to do. I've been installing stereos for over 10 years now, I used to go to car audio competitions too. PM me and we can figure this out.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I can help. Stereos is one of the things I can do. I'm not the best, but can help you get done what you need to do. I've been installing stereos for over 10 years now, I used to go to car audio competitions too. PM me and we can figure this out.

Where in the valley are you located?
Im also looking for someone to do some stereo install work.
I would like to give my business to a private guy verses the big box people.

 

[mrhustle23]

I'm located in Chandler, around Warner and McQueen. Car audio has been a hobby of mine since I was 15, and I used to semi work at a shop in Tucson called Aggressive Intentions. The owner is a good friend of mine. He now lives in Vegas and does business from his home. I can help out. I'm currently finishing up a dual battery setup in my 80, and will be moving on to installing the stereo, amp, new door speakers and a 12" speaker. I can get stuff at a good price too, so let me know if anyone needs anything.

 

[Cdaniel]

Sounds Good To Me in Tempe seems to have knowledgeable guys. Never had them do an install but would if I had the need.

Small non corporate shop that's been around for years.