Question for the pro installers out there

[AppleBonker]

I installed my entire stereo myself, and I was wondering what a build like this would run from a pro shop to have installed. Can any of you give me a rough estimate of what you'd charge for a job like this?

Probably only used about $300 in materials (from resin to fiberglass to hardware etc). The trunk is entirely custom (all the factory stuff was removed but I kept the spare in there). All new speakers throughout the interior. New head unit and a sound processor under the driver's seat and HD radio tuner under the passenger's seat. And, that's a second battery under the Alpine amps.

[Broadfield]

For labor I would say around $900 - $1000

My labor is cheap compared to most though....... $45/hr

That price is only labor, so that does not include anything else.

[snake240]

good clean job id agree with ^, you get what you pay for.

[AppleBonker]

For labor I would say around $900 - $1000

My labor is cheap compared to most though....... $45/hr

Haha. While it was fun, I almost wish I could've done all of that in about 20 hours. Definitely took me far longer than that.

[zerepdivad]

80/hr where i work.

[Cpl Dozier]

I start at 65/hr. I like the install. Not too fond of the sub enclosure though. Kind of looks like it was your first one. Could have been a little better. Not trying to knock you though. Good job.

[Broadfield]

You can't knock somebody unless you're going to post up some pics of your own work.

[joe603]

I think it looks great! Any pics of the build up?

[AppleBonker]

Not too fond of the sub enclosure though. Kind of looks like it was your first one. Could have been a little better. Not trying to knock you though. Good job.

You can't knock somebody unless you're going to post up some pics of your own work.

Nah, it's all good. Definitely was the first time I've ever messed with fiberglass, so it certainly could have been better. A lot of you guys could've done a much better job. Feel free to make any comments you want. The only way I'm going to learn how to improve is by making these mistakes and hearing about them.

[AppleBonker]

I think it looks great! Any pics of the build up?

Sorry, I keep forgetting to come in here and check things out. What do you want to see? Here's a few. If there's anything else you're interested in, let me know.

First, getting a feel for the layout:



Bit of sound deadening in the trunk:

Sundown amp compartment finished (sans carpet):

[AppleBonker]

More deadener:



Enclosure base:

Didn't take too many of the enclosure being built, but here's after pulling from the trunk:



Carpeted rear compartments:



Processor under driver seat:

[Adnan]

your always better off doing it on your own...and you feel much more satisfied with your overall products

btw thats one top of the line you have in there from the pdx amps to the sundown amp....good stuff i'm sure it sounds as good as it looks:bigthumb

[PoorManQ45]

Question: Why did you make the MDF tray for the sub enclosure?

You probably lost a good 1/8th~1/4th ft^3 by doing that. Eliminate the mdf and you'll decrease the size and weight.

Also, this is a weird one most people don't do. Instead of MDF for your racks lay fiberglass onto both sides of pieces of cardboard cut to size. Lightweight and strong enough

[Broadfield]

Also, this is a weird one most people don't do. Instead of MDF for your racks lay fiberglass onto both sides of pieces of cardboard cut to size. Lightweight and strong enough

Because it would take literally 40 times as long.

[PoorManQ45]

It would, but it's fun, and you get high

Seriously though, it does take longer, but if you did this at a shop you could premake the sheets.

Just like MDF rings. When I worked at a shop we'd have at least 5 rings for all sizes from 6.5" to 15" precut. Makes life easy.

Just try it once. It's pretty neat having a flat surface that thin that still has alot of strength.

[AppleBonker]

your always better off doing it on your own...and you feel much more satisfied with your overall products

btw thats one top of the line you have in there from the pdx amps to the sundown amp....good stuff i'm sure it sounds as good as it looks:bigthumb

For as time consuming as it was, I definitely did enjoy the work.

As far as the sound quality goes, it is pretty incredible. After listening to that sub, the mids and tweets seem to be a bit lacking (comparatively, of course), so they'll be the next upgrade. Right now I'm planning on getting the Dynaudio Esotar 2 mids as soon as money allows.

[AppleBonker]

Question: Why did you make the MDF tray for the sub enclosure?

You probably lost a good 1/8th~1/4th ft^3 by doing that. Eliminate the mdf and you'll decrease the size and weight.

Also, this is a weird one most people don't do. Instead of MDF for your racks lay fiberglass onto both sides of pieces of cardboard cut to size. Lightweight and strong enough

The MDF tray was made to make the build a bit easier for myself. This was the first build where I tested myself using fiberglass, so I wanted to make it as painless as possible. It also helped me plan out the dimensions for the remainder of the trunk (without this I would've had to build the sub enclosure first and then work from there).

[Broadfield]

For as time consuming as it was, I definitely did enjoy the work.

As far as the sound quality goes, it is pretty incredible. After listening to that sub, the mids and tweets seem to be a bit lacking (comparatively, of course), so they'll be the next upgrade. Right now I'm planning on getting the Dynaudio Esotar 2 mids as soon as money allows.

You will want to check out Hybrid Audio before you make any decisions. Best speaker I have ever heard..... and reasonable price. Their entry level(Clarus) scored the highest score ever in Car Audio and Electronics a few months back. That was going up against all speakers over the past several years or more and at any price level..... even $2500 sets. The ones they used for the test retail for $429 and they were a 5 1/4 component set.

http://hybrid-audio.com/news.htm

Let me know if you need some pricing.

[PoorManQ45]

I'd go for DLS. Best speaker, next to Morel that i've ever heard(in a car)

[98koukile]

Impressive work, I'm doing my first trunk install soon, going with a false floor and nothing visible though

[PoorManQ45]

Careful with that one. Stuff loves to rattle.