Installer Institute Articles

Installers that have had to build a custom tuned enclosure for any style Mustang between the years of 1994 and 2004 know that getting the box inside the trunk is the hardest part of the job. In this article, we will be showing that you can build a box that slides underneath the rear deck, leaving the customer with a small amount of space to fit probably a bag or two of groceries. When designing any type of enclosure, you must always take into consideration the customers’ needs. In this vehicle, trunk space is very limited so the customer will need as much space as possible. Because the distance from the trunk floor to the metal trim piece behind the rear seat was only 12 inches, this dictated the maximum external height of our enclosure. Also, the width of the metal trim was 32 inches, meaning the box could be no wider than 32 inches. This box design meant that the enclosure would have to be slid in from behind the rear seats.

This marks the third tech article in a series showcasing what it takes to build a show and magazine feature-worthy demo car. The ride in question is the Installer Institute’s Mitsubishi Evolution we printed a full-blown feature on in our 8.03 isse (July 2006.) The four-door rally replica for the streets was built by the Installer Institute’s Director Jason Anderson and Lead Instructor Jack Randall in Daytona Beach, FL.

We’re back with the second in a series of installments highlighting the build-up of a Mitsubishi Evolution we’ve featured in issue 8.03 (July 2006.) The vehicle was built by the Installer Institute’s Director Jason Anderson and Lead Instructor Jack Randall in Daytona Beach, FL.

This install centered on moving the factory HVAC controls to make room for an in-dash monitor. When designing a custom install for certain vehicles it can be difficult to install the aftermarket equipment in factory locations. For the Evolution it involved relocating the A/C controls to a pocket below the radio and factory A/C bezel. As usual, when they’re done, you’re hard-pressed to tell the HVAC controls are not in their factory locations.

When talking about this install with the other Instructors, it was decided to split up the vehicle into sections. Jason Anderson worked on the engine compartment, dash and the trunk, Nick Lambert worked on the Head liner and wiring, Jack Randall built the doors and the rear deck. We all wanted the car to flow together that meant that we all had to agree on a certain style for the interior of the car. What we came up with was adding come carbon fiber accent pieces with some aluminum trim for the doors. Deciding on how we should build the doors was a pretty big decision, should we build from scratch, should we use some of the door panel, or should we just put accents on the factory door.

If there was any job I would want to try, it would definitely be teaching. Though it remains one of the most under appreciated occupations, few jobs can ma match the influence of the teacher / student relationship . Throw in the great hours, strong union and massive amount of time off, and you’ve got the formula for a dream job. The only thing that stopped me from following that path was the fact that apart from Physical Education, few subjects in school were interesting enough for me to learn well enough to teach. However, the folks at Installer Institute in Holly Hill, FL (Daytona Beach area) have got it made: not only do they get to pass on knowledge to students that actually want to learn, but they get to teach what they’re truly passionate about – mobile electronics.

Have you ever wondered how car audio installers got their start? Some of them took the do-it-yourself approach and learned by trying. There is another way that’s faster and much better – enroll in one of the car audio installation and fabrication programs at the Installer Institute in Holly Hill, Florida.

Not happy with coming to the US and stealing all the car audio business the UK’s number one manufacturer decided to take it one step further and rob some Las Vegas Casinos while they were at it!

Using the Italian Job theme three new Mini’s were selected (in the original red, white and blue combination) as the 2009 demonstration vehicles for North America. These cars are an icon of British design – just like the VIBE range so they were the perfect choice.

As part of our rolling Scion showcase, our project received a number of upgrades and tweaks. Whether it’s the design of the project, the prototype wheels or the new audio system, the Project Scion is barely recognizable from last year. The mission for 2008 was simple, put the project together in record time and tour it around HIN. Scion supplied the xD with precious time left before it was hurried off to a series of events but in the off-season, PASMAG had some time to spend on rethinking the project.

The term ‘sport compact’ seems to conjure up images of custom Civics and Integras to many enthusiasts. But who says you need an H-badge on your ride to have fun? After all, building something different is what our scene is all about right? As an Instructor at the Installer Institute in sunny Holly Hill, FL enthusiast Marcus Prouty certainly knows a thing or two about building hot rides and killer sound systems.

When it comes to the talented team at Installer Institute, these guys never settle for less and always step up with impressive project after project. They are true “go-getters” that push the envelope of style and function at their educational facility, teaching many top installers in the country and creating careers. There is no better way to both promote the school and the artistic creativity and ingenuity of their students than by building real project demo vehicles.

As many of you are aware of the more equipment and upgrades you have in your vehicle the less space you have to fit it all in. This is true when most of the vehicles come from the factory with very little room to begin with. In this article we will be eliminating some of the clutter by building two pods that will hold a total of three gauges apiece for PAS Mags, HIN Scion XD that Installer Institute built this year for the tour. 

Many times when upgrading an audio system, the need arises to blend custom fabrications with factory panels. One option is to add a “pod” on top of an existing panel, but no matter how well the pod fits and how skillfully the work is executed, this technique tends to look added on. Another possibility is to screw and glue the fabrication to the OEM panel and then use fillers to blend the two parts together. This method allows for a seamless look, but requires the refinishing or recovering of the entire factory panel and lessens the factory integrated look. Many panels cannot be covered in one piece and require expensive upholstery work, and if painted, the original texture and factory appearance of the panel will be lost.