How-To-Articles

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.

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. 

Box building can be a profitable part of any installation. Knowing how to sell it and being able to build it quickly will demonstrate your skills and knowledge as a certified installer. These are the steps used to build a subwoofer enclosure for a specific vehicle that is tuned to a specific frequency.

It is amazing the difference between a factory head lamp and an aftermarket HID head lamp, especially when you are working with quality equipment. In this article we will be going over the installation of two HID lighting kits from Xenonworkx, one for low beam and one for high beam in our 2005 Honda Civic.