Backup Safety Archives - Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

Stereo and Lighting Upgrade for Anchorage Chevy 5500 Truck

02/26/2021 By John Schwartz

A commercial client from here in Anchorage recently visited Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security to inquire about upgrading the stereo and lighting on his 2020 Chevy 5500 HD truck. After talking with the client about how he wanted the music to sound and his lighting upgrade goals, we inspected the truck to come up with a plan.

Chevy 5500 Stereo System Upgrade

We started by removing the factory radio in the vehicle’s dash to make way for a DMH-2600NEX multimedia receiver. This new radio features a 6.8-inch touchscreen display and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Our team used a PAC RP5-GM51 RadioPRO5 interface module to connect the radio to the steering wheel’s radio control buttons. In addition, we added a Momento MR-C200 camera on the rear of the truck so the operator can see behind the vehicle when parking.

For the rear audio system, we started with a Pioneer MVH-S322BT digital media receiver. The radio is installed in the same panel as power inverter controls. We added a USB port to the power panel so he can charge his phone.

Our technicians created custom speaker enclosures that mount to the curved portion of the box where the walls meet the roof for rear speakers. Each enclosure houses a pair of Morel Maximo Ultra 602C coaxial speakers. We finished the enclosures in a black truck bed liner coating.

Truck Lighting Adds Safety

We started the lighting upgrade by replacing the headlight bulbs with Lucas Lighting L3-series LED bulbs. The high-beam bulbs were replaced with L4-series LED modules. Next, we replaced the low and high-beams with a set of Lucas Lighting L3-Series LED bulbs. We also added bulbs for the turn signals.

The icing on the cake for the lighting upgrade would be a Rigid Industries 20-inch 122313 LED light bar. This bar is part of the E-Series Pro line and includes both driving and spot beam patterns. We mounted the light in the front bumper and added Rigid’s 40284 security hardware kit to reduce the chances of it being stolen. Our team wired the relays for the LED light bar into the high-beam circuit.

Alaska’s Truck Accessory Experts

After finishing the stereo system upgrades and checking the light bar’s alignment, we had this Chevrolet 5500 HD work truck ready to return to the client. Upon his return to our store, we gave him a tour of the upgrades we’d installed and helped him pair his smartphone to the new radios. He loved how everything worked and couldn’t wait to fire up the monster light bar at night.

If you’re interested in upgrading your work truck with improved lighting or a better audio system, drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage. You can also get in touch with our team by calling 907-563-8112 or by sending us an e-mail using our contact form.

Pre-Owned Vehicle Backup Camera and Safety Systems

09/20/2020 By BestCarAudio.com

Back over accidents are responsible for more than 200 deaths and 12,000 injuries each year. The US Congress passed a law in 2008 that would enact measures to use technology to prevent accidents like these. After years of delays, the US Department of Transportation finally announced that new cars must come with a backup camera.

But what if you own or have recently purchased an older vehicle? Can you add a backup camera to an older car, truck or SUV? You most certainly can! In this article, we’ll explain how several different accident prevention and safety systems can make parking and maneuvering your vehicle safer.

What is a Backup Camera System?

In the simplest of terms, a backup camera system includes a video screen within view of the driver that displays an image of the area behind the vehicle when the transmission is in reverse. The camera on the back of the vehicle will be mounted in a location that lets the driver detect objects or people that are normally blocked by the trunk or hatch. In essence, a backup camera system is like having a spotter behind your vehicle telling you if there is anything in your way.

All backup camera systems that have been integrated into the vehicle properly function without any input from the driver. The wiring in the car provides a signal to the camera system as soon as the transmission selector is put into reverse. There are no switches or buttons to press.

The image displayed on the screen mimics that of your rear-view mirror regarding left-right orientation. When looking at the screen, objects on the right of the screen are the right side of the vehicle and vice versa. As we are used to this perspective, it makes using a rear vision camera system much safer.

Rear Vision Camera System Integration

Most factory-installed cameras are mounted above the license plate on a car or in the handle or tailgate emblem of a truck. Aftermarket camera solutions are available to mimic these installation locations. Many vehicles like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford F-150 and GMC Silverado and Chevy Sierra have aftermarket solutions that look identical to factory offerings. The cameras are water resistant and carry an IP66 (or higher) dust and water intrusion rating. This IP rating means that the cameras can withstand going through the car wash or exposure to the everyday challenges Mother Nature throws their way. Universal cameras are available in surface and flush mount applications. Your mobile enhancement retailer can help you choose the right style for your application.

Camera Quality

Just as when you go shopping for a video or still camera, lens and image sensor quality play a significant role in determining the quality of the image you will see. Inexpensive cameras from the local auto parts or big box store may not respond quickly to changes in image brightness and often can’t handle high-contrast situations. Higher quality cameras offer more resolution to help you see small or narrow objects behind your vehicle.

Video Image Display Options

There are four popular options available to display the camera image inside your vehicle. As we mentioned, all of these displays operate automatically without the need for any input from the driver.

1. Factory Color Display

If your car or truck came with a color display for the factory radio or infotainment system, there are many companies that offer premium integration modules that allow the image from the backup camera to be displayed on this screen. Using a factory screen is the most integrated of solutions and truly mimics a factory-installed system.

Many interfaces have additional camera inputs for forward-facing and blind spot monitoring camera options. Talk to your retailer to find out what is available for your application.

2. Replacement Rearview Mirror with Integrated Display

If your vehicle doesn’t have a color screen, another popular option to display a camera image is a replacement rearview mirror that features an integrated color display. When the camera is not in use, the mirror looks normal and will show you what is happening behind your vehicle. When you put the transmission in reverse, a compact LCD screen shines through the mirrored surface to display the camera image. While typically small in size (around 4 inches diagonally), they work very well and are quite popular.

3. Aftermarket Multimedia Radio

A popular upgrade for older vehicles is to replace the radio with an aftermarket unit that includes a color display. You can choose from simple AM/FM multimedia receivers costing only a few hundred dollars up to state-of-the-art systems with integrated navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and even vehicle integration and control options. These systems typically include at least one camera input to show what is behind your vehicle. Some will overlay information from factory-installed parking sensor systems for increased safety.

4. Stand-Alone Monitor

If none of the above options suit your application or you require a larger screen, then consider having a stand-alone monitor installed in your vehicle. Commercial applications such as tow trucks, snow plows, garbage trucks, recycling trucks and delivery vehicles often choose a stand-alone monitor. The image is large, and the unit can be placed in a convenient location.

Additional Safety System Options

As we mentioned, the addition of a forward-facing camera is another popular option for large vehicles like 1-ton trucks where it is difficult to see curbs or even other vehicles over the large hood. In most applications, a button or switch would activate this forward-facing camera for parking purposes. These cameras are also great for making sure these large vehicles are parked as close as possible to the wall in a parking garage to reduce how far they stick out into traffic.

Many luxury vehicles combine a parking sensor system with a backup camera. The advantage of adding parking sensors is that they are an active safety device. You don’t need to remember to pay attention to them – they alert you to the presence of an object. Parking sensor systems can be installed in most cars, trucks and SUVs. Many solutions include options for forward-facing sensors.

Find out More About Rear Vision Cameras Today

If you’ve ever had a close call, or simply want to avoid the risk of damage to your vehicle or injury to a bystander, visit your local mobile enhancement retailer today. You’ll be able find out what options are available to add a backup camera system to your new or used vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Custom Truck Accessory Upgrade for Anchorage Ram 1500

09/02/2020 By John Schwartz

The owner of this 2016 Ram 1500 dropped by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage to inquire about upgrading the vehicle with a new wheel and tire package, a lift kit, side steps and a new radio. Our Product Specialists worked with the client to choose solutions for each request that offered the features and, where appropriate, the appearance he wanted.

Ram 1500 Radio Upgrade

Ram Accessories — The backup camera was mounted on our exclusive mount.

Before we start any work, our team inspects each vehicle using our tablet-based check-in/check-out system, so we know that everything is in working order.

The project kicked off with the installation of a Pioneer AVH-220EX multimedia receiver. This radio includes a 6.2-inch display and built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming capabilities. We added an interface that would allow the buttons on the steering wheel to control the radio remotely so the driver can keep his eyes on the road. We also added a USB extension so that it’s easy to connect and charge his phone.

Our technicians mounted a backup camera just above the license plate using a Perfectionist-edition SoundSkins backup camera bracket. The camera image will display automatically whenever the transmission is in reverse.

Wheel and Suspension Upgrades

After removing the stock wheels, our team set to work installing a ReadyLift 4-inch SST Lift Kit. The kit includes tubular control arms, strut and bump-stop extensions, sway bar drop brackets and rear coil spacers. Next, we mounted a set of 33×12.5-inch Toyo Open Country A/T III tires on chrome Moto Metal MO985 20- by 10-inch wheels. We used new TPMS sensors to ensure that the truck can display tire pressures. Once everything was installed, we made sure the suspension was aligned properly so the truck would drive straight and not wear out the tires.

Westin Side Steps

With the 4-inch lift installed, the client requested that we install a set of Westin Chrome E-Series 3 nerf-bar style steps. These steps feature 3-inch diameter tubing and integrated step areas with a polymer pad for added safety. We bolted the steps to the cab using the supplied hardware and ensured that everything was aligned and secured properly.

Alaska’s Truck Accessory Experts

With the radio installed, wheels and tires upgraded and the step bars mounted, this truck accessory upgrade project was complete. When the client returned to Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security, a member of our team walked him through the basic functions of the radio and helped him pair the Bluetooth connection on the phone. He loved the way the truck looked with the new wheels and tires, the lift kit and the chrome steps. If you’re interested in upgrading your vehicle, drop by our shop or send our team an e-mail using our contact form. We’d be happy to put together a bespoke solution that delivers the features you want.

Wheel and Alpine Radio Upgrade for 2002 Chevrolet Corvette

07/30/2020 By John Schwartz

A customer with a 2002 Corvette visited us here at Perfectionist Auto Sound looking for a few upgrades to his vehicle. He wanted a new stereo and backup camera, as well as new wheels. After talking to the customer about specific features he was looking for, we decided to go with the Alpine ILX-F259 9-inch floating deck.

We got him new chrome wheels and installed the backup camera to show on the stereo. The customer was so happy when he picked up the vehicle!

Whether you’re looking for wheels and tires, or stereo systems and backup cameras, our sales reps here at Perfectionist Auto Sound can help you get fitted with something that meets all of your needs.

Radio Upgrade and Car Starter for Anchorage Mitsubishi Outlander

03/11/2020 By John Schwartz

The owner of this 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander recently visited Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage to explore options for a new radio and a remote car starter. The client wanted to upgrade to a modern multimedia radio that would still be able to show a backup camera image. Of course, living in Alaska, the need for a reliable remote car starter goes without saying. After examining the vehicle and asking the client about where they park it, we suggested a remote start solution that would ensure they’d have the range required to start the vehicle reliably.

Pioneer Multimedia Radio Installation

Mitsubishi Radio — The new radio gave the client the Bluetooth feature they were looking for.

The client chose a Pioneer AVH-210EX multimedia receiver for its 6.2-inch color display and Bluetooth capabilities. Our technicians used a Metra radio trim panel and wire harness adapter to integrate the radio into the dash of the Outlander. Using an ASWC-1 interface, they programmed the radio buttons on the steering wheel to send commands to the new Pioneer unit. The last step in the installation was to use a backup camera integration harness from Axxess to provide power to the factory backup camera and allow it to work with the new radio.

Compustar Remote Car Starter

The remote start system we proposed is based on a Compustar FT-7200S control module. Our technicians completed the mounting and integration of the module into the vehicle wiring, then programmed a Blade-AL integrated interface to communicate with the ignition and security computers in the vehicle.

Once the wiring and programming were complete, we added an RFX-P2WT12-SS remote package to the controller. This kit includes a two-way antenna and one of the amazing T12 LCD remote controls. This remote provides up to 3 miles of range. If the owner is in a movie theatre, restaurant or office, they are still in communication with the vehicle. It’s amazing!

The remote is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that is rechargeable from any powered USB port, including the one built into the new Pioneer radio.

Mitsubishi Starter and Radio Upgrade

With the integration of the new radio and remote starter into this 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander complete, we called the client to let them know that the vehicle was ready to be picked up. A member of our team walked them through how to use the radio and the starter system and showed them how to make the Bluetooth connection to the radio for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The client was thrilled with their upgrade. If you are in the market for a car starter or technology upgrade for your vehicle, drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage. You can also reach us by phone or by e-mail using our contact form.