Custom Fabrication Archives - Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

High-Output Air Horn System for Anchorage Jeep Grand Cherokee

05/26/2021 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage recently contacted the team at Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security to inquire about having us install a high-output air horn system on his 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The system that the client wanted wasn’t the sort of thing you’d find at Walmart or an auto parts store. This HornBlasters Conductor’s Special kit includes a high-performance compressor and four hand-tuned Shocker XL horns that deliver real train-horn performance.

Grand Cherokee Air Horn System

The project started with us creating a mounting panel that fits into the storage area in the back of the Jeep. With a layer of black carpet in place for a neat and tidy look, we mounted the Viair 444C compressor and the two-gallon, six-port air tank to the panel. We plumbed the compressor into the tank and installed the pressure gauge to be visible from the rear of the vehicle. Using our CNC laser, our team fabricated a 2-inch acrylic plastic spacer that fits under the spare tire hold-down nut to secure everything in place.

The Viair compressor is rated for 100% duty cycle and can fill the tank back to full pressure in about one minute. The horn system has enough air to blast at full output for at least four seconds. That’s well more than enough to get anyone’s attention.

Train Horn Installation

Next, we set to work mounting the quartet of Shocker XL horns and the brass-body solenoid valve under the vehicle. The valve features a 16 mm orifice to ensure maximum airflow to the horns. The horns themselves are tucked up close to the floor and are aimed rearward so that they won’t fill with dirt, water, snow or slush. The solenoid is bolted securely to the truck’s floor, and all the wiring is protected from damage and moisture using automotive-grade cloth tape before being routed with existing wiring under the vehicle.

With everything installed, it was time to test the system. Of course, we warned everyone in the shop about our intentions before giving this the first blast. Sweet-mother-of-pearl, this system is insanely loud! Even with the bay doors closed, we bet they could hear us up the street at the gas station. Our apologies to our neighbors.

The client was absolutely thrilled with the installation and loved how loud the air horn system is. He was excited to get the truck back on the road and give his friends a demonstration. If you’re interested in upgrading your vehicle, drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security and speak with one of our experts. If you can’t get to the store during regular business hours, give us a call or send our team an e-mail.

Anchorage Car Enthusiast Transforms 2016 Dodge Challenger

12/30/2020 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage recently contacted the Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security team to inquire about an extensive audio system upgrade for his 2016 Dodge Challenger. This client is a real car enthusiast and wanted us to create something unique for his muscle car. As you can see from the photos, the stereo system modifications grew into an extensive project with custom lighting, an upholstery upgrade and a Lambo door kit.

Dodge Challenger Stereo Upgrade

This amazing project started with the stereo system upgrade. We installed an Android-based Linkswell TA-DGCC08-4RR-1 touchscreen radio in place of the factory 8.4-inch display. This new radio adds Apple and Android smartphone integration along with a preamp output to send audio to the amplifiers we’d be mounting in the trunk.

To ensure that the system sounds great, we replaced the speakers in the doors with a set of Morel Tempo Ultra 602 components and upgraded the rear speakers with Tempo Integra 602 coaxial drivers. These new speakers are powered by a Pioneer GM-D8704 amplifier that can produce 100 watts per channel.

The client wanted the audio upgrade to have an impressive subwoofer system. Our fabrication team created a custom vented subwoofer enclosure with a plexiglass rear panel to serve as a home for a pair of DD Audio Redline 700-Series 712 D4 12-inch subwoofers. These amazing subs are rated to handle 600 watts continuous and 1,200 watts peak power. We paired them with a DD Audio M4 monoblock amplifier to ensure the bass would be crystal clear, even when the volume was cranked.

The amplifiers are mounted on the floor of the Challenger on a custom-built panel, and our team created a pair of vinyl-wrapped panels to conceal the amplifiers and trim around the subwoofer enclosure. We added blue LED lighting to the enclosure’s interior and on the trunk lid so the system would look awesome at night.

Custom Lighting and Interior Upgrades

The client was thrilled with the audio system. After seeing how we executed the stereo upgrade, he decided that he wanted us to do more work on the car. This second round of upgrades began with the installation of a Katzkin leather upholstery upgrade in Cobalt Blue. We had the Mopar Shaker logo embroidered in the headrest covers for a little extra flair.

We removed the headliner and A-pillar trim pieces and wrapped them in blue UltraSuede. Four blue Rigid Industries LED light pods were added to the roof panel before we reinstalled it in the vehicle. We disassembled the door trim pieces so we could wrap the center insert in the same blue material.

Exterior Lighting and Door Hinge Project

The last step was to remove the stock door hinges and replace them with a Lamborghini-style door hinge kit. This installation involved removing the front grille and fenders from the car to secure the hinges to the chassis properly. Thankfully, the kit uses all the original hardware locations. Should the client want the doors returned to original, no cutting or modifications are required.

While we had the fenders off, we completed the exterior lighting upgrade. We added eight more Rigid Industries blue rock lights under the car, a set of Oracle LED wheel rings to the front and rear wheels and a set of the Oracle LED Halo rings for the headlights. Of course, all the wiring for the lighting is protected from the elements and secured so that it won’t be damaged when the vehicle is being driven.

Anchorage’s Vehicle Upgrade Experts

The upgrades on this Dodge Challenger look amazing, and the audio system sounds crystal clear. The client was thrilled with our combination of attention to detail and creativity in executing his vision. Before he left with the car, we showed him how to use the new radio and control all the accessory lighting.

If you’re interested in upgrading your car or truck with a new audio system, custom lighting or modifications like Lambo doors or suspension upgrades, we invite you to visit the automotive upgrade experts here at Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security. If you can’t stop by our store at 801 E. 82nd Ave., give us a call at 907-563-8112 or send our team an e-mail using our online contact page.

Perfectionist Enhances Its Creativity with New High-Power Laser

12/21/2020 By John Schwartz

Here at Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage, we recently invested in taking our attention to detail to a whole new level by acquiring a new laser. No, we aren’t in the installation bay playing stormtroopers versus Jedi. We just bought a PLS6.150D computer-controlled laser cutting and engraving system from Universal Laser Systems. Why? We wanted to enhance the tools that our amazing installation technicians have at their disposal to make your mobile audio and convenience upgrades look stunning. Sound a bit crazy? Maybe, but that’s the Perfectionist way!

Why Invest in a New Laser System?

We’ve had a small Glowforge laser for a few years. This laser allowed us to cut or engrave materials up to 12 by 20 inches in size. While cool and convenient, the small size of this low-power, 45-watt device limited what we could work with. Our new Universal Laser Systems machine can handle materials as large as 18 by 32 inches, and the 120-watt laser is not only more precise, it’s faster. While we take the time to focus on every detail in bespoke installation solutions for our clients, this new investment helps us complete the job and return your vehicle to you as soon as possible.

What Can We Create with Our New Laser?

Our laser has adjustable cutting speed and power intensity. We can use it to engrave logos and images into acrylic plastic to add personal style to your installation. We can turn up the power a bit and cut through plastics to make custom speaker adapters, ensuring that your upgrades are mounted securely in your vehicle. We can personalize dash kits or make custom switch panels with labels for each button. Our laser has the precision of the width of a single human hair, so graphics are razor-sharp, and the accuracy is stunning. We can even make LED-lit signs and awards. As they say – the possibilities are endless.

Our laser cutting will also come in handy when making panels for radar detector and laser defense system installations. We can make custom sensor mounting brackets and factory-looking control panel and display mounting solutions. The laser will let us make mounting brackets for fuses under the hood of cars and trucks and under the dash of your vehicle. In short, everything we do can be even more perfect.

Take Your Car Audio Upgrade to a New Level at Perfectionist

Whether you want us to install a new set of speakers, create a custom switch panel for your hot rod or race car, or design a truly unique audio system installation, we invite you to visit the team of experts at Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage. Our Product Specialists would be happy to work with you to create a unique solution that suits your application perfectly. If you can’t visit the store, give our team a call or send us an e-mail using our online contact form.

Ford F-250 SEMA Build for Anchorage Off-Road Enthusiast

06/23/2020 By Joey Knapp

The fabrication team at Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage was approached by a client to transform his 2017 Ford F-250 pickup into a show truck that was worthy of a spotlight at SEMA. The client had researched the upgrades he wanted for the vehicle and knew that our staff was capable of executing his plan, well, to perfection.

Our fabrication team met with the client several times before the project began to review the audio system, suspension, cosmetic and lighting upgrades he had in mind. Once each aspect of the project was defined, we proceeded to order the equipment required to complete the task. The client wanted the Transformers Decepticon theme for the build. He calls the truck MG8TRON (Megatron), so we incorporated several Decepticon symbols into the build to further the personalization.

Project MG8RON Ford F-250 Audio Upgrade

The first of four categories for the build was to upgrade the audio system. The client envisioned a custom center console in the truck that would include a high-output subwoofer, amp rack, control switches for the lighting and the mandatory cup holders. We started by removing the seats, trim panels and carpet from the interior so we could lay down a foundation of SoundShield sound deadening material through the interior. Once in place, we ran Stinger 1/0-AWG power cable up to the battery and new Stinger RCA interconnects from the radio location to the back of the cab.

The factory radio was replaced with a large-screen Linkswell TS-FDPU12-IRR9 radio that includes a vertically oriented 12.1-inch touchscreen display. The radio feeds a pair of JL Audio amplifiers that power the speakers. A VX800/8i eight-channel amplifier, with its integrated 10-channel DSP, serves as the master signal processor for the sound system. The amp provides up to 75 watts of power from each of its channels. The ninth and tenth channels from the DSP feed a JL Audio HD1200/1 1,200-watt monoblock amplifier that drives the system subwoofer. In terms of speakers, the system uses JL Audio C7-100ct 1-inch tweeters and C7-650cw 6.5-inch midrange drivers and a 13.5-inch 13W7AE-D1.5 subwoofer. Our fabrication team designed a set of custom grilles for the door speakers that include the Decepticon logo, along with adequate openings to ensure that the speakers will perform well.

As is evident from the photos, blue lighting is a critical factor in this truck’s cosmetic design. We integrated two acrylic plastic strips into the outer top edges of the center console and back-lit them with flexible LED strip lighting. A large acrylic Decepticon logo in the center of the console was created using our computer-controlled laser, and it’s also back-lit with blue LEDs.

We added a Compustar remote car starter with one of its amazing 3-mile-range T12 two-way remote controls. We also installed a Momento M6 dashcam system to monitor everything going on in front of and behind the truck. The battery was upgraded with an XS Power Group 34 AGM battery to ensure that the truck will start reliably.

Ford Super Duty Suspension Upgrades

The client wanted the truck ready for extreme off-road duty. We can attest to the fact that this vehicle was not built as a mall-crawler in any way. The suspension upgrade is based around a Stryker Off Road Design Identity-Series kit. The Stryker kit features a four-link design for the front and rear axles. In fact, the only components in the suspension that remain original are the axles. The track bar, driveshafts, steering knuckle, brake lines, tie rods, pitman arm and all their associated hardware were replaced by our team. The kit also includes a dual front stabilizer kit and external-reservoir coil-overs with an external reservoir shock absorber in each corner.

The client chose 20×12.5-inch Dick Cepek DC2 wheels and had them upgraded with bead locks to hold the massive Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 46-inch tall by 19.5-inch wide tires. We upgraded the wheels with new TPMS sensors so the client can easily monitor tire pressure.

An SCT GTX Programmer and engine monitoring system was added to revise the transmission settings for the massive wheels and allow the driver to keep tabs on the engine status.

High-Performance Body and Lighting Upgrades

The chassis of the truck was upgraded with a Warn Ascent front bumper and a Warn Zeon 12-S Platinum 12,000-pound winch. A matching Ascent rear bumper completes the look. We added an Addictive Desert Designs Honeybadger chase rack with its matching roof rack upgrade. We added Decepticon logos to the sides of the chase rack to follow the theme of the build.

The fenders were opened up and trimmed with Fab Fours Open Fender System fender flares. A T-Rex Torch AL grill replaces the original unit in front of the radiator. A tire carrier in the back of the bed carries two extra wheels, should something unfortunate happen on the trails. We also added driver- and passenger-side storage boxes from Undercover to the bed of the truck. Last and certainly not least, we added a set of Kleinn ProBlaster HK-9 triple train horns with their Ultra BlastMaster valve upgrade kit. The horns would startle a locomotive engineer a mile away.

The lighting project on this truck rivals the audio system for complexity. We started by running a heavy-duty power cable from the battery to a Blue Sea Systems 150-amp fused distribution block. From there, power is sent to a relay block with six 30-amp relays. We cut a trim piece for the top of the relay block with our CNC router and labeled the function of each unit.

In terms of lighting, we started with a pair of white SAE-compliant D-Series and amber driving-pattern D-Series pods in the front bumper. A 30-inch Rigid Radiance Series light bar is mounted in the center of the T-Rex grille, and the headlight assemblies have been replaced with upgraded units from Morimoto that use their XB-Series LEDs. Two Radiance+ 50-inch light bars are mounted to the leading edge of the roof rack. We added six pairs of blue Rigid rock lights around the chassis of the truck and another set of D-Series light pods in the rear bumper. We created a power and ground distribution panel inside the chase rack to keep the wiring neat and tidy. As always, all the wire connections we made are both mechanically and electrically secure, and we routed everything to avoid sources of heat or damage from moving parts.

Ford F-250 Offroad Beast!

It took our team about two months to complete Project MG8TRON. The client was thrilled with how it turned out, and we are happy to report that he’s been out bashing it around on the trails and trying to break stuff. That is, after all, why he built it. If you have a dream project for your car or truck, we invite you to drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage and talk to our automotive enhancement experts. You can, of course, send us an e-mail anytime using our contact form to schedule a personal consultation.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Gets Upgraded Speakers for the Summer

06/09/2020 By John Schwartz

A repeat client from Anchorage, AK, visited our shop recently, looking to upgrade the rear stock speakers in his 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. We custom-built and designed rear speaker plates and upgraded the speakers to 6.5″ Morel speakers. We used a laser that we have in the shop to engrave the Jeep logo into acrylic for a more-custom look.

The customer was so happy to pick up their vehicle and find that it sounded amazing.

If you’re looking to upgrade the speakers in your Jeep, our team here at Perfectionist Auto Sound has you covered.