Address: 801 East 82nd Avenue, D1, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518, US
Telephone: 907-563-8112

Lighting Upgrade for Anchorage GMC Sierra 2500

02/12/2020 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage contacted the team at Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to inquire about a lighting upgrade for his 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 pickup truck. The client wanted better fog lights to help light the area adjacent to the road as well as a high-output driving light that would provide long-range illumination. After inspecting the vehicle, we put together a package that would deliver amazing performance and reliability.

GMC Sierra Fog Light Upgrade

Truck Lighting — The corners of the bumpers received a Rigid fog light upgrade.

We started the project by removing the front grille and bumper from the truck. The first order of business was to mount a set of Rigid Industries 504813 D-Series fog light pods in the bumper using a Rigid 46543 mounting kit. These lights create an SAE-compliant light pattern that makes them legal for use on public roads. The wide 52-degree beam angle ensures that any animals at the sides of the road are illuminated clearly to make night driving safer. Our team wired the new lights into the original fog light circuit so that they can be controlled with the original fog light switch.

High-Performance Lighting

Our team created custom brackets for the new lighting.

The light bar bolts securely to the radiator supports.

Metal brackets were test-fit before painting.

The new lighting tucks neatly between the grille openings.

With the fog light upgrade installed, the next step was to mount a combination spot and driving light upgrade just behind the front grille. We proposed the Rigid 931314 SR-Series 30-inch light bar because it would provide illumination out to more than 600 feet.

Our team took a series of measurements that would locate the light in the very center of the lower opening in the grille. Based on the information we gathered, we fabricated a set of custom mounting brackets that bolt to the front radiator support to ensure that the light is solid and secure. Of course, we protected the brackets with corrosion-resistant paint so they would look good and be reliable.

With the brackets in place and the bar mounted, our team integrated the wiring for the new light into the factory high-beam control circuit. We wrapped all the wires in automotive-grade cloth tape to protect them from the elements, then secured everything to using zip ties to prevent issues from vibration as the truck travels down the road. We finished the project by aiming the lights for perfect long-range performance that won’t blind oncoming drivers.

Anchorage’s Truck Accessory Experts

With the truck lighting upgrade project complete, the client returned to Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to pick up his vehicle. We showed him the work we had done and explained how to turn on each of the lights. He was thrilled with the results. If you’re shopping for a lighting upgrade for your vehicle, drop by our store, give us a call or send our team an email using our contact form.

Remote Start and Subwoofer Upgrade for Anchorage Mercedes C300

01/27/2020 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage dropped into Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to ask about adding a remote starter and custom subwoofer system to his 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan. Having installed many remote start systems in these vehicles, we knew this was a perfect platform for a Mid City Engineering interface. We inspected the vehicle to formulate a few options for the audio upgrade. After a discussion with the client, we developed a plan to add a solid bass foundation to his European vehicle.

Custom Mercedes Subwoofer System

Our team did a great job adding bass while leaving plenty of space in this trunk.

The accent lighting and grilles really set this build apart.

The client was content with the features of the factory-installed audio system, but he wanted it to produce more bass with better low-frequency extension. We suggested the addition of a single 12-inch subwoofer and offered the option of building a trim piece to give the system a little extra style. With his approval, our fabrication team set to work creating a custom-sealed enclosure for a single Morel Ultimo Titanium subwoofer. The enclosure is located at the back of the trunk and the sub fires rearwards into the cargo area of the vehicle. The enclosure and trim pieces are constructed using techniques we learned while at Mobile Solutions in Arizona.

Using three layers of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), we created vinyl-wrapped trim pieces for around the woofer, then accent pieces of either side of the sub that include pressed mesh grilles. The trim pieces are wrapped in several different colors and we added flexible LED lighting around the grille openings.

Subwoofer Amplifier and Integration

A Pioneer GM-D9601 amplifier provides up to 800 watts to power the Ultimo TI 122 driver. The amp is wired to the vehicle electrical system using a 4-AWG amp kit from Stinger Electronics. We also used a PAC Audio two-channel line-level interface to extract an audio signal from the factory-installed sound system.

Mercedes Remote Car Starter

The Mercedes can be controlled from the client’s smartphone.

The client chose the limitless range of the Drone system.

After a discussion about how the client would be using the remote starter, we suggested combining the factory key fob integration of the Mid City Engineering interface with a Drone X1-LTE smartphone interface module. The client can start the vehicle and control the door locks from his smartphone from anywhere in the world, so long as both he and the vehicle have access to a cellular data signal.

Alaska’s Mobile Enhancement Specialists

After a few days of work, we had the starter and subwoofer system installed in this C300 Mercedes-Benz. The client was very happy with the work and loved the way the stereo sounds. If you are considering an upgrade for your car or truck, drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage or click here to send us an e-mail.

Premium Audio and Radar Upgrade for Anchorage Porsche Cayman

12/16/2019 By John Schwartz

A long-time client of Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage recently dropped by the store to inquire about upgrading the stereo system in his 2007 Porsche Cayman. He wanted the audio system in the Cayman to play louder, deliver smoother frequency response and produce more bass. The client also wanted a high-performance radar detector and laser defense system. After a thorough inspection of the vehicle, our team put together a bespoke solution that would meet the client’s expectations.

Porsche Cayman Stereo System Upgrade

The first step was to remove the majority of the interior from the vehicle so our technicians could run Stinger speaker cables and Digital Designs interconnects. Once the wiring was in place, we treated the floor, cargo area and doors of the vehicle with sound deadening to reduce noise transfer and improve the performance of the stereo.

Next, we installed a Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX multimedia receiver in the dash. This premium source unit features a 7-inch capacitive-touch display and includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The smartphone features allow the client to use the voice recognition technology built into his phone to make calls, send text messages and choose from dozens of entertainment options.

Audiofrog Speaker Upgrades

The most-important part of an audio system upgrade is the front speakers. This client chose a set of Audiofrog GB60 woofers and GB10 tweeters for the system. Our fabrication team created custom mounting adapters out of HDPE plastic to attach the new speakers to the factory mounting point in the door. A set of Morel Tempo Ultra Integra 5.25-inch speakers in the rear speaker locations helps wrap the sound around the driver.

System Subwoofers and Amplifiers

The custom Porsche crest was integrated into the enclosure.

The small enclosure size required by the Audiomobile subwoofers was perfect for this installation.

Our technicians created a custom acrylic label for the access panel.

An access panel was created to allow filling of fluids.

The excellent work of our fabricators resulted in a stock-looking installation.

The electronics were mounted in the front boot.

After building a shallow enclosure for a pair of Audiomobile GTS-Series 10-inch subwoofers, the guys set to work on the custom trim panels. They mounted the woofers to a panel that is wrapped in perforated gray vinyl. Our team used our Glowforge laser to create a Porsche emblem in a piece of acrylic plastic. The emblem is centered between the subwoofers, and we built up the area around the emblem for a smooth, finished look.

The trim panel around the subwoofers features a pair of inserts at the rear of the vehicle that mimic the accent lines on the factory plastic panels. To continue the theme, we added raised sections to the rear edge of the panel to match those in the aluminum trim at the back of the cargo area. We also added a removable panel with a custom laser-etched badge to make it easy to access the engine oil and coolant fill points.

The sound system in this Porsche is powered by a pair of Digital Designs amplifiers and a digital signal processor. A D6.500 six-channel amp powers the woofers and tweeters in the doors and the rear speakers, while a DM1000a monoblock feeds each of the subwoofers with 500 watts of power.

A Digital Designs DSI-2 signal processor handles dividing the audio signal from the Pioneer radio into appropriate frequency ranges for each speaker. We also set the signal delays and equalization for each channel to produce smooth and natural sound with excellent imaging.

K40 Radar Detector

Our careful installation of the radar and laser system resulted in a completely stock-looking exterior.

The rear bumper cover was removed to install the rear radar receiver.

Laser Defusers were added to the front corners of the car.

Our team integrated a K40 RL360i radar detector and laser defense system into the Porsche to protect the driver from getting speeding tickets. We mounted the front and rear radar antennae to the chassis of the vehicle, using custom aluminum brackets. We concealed the radar antennae behind the plastic bumper covers and mounted a pair of Laser Defusers just above the outside air inlets in the front bumper. These Defusers prevent officers from measuring the vehicle speed using LIDAR until the client can confirm speed and cancel the scrambled laser signal transmission.

European Car Upgrade Specialists

With the upgraded stereo system dialed in and the radar and laser system tested, it was time for the owner of this cool Porsche Cayman to return to Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to pick up the vehicle. The client was happy with the upgrades and anxious to get out on the road to try them out.

If you are interested in a radar detector or upgraded audio system for your car, drop by our store, give us a call or click here to send us an e-mail.

Sprinter Van Alarm Adds Protection for Anchorage Client

08/18/2017 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage contacted Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security to have a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van alarm installed. After meeting with the customer to understand his concerns about the vehicle, we devised a plan to protect it. The client approved our plan, so we scheduled an appointment for the installation.

Vehicle and System Preparation

A battery charger ensures the battery remains in premium condition.

The brain for the system is securely clamped into the jig for wiring.

All of the wiring is neatly grouped in preparation for installation.

Each vehicle that enters our work area is treated to a thorough and documented inspection process. We look at the physical condition of the vehicle and note any issues like scratches or dents. We confirm the functionality of major electrical systems and ensure there are no check-engine lights or warnings on the dash before we start work. We connect the vehicle battery to our fully computerized Snap-On battery charger to ensure it will be in perfect condition when the vehicle leaves, even if we have worked on it all day.

Our technicians prepare every security and remote starter system we install on a benchtop jig. We bundle the wires we are going to use in the installation together to make the system neat and tidy once we mount it in the vehicle. We use tesa cloth tape to hold everything together and ensure it will not buzz or rattle once the client starts driving.

Compustar Security System

To enhance safety, A pin switch was used to disable the remote starter if the hood is open.

The Compustar remote is even more rugged than the factory remote!

This security system is based around a Compustar FT-7000AS Remote Starter and Security system control module. Once our technician integrated the controller into the vehicle, we added a DB-ALL integration module to allow the remote starter portion of the system to start the vehicle. We connected to the factory door pin wiring so that the alarm will know if someone opens a door and sound the alarm. The FT-DAS 3-in-1 security system was the final addition to the brain. This sensor provides shock, motion and digital tilt detection to add another barrier of protection to the client’s van.

The client chose the RF-1WG6 remote control package to control his Sprinter van alarm system. Also known as the Prime G6 remote, this remote kit provides up to 1,000 feet of range. The heavy-duty remote is water-resistant, so dropping it in a puddle or snowbank will not be the end of it.

Vehicle Check-Out Process

As important as our check-in process is; our check-out process is even more detailed. The technician who performed the installation will review the system and vehicle to ensure everything functions correctly. Then, a second member of our team reviews the vehicle to ensure it is flawless. This second set of eyes catches even the minutest of oversights.

Just before we pull the vehicle out of our work area, we put a bottle of Perfectionist water in the cup holder and hang one of our VIP hangers on the rear view mirror. We reward our VIP clients with a 10% discount on a future purchase if they provide feedback on Google or Facebook. Our customers deserve only the best!

Sprinter Van Alarm and Remote Starter

We delivered the Sprinter back to the client and showed him how to use the new Compustar system. He was pleased and happy to have his vehicle and its contents protected.

If you are interested in a remote starter or security system for your car or truck, drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security or e-mail us using our online contact form.

Anchorage Client Gets Sprinter Van Camera System & Security

07/07/2017 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage recently contacted Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security to inquire about having a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van camera system and alarm installed. Because of its size, being able to see objects or people around or behind the van is very difficult. Our client wanted a camera system that would make his van safer and easier to use. Once we had an understanding of where and how the client would use the van, we designed an appropriate camera and security system to meet his needs.

Sprinter Van Camera System Design

The Sprinter already has a dedicated rear-view camera built into the factory infotainment system. Our system would include three cameras, an additional camera for the rear and one on each of the rearview mirrors. All three cameras would be on all the time. We used a TadiBrothers digital LCD monitor as the heart of the system. This monitor accepts multiple camera inputs and display all three images simultaneously.

Camera System Installation

A backup camera was added over the license plate.

The side of the van was able to be kept in view with the addition of the side cameras.

The small camera was added to the side-view mirror for enhanced safety.

Every vehicle we pull into our bay is subject to a thorough pre-inspection. We test the functionality of all the electrical systems and note any abnormalities or warning lights. We give the vehicle a physical inspection to ensure there is no pre-existing damage.

We carefully measured the locations for the side-view cameras after confirming there would be enough space inside the mirror housing. Once the cameras were in place, we ran the wiring through the door, through the weather-resistant wiring harness boot and up to the monitor control module.

We mounted the rear camera above the license plate. As the truck already has a rear parking camera, we angled the new camera almost straight back to provide a different field of view for more coverage.

Compustar Security System

To protect the contents of the van, we installed a Compustar Prime G6 Security system. The system uses an FT-7300A-CONT control module, RD-1WG6-AM Remote control, and a DBALL2 interface module. A dual stage shock sensor, digital tilt sensor, and hood-pin and door-pin monitoring ensure the vehicle is safe. We mounted the siren under the hood. The system also provides keyless entry door lock control.

Comfort and Safety by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

With the installation complete, a second member of our team reviewed the installation to ensure it was perfect. The client was thrilled with the camera system! It makes it so much easier to drive and negotiate tight areas. If this Sprinter Van camera system or something similar would make your vehicle safer and easier to use, then contact Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security today. You can reach us by e-mail using our online contact form or call 907-563-8112.