2016 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.

Unlimited Range Remote Start Upgrade for 2016 Mercedes C300

04/15/2021 By John Schwartz

One of our repeat clients from Anchorage brought her 2016 Mercedes C300 to us to get a remote start system installed. She wanted to be able to start the vehicle from indoors and have it warm up while she got ready to leave. It was a push-to-start vehicle, and she wanted to be sure all of the factory systems were unaffected by the installation. No problem!

We selected a Compustar RFX-2WG15-FM combined with a vehicle-specific integration module from Mid City Engineering that provides plenty of range from the included remote, but also allows control of the system from anywhere she has her phone via the DroneMobile app. With this integration, one of the OEM key fobs had to be sacrificed to integrate the new system., but the Mercedes push-to-start ignition system still performs the same way, and you’d never be able to tell anything on the vehicle was ever modified.

For all your remote start upgrades, Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security has you covered. Stop by to see our team at the shop — we would love to customize your vehicle to fit your style. [95646]

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.

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.

Motegi Racing Wheel Upgrade Makes 2016 Volkswagen Golf R Stand Out

07/29/2020 By John Schwartz

Here at Perfectionist, our summers are consumed with exterior upgrades such as wheels and tires. Recently, a customer from Anchorage came in looking for exactly that: He wanted something to complement his 2016 Volkswagen Golf R that would add a sleek and polished look.

We got him fitted with some gold Motegi Racing wheels and Toyo G3 Ice tires. The tires made the wheels pop and definitely made them the center of attention! The customer was happy on picking up his vehicle and loved the new custom look.

If you (or anyone you know) are looking for some new shoes for your ride, stop by here at Perfectionist and one of our sales reps can hook you up with any look you’re going for.