Car stereo installer question

[heavyfuel]

Does anybody know a good installer? I just want a basic head unit upgrade in my truck but I just don't like the idea of dropping it off somewhere like Visions and hoping for the best... Thanks

[eglove]

Dave @ autotemp NE

[T-Dubbs]

Mobile Solutions Calgary is the best around!

[J-hop]

What vehicle is it for? Steering wheel controls?

If it’s just a basic install you’ll be good just about anywhere. Unless above mentioned installers are doing proper soldering of the harness you’re going to end up with the same old run of the mill 30 minute crimp connector install regardless where you go.

If it’s a super basic install with no steering wheel controls I would honestly just do it myself. Even with steering wheel controls it’s just one level up in complexity.

Visions wanted $150+parts to do a no frills headunit install on my trucks. No doubt they would crimp it together. All in about 30-40 minutes of work for an experienced tech. Over $150/hr seems steep for shop time so I opted to do it myself, properly soldered with heat shrink connections. Ended up with a superior result (granted soldering isn’t necessary just better IMO) and didn’t take that long. I know nothing about car electrical, the model specific harness adapters make it essentially idiot proof, just matching colours.

[heavyfuel]

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What vehicle is it for? Steering wheel controls?

If it’s just a basic install you’ll be good just about anywhere. Unless above mentioned installers are doing proper soldering of the harness you’re going to end up with the same old run of the mill 30 minute crimp connector install regardless where you go.

If it’s a super basic install with no steering wheel controls I would honestly just do it myself. Even with steering wheel controls it’s just one level up in complexity.

Visions wanted $150+parts to do a no frills headunit install on my trucks. No doubt they would crimp it together. All in about 30-40 minutes of work for an experienced tech. Over $150/hr seems steep for shop time so I opted to do it myself, properly soldered with heat shrink connections. Ended up with a superior result (granted soldering isn’t necessary just better IMO) and didn’t take that long. I know nothing about car electrical, the model specific harness adapters make it essentially idiot proof, just matching colours.

That's the thing it does have steering wheel controls. It's a 2014 Sierra 3500 and I can only bluetooth calls and not music. I want to make sure I can bluetooth music and make sure the steering wheel controls will be functional with the bluetooth as well. My research shows that this is a super complicated thing... Don't want to gamble without a referral to someone reliable.

[carson blocks]

You could talk to Jon at Airdrie Auto Trends, A+ guy and is or was a board sponsor.

[J-hop]

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That's the thing it does have steering wheel controls. It's a 2014 Sierra 3500 and I can only bluetooth calls and not music. I want to make sure I can bluetooth music and make sure the steering wheel controls will be functional with the bluetooth as well. My research shows that this is a super complicated thing... Don't want to gamble without a referral to someone reliable.

Yea will most likely just require an additional module (something like the PAC module from the kit below) to retain all the factory controls. Not super hard but yea if you’re unsure have a shop do it. I wouldn’t be super concerned when selecting a shop as this kind of stuff is child’s play for the average installer but can’t hurt to get a good shop.

https://www.crutchfield.ca/p_541RP5G...Interface.html

I felt the same way about car audio as I’m a moron when it comes to car electrical work. But i’ve done a basic navigation unit install without steering controls and then a headunit install with steering controls (just basic though- volume, track selection) and was surprised how extremely straight forward it was. I imagine it can get fairly complex when you’re doing bigger stuff though.

[heavyfuel]

Cool. Thanks for all the info guys. I'll explore these options!