MECP’s - where should I get it installed?

O.K. I've thrown in the towel on my Clifford RS 3.5 and decided to let you experts do it. I'm returning mine to the store and if they take it back I'm getting installed, otherwise I'll look for a installer to do it.

I have a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara with Sentry Key Immobilizer. I'm going to put in the 524N door lock actuators and run the wires to under the dash (alarm places charge way too much to do that - it's very easy and quick) - then I'm going to take it somewhere to have either the Clifford or Viper installed plus the 508D.

I've got a few questions: 

1. Where should I take it to? I'm in Houston, TX. - Best Buy, Circuit City, CarToys, MobileOne, {mom + pop}?

2. I already know where I want the antenna - right behind the rearview where I put mine now. Are the installers gonna give me crap because they'll want to put it somewhere else?

3. What is the best place to put the 508D to protect my Jeep when there is NO TOP or just the SOFT TOP on? I don't care about when my hard top is on. I just don't want someone cutting my soft top window or reaching in and stealing my soda! I want to be able to adjust it without taking a trip to the installer.

4. I need everything mounted UP HIGH - I off-road my Jeep through 3+ feet of water/mud. I mounted my siren on top of the driver's side wheel well right next to the wiper fluid holder - there were already holes for the bracket. Will the installer not like this location?

5. How do I know they did a good install? What questions should I ask? I don't want to keep bringing it back and I certainly don't want to have a dead Jeep sitting there not starting because a wire came loose.

6. Is there a transponder thingy that DOESN'T need a spare key hidden in my Jeep?

7. HOW MUCH should I expect to pay, including lifetime install warranty? I know you guys have to feed your kids and am willing to pay a reasonable amount ($100 labor to install 1 524N in a Wrangler door and jacking up the price for the actuator  is totally unreasonable - my doors come apart in seconds and there's nothing in the way once you have the panels and plastic off).

TIA.

I thought the prices for the alarm @ circuit city were installed prices...

are you talking about the new circuit city on 249/1960 or the one by westheimer/1960 (funny, cartoys is within walking distance of both CC's :)

Thanks!

In my opinion having the installation as a top priority is a smart move however it will come at a price, $100 alarm install is nothing in my area. A top of the line security system install is well over $200 and thats if there is no actuators. To say that $100 is unreasonable because its "so easy" to remove your door panels, route wire through your dash etc then you wouldnt be looking for an installer to do it for you. A security system is only as good as the installation.

I use the Clifford Avantguard 4 and the proximity sensor is adjusted via the remote control which meets your needs of easy adjustment no matter where its mounted. A system with that feature might be something you want to look into (not familiar with the systems you already listed, maybe they have it?)

As far as the installer having issues with your requests, an installer may have insight about why a location is good or bad and offer alternatives for you. Ultimately the decision is yours once you know any possible problems (if any) with a mounting location etc. If they dont want to help you make an informed decision that you can both agree on and would rather do it his own way, then I would go somewhere else.

Oh and one way to know when you have found a good installer is ask to see some pictures of his work and ask about any certifications.

Good Luck!

Rereading your post I see unreasonable as being $100 for an actuator install in the door, yea thats WAY excessive =) the total system I would expect to be between $100 and $200 depending on who/where and what parts needed if any.

Let us know how it turns out.

Alarms at Best Buy include the installation, the only thing is it doesnt include installing any bypass modules, or add on modules like the 508D's or backup batts. bypass module installs run about $25.00, 508d i think would cost about 40 bucks, and if you need acuators in the doors they charge 20 for the actuator and 50 for the labor and wire(per door).However sometimes if you are buying additional accessories they will sometimes give you a break on the labor, just gotta ask. at the bby I work at we are all about making our installs as clean as possible, we also use solder and tape, no T-Taps. 

Take it to the Mom and Pop

=)

small independents need your business and besides.

whos more likely to care more about your install?

Some Huge corporation or a more personal outfit who might even have the same staff next year if you want something else =)

good luck

Joey

Javelin3o4 wrote:

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Alarms at Best Buy include the installation, the only thing is it doesnt include installing any bypass modules, or add on modules like the 508D's or backup batts. bypass module installs run about $25.00, 508d i think would cost about 40 bucks, and if you need acuators in the doors they charge 20 for the actuator and 50 for the labor and wire(per door).However sometimes if you are buying additional accessories they will sometimes give you a break on the labor, just gotta ask. at the bby I work at we are all about making our installs as clean as possible, we also use solder and tape, no T-Taps.

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good call on more than just a $4 materials charge.  my install bay charges for anything not basic.  it might sound crappy of us but we do the best job ive ever seen.  there are some other shops in town that just shouldnt be allowed to touch cars.  im not saying you have to pay a lot to get a good job, but when we have to spend extra time on something not basic its nice to get compensated for it, as far as having a high revenue bay.  at my other install bay back home we cant charge the same way.  different town, different market, different customers.  youll have more free basics with less customs there.  things like 5wi, one wire, resistor parking lights, all sorts of stuff get quoted as customs.  trunk pop is $30 (relay and custom).

but in the end, you get a good install.  you get harassed by the other installers if you do crap work.  and you get things like your top box gets saran-wrapped and flipped over on the bottom tool box.  they dont want you there if you suck.  youll get your tool box covered in rockford fosgate stickers too, thats embarrasing.

final note, for customers that buy the 3.5 of avital 4300, we tend to make smaller install quotes since you are already paying like $400 plus.