how do you guys get so fast?

I still cant figure out how some installers do it so fast? i have been doing this on and off for 2 years and i am still not as fast..are there some tricks of the trade to keep the speed and acuracy? as in what to do first, eg..amp install..

more often than not it's mental..... battle plan  the install in your head long before you start taking things apart... i've usually planned the whole install in my head before the car hits my shop.... also, some guys are more organized than others... i had a guy here a few years back... i would give him a list of things to run out and get and he would drive to point A to get one thing, passing B & C on his way, etc.   whereas i know every stop in advance and hit them all in the direction i'm going... installing is very much the same...if you are installing the HU, make sure to account for what you need re: the amp and speakers while you are there... you'll usually shave an hour or two off a system install just by being organized.....Kevin Gerry

Certified Electronics Technician

MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer

Classic Car Audio

since 1979

Uhh, nope,, theres no real basic tips.  Just after a while you start knowing cars and what to look out for before hand.  When i started a year ago it took me 1.5 hours to install a deck.  Now it takes 45min set up and out the door on most cars.  I have to work fast because my boss is an ass and expects everything done lickity split with a low quality = low cost kinda attidude.2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

Practice, practice, and then a little practice.Support the12volt.com

In addition to what Kevin said about planning, it will also depend on your experience (we've all got to start somewhere). Most of the more experienced installers will take less time because they have done the same make of car more than once. Usually, if its the first time you're working on a car, it'll take less time to do that same type of car a second or third time. And some cars are just easier than others. I'm sure there are a lot of people here who have had a run in with Bose equipped mazda rx-7s and that rediculous "wave tube" (what were they thinking??!!). You'll might also spend less time doing a system in a ford focus than you will with a chevy monte carlo with class II databus wiring. Trust me, the people you see getting a job done fast AND clean, have been doing it longer than you think. Duane...

If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel.   

Most of the time people who can do a car in under an hour have done 100's of them. Some installer's only do one or two dealership type jobs and are acustomed to certain vehicle models. For all the other installer's, iy's a matter of trial and error when it comes to taking off panels and such. Give it time and experience will follow.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Remembering what you have already worked on and remembering what you installed into it that either worked or did not work is a big start as well. A game plan is a must, it will develop over time. Some vehicles are easy, others are not, remember which one each is and that is a good start.Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

I did my own install in about 4 hours. First one. This included bypassing a factory amp for my hu, installing new door speakers in 2 doors, installing a hu, installing and running wires for my amp, as well as the turn on lead/rca's, and then installing my 2 subs in the box in the back (explorer). Not bad I think, for my first time. I am sure it could have taken me days to do but I had been planning the thing for a week or two so I know exactly what I had to do. I had a good time, and it worked out well, no problems at all.

you do it for a living. and u use strats experimenting which ways take longers. coming up with ideaas. on how to run wires and etc. Some times setting things up before running them can be quick. everyone does it differenlty it'll take time before your potentiial skill will reveal your need for speed~!

Alpine Guy wrote: I have to work fast because my boss is an ass and expects everything done lickity split with a low quality = low cost kinda attidude

LMFAO . . . Regards EVIL Teken . . .