Advice!

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=26745
Printed Date: September 15, 2025 at 5:15 PM

Topic: Advice!

Posted By: CGibson73
Subject: Advice!
Date Posted: February 18, 2004 at 6:22 PM

...Hey all wassup?...My names Chris and i was wondering if anybody could offer me any advice on becoming a Installer...Im 30 years old.(old i know.lol) and have been into customizing cars for about 15 years now off and on and have done custom bodywork, minor interior and suspension mods.

Well after years of doing other jobs..and not being happy...ive decided to try something new in the customizing area and i chose car audio..I have always been an admirer of cool system installs but never took the time to get into it..i have done little things like headunits,speakers and run the occasional rca or power wires for friends..but i wanna take it to a new level and make this my career.

I recently ordered the MECP Basic Installers Guide and plan to take the test in about a month...but im wondering i guess is will anybody hire an Entry Level guy like me in a shop??..even if im certified...i figured taking the test and being Certified would show my dedication to this Industry!

My plans are to open up my own customizing shop later on the road, but i need the hands on training..to become a MASTER Installer which is my goal...so an old Newbie..wou.d be appreciated...thanks ....Chris

Replies:

Posted By: CGibson73
Date Posted: February 18, 2004 at 6:25 PM

and that last line was..."any advice for and old newbie would be appreciated"...lol...dunno how i missed all that......

Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: February 18, 2004 at 7:51 PM

You already have experience that most "newbie's" do not, you know how to think through problems, you are way more familiar with many more vehicles of all types and years. You have tools, you know how to use the proper tool. MECP is a great start but it does not teach you hands on unless you head down and take the full course. Yes a shop would hire you with a certificate and your years of experience. Take a woodworking course or cabinet making course to understand mdf and how it cuts and how to work with it. You already know about fibreglass. You have much more to offer to a shop than the average newbie does. All you need to do is find a shop that will work hands on with you and teach you the proper techniques.

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Posted By: CGibson73
Date Posted: February 19, 2004 at 12:32 PM

Thanks Rob for the advice..i really do appreciate it.....