Any tips for speeding up my installs?

Hey guys, I'm new here.
A little background on me. I've been working as an installer for just over 3 years now, doing RSK and security installs for just over 2. No formal training, mostly OTJ and trial and error.

Anyway, do you guys have any tips to help me speed up my installs? Depending on the make/model of the vehicle, it still takes me 1.5 - 3 hours per job, and the new Chryslers are really kicking my ass...
Most of that time is spent locating/tapping the wires I need to use and figuring out how to get the wires from the brain to where they need to go - neatly.
Is it just a matter of getting familiar with ALL these vehicles, or are there some tricks I don't know about to cruise through these things?
Thanks for any suggestions.

i always find all my wires in the car first.....then i do everything on the test bench , that way i know how to tape the wires so that they are running to the right location....this helps alot in speeding up the time.

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Where theres is a wire there's a way.

yes find connections then prep harness

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Why oh Why didn't i take the blue pill
Darren Power

Stay away from the T-taps. Soldering takes a bit longer but the outcome is much better. They are making these new vehicles harder to work with. I wish they were all like a 96 accord. 30 minutes.

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MECP certified (If it really means anything)
Jeremy

Plan, Think & Do It RIGHT..........No Come Backs

The one ehicle that takes you 3 Hours may take another 1 Hour.....Don't worry about it....You can't do every Vehicle as fast as the other..........Even if you had 6 of the SAME Vehicles lined up, there will always be the 1 that slowed you down.
Speed is NOT always the best, even if some shops believe in that practice.
Give it your best, ask questions & above all UNDERSTAND what you are doing.................

After 30 years, I am STILL reading & Learning, even from a DIY......

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MO

Don't Learn from Others Mistakes
You Might Be the One That Knows.

i agree with MO some installs just take time. especially when your doin t right

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Why oh Why didn't i take the blue pill
Darren Power

Practice and exposure.  The more you work with cars the faster you will go.  T-taps are okay to use but not on critical wires.  Soldering and taping is always the best way.  This has been a real struggle for me as well.  Hang in there and keep working. 

Have you ever try connecting a feature for a customer when an install has been completed? If you have to fix the problem where you were in a hurry and mess it up the first time, I think the degree of difficulties is much the same . As mo12v pointed out. You can only go so far with speed, but you are way ahead by doing a good job one vehicle at a time.       

Personnally, every one minute you spend doing some reading of the vehicle wiring diagram and prep work, you save yourself five minutes in return.


As redpeppers suggest. Find and test all your wire in the vehicle first. Nothing is easier when all you have do is just make simple connection to the vehicle. It's clean and neat since you know where to run the wire. I don't think I can stress enough about this to the DIY and Rookie installer. Even if you have done this type of vehicle a million times over. One will bit you is the **ASS** when you think you know it all. Trust me on this. The guys I work with always get bitten.

Prep your harness as Powermyster said.
The main harness. You will need them regarless of what vehicle you are working with. Hoodpin, tach, brake, and parking lights. Every car you do will require you to make these connection, so tape each one of these wire up individually on your downtime.

Finnally, get lots of lighting and good equipment. Nothing takes you longer to do when you can't see what colour the wires are and equipement that is inadequate to do the job. Anyway, I hope this helps.
   






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Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.

thepencil wrote:

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Finnally, get lots of lighting and good equipment. Nothing takes you longer to do when you can't see what colour the wires are and equipement that is inadequate to do the job.

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A-MEN

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MO

Don't Learn from Others Mistakes
You Might Be the One That Knows.

makita 3/8" drive cordless impact with a 1/4" reducer and a 8mm socket makes pulling down those damn ford metal underdash panels with the dozen 8mm bolts a breeze!!

oops sorry, i love this new tool.

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Mike Battaglia
Specialized Car Audio
Bensenville IL 60106

I too was concerned with my speed, but just concentrate on your work and you will improve with time. As fas as I am concerned as long as you never see that car again you did a good job, anyone tells you different, f*** em. One of my biggest pet peaves "aren't you done yet?", "still working on this?", i hate those guys and theres atleast one at every shop no matter where you go.

does anyone have a diagram on how to hook up the second accesory wire and the second ignition wire with a relay?? thx