Posted: 10/26/2006 3:29:51 AM EDT
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I NEED one! It is so freaking cold here and I am tired of going out at 6 am to start the cars. I am looking for a good aftermarket system that is fairly easily to install (good directions). Any suggestions? Thanks |
Depends on how good you are with electronics and wiring. Bulldog Security (www.bulldogsecurity.com) is who I got my 2 from. Installation instructions are gentle to beginners, but you gotta have SOME smarts. They also have harness kits that just plug into your existing cars harness www.bulldogsecurity.com/bdnew/tharnesspage.htm, cutting out a bunch of wire stripping and "oh shit" moments. Made in the US, lifetime guarantee, mine just work. Nothing else to tell ya. If you're the slightest bit concerned about screwing it up, find a local dealer to do it. It will cost you more, but the extra "hey, YOU are paying to fix my car" could be worth it in the long run. |
Thanks for you input. After working on the avionics systems of C-17's for 3 years, I think I can handle about any wiring that could be thrown at me. However I am not looking to spend an entire day installing a kit. My time is valuable to me and don't want to waist a lot of time dicking with a poorly engineered system. I have been looking at the Bulldog Security products. Their website seems to have a lot of information. My GF actually has one sitting here on the desk in the box for her truck. I think I will do both vehicles. I hate the cold! Thanks Any other suggestions? |
3yrs on a gubbamint plane is like 40 in the outside world  I worked maintenance on Army RU-21H's, C-12's, OV-1's, RV-1's and Huey's and Chinooks. After a week in the belly of any of those, you pretty much had the rest of the world by the collar. You should have NO problem installing them. Wires are color coded, not all white and pathetically numbered like most aircraft.
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| If you are compatent with electrical wiring and installation you shouldn't have to much trouble. I have used DEI, Code Alarm, and Bulldog. I prefer the DEI and Code Alarm for ease of installation, but the Bulldog is fine as well. They are all geared towards DIY types, however the Bulldog kist seems to be written by and for car audio enthusiasts, rather than engineeering types. |
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i bought a generic one off ebay that has an alarm and car starter...2 remotes and all the relays and it only cost me about 50 bucks or so. She has been going strong for a few years now and was a snap to install. Its got all the features also and a decent range. |
| One more issue to bear in mind. When doing the wiring make sure you verify each wire before you cut it, or tap it. Even though you know your wiring and electronics it is easy to cut the wrong wire, and on modern automodiles this can lead to the car not starting anymore, and in a worst case scenario a fried computer. Taking a few extra minutes diong your wiring can save you a gob of cash comapred with a roll back trip to the dealer with your vehicle. Also once you have started the job if you abandon it, and take it to a local auto electronics place they are going to charge you a healthy amount to finish it. I don't blame them, because they have to go behind you and verify every little thing that has been done, and redo any of it that is not to thier standards. |
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oh BTW if you have a GM car with a VATS key, make sure you get the right resistor. Not sure hoe Fords do it now with their new ignition keys that have to be within so much of the switch for it to work though. Also installing them in a Geo Storm GSi sucks ass.  Had to lat the drivers seat flat and lay upsidedown on it trying to solder wires (had to extend the wires off the column).
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