Don't be afraid; get paid!
By Kris Bulla

Integration can mean a thousand things technically. It can be as simple as replacing the speakers that came with the car with higher performance aftermarket speakers, or as technically advanced as flowing an iPod’s playlists and control functions through the factory radio controls and display.

Most people reading this article have replaced speakers, added an amplifier and upgraded the speakers, or added an amplifier and subwoofer to enhance the sound in a vehicle. These are all forms of integrating new pieces into the vehicle’s infotainment system, even if it’s at the most basic level. The good news for our industry is that these very same things can still be done today, even in the most advanced vehicles.

Don’t feel left-out if the customer comes to you with a vehicle that already has an iPod input. Get into the car and listen to the sound with the customer and find out if they are really pleased. Frequently, they will be only moderately happy with the sound, even with the most expensive systems available in the higher-end vehicles today. But, there is always something you can do to improve a vehicle’s sound quality.

Here are a few things you can do to make the customer happier, and best of all, make you their expert resource the next time they want to have something done to their vehicle:

Sound Deadening

You’ll find much more sound deadening material in today’s vehicles compared to older ones, but they still lack the focused attention on panel resonance that you can provide. Several companies in our industry offer the old standard sheets of material that increase the mass of a panel to reduce vibration, but they also offer many new types of materials and adhesives that you can use creatively to enhance the sound experience. For example, deadening the door sheet metal is great, but you should also check the actual inner door panel to ensure that points where the panel was assembled at the factory are tight. If not, get some material in there to get it right.

Component Upgrades

Although component upgrades is self explanatory, it’s important because removing the components and replacing them with new ones will typically have a dramatic impact on the sound quality. Use caution though–if you are replacing speakers in a Bose ® or other “high-end” factory system be sure you have the proper impedance speakers, and ensure a good, tight, fit into any housing the original may have been mounted in. If you are removing a speaker housing, be sure to fill the gap by making a proper mounting plate for the new driver and that you deaden in suspect panels in the area. Last, but not least, be sure the new component you are installing has proper clearance for movement in the front and rear, and that putting any panels that cover the speaker location will not inhibit the sound in any way.

Tuning and Demonstration

The greatest advantage you have is your own experience. If you share your experience and knowledge with the customer and demonstrate to them how to use their system safely and responsibly, not only will the system proper last much longer, but the customer will be much happier with the result. Tune the system; even let the customer watch you, so they know you are setting it up correctly and that there is actual work involved in this process. It’s not just a bunch of dials to turn at will.

The services listed here are pretty basic, but you can charge good money for them, and your customer will realize excellent results when they are performed properly. There are still many ways to capitalize on opportunities within the vehicle–and the best part is you don’t have to price-match your expertise. It’s unlikely that the customer will find the services you are providing at the places they normally visit, so you could gain a customer for life! Don’t be afraid; get paid!

If you would like to contribute your expertise to the MECP community, please contact mecp@mecp.com to submit your ideas for future “how-to” articles!