D_J

If I had the budget, would do my wagon like yours...just the ultimate set-up. Especially the way your tech soundproofed the doors and used custom speaker grilles.

At least I can always add the clean sweep later and new speakers. JL really seems to dominate the market for the factory interface. For now I got this set-up for about $800 incl installation and the sub case.

By the way, the audio shop was an authorized JL reseller - they did a really good job and seemed to be very knowledgable about the clean sweep. Plus they had a ton in stock.

End-up getting a simple add-on for the factory set-up. All I did was add a mono Alpine 450 amp connected to the Alpine Type S 10" Sub. No need for the clean sweep if you keep the factory door speakers from what I was told.

The factory built-in EQ settings apparently only apply to the door speakers. From what I can tell, the sub is good to go as is. No need for the clean sweep or even to replace the factory speakers.

For wagon owners, the Wicked CAS sub case for $300 seems like a no-brainer. Less than half the cost of the stealth box.

The audio tech felt the quality of the factory speakers was sufficient as is. Otherwise he said if you change the factory speakers out...you'll need to get that clean sweep.

Wow...green LED's? Nice

I'm probably just gonna buy some cheapy red or blue bulbs to swap the reading lights out. Anybody know where I can get some higher quality colour bulbs?

Figured-out how to find a few smaller audio shops (besides Al & Ed's) via JL's dealer locator:

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/dealerfind.php

Looks like most of these are legit

It comes from one of the main controll boxes, no way to yank it with out affecting other features. Just unplug it from under the seat

So basically if you pull the main chime speaker - ALL the chimes all disabled, including the key in ignition chime, etc?

The wiring cluster looks very tightly wrapped. Probably have to cut the wiring harness to take it apart. Not easy but at least you can kill all the chimes for good.

Shouldn't affect the warranty as long as you don't jack with the wires and put everything back carefully.

I plan on doing things differently...LED upgrade for the puddle lights and wagon cargo area.

Map lights...instead...will try to find some groovy ambient coloured bulbs. I'm pretty sure Kragen or Pep Boys sells them for cheap. Anybody know where I can get some better quality coloured bulbs for the maps lights?

I was trying to avoid that Cleansweep to keep the cost down of my upgrade. Someone recommended that Navone LOC but it's no good?

Got the auto climate controls so mod for the head unit is way too expensive. Might be S.O.L. and just have to settle for speaker upgrade only and live with the stock head unit as is.

Merry X-Mas everybody.

Can anyone recommend a top notch audio installation center in LA or OC?

Best Buy and Circuit City seem to be garbage. Al & Ed's seems to be ok, but not really sold on them yet.

Also does anyone know where I can buy the Navone LOC to keep the factory head unit? I'd like to purchase it at a retail store if possible.

LA - but might be moving down to the O.C. soon. Yeah I just stumbled upon this site by accident. Did a google search on the plastic shroud that covers the lower engine compartment to figure-out how the hell to take it off. lol

I plan on taking some pics and getting on board here soon. All I have done is get the windows tinted so far.

Good deal...it sounds like a lot of these mechanics are more experienced and better paid than the dealer mechanics. Plus they do the custom work which the dealer probably won't.

Subscribe!

I'm creating this thread so people would know good reputable places to take their cars to be worked on. If you have taken your car to a shop and you're happy with the work done please feel free to add the name and contact info. Can a mod sticky this thread?

 

Suby Specialties - http://subyspecialties.com/ - general work

Street Image - http://streetimage.com/ - general work

Harman Motive - http://harmanmotive.com/ - tuning

Yimi Sport Tuning - http://www.yimisport.com

All this places can do the standard 30K and other required service maintenance?

What about audio upgrades...can anyone give me some tips? I want to add speakers, capacitor, amp, etc. Not sure if any of this places do electrical work.

I only checked the Subie sites that were in English, so I know at least Singapore, Australia, NZ & UK carry it. I'll dig through the Japan site.

 

AVO had crossed my mind as well. I'll contact 'em. I've also got a shipper to contact that I've had a good experience with previously, and I've given a brief thought to talking with my dealer's parts dept... I bet they could make some money importing and selling these.

 

So... lots to do, but at least there are some alternatives to pursue.

You want the deep cargo tray for your wagon correct? Not a sedan. I haven't seen the trunk area of a sedan so couldn't tell.

Also I noticed that the tray will prevent you from laying the back seats down to use the entire cargo area for hauling large items. At least you can keep the carpet and seat area clean and the sand/dirt away.

But that's insane for the shipping rate.