Seriously, I don't think anybody in their right mind puts this much work into a Bucketed-out Buick Century. It's lucky most dont consider me in my right mind!GRIN
Anyway, spent the last 2 days actin' afool and nitpicking the Buckets flaws, and ended up taking my battery in for an exchange, re-running my old ALT cable I scrapped after some electronics issues I doubt it caused, and redoing all my battery terminals yesterday.
This afternoon, I woke right up, and got right back to work. There was way too many wires visible in my car from speaker A and accessory B and whatnot. Pretty much to the point of being a safety issue.So I dismantled most my the interior and re-ran all the wires so they are for the most part concealed, and not a safety issue as a whole anymore. Sure was one hell of a workout on the old gimp hand, but I am only a little achey from all the work.
I'll take some pics tommorrow, I think I am gonna go crazier and redo the grilles and JBL logo in the rear deck, and clean the living crap out of the thing.
Replies (13)
Victor on 07/8/2008 21:07:31
YES please do that.. cause the last time i saw pictures of your car...
ur name started sounding like SQLDump... GRIN
SQLThump on 07/9/2008 07:40:29
Don't make me whip out the nine.........GRIN
Yes, definitely a wiring mess it was. I need to wash the thing before I take any pictures.
swez on 07/9/2008 07:55:48
LOL... Vic was a "bit edgy" on his comments, but this is not a done deal to date. It's a work in process.
I agree that the last pics showed a need to "clean up" the wiring and other minor issues. But that is an easy fix. The hard part is getting all things working to "YOUR SATISFACTION". (Sound wise and visually)
Frankly, I hope you learn enough on this project to make your next vehicle a stellar example of a first rate install. Mistakes and such are just opportunities to learn. So far, you're doing all this on a tight budget and a handicap. Someday that will change and for the better.
CK did not bring you to Gold status w/o good reason. But as we all know, it takes time/experience and experimentation do have positive impact later. Learn buddy learn... and then pass on that knowledge as best you can. CLAP
Swez
SQLThump on 07/9/2008 21:54:27
Finally got pics taken, and remodeled my whole cardomain page since Photobucket was down for maintainence.
I hope to make this car a stellar example of a first rate install, so my next car can be something that is out of this world. Once the buget constraints lift up some, I can really go crazy taking lessons I have already learned and am still learning to put my owrk a cut above.
I am going to keep learning, and passing on the knowledge. Thats why I stick around the Club so much......
Anyway, check out the new cardomain page....
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3113897
Also, the Photobucket album has a few more detailed shots of yesterday's work
http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/GhettoHooptyBucket/new%20interiors/
Ash on 07/10/2008 02:11:19
I get the same criticism about fixing up my 91 blazer. The most stated is "you're putting too much money into that ole truck!". A quick comeback to that is "maybe, but can you show me the title to yours!". We all don't value the same thing so pay no attention to what people think or you will wind up in the age old game of "keeping up with da Jones' ".
As far as the cosmetics, I've seen much worse. The fact that you recognize that there's room for improvement is a step in the right direction. A good way to start is to actually get out some scrap paper and literally map the components & wiring layout. This way stumbling blocks can be foreseen before actual work is done. This will also allow you some time to come up with more creative ways to install the gear to your liking.
Body work & paint is a horse of another color. I've been doing my own a little bit at a time. I pointed out all the dings, dents, and rust, then later addressed them accordingly. I actually plan on spraying the vehicle myself and have bought all the necessary equipment. So far it has been fun as well as a good learning experience. Other guys into restoration have gave nice comments on the work done.
Still, I have the same comments from braggarts who don't understand why I do it. The latest sitcom at work was:
A particular idiot went around flipping bills out to people saying "he was taking donations for my paint job". Implying as if I couldn't afford one I would assume. Little did the fool realize that I had already payed 2-3 times for a cheap paint job (if that's what I wanted) when I bought the equipment to do it myself. Money wasn't the issue, but I had no need to prove that to him.
It's the same thrill that you get when you do your own installs, enjoying the fruit of your own labor, which mere simpletons cannot understand.
Keep up with doing your own work and learning in the process. In time like all here, you will improve even more and maybe even become a specialist in a particular aspect. That's why you're a gold!
Ash
swez on 07/10/2008 05:27:07
Ditto 100% w/ ya Ash.
This is all about learning the ropes, working out snags and being skilled, determined and clever enough to pull it off on a tight budget. I commend anyone that has the tenacity to stay on a steep learning curve for longer than most see fit.
As we get older, our patience and experience take over and we don't need to allow the critics to poo-poo our dreams. The fact is, we cannot please everybody and if we try, it will fail. However, it's very good to have a few like-minded people, (and wiser folks) in our inner circle to run ideas through the mill. If they are true friends, they will speak the truth, offer solid recommendation and may offter help make it happen. It's hard to find such people, but if/when we do, listen to them and weigh things out carefully. That's how one learns to avoid the pitfalls that blind/stubborn fools walk into all the time.
As I see things, you have a solid Bass Engine now. (Great amp, nice subs and a solid enclosure) That's a big step up from 6 months ago. Enjoy them as it took a long time to get there. There's also some very good electrical work done under the hood. That was a good step as well. CLAP
So, look at the progress here. It's not a sprinter's race. It more like a 10K run. OK, so the Hoopty is getting a lot more attention these days, but it's an older car and sooner or later, a newer vehicle will come. But all the good stuff you have learned and installed are tranferable to the next vehicle. When you get back to work, cash starts coming in and you can finally buy a reliable ride, the rest is one step at a time.
Swez SMILE
PS I like the way you are stepping into new posts with solid answers. the info is clear, on target and most helpful to the newbies. That's why we made a Gold Member. Keep up the good work!
MrBrownstone on 07/10/2008 07:46:53
If you haven't owned a car audio system worth more than your car, you are not an enthusiast, you're a poser.
Real Men own Buckets
Ash on 07/10/2008 08:17:09
LOL! Now that's funny Mr. B! True but funny..... Never thought about it like that, but I sure can say I belong in that group.
I have got to use that one... LOL!
Both Mr. B & Swez have a good point that I have done and am currently doing. Of course we all move on to better things eventually, but while you're in the experimental stages you don't want to take a chance on messing up an expensive ride with a lien on it. When the time is right and you feel confident enough to do a solid job straight off rip, then perhaps you will see the need to upgrade.
I've personally always been fond of older cars & trucks (rwd). Of course there's a price to pay for that, but what satisfies your tastes & wallet is all that matters in the end.
SQLThump on 07/10/2008 08:32:03
Mr.B, I think that needs to end up a bumper sticker. I'm gonna whip out that line anytime the haters have something to say instead of my nine........Ream Men own Buckets indeed.
Swez, I learned from the best man! Supplying the rookies with spot on, understandable, and objective info is becoming more and more a passion. Customer service has always been a passion of mine, and this is like volunteer customer service.
Ash, feel the "pain" of people dogging the ride, but at this point, really don't care what they think, unless they in all of their money having genius, try to give me advice on what to do with my car.
Last weekend, some moron with a V6 Mustang, a Jensen Foldout, Focal 3.5 coaxials on H/U power topped off with a single JL w3, and who bought all his gear, and had it installed, at my homie's store, tried to give me "advice." It was a pretty frustrating conversation (I'm like Hank Hill, No anger problem, just an idiot problem) with lines like "ever think of unhooking the amp, and using head unit power for sound quality? Cuz, dude, all I hear in your car is sub and tweet. My stuff is all connected to H/U power"
This was about the stupidest thing I have ever heard, since 3 minutes before that I explained my hole in the Midbass frequencies was due to my components needing some tuning in that region, and crossing out those frequencies so I can jam the amp a little harder. Some poeple don't understand sonic sacrifice, even though they pick up plenty of distortion all the way across "flat" frequency band.
I checked out his ride before then, and was far less than impressed with his car that had all the "cool gear" meaning a flip out but a cheap one, and good brand name gear, but their cheapest, most basic lineups. Sorry buddy, but even your V6 mustang that all this crap is in is a cut under, and I had a tough time not flaming the guy all to hell since he is my little brother's raver buddy. I guess all that Extasy will make you love anything that "looks" good, but for actual SQ.......
Definitely feel you some more on the 10K run. Fortunately, I have kept a great pace, planned well, and am beating out most the hares in a tortiose like fasion.
SQLThump on 07/10/2008 15:19:18
Wow, had myself one hell of a big time scare, I hopped in the Bucket to smash off to the occupational therapist, turned the key, and POOF!
A HUGE puff of "OH ****, GRAB A FIRE EXTINGUISHER" smoke! Bout crapped myself in panic, expecting my whole car to explode or something in short order. Quickly switched the key back off, and fortunatly, the smoke cleared in short order. I had a hunch it was my lighting array, and so I pulled the fuse, and turned the key again, sure enough, no smoke.
Drove to therepy, came back, and went to pin down the problem. The smoke cae right from under the steering column, checked the wire for the left LED array, and it was a total trip.
From the array to where it met under the dash, it looked perfect. Undid a single bolt in the dash, and was shocked. The power wire shorted being pressed under a piece of metal in the dash too tightly, and the wire melted all the way from the short point to the control module. I cut the wire out, replaced it, checked to see if I got lucky, and sure enough, everything worked fine.
I have never smoked anything electronic in this car, and never anything close to that, (except a little speaker I cooked intentionally for a demonstration.) and was pleasantly shocked to see it all working fine. It would have been replaced for free, but dismantling half my dash to replace lights didn't sound very fun at all.
MrBrownstone on 07/11/2008 03:26:16
Chicks Dig Buckets
No Rust, No Gain
We all overbuild our first FrankenCar. Its Car#2...the Alpine Strikes Back when we get it right. Heck, if you ruin this car, you're out, what? 100 bux? Ruin that newer car and you'll kick yourself.
I've owned a bucket, burned down a car and had an exquisite machine....and another bucket, and a DB Drag bucket, and waaaay too many stories to tell.
The main thing is we get it right and have fun along the way. Here's my other bumper stickers:
Car Audio:
More Expensive than Crack, less addictive
If Your Mirror Isn't Shakin' YOU GOT RIPPED OFF!!!
I'm too busy...help me out with some good ones, people
swez on 07/11/2008 08:03:58
To add to that list:
"IF it ain't broke, you're not trying hard enough"
"Duct tape cures many ills" (Fixes most thing human or non-organic)
"Keep your stick on the ice, we're all pulling fer ya"
"If your wife thinks you're a stranger come to visit, either you have been caving it too long or it's time to part company"
Swez GRIN
SQLThump on 07/11/2008 15:40:23
"Bass over space, boom over room, "
I really want to start competing with the Bucket, my homie says it would be worth my time, and he sells a lot of stuff. Says there isn't many people in my area that can hold it. Anybody have an idea of where I can get my foot in the door at?
Anyway, spent the last 2 days actin' afool and nitpicking the Buckets flaws, and ended up taking my battery in for an exchange, re-running my old ALT cable I scrapped after some electronics issues I doubt it caused, and redoing all my battery terminals yesterday.
This afternoon, I woke right up, and got right back to work. There was way too many wires visible in my car from speaker A and accessory B and whatnot. Pretty much to the point of being a safety issue.So I dismantled most my the interior and re-ran all the wires so they are for the most part concealed, and not a safety issue as a whole anymore. Sure was one hell of a workout on the old gimp hand, but I am only a little achey from all the work.
I'll take some pics tommorrow, I think I am gonna go crazier and redo the grilles and JBL logo in the rear deck, and clean the living crap out of the thing.
Replies (13)
Victor on 07/8/2008 21:07:31
YES please do that.. cause the last time i saw pictures of your car...
ur name started sounding like SQLDump... GRIN
SQLThump on 07/9/2008 07:40:29
Don't make me whip out the nine.........GRIN
Yes, definitely a wiring mess it was. I need to wash the thing before I take any pictures.
swez on 07/9/2008 07:55:48
LOL... Vic was a "bit edgy" on his comments, but this is not a done deal to date. It's a work in process.
I agree that the last pics showed a need to "clean up" the wiring and other minor issues. But that is an easy fix. The hard part is getting all things working to "YOUR SATISFACTION". (Sound wise and visually)
Frankly, I hope you learn enough on this project to make your next vehicle a stellar example of a first rate install. Mistakes and such are just opportunities to learn. So far, you're doing all this on a tight budget and a handicap. Someday that will change and for the better.
CK did not bring you to Gold status w/o good reason. But as we all know, it takes time/experience and experimentation do have positive impact later. Learn buddy learn... and then pass on that knowledge as best you can. CLAP
Swez
SQLThump on 07/9/2008 21:54:27
Finally got pics taken, and remodeled my whole cardomain page since Photobucket was down for maintainence.
I hope to make this car a stellar example of a first rate install, so my next car can be something that is out of this world. Once the buget constraints lift up some, I can really go crazy taking lessons I have already learned and am still learning to put my owrk a cut above.
I am going to keep learning, and passing on the knowledge. Thats why I stick around the Club so much......
Anyway, check out the new cardomain page....
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3113897
Also, the Photobucket album has a few more detailed shots of yesterday's work
http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s191/GhettoHooptyBucket/new%20interiors/
Ash on 07/10/2008 02:11:19
I get the same criticism about fixing up my 91 blazer. The most stated is "you're putting too much money into that ole truck!". A quick comeback to that is "maybe, but can you show me the title to yours!". We all don't value the same thing so pay no attention to what people think or you will wind up in the age old game of "keeping up with da Jones' ".
As far as the cosmetics, I've seen much worse. The fact that you recognize that there's room for improvement is a step in the right direction. A good way to start is to actually get out some scrap paper and literally map the components & wiring layout. This way stumbling blocks can be foreseen before actual work is done. This will also allow you some time to come up with more creative ways to install the gear to your liking.
Body work & paint is a horse of another color. I've been doing my own a little bit at a time. I pointed out all the dings, dents, and rust, then later addressed them accordingly. I actually plan on spraying the vehicle myself and have bought all the necessary equipment. So far it has been fun as well as a good learning experience. Other guys into restoration have gave nice comments on the work done.
Still, I have the same comments from braggarts who don't understand why I do it. The latest sitcom at work was:
A particular idiot went around flipping bills out to people saying "he was taking donations for my paint job". Implying as if I couldn't afford one I would assume. Little did the fool realize that I had already payed 2-3 times for a cheap paint job (if that's what I wanted) when I bought the equipment to do it myself. Money wasn't the issue, but I had no need to prove that to him.
It's the same thrill that you get when you do your own installs, enjoying the fruit of your own labor, which mere simpletons cannot understand.
Keep up with doing your own work and learning in the process. In time like all here, you will improve even more and maybe even become a specialist in a particular aspect. That's why you're a gold!
Ash
swez on 07/10/2008 05:27:07
Ditto 100% w/ ya Ash.
This is all about learning the ropes, working out snags and being skilled, determined and clever enough to pull it off on a tight budget. I commend anyone that has the tenacity to stay on a steep learning curve for longer than most see fit.
As we get older, our patience and experience take over and we don't need to allow the critics to poo-poo our dreams. The fact is, we cannot please everybody and if we try, it will fail. However, it's very good to have a few like-minded people, (and wiser folks) in our inner circle to run ideas through the mill. If they are true friends, they will speak the truth, offer solid recommendation and may offter help make it happen. It's hard to find such people, but if/when we do, listen to them and weigh things out carefully. That's how one learns to avoid the pitfalls that blind/stubborn fools walk into all the time.
As I see things, you have a solid Bass Engine now. (Great amp, nice subs and a solid enclosure) That's a big step up from 6 months ago. Enjoy them as it took a long time to get there. There's also some very good electrical work done under the hood. That was a good step as well. CLAP
So, look at the progress here. It's not a sprinter's race. It more like a 10K run. OK, so the Hoopty is getting a lot more attention these days, but it's an older car and sooner or later, a newer vehicle will come. But all the good stuff you have learned and installed are tranferable to the next vehicle. When you get back to work, cash starts coming in and you can finally buy a reliable ride, the rest is one step at a time.
Swez SMILE
PS I like the way you are stepping into new posts with solid answers. the info is clear, on target and most helpful to the newbies. That's why we made a Gold Member. Keep up the good work!
MrBrownstone on 07/10/2008 07:46:53
If you haven't owned a car audio system worth more than your car, you are not an enthusiast, you're a poser.
Real Men own Buckets
Ash on 07/10/2008 08:17:09
LOL! Now that's funny Mr. B! True but funny..... Never thought about it like that, but I sure can say I belong in that group.
I have got to use that one... LOL!
Both Mr. B & Swez have a good point that I have done and am currently doing. Of course we all move on to better things eventually, but while you're in the experimental stages you don't want to take a chance on messing up an expensive ride with a lien on it. When the time is right and you feel confident enough to do a solid job straight off rip, then perhaps you will see the need to upgrade.
I've personally always been fond of older cars & trucks (rwd). Of course there's a price to pay for that, but what satisfies your tastes & wallet is all that matters in the end.
SQLThump on 07/10/2008 08:32:03
Mr.B, I think that needs to end up a bumper sticker. I'm gonna whip out that line anytime the haters have something to say instead of my nine........Ream Men own Buckets indeed.
Swez, I learned from the best man! Supplying the rookies with spot on, understandable, and objective info is becoming more and more a passion. Customer service has always been a passion of mine, and this is like volunteer customer service.
Ash, feel the "pain" of people dogging the ride, but at this point, really don't care what they think, unless they in all of their money having genius, try to give me advice on what to do with my car.
Last weekend, some moron with a V6 Mustang, a Jensen Foldout, Focal 3.5 coaxials on H/U power topped off with a single JL w3, and who bought all his gear, and had it installed, at my homie's store, tried to give me "advice." It was a pretty frustrating conversation (I'm like Hank Hill, No anger problem, just an idiot problem) with lines like "ever think of unhooking the amp, and using head unit power for sound quality? Cuz, dude, all I hear in your car is sub and tweet. My stuff is all connected to H/U power"
This was about the stupidest thing I have ever heard, since 3 minutes before that I explained my hole in the Midbass frequencies was due to my components needing some tuning in that region, and crossing out those frequencies so I can jam the amp a little harder. Some poeple don't understand sonic sacrifice, even though they pick up plenty of distortion all the way across "flat" frequency band.
I checked out his ride before then, and was far less than impressed with his car that had all the "cool gear" meaning a flip out but a cheap one, and good brand name gear, but their cheapest, most basic lineups. Sorry buddy, but even your V6 mustang that all this crap is in is a cut under, and I had a tough time not flaming the guy all to hell since he is my little brother's raver buddy. I guess all that Extasy will make you love anything that "looks" good, but for actual SQ.......
Definitely feel you some more on the 10K run. Fortunately, I have kept a great pace, planned well, and am beating out most the hares in a tortiose like fasion.
SQLThump on 07/10/2008 15:19:18
Wow, had myself one hell of a big time scare, I hopped in the Bucket to smash off to the occupational therapist, turned the key, and POOF!
A HUGE puff of "OH ****, GRAB A FIRE EXTINGUISHER" smoke! Bout crapped myself in panic, expecting my whole car to explode or something in short order. Quickly switched the key back off, and fortunatly, the smoke cleared in short order. I had a hunch it was my lighting array, and so I pulled the fuse, and turned the key again, sure enough, no smoke.
Drove to therepy, came back, and went to pin down the problem. The smoke cae right from under the steering column, checked the wire for the left LED array, and it was a total trip.
From the array to where it met under the dash, it looked perfect. Undid a single bolt in the dash, and was shocked. The power wire shorted being pressed under a piece of metal in the dash too tightly, and the wire melted all the way from the short point to the control module. I cut the wire out, replaced it, checked to see if I got lucky, and sure enough, everything worked fine.
I have never smoked anything electronic in this car, and never anything close to that, (except a little speaker I cooked intentionally for a demonstration.) and was pleasantly shocked to see it all working fine. It would have been replaced for free, but dismantling half my dash to replace lights didn't sound very fun at all.
MrBrownstone on 07/11/2008 03:26:16
Chicks Dig Buckets
No Rust, No Gain
We all overbuild our first FrankenCar. Its Car#2...the Alpine Strikes Back when we get it right. Heck, if you ruin this car, you're out, what? 100 bux? Ruin that newer car and you'll kick yourself.
I've owned a bucket, burned down a car and had an exquisite machine....and another bucket, and a DB Drag bucket, and waaaay too many stories to tell.
The main thing is we get it right and have fun along the way. Here's my other bumper stickers:
Car Audio:
More Expensive than Crack, less addictive
If Your Mirror Isn't Shakin' YOU GOT RIPPED OFF!!!
I'm too busy...help me out with some good ones, people
swez on 07/11/2008 08:03:58
To add to that list:
"IF it ain't broke, you're not trying hard enough"
"Duct tape cures many ills" (Fixes most thing human or non-organic)
"Keep your stick on the ice, we're all pulling fer ya"
"If your wife thinks you're a stranger come to visit, either you have been caving it too long or it's time to part company"
Swez GRIN
SQLThump on 07/11/2008 15:40:23
"Bass over space, boom over room, "
I really want to start competing with the Bucket, my homie says it would be worth my time, and he sells a lot of stuff. Says there isn't many people in my area that can hold it. Anybody have an idea of where I can get my foot in the door at?
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