Questions about Installing Sub & Amps & Head Unit

[dennismv]

I have Ford Expedition 1997 (everything stock with Premium Sound package) and the following equipment:

• 2 JL Audio 10W3v3-4 10"
  
• JX360/4
  
• JX1000/1D
  

I got these quotes from two nearby vendors to install everything:

Vendor B
American International Ford Dash Kit          $20
American International Ford wiring harness     $5
5 hours of service                           $325
solder, connectors, etc                       $32
Alpine HU installed (did not catch model)    $180

Vendor A    
Metra SDIN Multi Kit 99-up Ford               $27 
Best Kits Ford 98 Up Harness                  $23 
Install Mono amp                              $90 
Install 4 channel amp                        $100 
Install Labor                                $100 
Aamp 4 AWG or 8 WG Mini ANL Holder $15 x 2    $30
Alpine CDE-164BT installed                   $240

Both vendors are remarkably close (ignoring head unit + its install). Both shops seem to upcharge for head unit. i.e. I could get CDE-164BT new for $180-$190, not $240, without even looking for a deal.

Some questions:

• Will I do better to get my own head unit and ask the shop for labor only?
  
• I have never installed these myself, so I will be fairly new to everything. Do I try to install everything myself? Do I ask a local friend who is interested in car audio, pay him something decent but not as high as the shop?
  
• If I install everything myself, how much will I really save? I suppose I will save all the labor costs so around $300. Is it worth paying someone $300 to not have to "deal with" installing everything myself?
  

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[The Camry]

I have Ford Expedition 1997 (everything stock with Premium Sound package) and the following equipment:

• 2 JL Audio 10W3v3-4 10"
  
• JX360/4
  
• JX1000/1D
  

I got these quotes from two nearby vendors to install everything:

Vendor B
American International Ford Dash Kit          $20
American International Ford wiring harness     $5
5 hours of service                           $325
solder, connectors, etc                       $32
Alpine HU installed (did not catch model)    $180

Vendor A    
Metra SDIN Multi Kit 99-up Ford               $27 
Best Kits Ford 98 Up Harness                  $23 
Install Mono amp                              $90 
Install 4 channel amp                        $100 
Install Labor                                $100 
Aamp 4 AWG or 8 WG Mini ANL Holder $15 x 2    $30
Alpine CDE-164BT installed                   $240

Both vendors are remarkably close (ignoring head unit + its install). Both shops seem to upcharge for head unit. i.e. I could get CDE-164BT new for $180-$190, not $240, without even looking for a deal.

Some questions:

• Will I do better to get my own head unit and ask the shop for labor only?
  
• I have never installed these myself, so I will be fairly new to everything. Do I try to install everything myself? Do I ask a local friend who is interested in car audio, pay him something decent but not as high as the shop?
  
• If I install everything myself, how much will I really save? I suppose I will save all the labor costs so around $300. Is it worth paying someone $300 to not have to "deal with" installing everything myself?
  

1. you answered your own question. buy your own head unit

2.you can try and install everything yourself. it is rather easy, just ask questions and use the google.

3. if you installed everything yourself, you dont have to pay for labor, just hardware.

As for your "friend". how much do they really know. Look at his system, ask him what all he installed. Get a jist of if hes technical when he talks, or is he bragging. Most people who brag dont have a respect for their system that comes with knowledge of installing.