Posts Tagged ‘ Electrical Systems ’

Expert Tips for Properly Wiring a Car Audio System

By Rob Derry (AAMP of America) , August 9, 2011 in Electrical, Tech & Tools

Knowing the right way to wire a car audio system is essential for delivering a quality system to your customer. This article will discuss proper phasing of the speakers to achieve the maximum bass response out of your speakers, as well as proper power and ground procedures to allow your vehicle to achieve the maximum voltage output to your amplifier.

Battery Power

Let’s start with the battery and the proper connections required to get the best performance out of a car stereo. If you look at the charging lead for the battery you’ll notice that it’s a smaller gauge wire than you’re using for the amplifier. It’s a good idea to upgrade it to a four-gauge power lead from the alternator to the battery so as not to restrict the potential power from the alternator.

It’s also recommended that you look at the negative lead from the battery and, if a four-gauge ground lead to the chassis isn’t present, create a four-gauge ground for it as well. The grounding point for the battery should be a chassis ground with paint and dirt removed, and be directly to bare metal. This will allow the alternator of the vehicle to charge the battery to its full potential. It will also limit the voltage loss at the amplifier. Make sure all connections are tight and secure.

American Autowire Introduces Wiring Update Kit for 1960s GTOs

By Ashley Smissen , January 10, 2011 in Electrical, Products

A new Classic Update Kit has been added to American Autowire’s series of wiring kits. The 1964-1967 Pontiac GTO Classic Update Kit is designed specifically for that make, model and year of car and is a complete wiring system with 13 features, including a replaceable headlight switch with internal 30-amp circuit breaker, retention collar nut, adjustable length shaft and custom knob.

A standard turn signal and hazard flashers are mounted onto the fuse panel and a new horn relay is mounted onto the main dash harness. The kit’s fuse box is designed to fit in the original location. The ATO fuse panels allows for easy fuse and circuit breaker accessibility, according to the company.

Permatex Introduces New Liquid Electrical Tape

By Ashley Smissen , September 13, 2010 in Electrical, Products, Tech & Tools

Permatex has introduced its new Liquid Electrical Tape, which goes on as a liquid and creates a flexible, vinyl polymer seal that’s waterproof and durable.

The Liquid Electrical Tape is designed to keep electrical connections together and insulated and will allow the user to completely cover wire and cable connections to prevent air, dirt and moisture from impeding the flow of electrical current, said the company.

Watson’s Introduces New Hot Dot-to-Remote Control Interface Relay

By Ashley Smissen , August 17, 2010 in Electrical, Products

Watson’s StreetWorks has introduced its new Hot Dot Ignition Link, an addition to the company’s Hot Dot All-in-One Ignition/Start/Stop Switch. The Link is a Hot Dot-to-remote control interface relay that allows the user to enable and disable their Hot Dot Ignition Button using two functions on a remote control.

By pushing one button, the Hot Dot Ignition will turn on. Pressing a second button turns the unit off. The Link takes the place of a key lock to ensure a car’s ignition. It can be triggered by either positive or negative momentary trigger signals.

Modern Lighting for Not-so-Modern Cars

By John Katz , July 29, 2010 in Electrical

Today’s custom lighting isn’t just about being able to see the road, it’s also about how your customers are being seen. They expect the lights that you put on their car to keep them safe and look great doing it.

Since the earliest days of brass lamps, carbide generators and Prest-O-Lite cylinders, automotive lighting has been just as much about how a car looks as how well the driver sees. Pioneering motorists chose their lighting systems mainly for economical performance, but even by the late 1920s some intrepid individuals were trading downrange illumination for the aerodynamic illusion of Woodlite Parabolics.

Classic Car Batteries: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

By John Katz , July 26, 2010 in Electrical, Tech & Tools

Though often forgotten about, the battery is what keeps all of a car’s nifty electrical parts charged and running. Daryl Brockman of Optima Batteries answers some of the most-common tech questions his customers have regarding batteries for their classic cars.

New Billet Electric Firewall Plug From Watson's

By Ashley Smissen , May 3, 2010 in Electrical, Products

Watson’s StreetWorks has just released its new Billet Electric Firewall Plug, which is designed to be a clean, compact alternative to firewall ports, said the company. The plug allows the user to connect and disconnect the car’s front end or other wiring, making it easier to do electrical work on the car.