Installation
2000 Renault Magane
Tubby O'Connor is accustomed to having a good time. In fact, it is part of his everyday lifestyle. You see, O'Connor owns a nightclub named "Showtime" on the small island of Bermuda. Living on a fairly small island, word travels quickly, so keeping the club in tip-top shape is crucial. Keeping his patrons entertained is always a top priority. When it comes to his vehicle, he practiced the same idea when building his 2000 Renault Magane. Apart from the result of the install the process is a story in itself.
Because word travels fast in Bermuda, O'Connor heard of a gentleman on the island with an outrageous vehicle that includes a top-notch installation. When he saw it, it was pretty much over. He wanted something himself, of course with his own twist on the installation. When he found out the installation would be performed in the United States, he did not hesitate to ship his Renault across the Atlantic.
Receiving the vehicle was Audio Excellence in Orlando, Florida. This shop is responsible for many installations on the Bermuda. After they performed their first one, the residents on the small island started shipping their cars to the mainland. In fact, it was one of their vehicles that first got O'Connor hooked.
Fade
Upon first inspection, it is hard to bypass the three-color fade paint job on the Renault. The colors in the paint include Pearl Orange, Raspberry Red, and Sunset Yellow. The finish is so striking that the color makes its way into the interior, highlighting all of the audio/video components. The team of Shane, Jeff, and Dewayne from Audio Excellence was responsible for installing the audio system in the Renault. To ensure that unwanted rattles are not present, the vehicle's interior was stripped of all its parts and completely lined with sound deadening material from Dynamat.
Providing sound in the vehicle is made possible using mostly JL Audio speakers. The door panels were removed and completely remanufactured from scratch. The doors received a dose of JL Audio XR653-CS three-way components. The 6-1/2", 4", and tweeter were carefully massaged into the door and highlighted with the exterior color scheme using fiberglass. Aside from the fiberglass, the rest of the door is covered mostly in Lapis vinyl while the armrest was covered in orange leather. The only remaining stock component is the door handle itself. The original window switches were relocated into the center console because Audio Excellence wanted to remove as much electrical components out of the door. Protecting the JL Audio components are brushed aluminum grilles that have been integrated into the new door panel. The brushed aluminum grill with 3/16" hollow tubing is used to fabricate a new and more useful pocket at the bottom of the door. The original pockets were small and almost inadequate to fit a pack of gum.
On each corner of the dash JL Audio TR350-CX 3-1/2" coaxials were installed to further enhance the height of the front stage. Using the same idea as in the doors, the rear panels, adjacent to the rear seats also carry JL Audio XR653-CS components. The shape is similar, but placement of the speakers varies slightly. Pull down the rear seats and you are greeted to an arrangement of LA interconnects, distribution blocks, fuses, and power wires. It all rests in a fiberglass tub and protected with Plexiglas.