This month, we're doing something a bit different with Choices. Yes, all the owners of the rides on this page put a lot of thought into their sound systems, but the main distinguishing factor is that they did the work themselves. Here's to DIY!
Ryan GamberRyan and Theresa Gamber make one heck of a DIY husband and wife duo. They did all the work on their black and purple 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier themselves. Since no aftermarket parts were available to the Gambers, they designed and built everything from a custom turbo and suspension to the ICE fabrication inside. The extensive fiberglass work inside frames Stewart Warner gauges; an OnView head unit, EQ and monitors; as well as Niche Audio speakers and amps.
Brett Christopher TippmannWhen Brett Christopher Tippmann was a junior in high school he decided to build an audio system in his 2003 Ford Taurus all by himself (well, he did have a shop do the paint, but that still counts as DIY). Every speaker has its own custom enclosure, from the Eclipse components and coaxials to the JL Audio subs. An Eclipse 8454 receiver heads the system and Directed amplifiers boost the power.
Kevin NormanKevin "Dragon" Norman competes in MECA SPL sound-off events and reached 143dB last season with his completely DIY system in his 2004 Dodge Stratus. Liking the versatility and look, he went with a Kenwood KDC-MP528 head unit in the dash while in the trunk a Power Acoustic PS4-600.4 amp runs his Rockford Fosgate front stage and a Rockford Fosgate BD500 powers his Rockford Fosgate subs. "I chose the Rockfords [P132C in the front dash and P163C in the front doors] because they have the sound and clarity I'm looking for," Norman explains. He says they catch the entire frequency range of his preferred music: '80s hair metal bands!
Brian CrandallBrian Crandall didn't start off the install in his 2003 Dodge Caravan by himself, but he certainly finished it off with a bang. After a shop installed the head unit, 5.1 surround processor, two amps, speakers and remote start, Crandall got down and did the rest over a year. The key to his install is that all the seats are usable since lots of equipment finds a home under the seats. From the four total monitors, five different sources can be watched (the rear 13.5-inch monitor can be split in half).
Brittney WoodYou don't see many female installers out there. In her 1999 Plymouth Breeze, Brittney Wood did all the work herself except for the seats and the bodywork. Other than the Pioneer AVH-4700 head unit, all the other electronics in her ride bear Diesel Audio logos. She likes Diesel Audio so much that she installs it in other people's cars as part of her business, Xtreme Body Essentials.
Randy TautkusWhen your family owns a custom rug business, one would think that you'd have some keen carpet in your ride. Randy Tautkus of Port Orange, FL, delivered by making the custom mats in his 1996 Mitsubishi Galant. In addition to the mats, he also went ahead and did the sound system too (though Sound Crafters helped him out with the sub enclosure).
Charlie LewisCharlie Lewis calls 2003 Dodge Neon a "Chasillac." With all the work he's put into it (everything by himself except for paint and exhaust), it certainly is more than your everyday Neon. It features mainly Pioneer equipment from the head unit to the amps. Bravo View steps in for video with a DVD player and 12.1-inch flipdown mounted on the headliner.