I thought I could install a car alarm......

BornSticky · Post by **BornSticky** » August 16th, 2005, 2:57 pm

I bought a Astra 777 car alarm from my friend for $90 can. I though it would take me about 2-3 hours to install so I got it and went to put it in and have no idea on even where to start...... I looked at the wiring that came with it and I know the wires will be different under the dash. I just need a couple of tips or stepsto follow.

I called future shop and a bunch of places they all want like 120 for the alarm 100 for keyless entry not including motor for drivers side. trunk 140
40 for lights flash etc etc it will belike $450 after its put in and i dont even have anything in my car yet that is worth $450 bucks let alone the $90 i paid for the alarm itself......

I priced out the motor and it is $15 but I dont really know how to hook it up tho

Should I just junk it and by a crappy alarm like a bulldog for like $40 or something even tho I really wouldnt want a crappy 1 like that......

I just dont really know where to start I should probably install the alarm itself then worry about doors and hatch stuff likethat later its just a lot of wires and I dont want t o fry anything

If anyone can help me I would be so greatful

relisys_3200 · Post by **relisys_3200** » August 16th, 2005, 4:19 pm

honestly, and I'm not trying to be mean...if you have no idea what your doing or where to start then bring it in somewhere. I have fully installed alarms and they are not fun. When I bought my car it had an alarm already in it. I never even bothered to check the install job they did. Then one day....FIRE!! A nice bon fire under the hood of my car. It was caused by the alarm install, just a little signal wire shorting out. Because of that, I had a nice mess under my hood...and not to mention I put my mechanics kids all the way through college with that bill. But in the end it's your decision, so good luck!!

If you buy the bulldog alarm, you can install that yourself....but they are worthless. You could probably hit the car with a bat and it wouldnt go off. If you going to get an alarm put in....just save a little more and get a good one and have it professionally installed. Better to do it right the first time.

Teal_93 · Post by **Teal_93** » August 16th, 2005, 5:10 pm

If you going to get an alarm put in....just save a little more and get a good one and have it professionally installed. Better to do it right the first time.

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » August 17th, 2005, 2:22 am

Teal_93 wrote:
If you going to get an alarm put in....just save a little more and get a good one and have it professionally installed. Better to do it right the first time.

BornSticky · Post by **BornSticky** » August 17th, 2005, 9:28 am

Well I guess Ill get the main comonents installed. I'm very sure I can install the door motor for the drivers lock and the seliniod for the trunk by myself and other little things.

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » August 17th, 2005, 2:02 pm

BornSticky wrote:Well I guess Ill get the main comonents installed. I'm very sure I can install the door motor for the drivers lock and the seliniod for the trunk by myself and other little things.

Some installers may not go for that so it's best to check with whomever is going to do the job that they are in aggreeance that you do a partial install of some items before they do the rest. It's a liability issue in the event of possible failure or worse, a fire. Their name goes on the bottom of that install receipt and I'm not sure if there's too many that would take the chance on your electrical prowess, especially if they are not familiar with you. There could be insurance ramifications associated with this also. Best to check ahead. Failing to do so may result in the installer ripping all of those items out and doing it his/her way from scratch meaning more $$$$ in the long run. You have good intentions in trying to save a buck but it's best to know all aspects before proceeding, IMO.

ninjajim4 · Post by **ninjajim4** » August 17th, 2005, 5:34 pm

also keep in mind that shops guys tend to charge just as much for half a job as they would for a full job. don't expect to save half by asking that they do half. plus, evaluate what you're saving vs. the load you're taking on your own shoulders.

for example, when i got my body kit fitted, i was thinking i'd save some dough and put the mesh on myself... but i ended up saying screw it --because i wouldn't get much of a price break, if any at all, and i had no freakin clue how to stick mesh on a bumper. if you're going to go to a professional at all, might as well do it up right, yea?

BornSticky · Post by **BornSticky** » August 17th, 2005, 8:36 pm

jeeze there gonna charge me like 3 times more then I paid for it......
hmmmmmm ill investigate some more ask around some more as well ive checked with like 15 places best i can find is 100 for basic alarm without lights just alarm speaker shock sensor and main component from future shop.....I guess its not that bad

Thanks for all your help so far especailly jschrauwen