GrizZz

Aye, and as a prime example, where does a guy like me fit in? I mean, I haven't had a "pro/amateur/beginner" issue at all, so I don't really care for myself, but if you HAD to classify me (or someone like me), where would I fall?

I have never had installer training, nor worked in an audio related industry. I am not a liscenced mechanic, although I have one working for me. I have no official training in autos at all, however my natural aptitude for things electrical, and the past 13 years experience, I have gained vast knowledge from our mechanics and my brother. If I really wanted to, I could probably challenge the automotive aprrenticeships programs and get placed as a second or third year.

We (my brother & I) do run an automotive electrical business. It has nothing to do with car audio, other than I sell welding cable, fuses, Optimas, and a few other odds'n ends TO stereo shops and common "Joe's" (I'm a retailer and a wholesaler), that could be considered audio related equipment. Batteries, starters, alternators, and wiring are what we do. We fix steering column issues, power windows & doors, lighting & other electrical issues, wire up trailers, have wired up a couple track cars, etc. etc. I have installed many bigger alternators & upgraded cablings in cars (for stereos and winches and welders), but never any custom build alternators, just a bolt in/retrofit kinda thing. I know little about the inner workings of amplifiers or the many factors of subwoofers, I don't sell them, nor am I able to purchase them cheaper than the next guy, other than when my stereo supplier dudes are in a good mood or I've treated them nicely lately That said, I *CAN* install stereos, alarms, etc, and do a good job at it, I just don't do it every day so I'm not profficient at it, so we push most of those request away. 99% of the calls that I get asking for remote starters or stereo related or alarm related items get referred out to a couple different stereo shops that I deal with. The one percent left over is family, so they may be able to talk me into doing it for them, since they're family.

I'm an old phart (around the car stereo crowd, that is) at 37. I wanted big stereo as a teen/young adult, but never got into it, nor had the finances. Now I do. I have knowledge of 12v systems, more than the average Joe. So, after my divorce many years ago, I splurged on meself (a pick-me-up, ya know ) and bought a head unit. Over a few years, I got to four amps, six speakers & one sub. Then I was feeling rich again and bought my Orion gear, and finally had a system worth showing off a little.

Enter, my first dbDrag. Should I have been classified as beginner, amateur or pro? Tough call eh? I'm happy with "pro" status, I don't mind going up against the stereo shop installers, as I know a little more about some things than they do, and they know a LOT more about car audio gear/installs than I do.

But that's me, what if I was a guy that wanted to bitch about it, where should I be classified? And on the same note, what if I'm the sales kid in the automotive department at Wal-Mart? He sells car audio equipment, but there's NO knowledge there.

I guess it all boils down to the definition of "shop".

[ June 13, 2005, 07:35 PM: Message edited by: GrizZz ]

mmoottoorrmmoouutthh

Sounds to me like someone is pissed off cause they didn't win.
That's what I call poor sportsmanship.
Yesterday I helped hold together another competitors car to see if he could gain more dB.
He started out 1.6 dB's less than me and ended up almost bumping me out of first place.
I didn't freak about it ...it was fun.
Sorta strange to see competitors helping each other out???
If we all acted like a**h*les it wouldn't be any fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ June 13, 2005, 07:39 PM: Message edited by: mmoottoorrmmoouutthh ]

Dann0

Sounds to me like someone is pissed off cause they didn't win.
That's what I call poor sportsmanship.
Yesterday I helped hold together another competitors car to see if he could gain more dB.
He started out 1.6 dB's less than me and ended up almost bumping me out of first place.
I didn't freak about it ...it was fun.
Sorta strange to see competitors helping each other out???
If we all acted like a**h*les it wouldn't be any fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </font>[/QUOTE]What you fail to realize is, my post is not about winning or loosing, its about encouraging the new guys into the sport.

Stryker

im an amateur ive been in a few shows so what i do it for fun all my gear is old phoenix stuff i can hit 147.3 and i guarantee all of you im no pro i installed everything and did my own research.so it all works together the pro's know who they are and if any of u are sandbaggin in amateur classes u should be ashamed of yourselves cuz its just a hobby for me and u pro's go all out.phewwwwwww!!!!!