Cruise Control

[Ed Johnson]

I am considering getting a cruise control and installing it myself. Has anyone purchased an Area 451 cruise control and installed it themselves? I have read the installation instructions and it seems feasible that I could install it.
Just wanted some imput.
Thanks
Ed

[dichrodave]

If you do a search on this site you will find that a lot of people have installed one and enjoy it. I have and wouldn't change it for anything. Also get the LED light kit for it.

[John_H]

I LOVE the Area451 cruise. Installing is fun giving you a chance to know your car better. You might even want an indicator in your instrument cluster for your cruise control (offered by me).

Cruisin is superb.

[mvaldes]

If you can read and follow instructions, you won't have any trouble installing it yourself. Just be sure you have good light and that you take your time. John's LED is a wonderful addition and makes using the cruise even easier and more fun.

[RussBarnes]

FWIW: Just so you have another option you might look at the MDC unit that SmartMadness sells. It is a European design that has been installed in thousands of cars over there and like 451, hundreds already over here. It is a simplier "plug and play" installation and also works sweet. I have read dozens of posts on both and they seem to operate the same so there doesn't seem to be much to gain or loose there. The MDC however includes a booster, but I did't bother using that on mine. By all means, get the LED with either.

[jim123]

Both are great units. I have the one from Smartmadness and love the booster.....

[burtandnancy]

I just had smartmadness install mine, and its great, but the greater feature is the sprint booster. That really makes the whole package worthwhile...

[SmartMadness]

Originally Posted by RussBarnes

FWIW: Just so you have another option you might look at the MDC unit that SmartMadness sells. It is a European design that has been installed in thousands of cars over there and like 451, hundreds already over here. It is a simplier "plug and play" installation and also works sweet. I have read dozens of posts on both and they seem to operate the same so there doesn't seem to be much to gain or loose there. The MDC however includes a booster, but I did't bother using that on mine. By all means, get the LED with either.

Thank you for mentioning us Russ.

Both are good units. The MDC unit now comes with the LED and the Sprint Booster like module. If you are set on the 451 unit than please ignore this post and link. If you are comparing units, then here is the link for the MDC unit:

Cabrio:

smart car Cruise Control Module w/LED module - Cabrio model

Coupe:

smart car Cruise Control Module w/LED Module - Coupe

Thank you and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us directly at 562-961-6800.

[John_H]

The LED now comes standard with the MDC unit but continues to receive complaints on brightness. Those who have drilled, filed, or notched their instrument cluster plastic to get the LED inserted have gotten the LED to where they can see it but the brightness is not as much as other indicators.

I much prefer a "no permanent alteration" policy toward my car where possible such that I could restore the car to its original configuration if desired. While drilling a hole into the plastic behind an unused cruise control indicator might be a "no harm no foul" kind of action, I still cringe at the thought. But that's me.



And Boris (SmartMadness) - thanks for the way you worded that post. Respect.

[sheureka]

I installed the 451 myself, and I'm a 68-year old disabled grandmother who knows nothing about electronics. But I do know how to follow directions, and the ones for the cruise make it super simple. - sheureka