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I'm very interested in the Area451 cruise control since I do a fair amount of highway driving in my Smart. But I'm not a gear-head and wouldn't even think about installing it myself. Does anyone know of a reputable mechanic in So. Jersey/Philly who could reliably take this project on?
You're better off having an alarm or stereo installer put the CC in, rather than a mechanic. The skill set required, particularly removing and replacing the pins in the ECU module, is more along the lines of what alarm and stereo specialists do. Just my $0.02.
Having said that, it's really not difficult as a DIY project, and Area451part's instructions are very clear and accurate. You can do it in a couple hours and have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.
I love it when folks who are mechanically competent tell someone who is not that its easy. My wife told me I could do plumbing for 10 years. I would try, visit home depot four or five times, cuss at the pipes for a while and then call the plumber. We now save 5 hours and just call the plumber.
I would not recommend to someone who is uncomfortable in doing the install to do it. Hopefully you'll get some good referrals Best of luck and enjoy your cruise.
I love it when folks who are mechanically competent tell someone who is not that its easy. My wife told me I could do plumbing for 10 years. I would try, visit home depot four or five times, cuss at the pipes for a while and then call the plumber. We now save 5 hours and just call the plumber.
I would not recommend to someone who is uncomfortable in doing the install to do it. Hopefully you'll get some good referrals Best of luck and enjoy your cruise.
Well, I didn't say it was easy; I said it wasn't difficult. And I was making the point that one shouldn't underestimate his or herself's ability. But hey, she's clearly uncomfortable with doing it, and I respect that, which is why I suggested a stereo or alarm installer first. No harm done.
Last edited by Smart Enuf; 09-14-2008 at 01:50 PM..
Reason: grammar
I'm very interested in the Area451 cruise control since I do a fair amount of highway driving in my Smart. But I'm not a gear-head and wouldn't even think about installing it myself. Does anyone know of a reputable mechanic in So. Jersey/Philly who could reliably take this project on?
I'm certainly not a gearhead - in fact I'm a 70-year-old crippled grandmother. With a little help from a neighbor (for the one brute strength step) I got mine installed in less than two hours. Take a look at the instructions - and then find a neighbor/friend/relative who could give you moral and/or physical help. It's a tremendously satisfying feeling to do it yourself. - sheureka
I installed it myself. I am NOT a gear head. I am a small woman. I had my husband drill the hole for the wire and the rest I did myself. The directions were GREAT. Remember to open your rear hatch before you disconnect the battery. I actually think I had an advantage because I just sat in the back of the car and switched out the wires. I weigh less than 220 and I fit. I was comfortable and relaxed during the process. Go slow and read every direction and you can do it.
I'm considering the Area 451, and comfortable with the install, especially with the recent list of tips from others. Instructions are pretty clear, and nothing beats the posts of others actual personal experience!
I thought it was kind of a frill until I drove to DC recently, kept reaching for the buttons as if I was in my other car! It will be on order and installed before my next road trip!
I installed most of the 451 system. Unfortunately, the control button was defective so I have to wait for a replacement. It's really not particularly difficult to do, the directions are very good, but it does require patience to get the pins out and the wires in the right place. If it's not something you're comfortable doing, I wouldn't recommend it as your first Smart modification. Steve, at SmartieParts, tells me even he's mixed up wires or had pins them touch together at the wrong time.
My other part won't be here for a few days so I probably won't have it working before next week. If you do decide to install it, I'll be happy to try and answer questions for you.
Last edited by mvaldes; 09-15-2008 at 05:42 PM..
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