sound system and horn upgrades

[michaelsharon]

What sound system modifications have people done to their Smart 450s?

I am interested in purchasing and installing a better radio with better/more static free AM reception (is that a function of the antenna?) with a multi CD player and iPod hookup and additional speakers (2 more would be nice, in the back part of the car). I welcome any suggestions.

I am also interested in beefing up the horn's sound. I would appreciate any suggestions on where I can get a horn upgrade and where I can hear what the horn would sound like before doing the change.

In advance, thanks for your replies.

[sato7]

use the SEARCH on the forums home screen. It does wonders and avoids someone asking the same question 10 times a day...

[jwight]

While there are many threads on this for the 451s, not sure if all the audio advice applies to the 450s. The horn info probably does.

Tutorial: Replacing the factory horn ideas on different horns available

Guidance on 450 horn upgrade: http://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?id=284

[micromachine]

Double sound horn: shop.flyingtiger.ca

[briansmart]

I have the horn that micromachine mentioned. Along with the guide at Evilution, it was a fairly easy install. Just make sure that you block the rear wheels, jack up the car (from each side's rear jacking point) and put jack stands under the front jacking point. Makes it easier to access the horn.

Also, I'm certain that any of the horns at SmartMadness will fit. Just type in the word 'horn' in the search box at the top right. I bet that air horn is L O U D!

[briansmart]

For aftermarket receivers in a 450, make sure you buy a fascia plate like this: Smart Fortwo Radio Fascia Adapter

I also believe that you might need a wiring harness.

[Candyman]

Has anyone paid to have someone install a new horn? Wondering what a fair price would be if I provide parts? How long does this take and how complicated?

[briansmart]

Candyman, its a bit of a bugger to access the horn and its mounting point on a 450.

That said, it took me about an hour to do the job properly, carefully and correctly. So in regards to what you should charge, I would say somewhere between whatever an hour of your time is worth and what you and a customer agree an hour of your time is worth.