How much to trust advice from 4smart.com?

[jeffandpamsmith]

The guy is obviously a salesman, but he also seems to know what he talks about. Here are a few things he has told me that I wonder about:

He says he built all the Smarts in the "photo gallery" (beautiful cars if you haven't seen them, you should look...and drool). One car won the People's Choice Award Winner at the 2008 Pioneer Sound Off!

I'm planning on upgrading my sound system to the JL sub box, Alpine PDX 4.100 amp, and most likely the Focal Access series 165 A1 component speakers. still thinking about a head unit (no gps).

I have to save $$ somewhere, and was surprised when I asked him about Dynamat (etc). He said that although he sells it, its a waste of money, and that none of the custom builds in the gallery have it installed (even this one 4smartCar.com, Everything for your smart car! Gallery).

I know this sounds blasphemous to many here, but I can't see him putting all that money into these fabulous (and expensive) custom models and just skimping on this one detail if it weren't true. He uses none on the floor/engine box for noise reduction, nor in the doors for audio reinforcement or improvement.

I have a Doug Thorley Header exhaust (which I love and highly recommend) that makes the car sound just the right amount of "classic sports car", but the interior exhaust noise is higher (but still way cool). I ever asked him if I could reduce the noise with engine compartment/floor treatment, but he said it wouldn't help. It only is a factor with the windows up, BTW.

I don't want to throw money away, but would like to cut the exhaust noise a bit with the windows up. The new stereo would obviously blow away the noise, but I wondered if anyone had replaced their exhaust and then tried sound deadening?

I could always invest in this at a later date, but its the labor time, not the materials cost that I dread (although the better materials are not cheap to do it right).

[ciscocali]

The thread below should help you answer your question.

Another 4smartcar.com Problem

[fpage77]

Originally Posted by ciscocali

The thread below should help you answer your question.

Another 4smartcar.com Problem

After reading that I will "never" give them any business.

[NCC1701]

My transaction with them was problem free and I would do business with tthem again.

[geosynch]

JL sub box, Alpine PDX 4.100 amp, and most likely the Focal Access series 165 A1 component speakers

I know this wasn't your question, but this is what I have (except I use the Alpine 4.150) and I love it. It has great sound and you won't regret it.

Regarding dynamat, there was one poster who removed his entire interior and put in dynamat (or something similar) and he said it helped moderately but not as much as another car he had done. I can see that. After reading that thread (sorry can't remember and too lazy to search) I decided going the dynamat route might help if I went all out, but in general if I needed a quiet car I should have bought a Lexus.

I solved my too loud road/car noise with the Alpine 4.150. I just drown it out with the music!

I've read all the 4smart bashing. I'm sure some have had problems with them, but my experience has been OK. If they have something you want and the price is right, don't hesitate.

geosynch

[vpkb1998]

My transaction with 4smartcar was smooth, and shipping was prompt.

[roadking40]

My Smart has full sound deadning, doors, floor boards, rear sides. Noise reduction is minimal. I too have the Thorley exhaust. The biggest difference is in the doors - the speakers do sound better and the doors have a more solid feeling.

Lots of choices on the audio side of things, but then again I am pretty biased.

I have purchased items and sold items to 4Smart with no issues.

Good luck with your system and your Smart.

[John_H]

Reduction is minimal? Or noise is minimal?

[roadking40]

The in-car noise floor is lowered some... but not to the level you might expect with extensive use of the mat.

[SmartMadness]

We sell, install and use FatMat and find it a benefit. Here is what we do:

We remove the rear panels so the plastic fender liners are exposed. We clean them and cover the top of the Black plastic fender liners along with some of the rear pieces that get covered up with panels. In addition, we place the fatmat under the carpet inside the boot and on the engine cover. We also place the stuff inside the rear door/boot. We remove the panel, line it with FatMat and then put in back on. Doing the door skins also help. For those that want more we cover the inside of the panels (fenders, door skins and the rear bumper panel). While it will not be a Lexus, it does help.

If you ever have questions don't hesitate to give us a buzz.