A repeat client from Baltimore had us do a custom-installed laser and radar detector in his Jeep Grand Cherokee several months ago. We have done business with this client for a long time, and started getting excited when he told us about his next vehicle. He wanted to add to his 2016 Chevy Corvette Z06 custom radar and laser protection. What made this news so exciting was twofold: First, we had always worked on practical vehicles for him, and second, it was an awesome car! Well, the day finally arrived that he took delivery of the Corvette, so he called us about scheduling the appointment.
Right from the beginning, we knew he wanted something special from an installation perspective, since this was going to be his baby. Since this client has been loyal to us for well over a decade, we wanted to take special care of him. We set a time for him to drop off the Z06 and it was off to the races.
Escort Custom System Fits The Bill
We have always done Escort custom-installed laser and radar detectors for this client, so we chose the 9500CI system with the optional rear laser shifters. As we looked over this particular vehicle, we paid attention to the differences in the front end as well as the optional front splitter and rear spoiler. If you have ever wanted a mean-looking Corvette, this one surely fits the bill.
Front Protection
It was evident early on that the front bumper would have to be removed to do a proper installation, so the first order of business was carefully disassembling the front end. Once we had it apart, we started laying out the best spots for the radar receiver, two front laser shifters and Curb Alert Pro. This last piece was a product we suggested the instant the vehicle pulled into our lot, because we knew the front splitter could become an issue when parking. The Curb Alert Pro works on a pretty simple idea, involving a small sensor housed in a black box that is precisely aimed toward the ground at an angle. One calibrated properly, it will alert the driver when you are at a predetermined distance from an object. In this Vette, we set the audible alert to go off when it was 1 foot away from an object. Now the client can park safely facing into a spot and not worry about damaging that beautiful front end.
Front Radar Receiver
We mounted the radar receiver securely to the front substructure of the vehicle, completely hidden from view when the front bumper is on, yet not affected in performance at all since the bumper is a composite material.
Front Laser Shifters
Once the radar receiver and Curb Alert Pro were mounted, it was time to turn our attention to the pair of laser shifters. They have a very important job, and their mounting location is critical. You see, when a laser gun is aimed at a vehicle, it is firing a beam of light that is only about 3 feet wide at 300 yards. It does not shoot a big path like a radar gun. Laser was developed for its pinpoint accuracy, allowing someone to pick a vehicle out of crowded traffic. How does this relate to the laser shifters? Great question.
A laser shifter has to clearly “see” the road ahead to pick up the laser signal being shot at it. The instant the shifter senses laser, it immediately fires back powerful beams of light, so the laser operator can’t get a reading on your vehicle. You now have precious seconds to slow down and avoid a fine. Our team spent significant time on figuring out the best locations for the shifters so they protect the vehicle well without detracting from the cosmetics of the vehicle. As you can see in the finished pictures, they are almost invisible to the naked eye.
Rear Laser Shifters
The last piece of the puzzle when it came to sensors was the rear laser shifters. Our team mounted them securely on each side of the rear license plate, making them barely noticeable. We took extra care to make sure they were aimed properly, again, for the best performance.
Discreet Interior Installation
At this point, it was time to turn our attention to the inside of the vehicle. The client gave us specific directives to make the custom-installed laser and radar detector look as discreet as possible, so the team at Westminster Speed and Sound came up with a great idea. The navigation display in the new Corvette has the capability to quickly motorize up or down to reveal a storage area behind the screen. The pocket is covered in a black, felt-like material known as flock. Inside the pocket was a USB port that stuck out from the back wall of the pocket and gave us a great idea.
Our technicians made a custom panel that we covered in black flocking to match the finish of the pocket. We designed it to flush the display and controller into it. As you can see from the finished pictures, it looks like Chevy offered the 9500ci as a factory-installed option.
One important note is that the on/off button for the system is on the top of the controller, so when you flush it into a panel, you lose access to that button. Our team modified the controller to allow for an external micro switch to be installed in a hidden but convenient spot, in case the system ever has turned off. Under normal conditions, the switch never has to be used, since the radar system will turn on and off with the ignition.
Superior Wiring Connections
Another important thing to note about the installations done by us is our connections and wiring methods. We solder and heat-shrink all connections for the ultimate in durability, and we neatly loom and securely all wiring for easy servicing in the future. Once the system is completely installed, our technicians go through and test all the functions, as well as make the initial settings for the client.
Client Loved His Install!
Finally, it was time to return the vehicle to its owner. We were anxious to see how he liked it, since this was a prized possession. Fortunately for us, he loved the install! As he walked around the vehicle, he loved how everything was integrated, and just kept nodding his head in approval. That is what we live for around here – exceeding the expectations of our clients.
Get Your Corvette Z06 Custom Radar And Laser System Today
When you are ready to get a custom-installed laser and radar detector for your vehicle, we invite you to contact us HERE at Westminster Speed and Sound in Westminster, Maryland. Let’s set up a time for a radar consultation where you will stop by our store with your vehicle. One of our team will look over your vehicle with you, listen as you explain your goals and then design the best solution for your needs. Let us show you why we are Maryland’s most-awarded mobile electronics retailer. We look forward to meeting you.
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