southern california X1/9

I have new tunes in my X1/9. I have decided to install a 350w Blaupunkt 2-channel amp. I am only using 1-channel to the subwoofer though, due to the power rating of the sub (60w). It is more than adequate. I sourced the sub-in-spare-tire combo on eBay with some help from Bob Brown in New Hampshire. It’s a perfect fit! The amp installation was a rather simple task, seated in the front compartment where the old windshield washer bottle used to be. I also have a set of tweeters, which I’m not sure whether or not I will install. This setup produces a fine sound as-is and sounds great even with the top off at freeways speeds. The XM radio console helps get me through the stretches of desert on the 15 freeway between Las Vegas and OC….and around town locally as well…to compliment this install, I have also Dynamat-ed the interior, door and trunk spaces.

[Show as slideshow]

Age and exposure to the elements have naturally taken it’s toll on my original leather seats. It’s time to replace them. After some searching through the yellow pages for upholstery shops in Las Vegas, I had turned up a home-shop operation that seemed ok. Unfortunately, I was dead wrong. I was quoted $300 to reupholster both seats and even though the guy showed me a book of sample material, in reality, everything came from one giant role of cheap vinyl material. I was horrified at the result of his first attempt. Not only was the job a terrible one, it was not even complete.

Just awful (the FIAT logo was not part of the job…just testing to see how it would look):

I did not bother having the other seat done – I just gave the guy $75 for this piece of crap then moved on. I decided to just spend the money and get the job done right. I took the piece of crap sample to West Charleston Auto Upholstery and the guy had a difficult time containing his reaction. The difference was night and day.