Ocala Customs

If you want to be a satisfied customer when you finish having Ocala Customs install a high-​end navigation system for you as I did, do your homework before you show up. I went into an install with OC thinking I was going to pay about $ 1,700 for a complete installation of the top-​of-​the-​line Kenwood receiver and backup camera. At the last minute one of their salesmen did a switch on me to a lesser-​featured receiver by telling me the more-​expensive unit had been discontinued… and oh, by the way the total cost of the installation was not going to change.
When all was said and done the total cost was over $ 2,000 and I had to supply some of my own cables… even one that connected directly to the back of the unit. As it turned out, that cable was actually the wrong one because it precluded some of the features of the unit. I found that out when reading the installation and operators manual a week after installation.
I also discovered a week after installation that my receiver would not do what is called true mirroring that is described in Kenwood advertising. Ocala Customs never explained that limitation to me before the installation despite several conversations that we had about the feature. Either the folks at OC do not know the features and functions of the high-​end gear they sell or they just go along with what you think you already know before you come in. Read as many customers and professional review about the products you are having installed as you can find on the Internet and not just the product vendor’s advertising. I found the best reviews at TopTen (
), but you may find them on Amazon or at Crutchfield.
Finally, do a thorough job of learning the cabling that will be required to achieve full functionality after installation and insist on the installation of those cables with end points that allow you to take advantage of those functions. I had to make a second trip to OC to get the cables installed that I needed… and they finally did a professional job with that cable installation. The first round left cables dangling that were an eye sore.
And finally, be prepared to do your own vehicle cleanup after the installation is done. My vehicle had been professionally detailed a week before I went to OC for my navigation system installation. I should have waited until the week after for the detailing because I had smudge marks all over the inside and outside of my front windshield and on the dash when the car was brought around after installation. It was a hot day when my system was installed, but I expected the installer to clean up after his work which did not happen.
I am happy with the final results achieved with Ocala Customs, but I feel like I had to fight my way to the finish line. The owner is a decent guy, and will ensure things get done right… but you may go thru a few rounds before you get to that point.