Q: Do you do paint and body work?

03 Z1000 Ghost Flames and MSA Logo airbrushed

A: That's one of our specialties.  We do collision, restoration, and custom work.  We have a semi-down draft 25' x 50' Paint booth that we've been using for 5 years now.  Our painter(s) are DuPont paint certified and our paint carries a Lifetime Warranty.

We even do some airbrushing, but it's simple or light work.  Nothing to extremely detailed or extravagant.  In fact, "MSA" on our sound board is air brushed along with some skulls on some of our customer, employee, and shop bikes.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: Do you do spray in bed liners?

A: Actually, we just started using Qwikliner.  Since we were so limited on space, this wasn't an option initially.  We've done some re-arranging and can now offer this as a service to our clients.

 Ultimate Linings logo

We decided on a company called Qwikliner.  The  parent company - Ultimate Linings - has a strong history of providing this product for industrial and manufacturing applications.  We have confidence in the product and its lifetime warranty.  Pricing is competitive.  We have sprayed a few samples, and this product is tough. We are definitely excited to be offering this to you.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | MSAStore.com

Q: Do you install sunroofs?

A: This is another one of those rare times that we say, "No, we do not install those."  Sunroofs can leak over a period of time, and there's not a training facility nearby.  There's a quite a bit of logistics that goes into it, and without proper training, I feel that we would do a dis-service to our clients if we announced we did install sunroofs.  So as of right now, we do not install them.  That might change when we get an opportunity to get properly trained.

UPDATE: We will be sending members of our team to the sunroof manufacturing facilities at the beginning of April.  At that point, they will receive the proper training and certifications for MSA to confidently state that, Yes, we do install sunroofs.  Stay tuned...

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: Can we install TVs in SUVs? What size?

A: Why, of course!  We do this for dealerships all the time.  We've installed headrest monitors and/or dvd players, drop down monitors and/or dvd players, and headunits with built in DVD players.  We can also integrate any video screen, just about anywhere, as long as a video feed is being provided somewhere in the vehicle.

Headrest Screens

Headrest Screens can be really nice.  In fact, for me personally, it's the only option...I'll explain.

1.  Who are these generally for?  Kids.  Where are the kids generally sitting?  Closest to the door, on the right and/or left of the vehicle's interior.  Headrest screens allow children to focus forward and not put their face, head, or neck in an awkward position for a long time to watch their favorite show.

2.  It comes with 2 screens/players.  The one of the left could decide s/he wants to watch what's on the right screen.  Or vice versa.  No problem.  Perhaps they each want to watch their own movie?  Easy as a push of a button.

As long you are the first owner of the vehicle and the headrest screens/players are purchased within a 30 day period, these headrests will carry a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty.  Any time after that would carry a 1 year warranty unless you purchase one of our protection plans.  The only bad part?  They do not come in cloth.  We can however, cut your existing cloth headrests and insert screens/players, which we have done in the past.  I'm not a huge fan of that option because the wires can't be hidden 100% of the time.  BUT...it can be done.

Most include two IR (infrared) headphones to keep the vehicle from conflicting sounds from the movies.

Downside?  There isn't an FM Modulator.  What that does is allow the movies to play through the factory speakers using an FM channel.  Reason being is that there are two DVD players, and both can't play at the same time.

Drop Down Screens/DVD Players

The same warranty applies to Drop Down Screens/DVD Players.  As long you are the first owner of the vehicle and the headrest screens/players are purchased within a 30 day period, these headrests will carry a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty.  Any time after that would carry a 1 year dwarranty unless you purchase one of our protection plans.

Available in a tan or gray, these drop down screen are a great way to add a mobile entertainment unit to your vehicle without a big budget.  There's about a $500 savings in doing a drop downs versus headrests. 

Upside?  These have an FM Modulator.  Some like to hear the movie that's playing.  If you don't, no problem.  These come with 2 headphones as well. 

Head units

Factory head units do not allow playing while driving.  Although there are ways around it, the screen is too small for any rear passengers to comfortably watch any movies.  Not all factory units have a DVD player up front, so check with your dealer if this is a feature you're wanting.  What's nice here is that when put in place WITH headrest players or a drop down player, the DVD can then be inserted in the front unit and watched in the back, rather than the DVDs having to be inserted into the device itself.  The DVD's sound will play through the car's entertainment system. 

Another upside to this is how I have it setup in my truck.  I have a head unit up front that is iPod/iPhone video capable and two headrest screens.  This allows me to convert movies (I currently have about 50 uploaded) so that when my children want to watch a movie, all I have to do is scroll to it and select.  No swapping out DVDs or fumbling through a DVD book to get it, especially while driving.  It's quick and easy. 

Good luck with your decision.  Just as anything, there are positives and negatives to every device.  But to get all the bells and whistles, it'll require some cash flow.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: Do you recover seats? Auto/motorcycle?

A: Absolutely.  We've reupholstered several seats with leather, vinyl, suede, or whatever material you might want it changed to.  No fabric too difficult.

Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: Do you do transmission work?

A: Depends on what part of the transmission is being referring to.  If it's the clutch, torque convertor, or flywheel, absolutely!  We don't only do OEM replacement components, but also aftermarket, high performance ones.

Now if it's referring to actually rebuilding the transmission (manual or automatic), it's one of the few things we do not do.  However, we highly recommend Standard Transmission (also known as Trans Tech, if you're local).  They've always been up front and honest with us on every build - on personal vehicles or customer's.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: Do you do lift kits?

2011 Jeep Wrangler - 4" Rough Country Lift w/Shocks

A: Yes!  We install a variety of brands and sizes.  We've done 4" lifts on Jeeps.  We've done 6, 7, 8" lifts on trucks.  We are currently set up as dealers for McGaughy's, ProComp, SuperLift, SkyJacker, Rough Country, and Fabtech.  Our two main lines are McGaughy's and ProComp.  Reason being is that McGaughy's suspensions are set up so that the front differential, do not have to be cut.  That allows the person to go back to stock without any real hiccups.  ProComp offers their Shield Warranty, which in my opinion, is one of the best warranties an aftermarket company has offered.  More info on that can be found by clicking this link HERE.

We also do a huge variety of levelling kits from not just these companies, but also, Daystar and ReadyLift.  We also offer in house brands at a more economical price.  Leveling systems are very popular for us since we can beat most any price out there.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: Can you install gaming consoles in vehicles?

A: For sure!  This is actually the type of work we specialize in.  MSA's goal is to improve the client's mobile lifestyle, whether it's a truck bed cover, nerf bars, audio, paint, or even...a gaming console.  We want to make your vehicle more enjoyable and easier to use.  Because of the sound system I have set up in my truck, I personally would prefer to watch movies in it.  Better sounds quality, closer environment, and it's cheaper to set up a proper theater system in my vehicle than in my home.  :D

No matter what the vehicle is, we're up for the challenge.  However, as with anything, doing something correctly and to MSA Standards, requires time.  Our goal is that every install appears to have come off the assembly line that way.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: Do you install body kits?

2009 Nissan 370z with VIS Racing Body kit

A: Absolutely!  In fact, that's one of the things we started off doing and have continued doing because (1) most shops don't know how to work with it and (2) it's not an easy task.

Now just to do some educating on putting on body kits.  They vary significantly in pricing.  There is only 1 kit in my life that has ever fit perfectly.  That was the body kit on our Celica made by Trial Japan which came with nuts molded into the fiberglass.  It also cost me $2300 for 4 pieces.  Other than that, every name brand or eBay kit we've ever received has required some cutting, filling, repair, and/or additional fiberglass.  That requires a lot of time and modifications to not only have it fit the car and mount up, but to allow the kit to line up properly with the car.  This rule applies no matter what the company, so quoting fitment time (even before it begins preparations for paint) is impossible.  We've even spent 20 hours on fitting a Veilside kit in the past.  Every body kit company will tell you...yes, it'll require some modifications to fit.

Also, fiberglass components are rarely perfect.  There are blobs of fiberglass or materials in vent or cutout areas that require bodywork to look right.  Heat from the transportation (to the company and then to here) can sometimes cause kits to warp.  All these factors play a role in time and money to put it on your vehicle. 

Is there difference between company and eBay body kits

I do not recommend eBay body kits unless it's from a reputable company trying to weed down stock.  Reason being is body kits are made of fiberglass.  The more layers added, the more expensive the price.  A cheaper eBay body kit may have less materials, resulting in a flimsier product that has a higher change of cracking or damaging during a bump or scrape...or maybe even ripping off.

Also, a cheaper product may be made from a mold that has been used over and over.  As molds are used, they deteriorate slightly.  So the initial molds off a product are used by companies, then sold to other companies who make a cheaper product.  Thus fitment is likely to be worse. 

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: One of my HID Lights went out. How do I know if it's the bulb or the ballast?

Our competition's kit (left) vs Our kit (right)

A: Easy!  Remember which side is out.  Then swap the ballasts for the system.  If the light that's out moves, then it's the ballast.  If it stays, it's the bulb.  For example:

Driver's HID light is out.  Disconnect both ballasts and swap sides.  If the driver's light is still out, it's the bulb.  If the passenger light is now out, it's the ballast!

Good luck!  We offer a lifetime warranty on BOTH our ballasts and our bulbs!  If you are needing a replacement, just call and check our stock.  We'll replace it no problems...  Also keep in mind that not ALL HID companies are the same.  Take a look at the difference between our competitor's kit (left) and our kit (right). 

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Q: How long have you been here?

We do it all.

A:  We've been at our current location since 2005.  In fact, MSA purchased the lot in early 2004 and began the building process.  February 12, 2005, MSA officially opened its doors to the public.  We even had a very eventful open house to let everyone check out the new facilities.  As we grew, we've made a few modifications here and there, but nothing major.  We hope that in the very near future we will be able to begin building an addition.  We have seriously outgrown the space we are currently in.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc.

Q: Whatever happened to the genny? - Joel

A: To preface this for those who are unaware, MSA acquired a 2010 3.8L Hyundai Genesis Coupe that we presented at the SEMA Show 2009.  We did a lot of modifications and resulted in creating our own line of products for the vehicle, including the very first turbo kit.  So...what's happened with the turbo project?

2010 Genesis Coupe - highly modified, custom MSA Turbo

We are not a large shop, and each of us stay busy in our dedicated roles.  As with the other shops that have attempted to do a turbo kit on this particular model, they've run into a lot of issues.  Mainly...the ECU.  The ECU in itself didn't have a crack out there available such as UniChip, Hondata, ECU Flash, etc...  So we were left on our own..  We contacted UniChip, Dynojet, ECU Flash, Cobb, and everyone else we could to get someone to develop something with these ECU's.  I can make a turbo kit...the key is in the computer.  We were shot down by everyone that we talked to (including at SEMA 2010 and 2011).  We were told no company had an interest in doing it because of the R&D Costs.  Cobb told me it'd be an estimated $300,000 if I wanted to fund it myself.  Ouch.  Our sole goal for the project was to provide a kit that was easy enough for the garage wrencher and still at a decent price...$4,000ish.  If we invested in the ECU like these companies (including those that support the forums), we wouldn't have met the goals.

In addition to the ECU, we've had a few things come up here and there.  We had to figure out a way to better feed oil to the turbo.  We then came up with our sandwich plate (which somehow has been removed from our website). (I'll provide a link here when it's back up.)  We had to provide a more efficient way of pulling the oil from the turbo.  We've dealt with MAF and MAP errors.  A few minor things here and there on the trial and error side as well.

I can't tell you how many times we've been close to a successful run.  But after a few days, another bug comes up.  I am NOT going to sell a product that can't take a beating just because if I bought it as a consumer, that's what I would do.  AND I want the confidence I would still retain a reliable daily.

With myself having the responsibility of getting the website together (it's been incomplete for longer than the Genesis), the day to day operations of the shop, and the book keeping...I just haven't been able to set aside the time to dedicate myself to the project.  Although it's been fun and it's been a great challenge, I believe it's time for me to focus on the future and development of MSA.  We hope to grow so that in the future, we can provided a dedicated staff to R&D.  Thanks for your inquiry!

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc.

Q: Do you do Military discounts?

A: Unfortunately no.  Although we greatly appreciate and support the courageous men and women who defend our country, we don't have a large mark up in our products.  The internet has been great, allowing companies to reach across borders, but it's also created a price war that keeps us little shops fighting to keep even our local clients.  We hope you can understand.  As we grow and develop better relationships with our vendors and manufacturers, I hope MSA would be at a better price point where we have some wiggle room to offer a discount. 

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc.

Q: Do you tint windows? And do they carry a lifetime warrantiy?

A: Absolutely!  But be careful.  Not all lifetime warranties are the same and not all films are of the same quality.  There are several different ways to manufacture films.  Thicker films tend to scratch easier because they press against the rubber seal on the door panels.  Scratches on films are NOT covered.  Also, every film company (although same % and warranty) have different UV protection and heat rejection percentages.  The purpose of tint (for most people) is to block both of these, so you want the film that performs the best without breaking the bank. 

Lifetime tint warranties do not transfer to the new owners.  SO, the tint companies are betting that their film will last the owner until they resell the car.  Cheaper companies place their bets on shorter life spans.  Also, warranties only cover the product's performance.  The sun discolors everything, that's inevitable.  However, a better film company will only slightly fade.  Cheaper film companies tend to turn purple...which again isn't covered by the warranties.  We haven't found a film brand that warranties against discoloration.

Just as most things in life, you get what you pay for.  We have a lot of calls that ask our tint prices and are completely unaware of the differences until we educate them. 

Another thing to be careful of is metalized films.  They block UV and heat the best because of its reflective properties.  HOWEVER, metalized films are known to interfere with navigation and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems).  If you have either, remember to ask for non-metalized films.

There is also a lot of confusion on what is and isn't legal.  The IWFA (International Window Film Association) has created an easy cheat sheet to look up what's legal in your state.  That can be found HERE.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc.

Q: Is it hard to change a cam position sensor on a 5.6V8 Titan? - Mike

A: No.  Cam Sensors are typically very easy to install.  On a Titan, I'd probably guess a 10mm bolt to take it out.  Most are easily accessible - on the side of the motor...of course, where the cams are.  I haven't changed them on the Titan's specifically.  Take the engine cover off and locate the cams.  You should find them from there.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | MSAStore.com

Q: What kind of things do you see allowed to leave the shops from your competitors that you refuse allow at MSA? - Jermey

A: Well...that can be a loaded question.  To be honest, we haven't gotten a lot of "redo" vehicles other than perhaps wiring nightmares.  We have replaced several studs and lug nuts from over tightening, which is all too common.  A lot of wheels/tire shops get in a hurry and throw wheels on without torquing them down to proper specs.  We pay attention to detail - (1) our lug nut sockets are surrounded by teflon plastic and (2) our tire mounting machine so that the only parts that touch a wheel/tire is made of plastic or rubber.  This eliminates the possibility of scratching or marring.  

Our goal is that each part is installed in a fashion where it "appears" to come from the factory that way.  Most of our wiring will have black wire loom that leaves only a minimal amount of wire exposed.  Welds on exhaust systems or any fabrications are usually grounded and/or coated to prevent rust.  Vertical door installs must shut smoothly like it did when it came in.  These are all things where we try to pay special attention to details, whereas our competitors may not.  

I admit that in the beginning, the work done directly reflected what the customers were willing to pay.  There were a few instances where word went around that we did poor work.  Since then, we refuse to do poor/cheaper work...we do it right or we don't do it at all.  

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc.

Q: To Bryan- How long did it take you to get your company really started up?

A: Well, that depends on your idea of "really started up".  The company was established in 2003 and got a brick and mortar location in 2005.  Although I understood business, it's been a huge learning curve for me being in the automotive business.  It's not like a franchise.  I had to find my own way of doing things, figuring out which marketing technique best reaches our target audience (and spending a lot of money doing so), and creating an efficient system that works for MSA.  Myles Kovac, CEO of DUB Publishing, told me it took 10 to get DUB to where it is today.  

Would I say MSA has really started up as of today?  No.  My dreams of this Company are huge.  I am no where near where I set my sights to be today and there are different avenues I am still pursuing to get this Company rolling at a comfortable pace.  When the economy bombed in 2008, I had to cut costs and added more to my plate - book keeping, web management, etc... - and cut my salary completely (what little it was at the time).  It was more important to me to see that the guys that worked for me got what they needed to keep food on their tables.  That stands the same today.

For those thinking of starting their own custom shop, my advice is to look around.  Look at the tire shops, mechanic shops, etc...  Custom shops aren't needed by the general public as much as they are, and you're fighting for a small market share anyway.  Any one there appear to be where you want to be in the next 5, 10, 20 years?  We have our celebrities - Chip Foose, Boyd Coddington...yea sure - but what's their ratio to the US?  Would you be willing to work 80+ work days for free for the next 4 years?  It's not easy, but then again, what business is. 

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | MSAStore.com