Outstanding Audio Upgrade for Westminster 2024 Ford F-450

A long-time client recently visited Westminster Speed and Sound to seek advice on upgrading the sound system in his 2024 Ford F-450. We’ve built impressive audio systems for this client before, so coming up with a solution for his new truck was easy, given that we know what he likes. After a look at the vehicle and some quick measurements, we put together a plan to deliver a truly studio-quality mobile entertainment system that would be nearly invisible. The client loved the proposal and gave us the go-ahead to schedule a date for the installation.

Ford F-450 Speaker Upgrade

The first order of business was to remove the front and rear door trim panels so we could apply layers of Hushmat sound deadening and Silencer Megabond closed-cell foam. We treated both the outer and inner door skins, then set to work creating a removable block-off panel for the large opening in the door. Sealing this opening will dramatically improve the performance of the midbass speakers we’d install next.

The passenger side fron door before any sound deadening treatment.

A custom block-off plate made from expanded PVC improves speaker performance.

A door trim panel treated with Hushmat deadening and Silencer Megabond closed-cell foam.

The drivers door treated with Hushmat sound deadening material.

While working on the sound deadening, we printed a set of speaker mounting adapters for the eight-inch Helix i7-Series woofers to fit into the factory speaker location. All the fastener locations were used so that no holes needed to be drilled in the doors. We repeated the process in the rear doors with a set of 6.5-inch Helix coaxial speakers.

A key part of the quality of the system is the midrange speakers we used in the dash. The client chose a set of Brax GL2 two-inch midrange speakers, knowing that they offer smooth sound and amazing detail.

The final step in upgrading the speakers was to install a set of Helix i7 tweeters in the sail panels’ stock locations.

The Helix tweeters mounted in the stock tweeters mounting brackets.

One of the Helix i7 tweeters mounted in the stock A-pillar locations.

The brax midrange drivers are mounted on acrylic adapter plates.

Up close and personal with the 8-inch Helix door woofer.

A 6.5-inch Helix coaxial speaker in the rear doors.

Subwoofer Enclosure and Amp Rack

The next step in bringing this system to life was to create a custom subwoofer enclosure and amp rack. Our team measured the space under the rear seat, then fabricated an enclosure to house a 12-inch subwoofer and the system amplifiers. Thanks to the small enclosure airspace requirements of the wavtech thinPRO12 subwoofer, we created a storage area on the passenger side.

We treated the enclosure to a unique finish by wrapping the body in black vinyl and finishing it with a carpet top. The same orange piping found on the seats was used to separate the two finishes. We added a trim piece around the amp and inset an accent panel with the Ford Platinum logo for a touch of style.

The system is powered by a pair of Helix UP-Series amplifiers. An UP 8DSP eight-channel amp powers the front and rear speakers. A cosmetically matching UP 1FX provides up to 900 watts of power to the low-profile subwoofer.

The amps audio signal comes from an mObridge interface that communicates with the factory source unit. This interface provides a clean, processing-free signal that we could use to configure and calibrate the audio system.

We mounted the fuse under the hood on custom acrylic plate.

Our team constructing the subwoofer enclosure and amp rack.

Body filler is used to ensure a perfect finish for the vinyl covering.

The orange piping on the enclosure match the coloring on the seats.

A close-up of the Match amplifiers.

We added accent colored trim pieces for a little extra style.

The custom subwoofer enclosure at home in all it’s glory.

Vehicle Upgrades for Safety and Style

While we had this brawny F-450 in our care, we were tasked with a few additional upgrades. First, we installed a Thinkware U3000 dash camera system. This solution includes front and rear cameras to cover what’s happening around the vehicle while in operation. Next, we wired a hitch-mounted light to the Upfitter Switches in the overhead console.

Finally, we thoroughly washed the truck’s paint and decontaminated it with polish before applying a seven-year ceramic coating treatment. Not only does the truck look amazing, but the coating’s water-shedding hydrophobic properties will make it easy to keep it looking clean.

Maryland’s Truck Upgrade Experts

The upgrades to this amazing Ford F-450 took several days to complete, and the results are astounding. During the delivery process, we explained how to connect his smartphone to the dash camera and how to care for the protected paint. The client was thrilled with the clarity of the new audio system and loved how it was completely integrated into the vehicle.

If you are interested in upgrading your truck with ceramic coating, a dash camera or a stellar audio system, then we invite you to visit our award-winning team at Westminster Speed and Sound. If you can’t get to our store during regular business hours, give us a call or use our contact form to send us an email.

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