A 2011 F150 Platinum edition comes with more options than you might think, for a pickup truck. The one big feature missing… is a good sounding stereo. Even with the upgraded factory Sony package, the stereo doesn’t give the “Platinum” name any justice. We were honored to have the ability to bring the stereo of one such truck to a whole new level for a good customer of ours.
The first thing that we knew needed to be done was to install a better quality speaker package. We installed JL C5 component speakers in the front factory locations, and C5 coax speakers in the rear. This line of speakers from JL Audio is a force to be reckoned with. The speakers deliver a crisp clear sound even at much higher volume levels. We were looking for something that could handle real power and would deliver, and the C5’s exceeded expectations as usual. As you can see in the attached photos of the install, the tweeters and woofers fit in the original locations. Once the truck was all finished you would never have known the speakers had been touched just by looking at it.
One issue that needs to be addressed in any type of vehicle where we install a nice stereo is the vibrations in the doors. A small rattle can make that really nice speaker completely lose it’s appeal. To solve this, we installed Hushmat Ultra Damping Padding in all four doors. This helped immensely.
Since this was a Platinum Series F150, it came with the Ford Sync system and navigation. There was absolutely no reason to replace the radio in the dash. We knew we could achieve our goals without eliminating the factory Sync package and all other associated features. This was made possible by installing an Audio Control LCQ1 interface to the factory system. The LCQ1 is a powerful six-channel signal processor that provides a gateway between factory installed source units and after-market amplifiers. The LCQ-1 allows us to tune the audio systems and receive truly amazing sound quality. An ideal combination of discrete equalization controls combined with Audio Control’s unique OEM integration circuitry, the LCQ-1 maximizes the performance of factory installed audio systems. We then installed an Audio Control ACR2 knob to control the subwoofer (which we’ll get to) separately from the rest of the speakers. We mounted the knob directly to the right of the steering column, in a place that is easily accessible but not visually obstructive. We also needed to install a JL Audio CLSSI signal summing interface to the factory stereo in order to get the proper signals to each amp.
We and the customer decided to use JL‘s HD series amplifiers in this application. We installed an HD600/4 amp to run all the speakers and an HD750/1 amp to run the JL Stealthbox containing a 13TW5 subwoofer under the rear seat. This gave us plently of power for all components, and the Stealthbox is the perfect addition of bass for this truck. The seats still flip up and down as they should, but with the output of this Stealthbox you would think we installed a big box with two subwoofers that takes up the whole the back seat! The bass was perfectly blended into the stereo by tuning it with the amplifiers and the LCQ1, giving this truck an incredible sound throughout all audible frequencies.
Now that the stereo was up to par we focused on the rest of the truck, fulfilling some of the customers additional reuqests. We tinted the front two windows to match the factory tint on the rear, using GeoShield Dark Matter 20%. This tint is the best on the market as far as heat protection. See our tint section of this website for more info. We then installed a Bedrug and RollN’Lock tonneau cover, completely transforming the bed of this truck. The Bedrug is a padded, industrial carpet liner that is good for any use! If you get it dirty you can simply spray it clean with a hose. The RollN’Lock is one of the nicest tonneau covers on the market. Quoting RollN’Lock themselves; “From its retractable function, which permits opening or closing in literally seconds, to its rigid, vinyl-over-aluminum laminated construction, this hybrid cover offers everything other covers do not. There are no snaps to manipulate, there is no roll or bundle to lash down or stow, no cross bars to negotiate, no fabric shrinkage to struggle with and, best of all, no worries about the security of cargo.” We are a big fan of these covers. They are a work of art.
To top it off, we installed our flagship remote start system. It is the 2W9000SS built by Compustar. This system gives you an amazing ONE MILE of range! The customer can now start, lock or unlock his truck from places such as the movie theatre, a parking garage, or from the rear of the parking lot at most any business or location he may visit. Remote start systems are one of our specialties. Check out our remote start page for more information.
The customer was more than satisfied with this job. He is now able to enjoy his favorite music the way the artist wanted it to be heard! Every vehicle deserves a great sounding stereo but trucks, specifically, have come a long way in recent years. They are not only used just as “work trucks” now. Since you are spending many hours in it every week, why not upgrade the sound in that truck of yours?? Stop by or EMAIL US when you have time and let us put together the audio solution of your dreams!
