GEN 2 Need stereo in truck

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2F150

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Looking to upgrade SCAB. Decided on 3 way up front and single maybe dual sub. No rear fill, 5.1 or any other bs.

Found the following using this forum;
Zen interface
Alpine processor
Audio component speakers
Dynamat
Foam
Spare parts from old truck


Decided to do install myself because shop wants $$$ and want to make sure I get what I want.

Starting with components in pillars then door then move onto electronics.

Made speaker rings for components

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Looks like QC missed the foam treatment on right pillar. Intentional?
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I want speakers on pillar to move sound up
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TheButcher

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So you are going to mount the mid and high in those rings up on the dash? How are you going to enclose the back of them?
 
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2F150

2F150

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So you are going to mount the mid and high in those rings up on the dash? How are you going to enclose the back of them?
Yes sir. Attached to the pillar. Instrument cluster hood makes it tough to set on dash. Enclosure made of fiberglass here are a couple more pictures. Thank you for your interest.

Recessed slightly into pillar but limited in depth by the metal bracket the handle bolts to.

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I created the general shape with Home Depot project foam. $5 resin tends to shrink the shapes wish I was a little oversized on the foam. Cuts easy with a hot blade.

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Walmart fabric, resin, dry, fiberglass and resin, dry, two layers.
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Lined interior with resin and glass mix and fill all voids.


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TheButcher

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Intresting. Are you going to run full active on the front stage, or use the crossovers that come with them? I'd think it would be a little more tricky to set your sound stage with one speaker essentially at ear level and within 3' of your left ear if you didn't run full active and with processing. Is the Alpine processor you are using adjustable via laptop interface, or can you do it from a touch screen of some sort? Nice work, by the way...
 
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2F150

2F150

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Active with alpine 0850 it has Bluetooth iPhone adjustment or pc. I like that and the price. I’ll try it out see how it sounds. Yes everybody had an opinion on where and how to mount in the pillar. This position works well for me. This is the third set I’ve made. I get a little better each time with the enclosure. Thanks for the sentiments, but I am far from expert.

Also the airbag system can have a conflict with these. I did my best to pick a spot between the passenger airbag and the safety canopy. It looks like the pillars break away in case of rollover or side impact. I’ll leave slack in the wiring.


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TheButcher

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Hmm, I hadn't even considered the airbag interference. Good thinking on your part! I'll be curious to see how you like that Alpine. I'm running a Mosconi 8 to 12 and it's great, but having to hook up a laptop to tweak things makes it something I have to take to my stereo guy to get done.
 
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2F150

2F150

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Hmm, I hadn't even considered the airbag interference. Good thinking on your part! I'll be curious to see how you like that Alpine. I'm running a Mosconi 8 to 12 and it's great, but having to hook up a laptop to tweak things makes it something I have to take to my stereo guy to get done.
One set of pods reached over the airbag lid by about 1 inch. I think pods will be destroyed if they get hit by the bag. The problem is they could become a projectile. Manufacturers warn about placing items on the dash. Some bags can be disabled. I think newer ones can’t be disabled and will throw a warning if unplugged. More things to consider.

I hear good things about the alpine. I have no experience with the mosconi. Why not learn how to tune yourself? it’s not hard once you understand the concept. Then you can tailor to your ear and make changes on your own.

Zen came in yesterday.

Pods are bondo’d sanded bondo sand more sanding. Air tools make quick work but still need to finish by hand. They are not identical but close enough you won’t see the differences from the seats.

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Now off to upholstery to cover up my mess.

Total time 5 days off and on with breaks for regular weekend errands, pod material, friends etc.





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goblues38

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You are killing me man. I did high end car stereos back in the day 1988 - 1995. Had a competition car and was an IASCA judge for a while. At 47 years old now, I long ago transferred my car stereo habit to home theater.

But threads like this make me want to throw $4-$5k at the truck and do a nice install.

Looking forward to your updates.
 
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2F150

2F150

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You are killing me man. I did high end car stereos back in the day 1988 - 1995. Had a competition car and was an IASCA judge for a while. At 47 years old now, I long ago transferred my car stereo habit to home theater.

But threads like this make me want to throw $4-$5k at the truck and do a nice install.

Looking forward to your updates.

Touché! I remember my first legitimate 2 channel system in college. Energy Veritas 2.1 monitors and audio refinement complete integrated, nakamichi cd/transport, RSC biwires (which I still have). Those little monitors simply disappeared. They made me a believer.

Since then I manage to bounce back and forth between home and car. I’ll always have a reference system.

Out here we have MECA. It’s been about 5 years since I competed.

4-5k will get you some really good gear if you plan to DIY. Go for it!

Thanks for your comment, I’ll keep the updates coming.

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