A local business owner and long-time client from Chilliwack recently visited Certified Auto Sound and Security to inquire about a 2017 Ford F-350 audio system upgrade. The client has had a few systems installed by us in the past, so we had a good feel for his listening style. He loves his rock ’n’ roll good and loud, so he needed a system that he could crank to 11 all day long. We discussed a few options for the design of the system, then he dropped a bomb on us: He really wanted an iPad in the dash. We’d never seen an iPad in the dash of a late-model Ford, but we told him that we’d be happy to give it a try!
iPad Dash Installation
After looking at the space in the dash for a while, we decided that the best solution would be to mount the iPad below the factory screen where the climate controls normally reside. We took the dash apart and set to work extending the control harness for the climate controls. Once we had the harness back together, we tested the system to make sure everything operated reliably. With the functionality confirmed, we created a trim panel for the climate controls and installed it at the front of the center console storage bin. We included an angle on the panel to make it easy to use from either seat.
The next step was to mold a Soundman iPad mini dash kit into the radio trim panel. After bonding the kit in place, we finished the edges to match the profile of the factory radio trim. We wrapped up the installation with a textured paint that matched the rest of the interior.
Door Speaker Upgrades and Sound Deadening
To handle the volume levels the client likes, we chose a set of JL Audio C5-650 6.5-inch components for the front doors of the Ford truck. A set of C3-570 speakers was configured as coaxials and installed in the rear doors.
While we had the doors apart, we installed several rolls of SoundSkins Pro deadening. We also applied deadening to the roof and back wall of the truck. In total, there are eight tubes of SoundSkins Pro in the truck, which works out to nearly 90 square feet.
Amp Rack and Subwoofer Enclosure
The front speakers are powered by a JL Audio HD600/4, and an HD1200/1 powers the subwoofers. Our team created an amp rack that fit nicely under the rear seats of the trunk. We wrapped the body of the amp rack in vinyl, then added four suede-wrapped accent pieces for a little extra style. Finally, red LEDs were installed to illuminate the amps and trim pieces.
We chose a pair of JL Audio 13TW5 subwoofers to provide the amount of bass the client enjoys. Our team created an enclosure against the back wall of the truck for the subs and continued the illuminated red accent theme with an insert on the top section of the enclosure.
Ford F-350 Audio System Delivery
After the Ford F-350 audio system was together, our team set the crossovers and sensitivity controls on the amplifiers to ensure the system would play good and loud without any distortion. After a week of work, it was finally time to turn this truck back over to the client. As soon as he got to the shop, he hopped in for a listen. Within seconds, the volume was cranked and he had a smile on his face.
The client contacted us a few weeks later to thank us again for the amazing system, and to let us know that he had a few more ideas in mind for the trunk. We recently created a custom mount for a power programmer in a friend’s truck, and he wanted one in his. Who says our peers are our worst influences?
If you are thinking about upgrading the sound system in your truck, drop by Certified Auto Sound and Security in Abbotsford, Chilliwack or Maple Ridge and speak with a member of our team. We would be happy to help. If you have any questions, feel free to send us an e-mail using our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.
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