Recent Additions...

[reklund]

Hey guys-

Thought some of you might appreciate some of my latest additions to the truck. Seeing as how I can't afford a new truck, I thought I'd make the 'ol Ford a little nicer to take on long trips..

I started with some new audio parts:

Alpine CDA 9857 head unit, with full iPod controls..

 

[reklund]

I hooked that up to a set of Polk Audio component speakers in the doors and the rear corners. The rears are all hidden by the factory trim, but in the front I mounted the tweeters in the door panels:

 

[reklund]

I added a little subwoofer in the rear, hooked up with pro-grade quick disconnects on the cable, so I can easily remove it if I need to..

 

[reklund]

I had to install a rear seat lift from LMI to make room for the amps... I've got an Alpine V12 4 channel powering the Polk component sets, and a cheapo Rockford Fosgate Punch amp powering the sub...

 

[reklund]

I also added a rear "Line of Fire" LED brake light setup from Recon. It was a gift from the wife, so I was sorta obligated to install it, wether I wanted to or not. I don't usually go for the extra lights, but this one's not too bad I guess.

I also installed a new rearview mirror that has a built in compass and outside temperature display. It's intended for a new Toyota Tundra, but I made it work in the Ford.

 

[reklund]

So here's how she sits for now. Some of you might remember that I also recently added bucket seats from a 93, and that I'm working on getting my ATS intercooler hooked up and functional.

Once the intercooler is up and running, I'll look into one of the newer style front bumpers with the holes in it to get air across the intercooler.

My wife says I'm nuts for constantly tinkering. Anybody else have that problem?

Ryan

 

[The Warden]

Any details on the mirror install? How much did it cost? What all was involved in getting the sensors to work and whatnot? How accurate are the compass and temp readings?

I've contemplated doing something like that myself, but not sure if it's worth it...

Very cool! Seeing the interior pics really makes me want to upgrade the interior on my truck... *sigh*

 

[Darrin Tosh]

All real nice touches Ryan, Looks Great, how does the Sound System sound? Nice install.

I am installing on e of those mirrors also I got it off a truck that came in at the lot, Looks good.

I agree with the lights, I like to add them but they have to be subtile, and not too many. I have been struggling with that balance on my truck during the makeover.

 

[reklund]

Unfortunately, I don't have install pics on the mirror, but it was really easy.

I work as a tech at a Toyota dealership, so I'm used to putting them in though. Basically, you run switched power and ground to the mirror, as well as the 2 wires for the temperature sender. I ran mine up the drivers side A pillar and across the headliner trim on the top. The mirror went on the stock Ford "shoe" on the glass, but I had to shim the setscrew with a dime. It sounds funny, but a penny is too large in diameter, and a dime is PERFECT. Hey, it's only a dime... Anyway you need the thickness of the dime to make the setscrew tighten the mirror on the shoe properly.

The temp sender was mounted on the radiator support in the grille area, just like it would go in a Tundra. I had to extend the wires a little, which made me worry that it would throw the temp reading off, but it doesn't seem to matter any. I ran the wires through the firewall at the same location as my boost and EGT gauge wiring.

The compass is dead accurate, as long as you calibrate it properly and set it up for the "zone" of the country where you live. You have to drive in a circle one way and then the other to calibrate it, but thats it. The thermometer is also pretty accurate, but is affected by warm temps in the grille area when idling at stoplights, etc. I compared the thermometer to my fancy digital thermometer at home, and it was within 2 degrees. It'll even display a warning if the ambient temp is below freezing, to alert you to possible black ice on the road...

The mirror kit was/is available as an accessory for 2002-2004 Tundras, and you might be able to find a "universal" application elsewhere.

Ryan

 

[reklund]

The sound system sounds GREAT Darrin! I also have it running a 60GB iPod, so I'll never run outta tunes on the road. The head unit has a bazillion adjustments, so you can really tune it to your liking and music style. I'm pretty impressed with the sound quality, given that I didn't install any dynamat, and the truck is almost 15 years old...

I'm still on the fence about those LED's, but they're OK For now I guess...

Ryan

 

[93turbo_animal]

Looks Good wish I had time to tinker like that although I'm a little different I like my additions to make a statement some may think they make a tacky statement but aslong as I like them thats all that matters

 

[TLBREWER]

I can honestly say that Ryan's truck is one of the most beautiful trucks I've seen. Not just as an IDI, but period. It's one of those trucks when you see it at a stoplight, it commands your attention. To me that is the measurement of a well put together vehicle. It is in excellent original condition and his modifications are very subtle and well done. And I've heard that stereo, it kicks ass!

Tom

 

[Agnem]

Very nice! Now I just need to mount a Carvin SX head in the Moose Truck, so I can plug my guitar into it and show those folks at Volkswagon, that it's not that big a deal.

 

[h2odrx]

that mirror temp only has two digits? that might be an idea there????
maybe WVO or engine temps????

 

[reklund]

Wow, Tom- thanks for the kind words. I try to keep the 'ol truck looking good!

The amp would be an easy integration into your Bronco, Mel. Just let me know when you want to get started!

The mirror will actually display 3 digits. I saw 'em all this past summer... I'd have to measure the resistance of the sending unit, and see what the display would respond to. With the right sender, it shouldn't be a problem to display other temperatures, provided that the mirror is capable. I'm not positive, but I think that it only will display a "1" as the first digit. (i.e., 199° would be the max reading that is capable of displaying)

I just installed a set of chrome side steps today, to help my wife avoid tearing up my seats when she gets in and out of the vehicle. They're a little more flashy than I thought they'd be, but we'll see how they grow on me.

Pics to come tomorrow perhaps...

Ryan