I spend 40+ hours every week in a truck that is hooked up with excellent ears, that is, it is equipped a nice scanner, radio and PA with talk-back. Every time I get out of that truck and into my own I feel naked, like an important part of the driving equation is missing.
Eventually I would like to up-fit my Ford with some of the same gear (or better). I envision having a scanner, radar detector, CB radio (with PA) as well as navigation and the traditional audio system. I currently have the 40/20/40 front seat with the folding armrest/console, but will likely remove the jump seat to make room for the install. I would like to build a center console that houses a down firing 10" woofer (probably a Boston Acoustics G510-44), as well as the scanner, CB, up-fitter switches (for other accessories) and of course, an actual storage console. I've sketched a few console designs out on graph paper, and it is definitely do-able! This is by no means my first audio/electronics install in a car, as I used to be MECP basic installer certified and have tackled all kinds of similar projects.
For the audio system, I'll probably keep it simple and clean with Boston Acoustics Pro 60se components in the front doors, SL series speakers in the rear half-doors and the aforementioned G510 subwoofer. Amplification will probably come in the form of Arc Audio SE series amps, with plenty of high quality audio-interconnect cables and Dynamat insulation. I currently have an older Eclipse 8-volt head unit, but it lacks navigation (unless I buy the GPS module and want to navigate via a 1.6" screen ). I might hold onto that unit for its excellent sound quality, and simply add a Garmin or Tom Tom unit for navigation. To be honest, I'd be happy with a portable unit that I could also use on the motorcycle.
For the communications side of things, I am planning on a Uniden BCT15 scanner and probably a Uniden PC78-Elite CB radio.Naturally, these will also be installed with quality wiring, and components. I like knowing what is going on around me, and the scanner makes that so much easier, whereas the CB will be great for communication car to car in remote areas like the mountains, where cell coverage is non-existent. Most of my friends have CBs already, so I am kind of late to the game (about 35 years late ). I would like to install a radar detector that works well and that is integrated into the car. I have found a few that are nice, but in the event I don't go with those I'll probably grab a Valentine One and call it a day.
Anyhow, those are my plans in a nutshell. Before all of that however, I will need to get tires and probably re-gear the axles.
I know I need tires and should re-gear before I start throwing money at the audio system, but I'm half tempted to go buy a sheet of 3/4" MDF and get started on the console. Heck, a sheet is less than $30 and would allow me to get started on the fun parts of the install. For the time being I reckon I can put my Eclipse back in there and enjoy the benefits of Sirius, iPod controls and USB input.
Here is a link to my previously installed and soon to be reinstalled Eclipse: Finally installed!
I installed a center console in my truck speciffically for ham radio. If you check my gallery, you will see some pictures. While it may not fit your application, at least it might give you some ideas you can incorporate. I reused the center armrest and subframe. I hand built the box from aluminum. I reused the rear cup holder to give a finished look from the rear seat. Good luck and have fun building and installing.
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2007 XLT 4 X 4 5.4L Supercab
MB Wheels Gunner 6 in 17 x 8
Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor 285/70-17
Pace Edwards Full Metal Jack Rabbit
Westin Running boards
Liberal assortment of Ham Radios
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). I might hold onto that unit for its excellent sound quality, and simply add a Garmin or Tom Tom unit for navigation. To be honest, I'd be happy with a portable unit that I could also use on the motorcycle.
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