Hello everyone!

This is my first post to this forum. Ive been lurking awhile and I have been almost overwhelmed by the amount of info to be found here. Everyone here has so much information to share! I look forward to taking part in many discussions with everyone in the future. Especially since Im a complete and total newbie. I gonna need all the help I can get!

A little info about myself. Im 25 living in sunny S. Florida. Im married (3 yrs in July) no kids except for our dog. I just recently (actually about a month ago) Purchased a 2004 F-150 Lariat Scab and it has been a dream come true. It is the first new vehicle I have ever purchased so you can imagine how I feel about her. Im an artist/glass mechanic but would love to be a comic book artist or animator. Now that you know a little about me on to my questions...

Is there anyway to upgrade to the premium audio system? Can it be bought seperately? Does it require extensive modifications? I rather not go aftermarket if possible just so I can keep it factory. However are there any factory systems that would sort of "pop right in without much hassle? I simplifying of course,but I just dont want any permanent mods done to the interior if I can help it.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing fromyou all hopefully sooner than later.

Take care,

Luis S
P.S. Sorry about the long post.

 

Most aftermarket stuff will pop right in without any modifications, go on down to a few Stereo/Audio stores and upgrade as much as you can afford, make sure you put in a Sub Box...Major improvement.. i have seen treads with this box for $129.00, Search "2004 Ford Sub Box" I am getting this box, you can try Best Buy, Circuit City or any modest car audio store for a Amp...shop around and ask a lot of questions before buying anything...

IMO to upgrade your Stereo:
1. Sub Box and amp= $120.00 for box, $100.00 for a set of 8 or 10"Subs and maybe $150.00 for a modest priced amp.
+Installation, maybe $50-75.00.
2. I have even seen complete boxes with Amp and subs for around 3-$350.00

Does this help any?

 

Hey thanks for the reply! So your saying that I can upgade the system for under $400? I dont have to change the head unit at all?That would be awesome! Id also like to upgrade the factory speakers. Is it doable? any recomendations? Ive done a few searches already but some of you guys are just way to technical for me. Im just looking for some simple solutions and an idea of what to expect. Thanks for the info. This is the next thing I want to add to my truck. I appreciate all your help. :tu:

Thanks again,

Luis S

 

Sure, no need to change head unit now, but you will probally do it later, A box which I have seen on this site, Sub's and and a Amp will get you started, Use the factory speakers for now, you can even use capacitors once you get the Subs the caps will take most of the Bass out of the Factory speakers, and caps are real cheap maybe $5-$8 each and install in seconds to positve speaker wire, they will prevent your factory speakers from distorting once those Subs are booming..

Start getting Quotes from Stereo Shops and let me know if I can help any..

 

Wakehead,

Thanks again for the help! This is all new to me so its very appreciated. So should I go to smaller independent shops or big names like Best Buy and so forth? I dont want to get a bad deal or lousy install. Any kind of certification the installers should have?. Im not trying to get perfect audio, just something with a little more oomph than whats there.

Also how much of an an amp wattage wise? Like I said nothing too fancy. Just something that will give me some good clean sound and a little punch. And of course any speaker recomendations if possible. I see JL seems to be very popular here, any others? And lastly (yeah right ) Any adapters or wires that I may need?

Thanks Again,

Luis S

 

For your first set up, IMO start off affordable, shop shop shop..all places, BestBuy, Circuit City, Sound Advice, Look for similar products at say Wal-Mart, I know they carry Sony, get started cheap then Uprade Later untill you are totaly satisfied, you will be suprised how good a low price Sony Amp and and Subs sound to you, not competetion Quality but it will shake your Mirrors to the point of UNusefullness, as far as instalation again Shop see if someone will give you a Deal for the total setup...if you live in S.Fla there are many to choose from..

Lets see some pics of your ride!