I remember doing things like that too, except I actually installed the speakers versus just laying them on the back deck (have to stop suddenly, you get a speaker lobotomy).

 

Yeah, if you buy one brand new the surround is separated from the grille and unpainted. All you have to do is take it somewhere to have painted to match your truck.. Then you pretty much just snap it in and install end and center brackets.

I hear what your saying about the price, it's a hard pill to swallow .

Mine will be ready tomorrow, I'll post a pic when I get it together.

 

I hear ya. I did much the same.with the Pioneers, but while I remember the Kracos I would never settle for one. Times have sure changed though haven't they?

 

Got my surround back from paint and the grille all back together, I'm very happy with how it turned out .

Now I just have to decide if I'm going to put a new oem (blue) emblem on it or get a custom one made up.

 

Got her all cleaned up, loaded up the kayaks and went fishing.

 

TG, looks good! Go custom painted emblem! White and black, or maybe even tan!

Did you decide to hang onto the truck awhile longer?

 

Haha Darren, thanks man.. I have a new stock blue emblem on it right now and it's screaming for a custom one.. I think I'm going to purchase another one and play with some colors.. Im going to try white and black but I'm curious to see what Arizona beige on black would look like. Might contrast nicely..

Yeah, I'm holding on to the truck for a while longer, I looked around and thought about it but nothing really tickled my fancy.. Hopefully Ford will release a Ranger sometime in the near future and I'll be all over it. After this truck I'm over full size fords. Good seein ya .

 

Took her into the stealership to get the rear axle seals and wheel bearings replaced--she had needed truck sized Depends, but I couldn't find em anywhere��

Now I'm good for another 255,200 miles again I reckon

 

Had to replace the battery......

 

I was test driving it today after doing a vct solenoid disconnect test the previous night, something different happened. My new battery was dead so I jumped it. When I drove it my battery warning light came on and off. Then eventually my abs light and park brake light came on. Shortly my dash gauges, headlights, interior lights, and radio were dead. I eventually lost power in the engine. Was it possible to blow a fuse while doing the vct solenoid disconnect test?

 

Found a blue '13 that might have me setting my truck up for trade-in this week. Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Holy cow that thing is dirty under the hood!

 

And everywhere else

 

Added a little patriotic touch to the old girl. Made me realize I need to re paint my badges again.

 

Sparkplugs changed! 160 000 kilometers. No broken plugs! Runs like new! The mechanic found the dreaded vacuum leak at the back of the engine. He was able to get it back on!

 

Beauty, eh......