I am buying a 2004 F-150 supercrew.
I want to put in a real nice system....but I know NOTHING about what needs to be done. Could I just go to Best Buy/Ultimate Electronics, etc and have them install everything?

Is there a way i can learn what needs to be done and what are good components etc, is there a FAQ on car systems? Thanks.

 

Well, I personally wouldnt let any Best Buy or Circut City type of place pick out and install a system for me. Unless they are really good and actually know what they are talking about(I like to test them alittle before I buy anything from them by asking a lot of somewhat dificult questions)

As far as FAQ's and websites, I know of 2
MobileAudio
and
BCAE

As far as whats good and what not, you can look around at things then post about them here and people are usually pretty good about telling you whats good and whats not.

 

If you are able to read and follow pictoral directions you could begin your upgrade yourself and learn a lot in the process. This is assuming you don't mind using a screwdriver and needle nose pliers. The fact that you took the time to find this forum most likely indicates that you have a more than a passing interest in audio. I would suggest starting with the basis for a great system- a quality Head Unit and speakers(upgrade factory door units). I would suggest www.crutchfield.com They may be more expensive, but their instructions and the knowledge you gain from doing this yourself are priceless. With their harnesses and drop in speaker replacements, a HU and speaker upgrade will be a snap. And if you run into trouble call them or come here. There is much help here and it's free !

Ricksta- preparing for the jump to XM

 

Since he suggested Crutchfield that reminded me, Crutchfieldadvisor.com is a good place to learn also. They even have videos on installs

 

Yeah Rick,

Great call on Crutchfield. They have excellent customer service...I bought Infinity Kappa 572.3 5x7 speakers from them in 2001. I had Circuit City install them.

Something must have gone wrong, because one of the speakers never sounded quite right....the bass was always weaker on the passenger side rear. I should have said something, but I just lived with it. Lately, I have just started messing with my truck and replacing the audio system components myself. It's cheaper.

Anyway, ironically enough, I noticed the speaker was blown completely yesterday. Blown to the point of no sound. I took the rear passenger door apart, and tried to get it working. It does put out sound, but bad sound. I notified them, and they are shipping me a new pair of 572.5's. The warranty expires in a little over a month too. Glad I was not too late.