Full audio system upgrade

[Jtrussell1890]

Making this thread as kind of a place holder to document the step by step and process of upgrading my '96 XLT Supercab Ranger to a more modern audio system. I'm still in the planning stages and things evolve as new information becomes available. I have changed the overall design at least 3 times and what my goal is, isn't some kind of crowning achievement or award winning set up. More like a clean modern system with full audio capabilities and when I feel playful, to hear some thump and see a mild vibration in the mirrors lol. Some one prior to me owning the truck has already ruined the factory system by cutting out the original harness connectors, added aftermarket head unit, ran different (yet poor quality) speaker wires and replaced one of the door speakers with an aftermarket brand (guess the original blew). Once upon a time (early 2000's) I was a certified installer and things have changed quite a bit since then. I've been studying and researching new tech, tuning and new fabrication techniques that weren't as prevalent or weren't available back in the day. I've also learned to have a hell of a lot more patience in my older age and can therefore have cleaner and more eye pleasing results.

I have a map of what I want, an idea of a budget and I know I will be building a custom sub enclosure. The original plan was to incorporate the sub into the custom center console I have planned, but for the tuning and sound I want, it's just wasn't going to work out. So as of now the custom center console will be just that, a center console. Going to do a full interior revamp at some point as well so I'll need to keep that in mind when planning and designing things. This project truck is overall going to be my proof of skill to myself. If you're interested, follow along. I may create a YouTube to post videos of certain aspects at some point. Pics will be posted as well as a blog type update. Maybe once the audio system is complete I can clean it up and make a full tech article.

Side note, understand that this build is to my satisfaction. If you have positive or helpful notes, feel free to add them. If you're only contribution is talk down or be unhelpful, then start your own discussion please. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to this whole process.

 

[Jtrussell1890]

Had to edit some spelling and grammar mistakes.

 

[Jtrussell1890]

Also, if any one is interested in building their own car audio set up and is looking for resources as far as how to's I would be glad to share my current go to websites, builders and vlogs that I am currently referencing. My current YouTubers that I'm following and getting info from are:
(I'm not good with links, so just search the name)

Car Audio Fabrication
DIY Audio Guy
M.B. Enclosures
J.P. The Install guy

Those are my current big ones. Tons of info, they are all extremely talented and want you to be able to know what they know.

Side note M.B. Enclosures actually builds custom sub boxes for a price, so that may be worth looking into

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I think Rockford Fosgate has a free box builder thing that you enter all the sizes of the box and it calculates out all of the stuff for you in terms of air chamber and port size and such.

I was never a certified installer but I did do some installs back in the day. I did a better job than the local sound shop back in the day, lol. Wiring is kinda my thing.

I’ve built a console and a couple sub boxes over the years, there’s more in my future. Right now I’m focusing more on trying to build out my shop so I have some room to work, but I want to finish out my console build soon and I’ll have that on my YouTube.

 

[Jtrussell1890]

I think Rockford Fosgate has a free box builder thing that you enter all the sizes of the box and it calculates out all of the stuff for you in terms of air chamber and port size and such.

I was never a certified installer but I did do some installs back in the day. I did a better job than the local sound shop back in the day, lol. Wiring is kinda my thing.

I’ve built a console and a couple sub boxes over the years, there’s more in my future. Right now I’m focusing more on trying to build out my shop so I have some room to work, but I want to finish out my console build soon and I’ll have that on my YouTube.

When you post that video, I would be interested in checking out out. I'm trying to work out a way to have access to to a shop. Need one for just about all my projects in the pipeline for my little danger ranger. Since I currently reside in an rv Park, having a shed or building to work out of isn't exactly doable. I'm sure my rusty ol noggin will come up with something.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

When you post that video, I would be interested in checking out out. I'm trying to work out a way to have access to to a shop. Need one for just about all my projects in the pipeline for my little danger ranger. Since I currently reside in an rv Park, having a shed or building to work out of isn't exactly doable. I'm sure my rusty ol noggin will come up with something.

Gonna be a month or two before I get to the console probably. I just don’t have enough room in my shop currently.

More shop build videos are going to be coming though, trying to make a decent step up there, should have done this 15+ years ago. Last year I leveled up a spot in the driveway, threw down some pavers, and set my 8’x8’ tarp shed on it for a shop instead of using the shed as a catch-all like I had been doing for years.

That sort of thing may be an option for you but probably not what I’m doing to it now because it’s becoming a little more like a permanent thing. Not really because I can load it on the equipment trailer and move it, but probably more permanent than an RV park will permit.

I’m working on making it taller, longer, wrapped in steel, and insulated. 8’x12” and 7’ high side walls. Still will be small, but it’s the biggest I can make at the moment. I should have barely enough room for everything that needs to live in there plus the shop press that I don’t have yet and a toolbox that I don’t have yet (I may use grandpa’s though, haven’t decided on that, I’d kinda like a few more drawers than his has).