Once I purchased my 2015 Ford F-150 we quickly searched out of the most useful aftermarket improvements for my brand new work vehicle. In specific, updating the stereo in a Ford F-150 XLT work truck would get me personally Apple CarPlay. Regrettably, at that time, the 4″ stock Sync 2 radio stayed the thing i possibly couldn’t update. Nobody made an upgraded dash kit—something that changed into the year that is last. Now, a minimum of three manufacturers make aftermarket dash kits for the F-150. Therefore, armed with this particular information that is newfound we go about to determine precisely which vehicle receiver i desired to set up. Having worked using the brand before, the choice that is obvious led to installing the Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX.
The 1st step: Prepping the Elements
You had think the installation would contain unboxing the receiver and speakers and everything that is slapping destination. You would be incorrect. We viewed as our installers took pains that are great precisely dress the wiring and hone the synthetic frames for every single presenter so they really fit correctly.
The wiring had been especially impressive. We viewed the harnesses being dressed, but in addition the company and care they utilized. Factory-quality tape grouped the cabling and made everything look professional. While cable harnesses are purchased to connect any car audio receiver up to your car, customized installers just simply just take a far more active approach. We viewed as Dean cut and resoldered the harness so as he wanted that it functioned exactly.
When it comes to primary stereo, Five celebrity eliminated the environment, risk, and traction settings through the initial dash shroud.
Then they added those to the replacement dash kit and tested it to create yes everything worked precisely. This all took place just before setting up the Pioneer AV receiver.
Changing the Speakers
The doorway panels arrived down next, and the OEM was removed by them speakers, such as the tweeters through the Ford F-150’s A-pillars. The replacement tweeters gotten back that is custom which had been finessed into form utilizing a Wagner heat weapon.
Each had to be carefully matched to their plastic frames, with some trimming required for a perfect fit before replacing the front door speakers.
After perfecting the fit, they reinstalled the 6Г—9 front speakers and 6.5-inch 3-way backside speakers and replaced the entranceway panels.
When it comes to front pillar speakers, the wiring had been modified to add an innovative new passive crossover. Connectors had been put into mate towards the brand brand new Pioneer tweeters before putting them back in place and sweet pea changing the A-pillar. When it comes to solder connections, we spied them making use of the Milwaukee M12 soldering iron.
Setting up the Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX
After swapping out of the speakers, a few things remained. The initial involved finally setting up the brand new Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX AV receiver mind device. First arrived a dry-fit regarding the product before doing the integration aided by the dash kit. This ensured most of the speakers worked precisely.
When tested, they connected rear USB and HDMI cables (bought individually) and installed the Pioneer W8500NEX to the dash. The dash that is plastic then went overtop, addressing every thing and finishing out of the install. All that stayed would be to run the camera that is backup and link it to your system within the dash.
Setting up a Pioneer Backup Camera
Since my 2015 Ford F-150 XLT slipped in less than the date that is cut-off mandatory back-up digital digital cameras, we chose to include one. The Pioneer ND-BC8 suit your purposes and built-in easily using the AVIC-W8500NEX. Considering that the Ford lacked a location to conveniently install the digital camera, 5 star Car Stereo made a customized bracket for the permit dish.
Employing a Bosch dining dining dining table saw they ripped a amount of synthetic and utilized a Rockwell BladeRunner scroll saw to complement the bend of a permit dish address. Finally, a Triton router rounded within the sides for a fantastic look that is finished. This customized synthetic bracket seemed great and provided us a place that is secure install the digital digital camera.
Next, they very very very carefully went the camera wiring alongside the framework under the vehicle and to the cable trough. Continuing as much as the leading for the automobile, after that it connected to the AV harness for the Pioneer mind product.
Experiencing the device
The sound system sounded remarkably decent for an almost-OEM rig. We had added a Kicker subwoofer which provided me with a complete many more bass. Now, we upgraded every one of the speakers to Pioneer. With the flagship AV that is AVweC-W8500NEX receiver I not merely significantly increased the audio quality regarding the system, we included features too.
Before, I happened to be in a position to use Ford Sync2 and Bluetooth which will make and get phone phone phone calls. Now, Apple CarPlay lets me do everything hands-free and make use of apps like Bing Maps, Amazon musical, and Spotify without also being forced to just simply take my phone away from my pocket. Every thing links immediately.
So far as updating the stereo in a Ford F-150, the way that is best might include a customized installer. Whether or not to just just take the aftermarket truck upgrade on, changing that old 4-inch system by having a full-fledged AV powerhouse designed for the essential satisfying outcome i really could have wished for. It is possible to get crazy and invest lots and lots of bucks on higher-quality speakers, DSP processing and calibration, and larger subs—but for the present time, i believe it has every thing i want.
