Last Friday I sold my '04 SD. I thought I got a good price for it but it sold to the first guy who came to look at it, so maybe I left some money on the table. I don't know. ANYWAY.. I now have a nice chunk of change to build my '16.

For those who don't want to read, I need some suggestions on where to get good deals on car audio, and also what caps I should look at. I'll go into greater detail below.

Already done:
Wet Okole seat covers - Had them in my '04, they worked GREAT to protect the seats.
Huskyliner Floor liners - Had them in my '04, they worked very well to protect the floor.
Huskyliners wheel well liners - Never had them before. They seem nice so far.
Huskyliners mud guards - Had them on my '04. Liked them.
Series 100 Plug&Play remote start - Very easy install, already integrated in the truck. So far I really like it.
Global Window Film - 10% tint on the front side windows. 20% tint on top of the factory tint on the rear side windows. 70% Ceramic tint on the windshield. (I'm skeptical, but from what I've read online it may contribute really well to keep the truck cooler). No additional tint on the rear window since I'll be adding a cap.

Tomorrow I'll be getting my Rhino Liner applied to the bed. The shop I chose will hand scuff the bed (DA power sanding is better) then they will use the hot application process. Rhino Liner nationwide warranty will cover cracking, bubbles, or peeling, however the local shop that does the application says they will cover ANYTHING that happens to the liner while I own it and they are in business. So they won my business over other places/brands.

I have some LEDs to illuminate the side steps but I haven't installed them yet. I also have some red LEDs I'm going to backlight the grille with, and some whites for the inside of the cap once I get it.

Next up is going to be a cap and some drawers for the bed. My buddy has an ARE X series on his GMC that I really like. It has frameless windows, a very tight fit against the back of the cab, as well as a bunch of other nice features. However, the X series is new for '16 and ARE has no intention of making the X series for the '11-'16 Super Duty. I guess since the X is new for '16 and there's a new SD coming for '17. Kinda sucks.

For a cap I want cab height, premium quality, modern styling. Windoors are a must. Removable front window for cleaning is a must. Frameless rear window is a HUGE plus. Nice color match and carpet headliner are the only other things I need really. I will be putting in auxiliary lighting and stuff on my own. I'm open to suggestions, or else I'll probably end up with a CX series cap with a framed rear window.

For storage in the bed I'm going to do a Decked unit. It should provide the utility I need at the best price. The Truck Vaults are nice, but also $2500. Would love to hear from anyone who's actually played with the Decked in person, I have not.

I'll add upfitter switches because my truck didn't come with them. Will be used later.
I'll add a second battery under the hood to strengthen the power system in preparation for the stereo.

The Stereo:

72 sq-ft bulk pack of dynamat. Cover as much of the truck as I can.
Kenwood DDX9903S if Kenwood ever releases it. It's supposed to be a '16 model but everyone has it for "pre-order" only.
JL Audio HD600/4 for mids and highs.
JL Audio HD750/1 for subs.
(2) JL Audio 12TW3s in a sealed box from supercrewsound.com
Rear fill will probably be JL Audio coaxial 6x8s. I've used them in my previous vehicles.
Fronts I really don't know. I've used MB Quart in my '99 and '04 but I don't know if I'm still sold on them for the new truck.

I really need some help with the stereo equipment. If anyone works at a shop or is good friends with a shop please PM me. Looking for a very good deal since I won't need any pre or post sales support. There is one JL dealer near me and they're not interested in working with me.

So once the stereo gets done I have a few other small things to add:

20" LED bar for the bumper openning.
2" LED pods in the stock fog light spot.
2" LEDs flush mounted in the rear bumper.
Some kind of nice dash-cam. I need to do more research. Garmin had a unit that I was interested in, but without comparing who knows.

And finally, in a couple years when my stock tires wear out I'm going to do:

Readylift Stage 3 2.5" fr, 3"rear lift
Readylift track bar
35" BFG KM2s.

Love to hear input.

-J

 

I guess your post got axed as a for sale post? I don't know.

I'm a ways out from doing the lift and tires at this point. I need to get the cap figured out so that I can use the truck for my R/C flying hobby. Then I need to get the stereo stuff figured out. Those are my top priorities and will probably consume most of my cash by the time I'm done.

Then I can save up for a year or two until my stock tires wear out. Then I'll do the lift and tires.

-J

 

Yep they deleted it. I didn't realize that I was in violation of the rules but I do now!! Lol sorry about that. I totally understand you've got a good plan layed out and you gotta stick to your priorities. It's gonna be a sweet ride when you get it finished (is a truck ever finished?) Keep us updated on your build

 

Well I haven't gotten many replies. I know it's a long post. Got the bedliner done today, I put a pic in the "What did you do today" thread.

I also think that I found the cap I want. I think I will go with a Snugtop Xtraview.

cab height
appears to be a nice tight fit
tilt in front window
solid windoors
frameless rear window
carpet headliner

Those were my requirements. I think I will add the Pro-Lock which will hook into my truck's keyless entry.

Any opinions on Snugtop? The quote I got was about $400-$600 higher than ARE/Century/Leer. I've read more than a few threads saying the Snugtop is extremely well made, but I've also read a lot of comments saying Century/Leer/Snugtop/ARE/and some others are all about the same quality.

Also still looking for a stereo equipment dealer.

-J