One of the things on my truck to do list this winter is to install some type of sound system. Right now, when I remember, I bring a wireless speaker with me and use Spotify from my phone. I’m not cutting the dash so the hardware will be hidden somewhere. Ideally I’d like FM radio, Bluetooth capability and speakers. There are lots of systems out there and I don’t understand most of the technical specs.
What are you using and are you satisfied with it?
Thank you.

 

I use a amp with 10" speaker on top of it and under it under the seat and a overhead radio box with head set and CD player and I use Rod Doors kick panels with built in pods to take my 6 " speakers




-- system works GREAT can rattle the windows if I want--

 

my 460 makes MY music

 

Wouldn’t exactly call this a sound system but I like it a lot. It does everything you listed above +, and spits out a nice Hank Williams tune as you’re going down the road. It’s a Stock restored radio that’s been converted with Aurora digital conversion runs a 6x9 mono speaker in the factory location.

You can find a dealer on Aurora’s website. Richard Blankenship did this one.

 

What you choose will be based upon what you are looking for in the way of audio. I have two 8" woofers, one on each side of the cab in the lower corners behind the seat. Two coaxial speakers (mid and tweeter), on on each side in the kick panels. 1200 W amp under the seat and a Kenwood head unit with NAV and video (DVD and front and rear cameras). Here is how I built the woofer boxes...





1st pic is from the underside, 2nd is face-on, and last is top down...box fills the space between the seat and the cab skin.
I chose to modify the dash to mount the head unit but it could have just as easily been mounted on a dash extension or console.

 

I haven't put one in my truck yet, which has been back on hold for a couple years. But I do end up doing a fair bit of car audio, so here's my two bits...
Crutchfield is always good for aftermarket audio, provided you want to go with modern technology. If you want vintage gear, you'll need to do what 52Fllthead did and get an original and a speaker refurbished, unless you can find good working models. If you're satisfied with recent used gear, there is plenty to be found in the usual places (ebay, marketplace, craigslist). As far as specs go, 25ish watts RMS per channel (2 or 4) is plenty for your average listener, I'd throw in a slimline powered sub under the seat like that one pictured above too. Look for low THD (total harmonic distortion) in the less than 1%, the lower the better. Go with modern speakers as much as possible; the high tech materials used to manufacture them these days makes it much easier to get a good speaker with solid performance in just about any size. You could build boxes to go behind the seat, on top of the fuel tank, or under the seats, or in the kick panels in the front of the cabs. I think you can even get kick panels with holes cut in them for speakers from some vendors. Use good, thick copper core wire for wiring the system too. Stick with known, established brands. Since you don't want to cut up the dash, you could do an under dash mount, put it in the glovebox, or build a custom enclosure like the one above to put it elsewhere.

 

I built a two piece console for my 49, The radio is in the tall part and lower part goes around the shifter

 

I appreciate the replies. Lots to consider. Mounted my fuse box in the drivers side kick space. Charlie I like your mounts in the rear corners.

 

I have the same problem. My truck is a 55 and all it has is a round hole in the dash, for the original radio.
I will not cut into the dash, so that limits my options.

I do like Roddoors center roof mount. If done right, it should look real good. I think I will try that with their kick panels, etc.

 

Sorry that I don't have pics of the mounts with speakers installed...

 

I put the subs and the amps behind the seats. Speakers are in the kick panels. I do wish the head unit had a volume **** (it is all touch screen).

 

Nice job pappacrunch-- Will that let your seat go back far enough-- I have my seat up tight against the cab back and no leg room in my 55 F-100--- I build 4 of them and always same problem--Hope you have NO problem again looks very professional

 

Thank you! The box for the sub's and amps tapers to follow the line of the seat so I didn't give up any leg room. The top of the seat is up against the back of the cab. I am 6' 3" so the cab is squishy and I couldn't afford to give up any leg room.

 

I added a system called Ghost Box to my truck. right now its hidden in the glove box, but its a bluetooth reciever and you control it with your phone. Turns on when the truck turns on and you can wire speakers to it. I am likely going to add an amp to my speakers as i have two larger boxes under my seats and it sounds a bit flat. But no cutting into dash just a couple wires and it can be hidden anywhere.

https://www.jordandistributors.com/p.../ghost-box-2-0

 

That looks like a neat little unit.

I certainly do not want to cut into my dash.