When I found my truck it was a wire buffet for mice. Had to replace A LOT of wiring. While attending rewire-palooza I decided to leave the stock radio alone. Speakers were blown, old wires were chewed through...I'm interested to see if anyone else has tackled audio in their truck without a head unit.

My first attempt at headless audio was a 12v Bluetooth mini amp (similar to retail bluetooth speakers). I design shells for a few diff audio companies and thought this was a good place to start. I grabbed 12v from the lighter, soldered in a standard male 12v plug (keeps it plug n play / easily removeable). This project was specifically for a bench seat with a 'center console' in mind.

150w BT / Naked Nylon cup holders / pockets / Regular Nylon for curves.

2x 5.5" 50w / 2x 3" 40w (Old home theater speakers)

Plugs join near ash tray.

This one was great...until I added some intake/upper/exhaust work...

Attempt #2 was a little more power, still a work truck, set up. Grabbed an 8" Kicker Comp, Pyle Hydra 400w Bluetooth Marine amp. Both were less than $110. My kinda budget. So I did a little measuring and maffs and came up with a nice little rear firing .8181cuft sealed enclosure. I decided to recycle some more old home theater speakers. 3D printed some adapters, and ran new speaker wire. I will say this easily over powers my exhaust, and doesn't cause a scene outside the truck. Even with windows down.

Rear facing/firing.

Angled face for seat.

The legs hold it nice on that ledge. Sub is recessed beyond xmax.

130mm adapter ring / COPe filament / 3" 40w 4ohm

Actually impressed with this little guy...

3D printed some soft rounded corners to protect the seat, and flexible filament legs to stabilize against the cab back without rattle.

Overall: if you have stock exhaust and just want some good crisp music while you drive, go for option 1. The BT board is only $20, plugs right into 12v, and does not require high end speakers to enjoy. However, if you do have louder exhaust and want some work music on site...option 2 is for you. I can give measurements for whatever if anyone needs them.

I'm pumped to see what else you have all come up with.

:rant complete:

 

Finally settled on a DIN design.

Needed a spot for the phone, and found a really simple USB socket.

Snap fits past that little ledge. Very satisfying 'click'

Head unit...ish.

Gave it a couple coats of duplicolor dark grey interior

Pretty happy with it, although I'm sure it will evolve as I refinish the interior.