Ordered my truck December 6, got it from the dealer February 6, took it the next day to Fort Worth for aftermarket mods. I won't get it back until next week - they're waiting for the retrax cover.

I'm thinking of having the Ford Gold remote start/alarm system installed by a large Ford dealer near Fort Worth while it's there. None of the dealers in my area have installed a remote start in a '04 yet, and I don't mine to be the first. The dealer in my area I purchased my truck from says he uses an audiovox system and tapes a key under the dash for the remote start to work. They do not include new remotes, instead he tells me I would push the lock/unlock/lock button in a short amount of time to start the truck. This sounds VERY cheesy to me! The dealer in Fort Worth tells me they use the Ford system and tell me they have installed several already in '04s. No extra key is needed and I would get new remotes with a start button. Have any of you have problems with the Ford Gold system? Do all your factory features work including the seat memory? Any known problems with it?

I also plan to add a DVD system. I didn't order one from the factory because I want a 10" screen. Has anyone heard if there any company is in the process of manufacturing one for the rail system? I talked to a couple of aftermarket business that tell me they can custom build a shroud for a ceiling mounted DVD system out of ABS to match the factory interior, but no one can show me one they've already done like that. (One even said they'd use BONDO along with the ABS to make it fit right. NO ONE is putting bondo on the ceiling of my truck!) Any suggestions? Anyone intalled a power inverter hooked wired to the truck wiring yet (as opposed to plugged into the puwer point)? If so, where did you put it?

Thanks! All the information here is very helpful!

 

I had an overhead in my last truck and it was nice but decided this time since it was about $1200 for the factory overhead I could get two headrest monitors installed using a PS2 as the DVD player for just a little more.

I was considering the overhead at first and the guys I spoke to all said the truck is still too new so it will take a while for other manufacturers to make consoles that will fit in their with the dvd players/lcd.

Not sure if you would consider the headrest option but it is actually a clean way to go. I figure in a few years if I get rid of the truck I can just buy some headrests out of a totaled out truck and replace the ones with the monitors and my ps2 will just be plugging into a power inverter so I can remove that and use it in my house if I want.

I am having this installed in the upcoming weeks and my power inverter will be hardwired - not using the cigarette lighter.

 

Check out this thread....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=227110

He did a great job with the inverter

Russ

 

I've got the 2-way communication Viper remote start system. It's manufactured by DEI.

My seat's don't work with this ystem, however they do if I use the factory fob...this isn't a big deal for me because I'm the only driver.

 

I thought about the head rest monitors, but I would like the passenger to also be able to view the screen, which would be possible with an overhead monitor with a swivel screen. I thought of going with the headrest monitors and adding a visor monitor, but I haven't heard good things about the visor monitors. I'll wait until I can get what I want. Haven't done the inverter yet - that's next on my list.

I did go with the Ford Gold alarm/remote start and like it very much. All the factory features work including the seat memory.

So far I've also had the mirrors/handles/wiper cowling painted to match the truck, added a billet grill, Westin wheel-to-wheel tubular steps, Retrax cover, window vents and tint, and pink pinstripes. (yes, I'm female )


F-150 Lariat black/black, tan heated power seats with flow thru console, 3.73LS, back up sensor, audiophile

 

I am in Minnesota and was told by several people that you just need to be careful that if the passenger can see the screen most likely the driver would be able to as well and you can get a hefty fine if so - that is why many of the stereos with the flip up screens need to be connected to the parking break.

It's all a matter of risk I guess - and given my past history with cops not taking it easy on me - I chose not to risk it. And not sure if the law differs from state to state.

Out of curiosity - what did the remote start cost ya - I wanted to add it but the last time I checked with Ford on it they were gonna charge me like $700 which seemed rediculous.