Stereo and Speaker Recommendations
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: North East OK
Stereo and Speaker Recommendations
Hey Friends, The stock stereo unit and speakers in my 86 Ford F150 are toast and I want to replace it all. I don’t need anything real fancy or high dollar, but I do want a definite improvement over the stock unit. Been looking in Walmart at some Sony’s and such….tuner with DVD player. Here’s the deal…my truck came with three factory speakers, 2 in the door that are 6.25” and an oval 5x7, I think. I don’t want to do any cutting, just replace. Also, I won’t be putting any speakers behind the seat….no room and frankly, I don’t want to mess with that either. Having said all that, can anyone here make recommendations for the unit and speakers? Will there be an issue with me running a 4-channel unit on three channels? Please feel free to note any difficulties such as the fit of the unit in the bezel, etc. If you have pictures, I’d be interested in seeing that too. Thanks, John
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
The only time that these trucks would have three speakers, is if it came with the factory CB Radio, and also came with a factory stereo radio.
As for the stereo radio, only the door speakers were used for the stereo.
Also of note, the Factory stereo is a four channel radio, the rear channels are combined with the front channels in the pickups in the factory radio harness.
As for the stereo radio, only the door speakers were used for the stereo.
Also of note, the Factory stereo is a four channel radio, the rear channels are combined with the front channels in the pickups in the factory radio harness.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 321
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From: Picayune Mississippi
I used the Wally World branded speakers in the rounds. Easy direct replacement and I did have to drill one hole for each speaker to secure to the door. I'm sure that they'll be able to handle most of anything that I plan on using, but I don't have a working radio in mine either. I also replaced the antenna with a new one. Speakers have been in the truck for months, so I guess I need to add some tunes myself, eh?
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: North East OK
Friends, my truck (86 F150 LX 4x4) bought brand new in 86 has three speakers...one each in the doors and one in the dash. It did not come with a factory CB radio, either. All three speakers worked too.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
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From: Florida
I was just gonna post a new thread about a radio.I have a question.My truck never came with a radio from factory.I would like to add a new radio to it.I have already gotten the antenna/cable/cowl(upgraded to 87-91 cowl).I know i'll need the wires,but I have no idea which ones to get.Also,my cab has the holes for the speaker wires,but my door doesn't.Will I have to drill those?All help is appreciated.
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From: Virginia
If the front to rear fader works, move it to the front, and then move the balance left and right. Then move the fader to the rear and move it left and right.
Write back in and we can figure out how it's hooked up by the way it acts when you experiment with it.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
If you notice the diagram I posted earlier, on the stereo and stereo MPX Tape radios, you will see five wires coming out of the radio. One Wire for each channel, and one ground. You will also see the rear channels looping back and connecting with the front channels.
The center speaker was only used for AM or AM/FM mono, or the Factory CB.
So if his truck is hooked with three speakers, and he has a stereo, with no factory CB, and it's been like this since new, it is an inigma. It is no known Factory wiring configuration. Either something the dealer did, or a mistake I would guess.
The center speaker was only used for AM or AM/FM mono, or the Factory CB.
So if his truck is hooked with three speakers, and he has a stereo, with no factory CB, and it's been like this since new, it is an inigma. It is no known Factory wiring configuration. Either something the dealer did, or a mistake I would guess.
Moderator
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From: Virginia
Does the center one work? I can see the factory guys putting the truck together, and not knowing what radio the truck may be optioned with, just put all the speakers in there, and letting it get worked out later on down the line. Or possibly the truck came with a mono radio, and the dealer upgraded it with a stereo radio and left the center speaker installed.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
"Does the center one work? I can see the factory guys putting the truck together, and not knowing what radio the truck may be optioned with, just put all the speakers in there, and letting it get worked out later on down the line. Or possibly the truck came with a mono radio, and the dealer upgraded it with a stereo radio and left the center speaker installed."
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: East Bernstadt, Ky
your can use a 4 channel radio with 3 speakers just hook up the 2 door speakers like you would normaly and then use the rear wires for the dask speaker using the left positive and the right negative or vice versa if this does not work let me know there are other ways around it
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Junior User
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From: North East OK
I'd post a picture of the unit if I could figure out how to. In fact, as is, I can't even wrap statements in quotes. What's up with that?
As for how the unit works, there is a **** on the left for balance. You push the **** in and rotate left or right for the balance of the two door speakers. On the right of the unit is a dial just below the station selector **** that is the fader. Rotating that dial distributes the sound between the front dash speaker and the door speakers.
Thanks.......
As for how the unit works, there is a **** on the left for balance. You push the **** in and rotate left or right for the balance of the two door speakers. On the right of the unit is a dial just below the station selector **** that is the fader. Rotating that dial distributes the sound between the front dash speaker and the door speakers.
Thanks.......