The fabrication team at Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage was approached by a client to transform his 2017 Ford F-250 pickup into a show truck that was worthy of a spotlight at SEMA. The client had researched the upgrades he wanted for the vehicle and knew that our staff was capable of executing his plan, well, to perfection.
Our fabrication team met with the client several times before the project began to review the audio system, suspension, cosmetic and lighting upgrades he had in mind. Once each aspect of the project was defined, we proceeded to order the equipment required to complete the task. The client wanted the Transformers Decepticon theme for the build. He calls the truck MG8TRON (Megatron), so we incorporated several Decepticon symbols into the build to further the personalization.
Project MG8RON Ford F-250 Audio Upgrade
The first of four categories for the build was to upgrade the audio system. The client envisioned a custom center console in the truck that would include a high-output subwoofer, amp rack, control switches for the lighting and the mandatory cup holders. We started by removing the seats, trim panels and carpet from the interior so we could lay down a foundation of SoundShield sound deadening material through the interior. Once in place, we ran Stinger 1/0-AWG power cable up to the battery and new Stinger RCA interconnects from the radio location to the back of the cab.
The factory radio was replaced with a large-screen Linkswell TS-FDPU12-IRR9 radio that includes a vertically oriented 12.1-inch touchscreen display. The radio feeds a pair of JL Audio amplifiers that power the speakers. A VX800/8i eight-channel amplifier, with its integrated 10-channel DSP, serves as the master signal processor for the sound system. The amp provides up to 75 watts of power from each of its channels. The ninth and tenth channels from the DSP feed a JL Audio HD1200/1 1,200-watt monoblock amplifier that drives the system subwoofer. In terms of speakers, the system uses JL Audio C7-100ct 1-inch tweeters and C7-650cw 6.5-inch midrange drivers and a 13.5-inch 13W7AE-D1.5 subwoofer. Our fabrication team designed a set of custom grilles for the door speakers that include the Decepticon logo, along with adequate openings to ensure that the speakers will perform well.
As is evident from the photos, blue lighting is a critical factor in this truck’s cosmetic design. We integrated two acrylic plastic strips into the outer top edges of the center console and back-lit them with flexible LED strip lighting. A large acrylic Decepticon logo in the center of the console was created using our computer-controlled laser, and it’s also back-lit with blue LEDs.
We added a Compustar remote car starter with one of its amazing 3-mile-range T12 two-way remote controls. We also installed a Momento M6 dashcam system to monitor everything going on in front of and behind the truck. The battery was upgraded with an XS Power Group 34 AGM battery to ensure that the truck will start reliably.
Ford Super Duty Suspension Upgrades
The client wanted the truck ready for extreme off-road duty. We can attest to the fact that this vehicle was not built as a mall-crawler in any way. The suspension upgrade is based around a Stryker Off Road Design Identity-Series kit. The Stryker kit features a four-link design for the front and rear axles. In fact, the only components in the suspension that remain original are the axles. The track bar, driveshafts, steering knuckle, brake lines, tie rods, pitman arm and all their associated hardware were replaced by our team. The kit also includes a dual front stabilizer kit and external-reservoir coil-overs with an external reservoir shock absorber in each corner.
The client chose 20×12.5-inch Dick Cepek DC2 wheels and had them upgraded with bead locks to hold the massive Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 46-inch tall by 19.5-inch wide tires. We upgraded the wheels with new TPMS sensors so the client can easily monitor tire pressure.
An SCT GTX Programmer and engine monitoring system was added to revise the transmission settings for the massive wheels and allow the driver to keep tabs on the engine status.
High-Performance Body and Lighting Upgrades
The chassis of the truck was upgraded with a Warn Ascent front bumper and a Warn Zeon 12-S Platinum 12,000-pound winch. A matching Ascent rear bumper completes the look. We added an Addictive Desert Designs Honeybadger chase rack with its matching roof rack upgrade. We added Decepticon logos to the sides of the chase rack to follow the theme of the build.
The fenders were opened up and trimmed with Fab Fours Open Fender System fender flares. A T-Rex Torch AL grill replaces the original unit in front of the radiator. A tire carrier in the back of the bed carries two extra wheels, should something unfortunate happen on the trails. We also added driver- and passenger-side storage boxes from Undercover to the bed of the truck. Last and certainly not least, we added a set of Kleinn ProBlaster HK-9 triple train horns with their Ultra BlastMaster valve upgrade kit. The horns would startle a locomotive engineer a mile away.
The lighting project on this truck rivals the audio system for complexity. We started by running a heavy-duty power cable from the battery to a Blue Sea Systems 150-amp fused distribution block. From there, power is sent to a relay block with six 30-amp relays. We cut a trim piece for the top of the relay block with our CNC router and labeled the function of each unit.
In terms of lighting, we started with a pair of white SAE-compliant D-Series and amber driving-pattern D-Series pods in the front bumper. A 30-inch Rigid Radiance Series light bar is mounted in the center of the T-Rex grille, and the headlight assemblies have been replaced with upgraded units from Morimoto that use their XB-Series LEDs. Two Radiance+ 50-inch light bars are mounted to the leading edge of the roof rack. We added six pairs of blue Rigid rock lights around the chassis of the truck and another set of D-Series light pods in the rear bumper. We created a power and ground distribution panel inside the chase rack to keep the wiring neat and tidy. As always, all the wire connections we made are both mechanically and electrically secure, and we routed everything to avoid sources of heat or damage from moving parts.
Ford F-250 Offroad Beast!
It took our team about two months to complete Project MG8TRON. The client was thrilled with how it turned out, and we are happy to report that he’s been out bashing it around on the trails and trying to break stuff. That is, after all, why he built it. If you have a dream project for your car or truck, we invite you to drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage and talk to our automotive enhancement experts. You can, of course, send us an e-mail anytime using our contact form to schedule a personal consultation.
