Stinger Archives - Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

Ford F-250 SEMA Build for Anchorage Off-Road Enthusiast

06/23/2020 By Joey Knapp

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.

Remote Start and Subwoofer Upgrade for Anchorage Mercedes C300

01/27/2020 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage dropped into Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to ask about adding a remote starter and custom subwoofer system to his 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan. Having installed many remote start systems in these vehicles, we knew this was a perfect platform for a Mid City Engineering interface. We inspected the vehicle to formulate a few options for the audio upgrade. After a discussion with the client, we developed a plan to add a solid bass foundation to his European vehicle.

Custom Mercedes Subwoofer System

The client was content with the features of the factory-installed audio system, but he wanted it to produce more bass with better low-frequency extension. We suggested the addition of a single 12-inch subwoofer and offered the option of building a trim piece to give the system a little extra style. With his approval, our fabrication team set to work creating a custom-sealed enclosure for a single Morel Ultimo Titanium subwoofer. The enclosure is located at the back of the trunk and the sub fires rearwards into the cargo area of the vehicle. The enclosure and trim pieces are constructed using techniques we learned while at Mobile Solutions in Arizona.

Using three layers of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), we created vinyl-wrapped trim pieces for around the woofer, then accent pieces of either side of the sub that include pressed mesh grilles. The trim pieces are wrapped in several different colors and we added flexible LED lighting around the grille openings.

Subwoofer Amplifier and Integration

A Pioneer GM-D9601 amplifier provides up to 800 watts to power the Ultimo TI 122 driver. The amp is wired to the vehicle electrical system using a 4-AWG amp kit from Stinger Electronics. We also used a PAC Audio two-channel line-level interface to extract an audio signal from the factory-installed sound system.

Mercedes Remote Car Starter

After a discussion about how the client would be using the remote starter, we suggested combining the factory key fob integration of the Mid City Engineering interface with a Drone X1-LTE smartphone interface module. The client can start the vehicle and control the door locks from his smartphone from anywhere in the world, so long as both he and the vehicle have access to a cellular data signal.

Alaska’s Mobile Enhancement Specialists

After a few days of work, we had the starter and subwoofer system installed in this C300 Mercedes-Benz. The client was very happy with the work and loved the way the stereo sounds. If you are considering an upgrade for your car or truck, drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage or click here to send us an e-mail.

Premium Audio and Radar Upgrade for Anchorage Porsche Cayman

12/16/2019 By John Schwartz

A long-time client of Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage recently dropped by the store to inquire about upgrading the stereo system in his 2007 Porsche Cayman. He wanted the audio system in the Cayman to play louder, deliver smoother frequency response and produce more bass. The client also wanted a high-performance radar detector and laser defense system. After a thorough inspection of the vehicle, our team put together a bespoke solution that would meet the client’s expectations.

Porsche Cayman Stereo System Upgrade

The first step was to remove the majority of the interior from the vehicle so our technicians could run Stinger speaker cables and Digital Designs interconnects. Once the wiring was in place, we treated the floor, cargo area and doors of the vehicle with sound deadening to reduce noise transfer and improve the performance of the stereo.

Next, we installed a Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX multimedia receiver in the dash. This premium source unit features a 7-inch capacitive-touch display and includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The smartphone features allow the client to use the voice recognition technology built into his phone to make calls, send text messages and choose from dozens of entertainment options.

Audiofrog Speaker Upgrades

The most-important part of an audio system upgrade is the front speakers. This client chose a set of Audiofrog GB60 woofers and GB10 tweeters for the system. Our fabrication team created custom mounting adapters out of HDPE plastic to attach the new speakers to the factory mounting point in the door. A set of Morel Tempo Ultra Integra 5.25-inch speakers in the rear speaker locations helps wrap the sound around the driver.

System Subwoofers and Amplifiers

Porsche Stereo — The custom Porsche crest was integrated into the enclosure.

After building a shallow enclosure for a pair of Audiomobile GTS-Series 10-inch subwoofers, the guys set to work on the custom trim panels. They mounted the woofers to a panel that is wrapped in perforated gray vinyl. Our team used our Glowforge laser to create a Porsche emblem in a piece of acrylic plastic. The emblem is centered between the subwoofers, and we built up the area around the emblem for a smooth, finished look.

The trim panel around the subwoofers features a pair of inserts at the rear of the vehicle that mimic the accent lines on the factory plastic panels. To continue the theme, we added raised sections to the rear edge of the panel to match those in the aluminum trim at the back of the cargo area. We also added a removable panel with a custom laser-etched badge to make it easy to access the engine oil and coolant fill points.

The sound system in this Porsche is powered by a pair of Digital Designs amplifiers and a digital signal processor. A D6.500 six-channel amp powers the woofers and tweeters in the doors and the rear speakers, while a DM1000a monoblock feeds each of the subwoofers with 500 watts of power.

A Digital Designs DSI-2 signal processor handles dividing the audio signal from the Pioneer radio into appropriate frequency ranges for each speaker. We also set the signal delays and equalization for each channel to produce smooth and natural sound with excellent imaging.

K40 Radar Detector

Our team integrated a K40 RL360i radar detector and laser defense system into the Porsche to protect the driver from getting speeding tickets. We mounted the front and rear radar antennae to the chassis of the vehicle, using custom aluminum brackets. We concealed the radar antennae behind the plastic bumper covers and mounted a pair of Laser Defusers just above the outside air inlets in the front bumper. These Defusers prevent officers from measuring the vehicle speed using LIDAR until the client can confirm speed and cancel the scrambled laser signal transmission.

European Car Upgrade Specialists

With the upgraded stereo system dialed in and the radar and laser system tested, it was time for the owner of this cool Porsche Cayman to return to Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to pick up the vehicle. The client was happy with the upgrades and anxious to get out on the road to try them out.

If you are interested in a radar detector or upgraded audio system for your car, drop by our store, give us a call or click here to send us an e-mail.