[cdiddy4224]

Hi guys, pretty new to the site, but i have done more reading here than i have my whole time in college.

I just bought a new 09 f150 and have bought everything as far as equipment goes, which is:
Alpine SPX-17PRO comps
JL 6.5's for rear fill (yes i know i should have saved my money)
Alpine PDX-4.150
Pioneer Premier PRS-2200T
JL W1 sub
RF 3sixty.2 processor

Now that i have all this, since im not well versed in installing i went to my local shop to get an idea what they want for install and what they could build me as far as a box goes. I was quoted 250 for a 10" ported box built specifically for my truck, and about 750 to install everything else. Seem about right? Total came out to about 1000 but said he could work some off the price

Installer said since im using the 3sixty it requires more cables. He also said they could do 2 10" subs under the back, but i told him only one is fine. He said since were doing one we can port it for you and it will sound better. Ive always had sealed boxes, and thought they sounded fine. Does this all sound about right? Looking for suggestions and recommendations.

 

[Fish Chris]

I think you should wall it Six 15"s should oughta fit back there with no problems. Who needs back seats in a darn truck anyway ??? ;-)

Seriously though, nice choice of trucks. Love my 08' F150.

As for your questions about pricing for your install, I think that's about what you would pay around here.....

But personally speaking > boxes are easy, and fun.... and give you the satisfaction of telling people you built the enclosure yourself.

I have to agree though, about not wanting to rip off panels, to run wires and such. Just not my thing. I paid $550 to have my deck installed, my mid/high components installed in the doors, and everything wired to my amp in the back of my cab. Their was nothing about all that that I couldn't do, or didn't understand. That stuff is just a major PITA to me, and it was worth the $350 or $400 in labor to have my local guys do it for me.

Anyway, heres my build, if you had not seen it. Oh, I had to build a false rear wall and floor too, before I could even think about installing my box, and the rest of the system.

Peace,
Fish

 

[mikey7182]

****, for $400, I'll drive over to LA and help you put it in, assuming you have somewhere to work on it. Honestly, though, that sounds a bit high even for a shop. I guess it depends on the shop though. The only install I've ever paid a shop to do for me was because I was working 60-70 hours a week, and had zero time to do it myself, and plenty of extra money. IIRC, I paid $500, and that included a HU install, front components, rear speakers, 2 amps, 2 subs and a custom-built enclosure. I guess $750 isn't out of the realm of reality, but that seems like money better-spent elsewhere. Any particular reason why you don't want to DIY?

 

[cdiddy4224]

****, for $400, I'll drive over to LA and help you put it in, assuming you have somewhere to work on it. Honestly, though, that sounds a bit high even for a shop. I guess it depends on the shop though. The only install I've ever paid a shop to do for me was because I was working 60-70 hours a week, and had zero time to do it myself, and plenty of extra money. IIRC, I paid $500, and that included a HU install, front components, rear speakers, 2 amps, 2 subs and a custom-built enclosure. I guess $750 isn't out of the realm of reality, but that seems like money better-spent elsewhere. Any particular reason why you don't want to DIY?

TO be honest with you i dont have the time...working 40 hours a week, 5 upper division classes in school. I would only be able to do this on a Sunday and even then i would have limited time. I have access to a load of tools and so on. Ive never installed everything on my own either, my experience is installing speakers into my enclosed trailer and thats about it.

 

[mikey7182]

Is the '09 a new body style, or the same as '05-'08? I had an '05 Lariat SuperCrew, so I am familiar with the trucks.

 

[cdiddy4224]

Is the '09 a new body style, or the same as '05-'08? I had an '05 Lariat SuperCrew, so I am familiar with the trucks.

yah the 09 is the new body style...supposed to be a lot more quite on the inside as well compared to previous years. I came from an 02 f150 so this 09 is light years ahead of my old truck.

I wish i could find a DIY'er to install this stuff, id have no problem with that. I just hate the crap shops pull. Sometimes you dont even know what they did until you uninstall your gear.

 

[mikey7182]

yah the 09 is the new body style...supposed to be a lot more quite on the inside as well compared to previous years. I came from an 02 f150 so this 09 is light years ahead of my old truck.

I wish i could find a DIY'er to install this stuff, id have no problem with that. I just hate the crap shops pull. Sometimes you dont even know what they did until you uninstall your gear.

That was always my main concern with shops. I never minded paying someone when I didn't have the time, if I knew that it was going to be done right. But I lost my confidence in others' ability to do the install right. Plus, it's just WAY more fun doing it yourself, if you have the time and tools. I'm sure there are a lot of guys in So Cal that would be willing to give you a hand. I'd really consider driving over for a weekend, as my Thurs-Sun is usually empty. I'll give some of the So Cal guys a chance to offer their help first though.

 

[ARCuhTEK]

I know the 2009 is a different body style than the 2008, but it it helps you any, I have an ongoing thread for my 200 SuperCrew install here:

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/diyma-build-logs/53086-my-2008-f150-supercrew-install.html

I am on my 19th day and over 60 hours and I feel like I am about 3/4 way complete. But dont let that scare you. I am VERY slow. This is my first build ever and the F150 is a tough truck for an install due to limited space.

My equipment diagram is on the first page, so that will give you an idea of how much equipment I am squeezing behind the back seat (although others have managed to get more back there than me!).

I know I am not a professional and I am slow, but $1000 for a good install with plenty of equipment seems fair to me. But I have to agree with others, if you do not know your shop WELL, $1000 is too much for a "blow n go" install. I figure I will approach 100 hours on my install. That does not include shopping time, research time, DIYMA time or just .....thinking time. That is strictly "under the hood" time.

Stop by and ask any questions you wish....I will help if I can, knowing a 2009 is different.

Good luck.

 

[cdiddy4224]

I know the 2009 is a different body style than the 2008, but it it helps you any, I have an ongoing thread for my 200 SuperCrew install here:

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/diyma-build-logs/53086-my-2008-f150-supercrew-install.html

I am on my 19th day and over 60 hours and I feel like I am about 3/4 way complete. But dont let that scare you. I am VERY slow. This is my first build ever and the F150 is a tough truck for an install due to limited space.

My equipment diagram is on the first page, so that will give you an idea of how much equipment I am squeezing behind the back seat (although others have managed to get more back there than me!).

I know I am not a professional and I am slow, but $1000 for a good install with plenty of equipment seems fair to me. But I have to agree with others, if you do not know your shop WELL, $1000 is too much for a "blow n go" install. I figure I will approach 100 hours on my install. That does not include shopping time, research time, DIYMA time or just .....thinking time. That is strictly "under the hood" time.

Stop by and ask any questions you wish....I will help if I can, knowing a 2009 is different.

Good luck.

Ive definately come accross your thread and read most if not all of it. I even Pm'd you about your focal speakers. I had focals in my 02 f150 and loved them! Now, the problem with the 09 compared to the previous years is they eliminated most if not all of the extra space behind the rear seats. In my 02 f150 i had everything mounted behind the seats and out of the way, very hidden install.

The shop that i went to has been in business for years and i have heard good things about their shop. My old shop which usually worked on higher end cars(always a porsche, bmw, ferrari or the like in the install bay), i felt they got sloppy with their work, or at least on my truck they did(maybe it was because they were working on a ford). Still no excuse. This shop that i want to use, i have been to once before and they listened and did exactly what i asked, which is why i want to use them again.

If i had the patience and know how to do this on my own, i would. Right now though, time isnt readily available...as this coming weekend is the only full weekend i have had off in the last 3 months!

 

[ARCuhTEK]

I hear you. Yes I remember your PM about the focals. I just installed the K2P's in the doors last night. Getting close!

I have Legtia L6's, L1Pros and L1V2's I installed the L1 Pros and will try the L1V2 tweeters too. IN the end, I will end up with one set of HAT tweeters and one set on Focal TN51's left over.....which I will list for sale. Not quite ready to part with my L6's just because they are too large to fit the stock locations.

Anyway, if you have seen a 04-8 F150 you will know that the amount of room is so small its ridiculous. The seats rub all my anps and they are much smaller than my MACS! So are yo sure there is not much room behind your 09 rear seat? I mean...at best there is only 3 inches deep for half the height of the seat. I cannot imagine there being less room than that! But maybe....

 

[bugmenot]

A complete install like yours is multi day project for several qualified installers. If they do it in one day, they are cutting corners somewhere. Don't tell me that they have experience. Only the Ford factory assemblers have experience on any new body installation. Whatever they break, they will cover up. Take the time and do it yourself. You will gain vast knowledge of your truck, and save money. I've been working on my system for three months. NO where near finished.

 

[ARCuhTEK]

I second bugmenot's words.

I joined DIYMA not because I wanted to do it myself, but because I wanted to get an idea of what any given installer should and should not be doing. As we all know, the breadth of information to be learned about this (and any other focused subject) is HUGE. So I was quickly consumed with loads of info to sort through. But my personality loves to dig through it all.

I really just wanted to be able to talk intelligently to my chosen installer. I live in a small city where true quality installers are hard to come by.... I am sure a lot of the install guys dont install the shops list of customers systems with the quality, thoughtfulness and care you would install your own system with, but hey...who would? I have this thing that says, if I can talk to a guy on his level (or at 90%) that he will respect that customer much more than the average joe who coudl care less if corners are cut....just get me some BUMP!. I do not know if this is just a pipe dream in my head or not, but if this guy thinks I know my stuff...he may may more careful. Depends on the installer. But it is the only chance I stand.

Anyway.....so the more I learned here....the more I realized that the local installers I was speaking with about my install, we not really interested in selling me the quality I sought, or installing it anywhere near the level I wanted. I am almost 40 years old now and I have always loved car audio. But I have never had a true quality, well thought out, well planned...carefully installed system in my car (besides OEM). I have the means to do this...and occasionally I have the time. Local installers around here tend to want to sell you their products (of course) and prefer a basic package deal of components they are familiar with. The destination is .....essentially to sell you a "quickie."

When you finally do find a true quality install...the price is astronomical. I mean...I could have paid for it, but it didnt make sense to me. I may not have the tools, experience and know how to win shows in Vegas with my intstall, but I can select better equipment than the quickie package...and I can do my own install somewhere between the quickie and the vegas show stopper. So that is where I decided to roll my sleeves up and at least try it.

44 days ago I started...and I am 85% complete.

I realize you stated you dont have the time. But sometimes, a little bit of time here and there and a lot of patience can be the proper medicine for "not a lot of time." That is what I have decided to do.

I wish the best for whatever route you choose.

 

[cdiddy4224]

well they got everything installed...except the 3sixty.2 apparently my 3sixty is having the bluetooth issue. I am so annoyed that i need to send it in. When i get it back i would like someone with a good amount of knowloedge to tune the system using the 3sixty. Wish i knew someone around here who has had lot of experience with it.