Ocala Car Audio and Tint

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Lady Lake Client gets Ford F-450 Stereo and Lighting Upgrades

Ford F-450 StereoA client from Lady Lake contacted Ocala Car Audio in search of upgrades for his 2017 Ford F-450. He wanted to improve the stereo system and lighting. After meeting with the client and discussing how he liked to listen to his music, and what light upgrades he wanted, we worked together to devise an upgrade plan that would meet his performance goals.

Ford F-450 Stereo System Upgrade

Ford F-450 Stereo
Our technicians used plenty of sound deadening material to help make the JL Audio C5 speakers sound their best.

Ford sound systems can be difficult to upgrade reliably. We started the project with a PAC AmpPro AP4-FD21 interface that replaced the factory amplifier and its associated headaches. We installed the remote bass level control from the PAC interface in the overhead console. A JL Audio HD600/5 five-channel amplifier powers the system.

After removing the factory door speakers, we made adapter plates out of ABS plastic to hold a set of JL Audio C5-650X component woofers. We treated the door skins with a layer of Stinger RoadKill Expert sound deadening before mounting the adapters with corrosion-resistant factory hardware.

Custom F-450 Subwoofer Enclosure

Ford F-450 Stereo
The enclosure fit perfectly under the rear seat and was sprayed with bedliner to give it a rugged finish.

As this is a work truck, it has a rubber floor instead of carpet. We built a subwoofer enclosure for a JL Audio 10TW3-D8 that fits under the rear seat. To complement the durability of the enclosure, we sprayed it in bedliner rather than wrapping it in carpet.

Work Truck Lighting Upgrades

Rear lights were mounted under the bumper to provide lighting at night.
The curved lightbar fit perfectly into the upgraded bumper.
Strobe lights were mounted underneath the truck for safety.

We mounted a set of Rigid Industries 906512 6-inch SR series lights underneath the heavy-duty tow bar bracket. The lights are wired to come on with the factory reverse lights from a switch in the factory overhead accessory panel. A set of Rigid rock lights light up the wheel wells and add safety while working around the truck at night.

We added a set of Whelen Engineering T-Series amber and white LED strobes to the truck. We mounted one pair just above the upgraded rear bumper. We added another set on the sides of the truck’s frame to increase visibility from the sides.

The icing on the cake is a Rigid Industries RDS-Series 40” curved light bar. The LED light bar is mounted inside an opening in the custom-painted Rogue Racing front bumper. We added a Warn Zeon 12-S Platinum winch to provide a little extra persuasion when required.

Ford F-450 Stereo and Lighting Upgrades

When the client returned to Ocala Car Audio to pick up his truck, he was ecstatic! He loved the way the stereo sounded and was so excited to see the lighting at night. If you are looking for upgrades for your work truck, or your daily drive, drop into our store and talk to our team. You can also e-mail us using our contact FORM.

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Ocala Client Upgrades Her Harley-Davidson Road Glide Audio System

A client from Ocala brought her 2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide to Ocala Car Audio for an audio system upgrade. She and a few friends planned a cross-country ride and she wanted the audio system upgraded before she left. This bike has the navigation system that was introduced with Project Rushmore. There is no value in replacing the radio, so we suggested adding an amplifier and new speakers to handle the power. She loved the plan, so we scheduled an appointment.

We took the front fairing apart and installed a Kenwood KAC-M3004 in a bridged configuration to power the front speakers. This amp, wired this way, produces up to 150 watts to each speaker. To handle that power, we installed a set of Hertz HCX-165.4 6.5-inch coaxial speakers from the Hi-Energy line. We set the gains up on the amp to ensure the client could turn the radio up without the system distorting.

When the client returned to pick up the bike, she hopped on for a listen. The difference in performance from the anemic factory speakers was like night and day. There was more clarity and a lot more volume.

For more information about our motorcycle audio services, drop by or contact us here.

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Ocala Referral Gets Awesome Fountain 38TE Audio Upgrades

Fountain 38TE AudioThe owner of this 2009 Fountain 38 Tournament Edition boat contacted Ocala Car Audio about having an audio system installed. We had installed an audio system in a boat for a friend of his and got the referral based on our workmanship. This client wanted the best for his boat, so we designed an audio system using JL Audio marine amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. The client loved our plan and gave the OK to start the project to upgrade his Fountain 38TE audio system.

Stage One: Speaker Upgrades

Three speakers and one subwoofer were squeezed onto this panel for a LOT of audio output!
The storage locker speakers required a bit of live-well modification, but it was worth it!
The overhead speakers help ensure everyone has great sound.
We choose JL Audio’s top of the line marine speakers for this boat.

The client wanted something that would get loud. Not just a little loud – very loud! We started by choosing a location for a pair of JL Audio M12IB6-SG-WH 12-inch subwoofers. Each of these monster subs was flanked by three M880-CCX-SG-WLD-B 8.8-inch coaxial speakers. Think about the sheer cone area of that combination! These speakers provide sound for the forward seating area.

We mounted another pair of M880-CCX-SG-WLD-B coaxial speakers in the aft storage locker. We had to reshape the live well to allow the speakers to fit. A slight modification to the well was a better option than making spacers for the speakers.

We mounted the fifth pair of speakers in the overhead radio box. The speakers point straight down at the helm. We used sound deadening to damp any vibrations from the radio box itself.

The last pair of speakers is on the stern of the boat to provide sound to swimmers or friends while the boat is anchored at the sandbar.

Stage Two: Amplification

JL Audio provided the power that rocks this boat.
Dual zone control is just one of the benefits of the Fusion radio.

Since we had a total of 12 speakers and a pair of subwoofers, we needed that many amplifier channels as well. We created an amp rack for three JL Audio MHD600/4 and two MHD750/1 amplifiers. The amp rack is mounted in the locker under the helm and is constructed of starboard. Each speaker in the system has its very own amp channel. We configured the Fusion marine radio that was already on the boat to provide two volume zones. The speakers in the radio box can be adjusted separately from the rest.

It took us two weeks to complete the project. We used T-Spec V10 power and ground wire with Stinger distribution blocks. We had to enlarge many of the factory speaker openings and cut new holes to accommodate the massive 8.8-inch speakers. We treated every speaker to a run of new speaker wire for maximum efficiency and reliability.

Fountain 38TE Audio System Delivery

When the client returned to Ocala Car Audio to hear his system for the first time, he was both stunned and thrilled with the way it sounds.

If your boat needs an audio system upgrade, drop by the store or contact us HERE to get started.

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Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Audio Upgrade For Ocala Client

Silverado 2500HD AudioA local business owner from here in Ocala, Florida, dropped by Ocala Car Audio with his wife to talk about making some upgrades to this 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. The truck was to be a gift for their son’s 16th birthday, and they wanted an audio system and some accessories installed as a holiday present. The client found us through our website and online reviews. We put together a proposal for the client and, on his approval, scheduled an appointment to begin work on this Silverado 2500HD audio upgrade.

Starting from the Front

The addition of the Kenwood radio gives this truck top-of-the-line technology and features.
The front camera was flush mounted in the bumper.

The client chose a Kenwood eXcelon DNX893S double-DIN source unit. This unit features a 7-inch screen and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. We installed the Kenwood unit using a Best Kits BKGMK317 mounting kit and integrated the radio with the vehicle data bus using an Idatalink Maestro RR module. The module provides audio connectivity and vehicle access functions on the screen of the Kenwood.

The Kenwood radio has dual camera inputs. We used the rear factory camera and added a front camera from AIS. We mounted the LCCAM1 front camera in the center of the front bumper. The rear camera shows on the screen as soon as the vehicle is in reverse. The client just has to tap a button to bring up the camera image and can easily toggle between the front and rear camera displays.

JL Audio Amplifiers, Speakers and Subwoofers

JL Audio C3 speakers are a huge improvement over the stock speakers.
The JL Audio Stealthbox is contoured to perfectly fit under the rear seat.
With the seat down it looks like the enclosure could be a factory option.

We ran three sets of Memphis Car Audio 17-etp-12 interconnects from the source unit to a pair of JL Audio HD Series amplifiers. We used an HD600/4 to drive the front, and rear speakers and an HD750/1 to power the subwoofer enclosure. We used a T-Spec v10-rak4 V10 Series 4-AWG power kit to connect the amplifiers to the battery under the hood and a Stinger SPD570 power and ground distribution block to split power delivery between the pair of amplifiers. Our team mounted the amplifiers to a panel on the rear wall of the truck.

The client chose a set of JL C3-650 convertible components for the front of the truck. We mounted the midrange in the door on BKGMSB356 adapter plates after applying a thorough layer of Roadkill sound-damping material to the door. The sound-damping dramatically improves the performance of the speaker by sealing off any openings in the door that might allow cancellation of bass and midbass frequencies. For rear speakers, the client chose JL Audio C3-525 speakers that drop right into the factory locations.

The client wanted much better bass performance from his new system. We ordered a JL Audio SB-GM-SLVCC2/12TW3/BK Stealthbox for the Chevy. This enclosure fits perfectly under the rear bench seat of the truck and is home to a pair of 12TW3 subwoofers.

Cosmetic and Lighting Upgrades

The door trims were also upgraded with the silver accents.
The silver trim package really freshens up the interior of this truck.
The taillights not only look great, they enhance the safety of the truck.
The new headlight upgrades look great!
Even the third brakelight and bed light got a lighting upgrade!

The cosmetic upgrades began with the installation of a CarID aluminum interior trim kit. We prepped all the surfaces with wax and oil remover before mounting everything using the provided two-sided tape.

The factory headlights on the truck were starting to fade and simply did not look “fresh” any longer. We looked at several lighting options for the truck before finally settling on Anzo 111281 replacement headlights. These light assemblies feature dual projectors and a U-bar accent strip around each one. We installed a set of Racesport H1 and H3 HID headlight upgrade kits to provide maximum light output.

The client also requested a set of Anzo 311226 smoked LED tail-light assemblies for the truck. These look much better than the factory lights and make the truck look newer than it is.

The last component was an Anzo 531067 third brake light and truck bed light. This light uses LEDs for excellent output and efficiency.

Silverado 2500 Audio and Lighting Upgrade Delivery

The client and his family returned to Ocala Car Audio to pick up his truck and listen to the new audio system for the first time. They were stunned by how much better the system sounded. They said it was not only a lot louder and had more bass, everything was clearer and had more detail.

If you are interested in upgrading the audio system in your car or truck, drop into our store, call us at 352-512-9897 or send us an e-mail HERE for more information.

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Repeat Client Gets Mazda RX-8 Audio Upgrade And Accessories For Her New Car

Mazda RX-8 AudioOne of our clients brought this clean 2008 Mazda RX-8 to Ocala Car Audio for a significant audio system upgrade. We had built a system for this client’s RAV4 several years ago. She had been looking for an RX-8 for more than a year and was excited to bring it in for a system and a few accessories once she finally found it.

As always, we ensured that we understood the client’s goals for the system and for the vehicle. She loves music and likes cars, so she wanted a system that sounds great and looks kind of cool at the same time.

Initial Steps A Foundation For Great Sound

We took delivery of the vehicle and removed the factory source unit, door and rear speakers. We ran Memphis Car Audio 17-ETP-21.6 6-channel interconnect cables, a T-Spec V10-RAK4 power wire kit and new speaker wire through the car. Then we treated the doors with a healthy dose of Roadkill sound deadening. The sound deadening not only blocks road and wind noise, but dramatically improves the performance of the door speakers by sealing off openings in the doors.

Kenwood Door Speaker Upgrade

The large Kenwood woofer was installed in the door using a custom adapter.
Plenty of sound deadening was applied to the door to maximize the speaker performance.

The factory door speakers are quite large, so we made a set of adapter rings out of expanded PVC foam for Kenwood eXcelon-series XR-1800P 7-inch components. We mounted the tweeters in the stock location at the top of the door. We replaced the rear speakers with a set of Kenwood KFC-X693 in the factory locations.

JL Audio Provides Awesome Bass

Mazda RX-8 Audio
The enclosure utilized a slot-vented port for increased efficiency.

For bass, we fabricated a vented subwoofer enclosure to house a single JL Audio 12W1V3-2 subwoofer. The enclosure sits against the rear seats and the subwoofer fires down. We added a custom logo to the back of the cabinet: an intertwined bass and treble clef. We covered the logo in black vinyl for an embossed look.

Clean JL Audio Power

Both amplifiers were mounted in the floor of the trunk, protected by a removable cover.
There is still plenty of usable space available in the trunk of this RX-8

To power the system, we used a pair of JL Audio RD series amplifiers. An RD400/4 powers the front and rear speakers and we used an RD500/1 for the subwoofer. We located the amps in the bottom of the trunk floor. We created a false floor for the trunk and flushed the amps into it. A removable panel covers the amps so she can use the trunk for cargo without risking damage to the amplifiers. We finished the floor and the subwoofer enclosure trim panel in carpet. We used a Stinger SPD570 power distribution block to split the power wire from the battery to the pair of amplifiers.

Upgraded Technology With Pioneer NEX Radio

Mazda RX-8 Audio
The Pioneer NEX radio gives this 2008 model all the latest technology.

In the factory radio location, we installed a Pioneer AVH-4200NEX. She can use her smartphone for music, texting, phone calls and navigation, thanks to CarPlay and Android Auto. A PAC SWI-RC steering wheel control interface allows the factory steering wheel controls to control the new radio.

Add-On Remote Car Starter

The client requested a few other options while we had the car in the shop. We installed a Directed 5X10 security system with remote starter to protect the vehicle. To start the car, all she has to do is push the Lock button on the factory remote control three times in quick succession.

Katzkin Leather Kit Makes Interior Look New

Mazda RX-8 Audio
The combination of textured leather and the carbon fiber pattern give these covers a unique look.

The last step for the interior of the vehicle was to install a set of Katzkin leather seat upgrade kits. The new upholstery is a combination of a classic textured dark-gray leather with a matching carbon fiber textured center section. These kits fit the factory seat foam perfectly without wrinkling.

Lighting And Tint Round Out The Package

RGB footwell lighting adds to the interior enhancements.
RGB lighting was used to accent the custom-embossed music insert.
The seats, radio, tint and lighting all make a dramatic difference for this Mazda.

We installed a Memphis Car Audio LED kit to highlight the footwells and the trunk of the car.  This is an RGB lighting upgrade which allows her to select any color that she desires. We tinted the windows with a premium heat-rejecting Nano Ceramic tint. This window film blocks a majority of the heat from the sun and keeps the interior much cooler. To complete the blacked-out look of the car, we applied Oracle 8300 dark-gray film over the rear taillights.

Client Loved Her New Mazda RX-8 Audio System

The client returned to pick up her car and was blown away by the work we had done. She loved the clean look of the trunk and the custom music note on the back of the enclosure. She hopped in, had a listen to the new system and was smiling from ear to ear.

If you are looking for an upgrade to your audio system, drop by Ocala Car Audio. You can also e-mail us here for more information about any of our products or services.

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Three Stages To A Better-Sounding Car Audio System

Car Audio SystemHere at Ocala Car Audio, we love music. In fact, we are passionate about recreating your favorite concert in your vehicle. Maybe that is why, year after year, more people in the Ocala area turn to us to upgrade their car audio system. For most people, it breaks down into three stages of improvement.

1. Add a Subwoofer to Make Your Music Come Alive

Car Audio SystemDo you remember your favorite concert? The feeling of the bass hitting you in your chest? That was a subwoofer and, frankly, stock stereo systems in vehicles are anemic when it comes to bass.

Now, you may be thinking you need a large enclosure in your cargo area. In years past, it was true. Nowadays, modern subwoofers work in very small enclosures, so we can make that kick drum or bass guitar come alive in your car, truck or SUV with a compact design. We can even make a custom enclosure that tucks into a corner and often takes up practically no room at all.

2. Power Gives You the Volume to Make the Music Enjoyable

At this point, you now have bass in your music, so the sound is more real to you. What do you want to do? Well, you want to crank the volume knob. To do that, you need power. Most factory-equipped stereo systems use tiny amplifiers that work OK for listening to music at lower levels, but when you want to crank it up, they run out of power. The experts at Ocala Car Audio will find you the perfect amplifier that can give you all the volume you need to enjoy your music at higher listening levels.

3. Speakers Complete the Package

Car Audio SystemFinally, you will have bass and more volume, so what is lacking? Clarity in the music. Factory speakers are very inexpensive designs, and they sound lifeless and boring, to be blunt. A good set of replacement speakers from Ocala will bring out all the details in the music that you have been missing. We have built car audio systems for clients who say, “I am hearing details in songs I didn’t know existed.” To make it more interesting, sometimes this is music they have been listening to for decades!

Find Someone who Sells Solutions, not Products

We have one final thought for you. When you decide to embark on the journey of upgrading your car stereo system, you want a shop that can design and build you a complete solution, not a company that wants to focus on individual products. At Ocala Car Audio, we take all the time needed to get to know our clients better. We consider everything from how loud you listen to it to the way you use your vehicle on a weekly basis. We will sit in your vehicle, listen to your factory stereo, and ask you what you like and what you don’t like about it. Then we go inside and audition equipment that we think are your best options. In the end, we design and build a solution tailored to your unique needs.

Stop in and Experience us for Yourself

The only way to get the Ocala Car Audio experience for yourself is to drive on down here with your vehicle and get to know us better. You can also contact us by clicking HERE.

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Subaru WRX Audio System Upgrade for Fruitland Park Client

This Fruitland Park client came to us wanting his 2016 Subaru WRX audio system upgraded after reading many of our excellent online reviews. After talking with the client, we learned his desires for the audio system upgrade and worked up a quote for him.

Powering the system is a JL Audio xd1000/5v2 that has five channels with enough power for all the speakers in the car. We mounted the amplifier up under the rear deck of the WRX on a custom-fabricated metal mounting rack. In the front, we replaced the speakers with JL Audio C5-650 component speakers. The separate tweeter allows optimal angling for the best sound quality.

We replaced the rear speakers with JL Audio C5-650x coaxial speakers and used Road Kill sound damping on both sets of speakers to enhance the system sound quality even further.

The final piece to the audio puzzle was the bass upgrade. For this system, we chose one of the finest subwoofers available: the JL Audio 10w6v3. We installed the killer sub in a custom-fabricated enclosure in the rear driver side of the trunk.

Once the system was tuned by our experts, the sound was phenomenal!

If you are interested in learning about more audio upgrades, contact us HERE.

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Ocala Car Audio and Tint

12 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
352-512-9897

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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday9:00 am – 6:00 pm

We are Closed on Saturday and Sunday