Ocala Car Audio and Tint

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This Amazing Jeep Wrangler got Audio and Customization

Jeep Wrangler sitting in front of Ocala Car Audio
This 2020 Jeep Wrangler came in for a stereo and leather upgrade

The owner of this 2020 Jeep Wrangler contacted Ocala Car Audio to enlist our assistance in finishing this customization project. He had purchased this Jeep for his daughter and wanted us to coordinate several upgrades to match his vision. This Jeep Wrangler started life in Las Vegas with a 392-cubic inch V8 that can crank out a mind-bending 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle already had a lift kit and 37-inch tires. He wanted us to upgrade the interior, install a premium entertainment system and have the vehicle painted. After reviewing the project, we agreed to coordinate its completion with the help of several local shops.

Jeep Wrangler Entertainment System Upgrade

We started with what we do best: an audio system upgrade. The heart of the new stereo is a Stinger UN1810 multimedia receiver that’s known as the Heigh10. This radio features a massive 10-inch display and includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. We upgraded the radio with an SXV300v1 SiriusXM satellite radio receiver so she’d be able to listen to any genre of music she wanted.

Our technicians used Stinger’s SRK-JW18EH installation kit to integrate the radio into the dash and allow it to communicate with the data network in the vehicle. Not only do the volume buttons on the steering wheel work with the Heigh10, but the radio can display engine and drivetrain information on the screen.

The new radio feeds a five-channel JL Audio VX1000/5i amplifier that we mounted under the driver’s seat using JL’s SBA-J-JLU-UAR bracket. This amp is rated to produce 75 watts of power from the four main channels and 600 watts from the subwoofer channel. More importantly, it includes a powerful digital signal processor that we used to configure the speaker’s crossovers, output levels and equalization settings. A four-AWG JL Audio XD-PCS4-1B power kit feeds the amp, and we added a JL Audio DRC-205 remote level control to make it easy to adjust the subwoofer output level from the front seat.

Jeep Wrangler Speaker Choices

For speakers, we installed two sets of JL Audio C3-650 6.5-inch components. The front set replaces the woofers in the bottom of the dash and the small midrange speakers near the windshield. The second set is mounted in the overhead soundbar just behind the driver and passenger seats.

Delivering solid bass performance was important to the upgrade, so we removed the stock subwoofer from the vehicle and purchased new trim panels so that we could install a set of JL Audio Stealthbox enclosures. The SB-J-JL4DPAS/10TW1-4 and SB-J-JL4DDRV/10TW1-4 enclosures feature 10TW1-4 10-inch subwoofers in fiberglass pods that are optimized for the area above the rear wheel well.

Remote Starter and Accessory Upgrades

With all the customization planned for the vehicle, the owner wanted it to be protected. We installed a Compustar remote car starter with its Alarm-It security upgrade. The security options include shock, tilt and motion sensors along with a high-output siren. The client chose one of the classic Compustar 901 two-way LCD remotes and the DroneMobile smartphone interface to control the alarm and starter. DroneMobile uses cellular communication to relay commands from the smartphone to the vehicle and provides alerts instantly if someone is tampering with it.

Accessories and Lighting

Next, we added a few functional and styling upgrades to the vehicle. We installed a set of XK Glow LED wheel rings along with a Pro-Series under-car kit and their Jeep-specific third brake light system. All the accent lighting can be controlled by a smartphone application to choose a color or change the pattern when the Jeep is parked.

We installed a Warn full-width crawler bumper and mounted a VR Evo 12-S 12000-pound winch to it. This winch includes 90 feet of 3/8-inch synthetic cable. We added a set of 3.5-inch Heise HE-DL2 LED driving lights to the bumper to help her see once the sun sets.

Working With Local Partners

We had our friends at Titan Up Automotive Services install an Alea Leather kit on the front and rear seats. The kit also includes new leather trim pieces that fit around the transfer case and gear selector.

Our client felt that the Jeep Wrangler was a little to tall. To help accommodate them we worked with a couple of local partners. Ocala Tire Service helped by installing smaller 35″ tires. After the tires were changed, we took the Jeep to Groeb Motorsports to help lower the suspension.

The icing on the cake for the project was a trip to see Claudio and Paintworx for a custom paint job. The Jeep came to use in a rather bland gray. The client wanted something vibrant and exciting and chose a custom metallic yellow hue that made this vehicle absolutely POP!

Ocala’s Vehicle Customization Experts

Working with our vehicle customization partners in the area, we upgraded this Jeep into something classy and unique for our client. He was very happy with the results and impressed with our ability to manage the project. We’re sure his daughter is going to love her new Jeep Wrangler. If you’re interested in upgrading your Jeep, drop by Ocala Car Audio and speak with one of our Product Specialists. You can also reach us by phone or e-mail using our contact page.

 

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Ford F-150 Stereo System Upgrade for The Villages Client

Ford F-150 StereoA client from The Villages recently dropped into Ocala Car Audio to talk about a 2016 Ford F-150 stereo upgrade project. His wife wasn’t impressed with the sound of the factory stereo system. We discussed what she liked about the existing audio system and where they thought it could use improvement. After listening to their concerns, we proposed a fairly elaborate upgrade with a premium digital source unit interface, a high-quality DSP-equipped amplifier, new speakers and a subwoofer.

System Design Consultation

The client was surprised at the complexity of our proposal and showed us a quote from a shop in Tampa that was about a third of the cost. Unfortunately, they hadn’t considered the client’s goals for the system and we felt that the result wouldn’t be much of an improvement. Armed with a full understanding of how and why we designed the upgrade we did, he decided he would come back with his wife and audition a similar system we had installed.

His wife was very impressed with the sound in the truck as it addressed all of her concerns. They gave us the go-ahead to upgrade their Ford F-150 stereo.

Ford F-150 Stereo System Integration

Ford F-150 Stereo
The purpose-built JL Audio Stealthbox was a perfect fit under the rear seats.

We used a PAC AmpPro AP4-FD21 interface to connect a JL Audio VX1000/5i five-channel amplifier to the factory radio. We added an APA-TOS1 TOSLINK interface so we could use a fiber optic cable to connect to the JL Audio VXi amplifier for maximum performance. The amp is wired with Stinger Pro power wire and is protected by an SPD5801 fuse. We also installed a DRC-205 remote level control so the clients can fine-tune the bass level.

The 600-watt subwoofer channel of the amp drives a JL Audio SB-F-150-SCDBL/12TW3/BK StealthBox subwoofer system that fits perfectly under the rear bench seat of the trunk. The enclosure houses a pair of 12TW3 12-inch subwoofers.

Ford Trunk Front Speaker Upgrade

The doors were upgraded with C3 speakers and sound deadener.
The JL Audio C3 tweeter fit perfectly in the factory location.
With our modifications complete, the door remained stock-looking.

The next step was to apply roughly 40 square feet of Stinger RoadKill sound deadening to the front and rear doors. Our fabrication team created plastic mounting adapters for a set of JL Audio C3-600 woofers and we mounted the tweeters in the factory locations in the A-pillars. Another set of adapters allowed us to mount a second set of C3-600 speakers in the rear doors. The front and rear channels of the amp deliver 75 watts to each of the speakers.

System Tuning and Delivery

The clients returned from The Villages on a Saturday morning to pick up the system. They had a listen to the truck and were blown away at the quality of the sound. One of them said,  “I want to cry, it sounds so good!” If you are in the Marion County area and are interested in upgrading the sound system in your car or truck, drop by Ocala Car Audio, give us a call or send us an e-mail.

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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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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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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

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