Vecman's Build - Boyhood Dreams Realized!

[Vecman]

You can buy the JL Stealthbox and a Audio Control LCI2 to upgrade the bass for less than $2k if you do it yourself. I've got a full system replacement planned. The two Audiocontrol amps are around $1600 and the JL Stealthbox is $1700. I'm torn on the door speakers. Thinking JL C3-650's. Decisions, decisions. Of course, my setup also requires the NAV TV Zen A2B to integrate so that's another $700. Sound deadening material...the list goes on and on.

That’s the problem - it starts to spiral real quick!

 

[Vecman]

Pics of sub and amp setup behind the rear seat

 

[Vecman]

Tight fit due to the ported sub enclosure, but I’m happy with everything being behind the seat. I wanted the under seat storage and wasn’t willing to give that up.

 

[HawkX66]

Tight fit due to the ported sub enclosure, but I’m happy with everything being behind the seat. I wanted the under seat storage and wasn’t willing to give that up.

Same here. I finally found a single box that fit. I'm going to put my other sub in it. I still need to make a mount for the amp. Kicker really did a nice job.
At 15" tall, I had to really push down to get it to slide back. So snug it doesn't need brackets.

 

[Vecman]

With the help of you awesome forum members, we were able to find the rear platinum ford emblem in black, by using an explorer one instead. Had to remove an extra stud on the back of the new black one, but it turned out perfect.

Bought it from here:

LB5B-402A16-AA New OEM Black Oval Rear Liftgate Emblem 5x2 inches Ford Explorer | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for LB5B-402A16-AA New OEM Black Oval Rear Liftgate Emblem 5x2 inches Ford Explorer at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[rayw72]

With the help of you awesome forum members, we were able to find the rear platinum ford emblem in black, by using an explorer one instead. Had to remove an extra stud on the back of the new black one, but it turned out perfect.

Looks awesome!

 

[Vecman]

I’ve been so tired of squeezing in to add upfitter connections, decided to pull the whole unit out, add appropriately rated connectors, and now, all I have to do is work on the add-on end, and plug it in. So much better.

 

[Vecman]

Quick project over the weekend. I like being able to see the fluid level now. Would have been an even quicker project if I didn’t get frustrated and strip one of the factory bolt heads. Luckily autozone is close and had a kit to remove a stripped head.

 

[Lunch Box]

Quick project over the weekend. I like being able to see the fluid level now. Would have been an even quicker project if I didn’t get frustrated and strip one of the factory bolt heads. Luckily autozone is close and had a kit to remove a stripped head.

View attachment 50952

Just curious, how did you strip it? Did you round off the bolt head? If so possibly because the wrench/socket was not flush? Was the bolt super tight? Asking because I am going to do this as well. Did you remove the spare for the install? Finally what are the torque specs. Thank you sir.

 

[Lunch Box]

Just curious, how did you strip it? Did you round off the bolt head? If so possibly because the wrench/socket was not flush? Was the bolt super tight? Asking because I am going to do this as well. Did you remove the spare for the install? Finally what are the torque specs. Thank you sir.

One more question......what product did you use to refill. Thanks

 

[tjprattctr]

Beautiful truck.
#goals

 

[Vecman]

Just curious, how did you strip it? Did you round off the bolt head? If so possibly because the wrench/socket was not flush? Was the bolt super tight? Asking because I am going to do this as well. Did you remove the spare for the install? Finally what are the torque specs. Thank you sir.

Banks instructions say 13mm, it's a 14mm. But I was having a hard time to get it to sit on the bolt. I was using my impact wrench, wasn't flush. I let my frustration get to me and cranked the trigger - that was a very bad mistake. For the rest, I used a rubber mallet and tapped them fully seated, and the rest came off without issue. Used a normal socket/wrench for the rest also. Banks has new bolts and everything in their cover package. They also provide the torque specs.
To remove the rounded bolt, I used this kit - it worked perfectly.

 

[Vecman]

One more question......what product did you use to refill. Thanks

Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-140

 

[Vecman]

Beautiful truck.
#goals

Thanks! I've never done this kind of stuff to any previous car I've ever owned. For some reason, I'm loving just changing, upgrading, adding things to this truck! It's coming to a close, as I've done so much. Just a few things left. But I sure love driving this thing around!

 

[Vecman]

The build is coming to a close. This has been a lot of fun (and money!), but I've really enjoyed it. Here's the remaining punch list:

Completed, just need to post up some pictures:
Built Right bed panels and panel mounted behind driver's seat

Purchased, sitting at the house awaiting install:
Front light bar
SPE Motorsport engine parts; hot pipe, thermostat, radiator hoses (good quality stuff, but man, they are not an easy company to deal with) - I've been waiting on my disaster prevention kit to arrive before I start installing all this - it's been over a month, website still says "in stock, 1 week lead time" so who knows. My first order with the rest of the parts took almost 2 months to deliver.
12" screen protector
Front eco hidden hitch mount
Black tow hooks
I have some black vinyl for the retractable steps and the tailgate handle, but not sure I care enough to do this.


Still needing to purchase:
Fog light/extra light solution (still not sold on either the Baja design setup or the KD Fabworks setup)
Rock lights
Replace current rear cheap amazon lights with some legit rear lights
A-pillar lights - still undecided
HSM upper/lower fuel filter upgrades (still torn on the lower one)
Banks Derringer Tuner
Tonneau cover - rollable, preferably without a canister. Leaning towards Truxedo Sentry/Sentry CT

I think that's about it. It's hard to believe it's almost done. I'm sure, with the help of all of you, I can find future ways to tweak this beast!

 

[Vecman]

Installed the Built Right bed panels and behind the seat panel. No pics of the bed ones, as many already are familiar with those. I wants going to do those, but wow, they really do hide well and give a lot more capability to organizing the bed. Glad I did it. The behind the seat panel I did mostly for rifle mounting. My underseat storage is full, so I wanted to be able to mount a rifle there at certain times. As a side note, it’s getting far more use as a little kid kick blocker than the intended purpose, which is probably more valuable. Might need to get another for the passenger to protect that seat also!

 

[mewaschuk]

I’ve been so tired of squeezing in to add upfitter connections, decided to pull the whole unit out, add appropriately rated connectors, and now, all I have to do is work on the add-on end, and plug it in. So much better.
View attachment 48625
View attachment 48626

why not just use a 1pin connector instead of a 2 pin connector?

 

[Vecman]

why not just use a 1pin connector instead of a 2 pin connector?

it is 1:1 connection. 3 - 2 pin connectors covers all 6 upfitter connections. I felt this was more organized and less busy this way.

 

[mewaschuk]

it is 1:1 connection. 3 - 2 pin connectors covers all 6 upfitter connections. I felt this was more organized and less busy this way.

to each his own i guess. i did 6x 1 connectors on mine. props for using connectors and not just crimping wires together

 

[Vecman]

Installed the front hidden eco hitch today and replaced my tow hooks to black ones. Wasn’t bad at all. Only hiccup was that the front plastic fascia around the tow hooks refused to go back on. It wasn’t lined up properly, which confused the heck out of me. I had to cut some plastic off and make it work. Can’t notice it unless you know where to look. I’m hoping the front flag plate I have coming will also help hide it. Very happy with the black/chrome front look now.