Refining "Sierra"

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by calvin78612

Ken, Looking at the KSC SW11 online it looks like it requires an installation kit ? The reason I ask is I just purchased a KRC 3001 receiver & a KAC 501 amp. I know the KSC is powered independently but how does it tie into the receiver ? Thanks. Calvin. P.S. hope to see you at LST !

I'm not sure what you saw, but no installation kit is necessary with the Kenwood deck. The amp in the sub will work off of a high or low power signal. The Kenwood deck has a low power output, so we will be running it from there.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Chaplain

Where do you plan to place your sub?

Pictures are better than words...

[slammed427]

Subscribed. I really like this truck and what you're doing to make it yours.

[85 Money Pit]

Very impressed!!!

[calvin78612]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I'm not sure what you saw, but no installation kit is necessary with the Kenwood deck. The amp in the sub will work off of a high or low power signal. The Kenwood deck has a low power output, so we will be running it from there.

Thanks.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by slammed427

Subscribed. I really like this truck and what you're doing to make it yours.

Thanks for the kind words. There have been some very nice updates done already. I hope to refine whats been done and take it to the next level.

[EJC78]

Looking good

[N2TRUX]

I hope everyone has had a safe and happy holiday season. Mine was fantastic. Despite a crazy work schedule and quality time with the family, I have managed to move closer to wrapping up in the cab.

We got the wiring upgraded and rerouted to the center of the cab. This cleaned up the door jamb track and minimized excess length under the dash. The subwoofer comes with a wired remote, so it will be located in the glovebox. This will allow final adjustments without having to access the amp/sub box.

Although it may not look like much, installing the sound deadner to the back of the cab was a milestone. It means initial testing and final fitment has been accomplished. Hopefully today the box will be covered, and instalation will be completed.

Time is going quickly, and Lonestar Throwdown show is not far away.

[northern 85]

Looking great nice work!

[N2TRUX]

Unfortunately I had to work half a day today, so I got a late start. Some fine tuning of the trim pieces consumed a lot of time. I finished fitting everything, and its ready to wrap. We tucked all the wiring and installed the carpet and trim panels. Once the box is wrapped, its time to tune the sound system and call it done.

While waiting for me to fit all the panels, Chris started on the next phase of refinement. The engine and under hood area will soon see a fresh look. To gain access for a serious clean up the fender liners were removed.

[Hart_Rod]

Nice find! Can't wait to see where you go with it, .

[killthewabbit]

Very nice, Ken. Even though mine's gone, I'm a fair bit partial to mid 80s GMCs myself...

[carboncrew]

Looks great. Love that interior color. First pickup I had was that exact interior.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by carboncrew

Looks great. Love that interior color. First pickup I had was that exact interior.

It is a unique color. At first I wasnt sure about it, but everyone that sees it likes it. What do I know?

Originally Posted by killthewabbit

Very nice, Ken. Even though mine's gone, I'm a fair bit partial to mid 80s GMCs myself...

This is my first squarebody GMC, but I do like them. Everything except the crazy prices for NOS trim anyway.

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Nice find! Can't wait to see where you go with it, .

Fortunately this one had a lot of money spent on good parts already. My goal is to enhance whats already been done, and give it a fresh look under the hood. Thats where you will see the biggest change.

[Zach079xxx]

I'm digging the setup for speakers and storage behind your seat. I'm running an infinity bass link for bass, and I have two 6 X 9s being powered by an amplifier. Space is tight in mine. And I may build something because I have no space! I have factory 4 X 10 speaker mounts but I was in a rush when installing my speakers and they were on back order. Darn..

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Zach079xxx

I'm digging the setup for speakers and storage behind your seat. I'm running an infinity bass link for bass, and I have two 6 X 9s being powered by an amplifier. Space is tight in mine. And I may build something because I have no space! I have factory 4 X 10 speaker mounts but I was in a rush when installing my speakers and they were on back order. Darn..

How did you get all that to fit? I am tall, and couldnt give up any leg room so I had to go with a compact enclosure.

[N2TRUX]

With the countdown to Lonestar Throwdown ticking by quickly, its time to pick up the pace. I had talked to Derek Churchyard from Precision Replacement Parts a few weeks back, and we made plans to send my vent window assemblies to his associate Greg Stroik. Greg is the master at making vent window assemblies look like new again. I finally got them pulled last night, and they will ship out today.

Although the seals had been replaced when the truck was blown apart to be painted, the vent windows still leaked badly. The fit of the seals were inadequate and I had a lot of wind noise as well as water coming through. After explaining my problems, Derek has assured me the Precision Replacement Parts seals will make my vents like new again.

[N2TRUX]

With the doors stripped of the wing vents, it allowed a bit more access room to the inner skin. I carefully rolled the window up to gain more room to work. I used a Scotchbrite pad to scuff the inside of the door skin clean, and followed up with a complete wipe down of thinner. I inspected the doors with a light and verified no rust anywhere.

We cut 8" strips of sound deadner and lined the door skin as complete as possible. I was able to cover about 98% by using strips. The results were well worth the effort. The door now closes with a solid sound. Tapping the outer side with your knuckle gives a deep thud, instead of a tinny sound.

[darkhorse970]

Very nice truck! I'm in.

[Zach079xxx]

It slipped right in place. I though for sure when I bought it that id be returning it. So happy with it though, it's a killer system. The infinity bass link kicks so good!

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

How did you get all that to fit? I am tall, and couldnt give up any leg room so I had to go with a compact enclosure.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Zach079xxx

It slipped right in place. I though for sure when I bought it that id be returning it. So happy with it though, it's a killer system. The infinity bass link kicks so good!

Thats good info.

We wrapped up the 5x10 boxes and did some initial test and tune. So far the boxes are proving to be effective. I have gained some nice tight mid bass at a good level. The 3.5s in the dash seem a little bright, but that should tune out once we get everything installed.

[N2TRUX]

Its a wrap! (Pun intended) Its been a lot of years since I built speaker boxes, and covered them. That was back in the days of my stereo sound of competition, and I have forgotten a few things since then. It took a few attempts in design and fitment, and my OCD still isnt 100% happy.

Regardless, I finaly said enough is enough and finished the install last night. We did some initial tuning and we are pleased with it so far. If your looking for window rattleing 50 hertz and below bass, this little unit wont do it. If you want nice tight bass with a decent thump check this Kenwood all in one out.

The 5x10s performed excellent. The box we built truly brought them to life with a broad range of crisp rear fill, and some very hard hitting mid bass. I was concerned that the position would make them dominant, but Chris has tuned them out enough that they dont take over.

We still have to rweak the 6.5s in the kick panels. They sound a bit flat, and go muddy when we bring them up. Im going to take a look at thier enclosure and see if I cant make them better.

Im ready to bolt the seat back down, and finish the filler trim. We have to get on with this project. Lonestar Throwdown is not far away.

BTW-One of the POs installed a vinyl storage pouch, hence the row of holes. Those will be filled in soon.

[lolife99]

The speaker enclosure looks excellent!

Ken,... what is the actual color or your interior?
I can't tell for sure if its maroon or brown.

[northern 85]

Very nice work

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by lolife99

The speaker enclosure looks excellent!

Ken,... what is the actual color or your interior?
I can't tell for sure if its maroon or brown.

Keith, its neither, or maybe both. It's called mahogany and its somewhere between brown and maroon. Its a unique color thats near impossible to match. I tried a 6-8 fabric centers before I ran across this leather grained vinyl. It wasnt exactly what I had in mind, but I soon realized it was going to have to work. Now that its in there, I am pleased with the results.