Northampton Ford F-350 Stereo System: Stage 3

A client from Northampton recently returned to Mobile Edge to continue the work on his 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty with a new custom subwoofer enclosure. We had previously built custom door panels and speaker pods for several sets of Hertz HSK165XL speakers. The client wanted more bass than the ES250 subwoofers were able to produce, so Mike set to work designing a custom solution that would deliver the performance he wanted.

Custom Ford F-350 Center Console

The inside of the enclosure was painted white to help further highlight the subwoofers.

The enclosure was sanded before prepping for bedliner spray.

Mike works on prepping the enclosure for installation.

The layers were clamped together while the glue was drying.

The enclosure looks good and sounds even better.

Lighting was added in the enclosure.

Our plan for the F-350 was to fabricate a new center console for the truck that would serve double-duty as a subwoofer enclosure. Mike set to work taking measurements of the vehicle interior to determine which subwoofers would deliver the output and low-frequency extension the client wanted. After finishing some calculations, we determined that a pair of Hertz Mille Legend ML2500 10-inch subs would be perfect.

We started the fabrication process with the basic foundation for the sides and bottom of the enclosure. We used our router and circle-cutting jig to cut two mounting holes into the bottom panel. After installing threaded inserts in the bottom panel, we laminated a second piece of MDF to the top to conceal the mounting hardware. These inserts ensure that the subs are held in place securely while maintaining serviceability, should it be required.

The interior of the enclosure is finished with white paint, with a pair of square viewing windows in the top panel. The acrylic windows are each secured in place with 16 hex-head cap screws and washers for a rugged, industrial look. Mike sanded the exterior of the enclosure smooth and filled all the seams before finishing the enclosure in a durable bedliner coating.

We added white LED lighting to the interior of the enclosure to illuminate the rear of the subwoofers.

Custom Arm Rest

The armrest adds a bit of comfort to the console.

The processor controller was installed in the top of the armrest.

Since the center console was removed, we talked to the client about creating a new armrest that would sit on top of the enclosure. After some back and forth, we came up with the idea to integrate the controller from the Audison bit ONE HD into the armrest and add a soft, vinyl-wrapped foam pad to make it comfortable. Mike created the armrest out of stacked layers of MDF that are shaped to mimic the inserts on the front grille of the truck and the top of the gauge cluster. This half-octagon shape perfectly complements the overall beefiness of the system design.

Audison Subwoofer Amplifier

The electronics were mounted on the rear wall of the truck.

The new Mille Legend subwoofers are powered by a monster ML POWER 1 1,000-watt monoblock amplifier. We built a temporary mounting bracket for the amp to secure it to the back wall of the truck and ran Audison Connection 4-AWG power cable to the battery. We also added an SSF2.5DGT stiffening capacitor beside the amp to ensure it would get the power it needs when the client has the system cranked.

The subwoofer channels on the exiting HCP 5D amplifiers aren’t currently being used. The client has plans to return in a few months so that we can replace those original amplifiers with a pair of four-channel amps and build a dedicated amp rack in the back of the vehicle.

Audio System Tuning

With the new equipment installed, we refined the system tuning by adjusting the equalizer and signal delay settings in the bit ONE HD to work with the location and frequency response of the new subwoofer enclosure.

Once we had the system dialed-in, we called the client to let him know this third stage of his upgrade project was complete and it was time for him to have a listen. When he arrived at Mobile Edge, he was clearly excited to hear the new subs. Mike climbed into the truck with the client, and they cranked it up. He was smiling from ear to ear.

If you are interested in upgrading your pickup truck with a custom subwoofer enclosure, drop by Mobile Edge in Lehighton and speak with a member of our sales team. We’d be happy to design a solution that meets your performance and styling expectations. For more information, give us a call at 610-377-2730 or click the red button below to schedule a personal consultation with a member of our team.