Anyone who knows anything about a truck, knows that a full-blown custom build just isn't complete without the betterment of its audio bump. For our '09 Ram project, we needed to add enough clear bass notes to rattle the eardrums of those inside the truck's confines while conserving as much space as possible. We also wanted the right amount of mid and high tones to counterbalance the deep bass lines that would soon be filling the cab. Our needs list was long, as we also needed an all-in-one, do-everything head unit that we could rely on to provide excellent audio controls, as well as navigation and convenient auxiliary support we use everyday such as iPod, USB, and SD card compatibility.
| 2009 Dodge Ram Upgrades finished Installation
We chose the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT because it offers high-resolution 2-D and 3-D navigation maps that deliver crystal clear renderings of the surrounding area. The voice-activated nav function accurately locates nearby gas stations, restaurants, or any other of the 12 million POIs that come pre-loaded in its memory. Most importantly, we wanted to gain as many entertainment options as possible, and we wanted our music and video to sound its best. With that said, we were naturally attracted to the Z110BT's ability to playback practically any type of video and audio file, and we could rely on the built-in 7-band EQ to build the perfect sound stage for our listening pleasure.
Above everything else, we wanted our audio components to have style. It's a long list, but is all of that too much to ask? We don't think so, and neither should you. We knew of one local shop in particular, Audio Innovations, that could help give our truck a state-of-the-art audio system that met every one of our picky demands. If your truck is in need of some new tunes, or if your old tunes don't have the audio fidelity they once did, give the companies in our source box a call.
Check out Joe Provenzano, and his crew at Audio Innovations, in Glendora, California, prep our Ram for the ride of its life thanks to Pioneer.
FROM THE DRIVER SEAT
The time and effort that went into making our Dodge Ram's audio/video system the best it could be without having to take up any valuable space was incredible to witness. Now that the hard work is over, we've had the opportunity to settle into the cab and enjoy the quality of Pioneer's products, as well as the craftsmanship of Joe and the Audio Innovations' team. Making fuel or food stops isn't a problem with the AVIC-Z110BT's easy-to-use and ultra-fast navi system, and each and every song we listen to from our iPod sounds better than ever before thanks to Pioneer's latest audio technology. Making legal (hands-free) phone calls from the head unit is a snap with the voice control and the sound quality is crystal clear. Best of all, the speaker pods and matching trim in the door panels tie the interior together with the outer paint scheme-a look that always makes for a well-rounded appearance. Go ahead and crank up the tunes!
| 2009 Dodge Ram Upgrades finished Door Panel
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Time Spent Working: 10 Hours
(not counting full drying time of fiberglass speaker pods)
Degree Of Difficulty: Intermediate
(of course, wiring and a steady hand with the jigsaw are a definite plus)
Tools Needed:
Assorted sockets and wrenches, drill, screwdriver set, wire connectors, wire crimpers, jigsaw, staple gun, and heat gun.
Parts Used:
Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT navigation/DVD A/V receiver:
$1,600
Pioneer GM-6400F four-channel amp:
$200
Pioneer GM-D8400M mono amp:
$300
Pioneer TS-D1720C 6 3/4-inch component speakers (2 sets):
$220 per set
Pioneer TS-SW1201S2 12-inch shallow-mount sub (2):
$220 each
HushMat ultra bulk set silver (2 boxes):
$399 per set
Mopar rear seat DVD monitor (2):
$1,625 each
TOTAL: $7,028
(prices from Pioneerelectronics.com, Mopar.com, and ClassicIndustries.com and do not include tax, shipping, or installation)
