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BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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For those of you just joining us, Big Al has replaced his 2008 Honda Element with a new 2015 Ford Explorer. As he continues in his quest for audio bliss and contemplates on which direction to take his installation, the world is wondering, "What will he do? What can he do?"
The vehicle:
2015 Ford Explorer XLT
3.5L V-6
White Platinum Metallic paint with Light Stone leather interior
Ford Sync premium audio system with 8" touch screen, MyFord Touch voice-activated navigation, and back-up camera
Class III towing package with transmission cooler
Power lift-gate
Remote start
The first modification, a CAJ front plate
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...7805ace-me.jpg
5000lb towing capacity
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...13b98fc-me.jpg
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...a3912fc-me.jpg
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...90a282f-me.jpg
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...417a5b6-me.jpg
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...efa79f4-me.jpg
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...c6d4bcc-me.jpg
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...25d41bf-me.jpg
to be continued...
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
This is what the back end looks like with the 3rd row seats in the upright position
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...538147f-me.jpg
The spare tire well is 27" wide by 6" deep
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...10edaf2-me.jpg
From the floor to the threshold of the rear hatch is 10"
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...f4c5a91-me.jpg
Here's the rear seats folded flat. It measures 46x40"
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...6edb740-me.jpg
With the 2nd row folded flat also
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...f521696-me.jpg
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Nice rig. Makes me want to consider one now. Time to gut the interior and get to work!
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
The door
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...a75bfe1-me.jpg
Notice the factory tweeter location
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...1f55b92-me.jpg
This is what it looks like with the doors closed (stock image)
http://www.ford.com/ngbs-services/re...11_int_enl.jpg
It has plenty of room to replace the sail panel, and the A-pillar is huge!
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
One note, might be worth building around the spare tire so you can still access it. It would make more sense to me if it was underneath.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
So, if I remove the 3rd row (it's pretty useless unless you have little kids), fiberglass the spare tire well, and build an enclosure level to the back hatch trim, I would end up with about 12cuft of airspace...nice enough for two GZ 18" subs. :D When I get some time, I'm going to remove the door panel to see how much depth I have for mounting speakers. So far the Explorer is super-quiet, and it's not until I get above 60mph that I hear any wind noise, and it seems to be at the doors. Maybe some sound treatment will help even there.
I'm still in the brainstorming stage of what I want to do, but since everything is integrated with the factory HU, I'll probably just stick with it.
More to come... :thumbup:
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hillbilly SQ
One note, might be worth building around the spare tire so you can still access it. It would make more sense to me if it was underneath.
The spare is going in the leftover parts pile
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
What if you can't get a signal if you blow a tire or have a flat that can't be plugged on the side of the road? I'd be a nervous wreck without knowing a spare was available. I actually drove home from OKC one time on the spare because I didn't want to drive home at night with a nail in one of them.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Nice ride Al.
I'm looking forward to see what all you can get in there.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
nice ride Al. Gotta love the new fords. I had the ford edge as a rental last year and loved it (besides the space ship interior - way too many buttons for my liking). But your interior looks pretty sweet. Looking forward to your progress.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
IIRC it is much easier to get to the back of the HU on the explorer than it is the Taurus, if/when you do need to get back there. Great choice on the white, Ford's paint game is on point with their vehicles. Nice ride!
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Very nice Mr. Al! You definitely deserve it. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
So what happened with the Element that made you feel the need to retire it ? :)
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
That's pretty slick!
Them door grills and pillars.. hmmmmmmmmmmm
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Thanks, guys!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hillbilly SQ
What if you can't get a signal if you blow a tire or have a flat that can't be plugged on the side of the road? I'd be a nervous wreck without knowing a spare was available. I actually drove home from OKC one time on the spare because I didn't want to drive home at night with a nail in one of them.
If I ever go out of town, I'll toss it in...but around town I feel safe enough to risk only carrying tire sealant.
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Originally Posted by
Coppertone
So what happened with the Element that made you feel the need to retire it ? :)
It had 151k miles on it and stuff was starting to tear up here and there. I actually had engine trouble on the way home from VA but managed to limp it home. It was then I decided to start looking.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
^^^. I can't fault you there and am really feeling your new choice, especially in white. :)
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Looks very nice.
Need to ride in it on the way to get some BBQ.... :)
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Here is my line up of Ford vehicles, I just need to buy more storage spots lol.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
So here's what's behind door number 1...
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...7832180-me.jpg
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...65e665c-me.jpg
Here's the backside of the tweeter pod
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...ca215f3-me.jpg
I removed it to give it a closer inspection
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...7bde90e-me.jpg
I put a magnet to it and the grill is metal. it appears that they just heated the plastic to melt the grill flange in place.
http://www.caraudiojunkies.com/galle...f58cfdf-me.jpg
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised how well the door is built and insulated. Any parts that could rub together are either plastic-welded in-place, or have some kind of gasketing material. Even the plastic clips have foam rubber insulators.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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Originally Posted by
BigAl205
I actually had engine trouble on the way home from VA but managed to limp it home.
I'd like to hear more detail on this if you will.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Good grief, by nines and the room you have for spacers? Mmm hmmmm... looking like some big midbass possibilities, can I get an Amen!!!
Still thinking a midrange will fit in that factory tweeter location?
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Looks great Al. I look forward to the install your brain concocts.
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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Originally Posted by
Notloudenuf
I'd like to hear more detail on this if you will.
I had been having a problem with it losing power, having hesitation while at idle speeds just as i'm was letting off the throttle and letting it coast. Anyway, i got about 30mi north of Chattanooga and the car jarred, a few trouble lights came on, and it lost a ton of power. Starting off from a dead start, it acted like it was perpetually in 3rd gear. I pulled over, turned it off and checked fluids, belts, and wires. When I cranked it again, it had power but the check engine light stayed on. As I limped it home, I noted that it only hesitated at a certain throttle position, and setting the cruise control caused the trouble to go away. I deduced it was the accelerator position sensor, so I ordered one when I got home. Replacing the sensor fixed that problem, but the transmission started having rough gear changes. The final straw was when the passenger side window regulator broke.
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Originally Posted by
chithead
Good grief, by nines and the room you have for spacers? Mmm hmmmm... looking like some big midbass possibilities, can I get an Amen!!!
Still thinking a midrange will fit in that factory tweeter location?
If I can safely remove the circled part without creating issues, I think a 3" would work. I didn't really have enough time to do any mock-ups or do any critical measuring.
Attachment 4258
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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Originally Posted by
millerlyte
So... no more carpc?
I have no way to integrate it, unless I have dual touch screens
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Al if you want to try a set of 8's I have some that I can ship to you. :)
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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Originally Posted by
Coppertone
Al if you want to try a set of 8's I have some that I can ship to you. :)
Whatcha got? I have a pair of AP Intimid8r's and two pair of Exodus Anarchy midbass that I could shoehorn in, but I'm open to options. I've also considered 10's...can't let Clay and Ally have all the fun :D
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
If you can do 10's make sure it's stout enough to whip Clay and Ally in a "10" midbass shoutout";)
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Go big!!!
Sometimes I wonder why I crammed 10s in my doors, then I crank that shit up and remember.....lmao.
Aaaannndddd.....this price has pissed me off since they clearance em out.......but I can vouch for these "ib" on about 250.......high pass is optional, based purely on how much yer doors can take......lol.
http://www.parts-express.com/peerles...ofer--264-1105
That price is half what I paid goddammit...... and I doubt you'll find a shallower woofer with any xmax.....
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Those would make some fun rear-deck thumpers!
:) That'd be a fun project to line three of those puppies up across the back of the Civ.
Al, that door is stellar! Look at all that metal! I'd say at least some seriously good 8's. And I agree, that stock tweeter spot has small mid all over it.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
meh... just get you some good subs and tune it right. ;)
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
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Originally Posted by
claydo
Go big!!!
Sometimes I wonder why I crammed 10s in my doors, then I crank that shit up and remember.....lmao.
Aaaannndddd.....this price has pissed me off since they clearance em out.......but I can vouch for these "ib" on about 250.......high pass is optional, based purely on how much yer doors can take......lol.
http://www.parts-express.com/peerles...ofer--264-1105
That price is half what I paid goddammit...... and I doubt you'll find a shallower woofer with any xmax.....
Hehe...they only had 3 left
...now they have 1 :D
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Haha! Congrats Al, I think you'll enjoy them! Not to mention the helluva deal price.....
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
To factory center channel or not to factory center channel...that is the question
EDIT: I just realized the pic that I posted didn't show the factory center above the touch screen, which mine has
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Ima have to vote no center.......I'm not a fan of multi channel for music listening.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Oh heck after seeing the possibility, my vote is on a 10" in those doors. :)
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Nice choice on midbass there sir!
You know I'm going to vote center, or at least not immediately rule the idea out, but only if you have the processing ability to fully utilize it.
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Oh gracious.. "Impact and dynamics" ala Claydo!
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Re: BigAl205's 2015 Ford Explorer XLT
Dats right! Hope they fit, mine wuz a lil tight......