85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[rustytruck50]

...pretty sure I know....

[N2TRUX]

At Lonestar Throwdown Chris and I met Tim Smith from Kicker Car Audio. It turns out he had been following Scarlett's build on my feed. Tim is the
Special Ops Technician and Fabricator
at Stillwater Designs/KICKER Car Audio and loves custom cars and trucks.

Chris mentioned that Scarlett didn't have a real audio system yet and he asked our plans. He gave us a personal tour of the Kicker booth and suggested several options.

Since then we have been working with Tim and the marketing department to put together a system.

We have created a system that fits perfectly with this build. It will have the latest in Kicker Car Audio components integrated in a way that doesn't distract from the classic good looks of the restored interior.

Stay tuned for Scarlett's singing lessons.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

At Lonestar Throwdown Chris and I met Tim Smith from Kicker Car Audio. It turns out he had been following Scarlett's build on my feed. Tim is the
Special Ops Technician and Fabricator
at Stillwater Designs/KICKER Car Audio and loves custom cars and trucks.

Chris mentioned that Scarlett didn't have a real audio system yet and he asked our plans. He gave us a personal tour of the Kicker booth and suggested several options.

Since then we have been working with Tim and the marketing department to put together a system.

We have created a system that fits perfectly with this build. It will have the latest in Kicker Car Audio components integrated in a way that doesn't distract from the classic good looks of the restored interior.

Stay tuned for Scarlett's singing lessons.

Oh boy! Just when I thought this build was coming to a close you went and did this! Sweeeeeeet!

[Low Elco]

Awesome! Can't wait to see what's next. BTW, Your old truck now has a Pioneer/JL Audio/Kenwood/Focal/Dayton Audio system in it good for 1360 watts. Only thing you see is the HU.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Awesome! Can't wait to see what's next. BTW, Your old truck now has a Pioneer/JL Audio/Kenwood/Focal/Dayton Audio system in it good for 1360 watts. Only thing you see is the HU.

I assume you are referring to the 84 Sierra. Sounds like quite the combination now. We utilized the existing components and optimizedthem with the Kenwood powered sub, 6x9s and 3x5s. It was a clean little system but certainly had room for improvement.

[Low Elco]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I assume you are referring to the 84 Sierra. Sounds like quite the combination now. We utilized the existing components and optimizedthem with the Kenwood powered sub, 6x9s and 3x5s. It was a clean little system but certainly had room for improvement.

Nope, the '09 Sierra. I'll have to look into this KMC-20 thing, as we are wanting to do something different in Boppa's truck. I'm stoked to see Scarlett's next step!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Oh boy! Just when I thought this build was coming to a close you went and did this! Sweeeeeeet!

Not done yet. Stick around for more fun.

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Nope, the '09 Sierra. I'll have to look into this KMC-20 thing, as we are wanting to do something different in Boppa's truck. I'm stoked to see Scarlett's next step!

OK, that truck. I've had a few so they run together.
The KMC-20 is going to be a challenge to mount but my calculations indicate it will fit. I will have to modify the dash bezel, but not the dash itself.

[Low Elco]

Also, please integrate that Bluetooth thing they have for a HU, I'd like to hear a review on it. I have the Kicker counter top BT radio and while the sound is great, the BT sucks to put it nicely. The Pioneer in the truck has excellent BT.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Also, please integrate that Bluetooth thing they have for a HU, I'd like to hear a review on it. I have the Kicker counter top BT radio and while the sound is great, the BT sucks to put it nicely. The Pioneer in the truck has excellent BT.

We plan to try something a bit different on this install. I know that Blue Tooth is very popular but there are those like myself that don't store a lot of music on their phone.
To compensate I'm going to utilize the Kicker KMC20 Media Center. It does have Blue Tooth capability as well as AM/FM and Sirius capabilities. It is a 200w receiver that will power the front end. It has great reviews from consumers and installers as well, so I think it will be a good choice.

[Low Elco]

I keep thinking of the trick where you get the cup holder off a 99-06 seat, tag a bit of metal to the metal bottom, and attach it to the square seat frame. Nice innocuous cup holder. Then, come off the front of that with 'glass and integrate a small controller of your choice. No factory cutting necessary, Controller down low and out of the way, not bad. Just a thought.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

I keep thinking of the trick where you get the cup holder off a 99-06 seat, tag a bit of metal to the metal bottom, and attach it to the square seat frame. Nice innocuous cup holder. Then, come off the front of that with 'glass and integrate a small controller of your choice. No factory cutting necessary, Controller down low and out of the way, not bad. Just a thought.

Kicker makes a unit that runs off of Blue Tooth with a small controller hat could be hidden in the ashtray or a cup holder. Tim and I discussed it initially and it was on our list. It wasn't until I browsed the Kicker site that I opted for the KMC 20.

[N2TRUX]

As mentioned above, after getting home and looking at everything Kicker had to offer I came across the KMC20 and really liked the looks of it. It has tons of features including the ability to add Sirius Satellite Radio, memory stick, or just about any storage device.

It also has the capability to show artist and song titles from storage or Blue Tooth links. It's a full feature unit designed marine or ATV applications so it's waterproof as well. Not a feature that I hope to ever use, but who knows when that might come in handy.

When I got home last night I had a couple of boxes waiting for me. This looks like a good start.

[rustytruck50]

Nice system!!!! I'm not a audiophile by any stretch, but the features you're talking about would be great in something like Scarlett...or my '72 (someday). I really miss the XM radio that we had in our last two Silverado's....I'm completely good with commercial free listening....the local stations tend to make my head ache!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Nice system!!!! I'm not a audiophile by any stretch, but the features you're talking about would be great in something like Scarlett...or my '72 (someday). I really miss the XM radio that we had in our last two Silverado's....I'm completely good with commercial free listening....the local stations tend to make my head ache!

Even with the limited space available there's a lot that can be done in these trucks. I want a system packed with features and still allow space for storage with no compromise
on leg room

[N2TRUX]

I have been a bit apprehensive about the KMC20 display. Not having good access to mounting hole dimensions actual depth of the unit I was hoping my calculations were correct.

Now that I have the controller in hand I was able to measure and determine my ideas will work.

I'm no purist, but I hate to cut out the metal of the dash opening to install a contemporary reciever. The KMC20 will require me to modify the bezel, but not the actual dash.

[N2TRUX]

Scarlett gets her groove. With the rest of the components arriving from @kickeraudio Scarlett will soon be able to sing and dance.

We will be using @kickeraudio components combined with kick panels from www.73-87chevytrucks.com to enhance the restored interior with great attention to detail.

Last night I spent some time mocking up to determine placement. The KMC20 display will go in the dash bezel over the factory radio opening. I will cut the bezel and create a new insert to surround the display.

[N2TRUX]

Scarlett gets her groove on!
The initial lay out on @kickeraudio #kmc20 has gone well. The mock up allowed me to realize that my original plan to mount the display through he panel rather than on the panel wasn't going to work. It would make
The filler panel too thin and leave potential to crack.
By mounting the controller on the surface of the filler panels it will be stronger so that's the plan at this point.

[N2TRUX]

No progress last night. I am at the point that I need to make the bezel for the KMC20 display and realized I don't have a large enough piece of ABS in stock. I looked locally and couldn't find any, so I ordered some from Install Bay on Amazon. Not a bad source when you factor in the free next day shipping.

[rustytruck50]

Not questioning you, but you can seriously buy bulk plastic sheet on Amazon? I guess I need to look at Amazon alot more!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Not questioning you, but you can seriously buy bulk plastic sheet on Amazon? I guess I need to look at Amazon alot more!

I was searching for a local supplier and got a hit on Amazon. Unfortunately my order has been delayed . No worries though, Spring Break has me jumping at work

[N2TRUX]

Scarlett gets her groove on!

Moving forward with more mock up. I decided the best location for the #kickeraudio #kmc20 processor is under the seat.To ensure everything would fit I measured and cut a cardboard template first. From there I cut a piece of 3/8" MDF for the base. I laid out a grid and centered the processor.
There is a lot of wires exiting he processor that won't be used. Those will be canceled inside he enclosure of the mounting box.

[N2TRUX]

My allergies got me down last week so Saturday was a forced day of recovery. I was back in the shop Sunday. Between pool, and pit maintenance I managedto work on building the #kmc20 control module cover.

Once it was mocked up completely and I was pleased with function and form I blew it apart. I glued and screwed all the pieces together and rough sanded.
I'm going to paint the bottom half of the box, and wrap the lid in vinyl. I used wooden dowels to hold the lid on so exposed screws won't be necessary.
It's ready for wiring, then vinyl and paint.

[edward61]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

My allergies got me down last week so Saturday was a forced day of recovery. I was back in the shop Sunday. Between pool, and pit maintenance I managedto work on building the #kmc20 control module cover.

Once it was mocked up completely and I was pleased with function and form I blew it apart. I glued and screwed all the pieces together and rough sanded.
I'm going to paint the bottom half of the box, and wrap the lid in vinyl. I used wooden dowels to hold the lid on so exposed screws won't be necessary.
It's ready for wiring, then vinyl and paint.

Are you going to add a fan to keep the control module cool or is it not needed ?

[rustytruck50]

Looks great!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Very nice work as always Ken!

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Looks great!

Thanks guys