Time to start on some audio stuff.

Ordered this today:



I'll have to unplug the factory CD player, but who really uses them anymore? Not me, it's all on ipod....

Next, I'm going to pull apart the factory radio and fix a few burnt out bulbs.

After that, my MB Quart 6.5 components will go into the doors.

Then I'll shop around for a good LOC, pop in my pioneer amps and find a place for my clarion shallow mount 10" (it's all left over stuff from other projects).

Biggest difference will be when I collect enough cash to dynamat (or whatever is the best price vs performance at the time) the cab.

finally, I'll look into adding steering wheel audio controls and that will be the end of the "audio build up".

There'll be nothing "big" or "expensive" going into this truck, but it should sound OK. As a side bonus, the dynamat should shut the diesel up a bit too.

On another note:

I gotta say, I'm really beginning to like the sound of the turbo as it spools up and down when I accelerate. I find myself looking for excuses to run 'er hard and hear that whine...

 

Wow, you did a lot of modifications and repairs already!
Welcome to Diesel Bombers and enjoy your new truck!

 

Just need some clearence lights, and she'll look good

 

Unh, no thanks....

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

Got the radio bulbs swapped out, look for a write up to follow...

 

Luke

 

Enjoy your stay..

 

So, time for the promised write up on bulb changing in the Delco radio:

Pull the radio out of the dash (I'll assume you can already do this) and take it somewhere you can work on it:



I usually use my workbench in the garage, but the wife wasn't home so I did it in front of the 42" plasma screen.......
Pull the "*****" off the front of the radio to expose the nut under the volume:



Remove the nut.

Remove the top (or bottom, depending on how you look at it):



There's 4 screws you need to remove. If the panel just pulls off or you don't see what's pictured above, you have the wrong "top".

Now you need to disconnect the green wire connectors for the red and white wire bundles to the face plate:




The connectors are like most computer connectors, you need to gently pry up each edge to get them to release. DO NOT PULL BY THE WIRES:







Remove the face plate by GENTLY prying up the tabs and pulling the face forward. Only pry up the tabs enoguh to barely clear the slots they are engaged in. Go too far and they will snap off and your face plate will be loose at best or it will fall off at worst:





Remove the shield with the foam rubber backing. You need this off to get to the 2.5 MM screw underneath unless you have a 2.5mm nut driver (I don't):



It just pulls off with some effort. You may end up deforming it a bit. No worries, it bends right back with a little bit of effort. If you have a very thin bladed tool (DO NOT USE A SHARP BLADE!) you can use it to "fool" the small hooks (they are punched in the sheet metal) loose that hold it in place as you pull.

Remove the screws that hold the printed circuit board on to the plastic face:



Once they're all out, the printed circuit board will lift free. Flip it over and you'll see the offending bulbs:



Use your soldering iron to melt the solder holding them in. I heat the legs and "walk" the bulb out, a little bit on each leg at a time.

Then, use a solder sucker, solder wick or blow air through the holes to remove the remaining solder while it's still melted. Be very careful if you us air because that damn solder burns!

Grab your 12v - 50 ma minibulbs and open up the packages.

Now, simply solder the new lights you picked up at radio shack or an online source in the circuit board. Once they're soldered in, clip the extra length off the bulb "legs". Don't worry about the little black cup on the original bulbs, you don't need them.

Finally, assemble the radio in reverse order you took it apart. Note: be very careful NOT to touch the display glass or the inside of the blue shield/window in the face palate or you'll be taking it apart again to clean that greasy thumb print you just made. Trust me, it'll drive you nuts! Also, guard against bits of lint, dirt or dust getting in there or you'll be taking it apart to clean it again....

Welcome to being able to see your radio buttons in the dark again....