'04 Ford F150 'puter recommendations

46&2 · 06-23-2004, 07:25 PM

I'm thinking about getting an '04 Ford F150 Lariat and was wondering if anybody here has any experience with after-market audio. Initially I was thinking about upgrading it to a hard drive based MP3 receiver but then I stumbled across this forum and thought I'd explore a full-blown computer installation with touch-screen. I have no desire to put together a system from scratch and install it myself, so I was wondering if anybody could recommend something I could have installed. My main usage would be playing MP3's and having an easy-to-use interface to browse songs and get to an EQ. DVD viewing is not really on my list of wants. GPS is a definite requirement, and it would be very cool to have wireless so I could sync up to the home data base from the driveway. Internet isn't really important but may be cool. Oh, and digital radio (XM) would be sweet, too.

I've currently got a Tacoma with a Pioneer MP3 CD receiver and I'm not thrilled with it mainly because in the day time the display is completely washed out by sun shine. Do the touch screens have the same problems? Also, the EQ is behind too many menus.

46&2 · 06-23-2004, 07:44 PM

Also, is it possible to have the stock dash insert completely removed & replaced with a custom job so that if I ever decide to sell the vehicle I can put the original stuff back? I've never had any custom work done so I have no idea

yunusyu · 06-23-2004, 08:06 PM

please you the search button....you will find many things there(everything here is custom...so improwise, looks at completed projects )

46&2 · 06-23-2004, 08:12 PM

Yah, I've been going through a lot of posts and there's a LOT of stuff to plod through. I'm definitely going to keep going through the forum history but informative replies would be welcome. Thanks.

cooky · 06-23-2004, 08:50 PM

If you want to be able to return the truck to stock you have two options.

Either install the screen and any other visible components without molding them in, or buy replacement parts for the dash shell and anything else you'll be modding, and keep the origional parts in storage.

46&2 · 06-23-2004, 09:35 PM

Is it easy to get replacement parts? I have no idea... I've never done any custom work before. What are some links to resources for finding those replacement parts?

vcbb5 · 06-23-2004, 09:40 PM

junkyard usually, but for a 2004, your probably out of luck (unless it's the same as older models??)

lgbr · 06-24-2004, 12:30 AM

the 2004s were redone completely from the other models. You'll have to go to the dealer (EXPENSIVE ARGH)

dfwoutlaw · 02-28-2005, 12:16 AM

If you have any luck finding a place to get the parts please post where. I'm getting ready to buy a 05 King Ranch that I'm going to build in a PC. I'm friends with the GM of one of the local ford dealer ships and I'm going to see about getting an empty dash ordered as well as the center console (I think this would be a great place to put the brains, only I'm worried about heat) If anybody has any examples of installs in trucks (we don't get a trunk to mount things in) please post them.

Thanks
Frank
AUDIO Haven't decided yet
COMPUTER Haven't decided yet but for sure with at least 100GB storage

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