2007 Ford F350 Crew Cab Build

For sure, I'm still not 100% convinced its the alternator, I've read other things can lead to improper charging situations. I haven't had the time yet to tear into it, but I suppose I'll go take some readings with a multimeter before I actually pull it out. Not sure exactly what the proper technique for that is, but from what I gather I want to take a reading from the alternator terminals both running and off (but key on.)

Either way I'd still like to upgrade the alternator to something more capable. Did you notice any performance loss once you switched yours out? Did you upgrade all the cabling to larger gauge? Suppose I should go read that post you mentioned again.

Small Update,

I glassed in a support bracket for the external DVD

Attachment 68454

The switch "box" was pulled from the mold and a brushed metal coloured plexi-glass plate was made for it. Now the box has to be glassed in from the bottom.

Here it is just sitting on in the hole from the top:

Attachment 68455

And a added a little more glass & re-sanded to minimize the use of body fill and thereby reduce the chance of cracking. Most areas will only require a very very light skim coat:

Attachment 68456

Attachment 68457

@SierraStroker: if your not convinced the alternator is the issue then pull it off (easy on the 7.3, I did one of my 7.3's right in the parking lot of a re builder several years ago)and get a parts store to check it for you or better yet, get a proper AVR test done at a garage and be sure of what's going on before replacing parts. I didn't notice much difference when I installed my HO alternator on this truck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PhilG

@SierraStroker: if your not convinced the alternator is the issue then pull it off (easy on the 7.3, I did one of my 7.3's right in the parking lot of a re builder several years ago)and get a parts store to check it for you or better yet, get a proper AVR test done at a garage and be sure of what's going on before replacing parts. I didn't notice much difference when I installed my HO alternator on this truck.

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In addition: before removing alternator disconnect the battery. There is no fuse, and some bad things may happen in case the "+" terminal touches to the wrong place. We all know that, but sometime we all get lazy - don't be lazy, it may cost you $1000+ in case you burn the "right thing".
Some more: Use tools with rubber handles. The reason: same as previous :)
I've been "recalled" these lessons in the expensive way, no matter that "hell, we all know that". So man, don't be lazy - be safe!

Only got a few hours this weekend unfortunately to play in the garage but here is the progress:

Glassed in the switch box.... :

Attachment 68479

and finished sanding the glass:

Attachment 68481

Got everything out to start filling:

Attachment 68480

Got a quick coat on the rear tray, took the cheese grater to it, added a little bit more filler and gave it a quick sand. That was it. A little more work on this one then the main console which is in much better shape surface wise so it should go fairly quickly.

Attachment 68482


One evening this past week I made the decision the amps are not going to hang on the side of the sub box as I will not be using the 2 Infinity amps currently in play. Their replacements are quite different. So instead I decided to take the space that was originally allocated for them and cut in some windows to show the sub working. I little bit "tuner-ish", I know, but I will try to finish it off tastefully.

Attachment 68483

I recessed the window into the MDF from the inside.

Attachment 68484

When I was done, I just threw some LED's into it loose to get some ideas.

Attachment 68485

I'm not sure what will get done this week coming up, it's going to be a very busy week & weekend.

Looks great! Can't wait to Owen a house with a garage. Apartment living is not good for diy'ers. I want to get back to this kind of work.

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Hi PhilG,

Just a quick note, I'm getting the fork seals replaced on my motorbike on Thursday so I can get back to riding it. When I save some more cash I will get the front brake discs replaced. One expense after the other, but I'm getting there.

Good to see you are making some progress on your project, looking good so far.
I wish I had your set-up and equipment to play with, not to mention your skills with fabrication.

As for me, I've kind of shelved the carputer for the moment as I am still trying to figure out how to mount the monitor without doing any cutting or drilling. I want to keep everything in my car original, being somewhat of a purist in that regards. Do you remember the clip on mount I used in the other car? It clipped into the gap above and below the centre air vent. Unfortunately they don't make one for this car. I know I could use a windscreen suction mount but I really don't like, or trust, those things.

The picture below shows the centre console of my car. As you can see there isn't enough room to fit an in-dash monitor. I've been thinking of using my single din space for a flip up monitor such as the Xenarc 700IDT in Mp3car's store but then I wouldn't have the head unit to provide the audio and AM/FM radio. You may remember I was using a PLL FM Stereo Modulator to feed the audio from the carputer to the head unit when I had it installed in my other car. I planned on doing the same with this car to save spending cash I don't have on amps etc. The fact is I don't have the cash to buy the Xenarc either, see first paragraph.

Attachment 68495

Anyway, enough of my problems. Keep up the good work and take care.

Cheers, Neil

@latinmaxima: A garage and lots of tools does help, no doubt. Working in the parking lot of an apt building definitely would make it more challenging. Good reality check for me to stop wining to my wife that the garage is too small (it is for the truck) but at least I'm indoors.

@Berber: Sad to hear you've shelved the carPC but I understand the desire to getting the bike safe first, I've had several bikes in the past and no 4 wheeler can replace the desire to ride. Maybe once the bike is safe and ride able, you will be able to focus on the carPC. Beautiful dash in that classic Benz, I agree cutting it up would be a shame but I'm sure once the money is there and you focus on it, other solutions will present themselves.

I should be able to get back at my console at some point this week.