stealth audio upgrade

In progress a/o May 2008

[I haven't yet cut the power on to be able to determine if this worked]

For a stealth sound system upgrade, I found a never installed 2007 model "Audiophile" head unit with a built-in six-CD changer, MP3 capability, an input for satellite radio, and a built-in subwoofer crossover.  The model # is 6L8T-18C815-FD ("Visteon CD6 Audiophile w/MP3 & AVC SAT Compatible").  According to a model number cross-reference, it is from a 2006 to 2007 Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner.  The full specs are unknown, but it is listed by Ford as having 190 watts.

I took the subwoofer amp trigger from the master ignition power.  I fabbed up a signal line to the subwoofer amp by mating the Ford adapter to a set of twisted-pair RCA lines.

I also added an MTX Thunderform, which I prepped and painted to match the rest of my black interior.  A pair of 10 " subwoofer grilles from Parts Express fit nicely after grinding down the back of the flange, but they were not quite tight enough for a press fit.  I bought some .25" diameter neodymium magnets and super glued them into holes I drilled in the woofer gaskets.  They work great.

Not exactly "OEM," but as close as I could get.

I used a Kicker 350 watt amp, mounted under the passenger seat.  Power is acquired directly from the battery (which is mounted on the frame rail just behind the passenger).  I took the trigger on power from the master ignition on that I use for the gauges, mostly because I could not figure out which was the trigger wire from the Ford harness.

The below shot is of the area where the passenger side door sill meets the rear of the cab:

Close-up of the amp wiring: