Ford F-150 Factory Radio Uninstall and New Radio Install
No Comments »This post is more of a supplemental to the installation guide at Install Dr.com. The hope is that the pictures and some of the notes I took as I did the installation will make your radio install that much smoother.
The guide includes:
- Original radio removal
- Wiring new radio using a wiring harness
- Wiring diagram
- Basic steps to installing the new radio
When removing the dash panel I found it was easier to get my fingers under the panel at the bottom near the climate controls.
Removing Front Dash Panel
Front Dash Panel Off
You’ll notice that the dash panel is not completely removed. There is no way I want to mess with anything associated with the airbags in the truck. It seemed perfectly fine to let it hang there.
Passenger Side Airbag Connection
I didn’t want to pay for the tool used to remove the factory radio so I tried the do it yourself version using a clothes hanger.
Cutting Wire To Make Removal Tool
Bending Wire To Make Removal Tool
- The important thing is to keep the pieces of wire straight in the release holes
- I tried to mimic the factory keys, but I think I would have had more success with 4 individual pieces of wire
Below I removed part of the factory radio face to show how I was missing the release mechanisms with my home made removal tool.
Removing Factory Radio Face
Misaligned Removal Tool
For the new radio installation you will only use one of the factory harnesses. Just tuck the other one out of the way.
Factory Radio Wiring Harness
I always use a wiring harness when installing a radio.
- The one I used for the F-150 was a Metra 70-1771 wiring kit.
- I prefer to solder my connections instead of using bullet connectors. I’ve had trouble in the past with bad crimps on the bullets.
- Make sure to wrap your soldered connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- [Thanks to my little sister for the Home Depot gift card I used to buy the new soldering iron and solder. By the way, the soldering iron kit had enough solder with it to do the install.]
- I used the wiring guide on the wiring kit package and the one that came with the new radio.
- The wire colors were the same for both harnesses
Metra Wiring Harness and Installation Tools
Cut the packaging for your wiring harness. Seems like a simple thing, but I tore mine and ended up translating the Spanish side to do my install.
The new radio bracket should have mounting tabs that will hold it in the aftermarket dash installation kit.
- Make sure to use the tabs closest to the front
- The tabs have a wedge effect so make sure to push them in until they are tight
- I used a Metra 99-5804 Dash Kit
Removing New Radio Installation Bracket
Installing New Radio Mounting Bracket
My new radio has USB inputs on the front and back. To make the rear input accessible I ran a 7 foot USB extension cable down the driver’s side of the dash, and tucked it away. I plan on integrating that into the center console later.
Running USB Extension Cable
Running USB Extension Under Driver’s Side Dash
After connecting the wiring harness and USB port to the back of the new radio I secured the connections by
- Wrapping electrical tape around the USB extension connection
- Zip tying the factory wiring harness to the aftermarket wiring harness
Securing Wiring Harnesses With Zip Ties
The last snag I ran across was the screw holes on the dash kit lining up properly with the two top screw holes on the climate control assembly.
I used a heat source (otherwise known as a lighter) to warm the plastic just till it was malleable and aligned the screw holes.
Adjusting Dash Kit With Heat Source
I suggest making your adjustments outside of the vehicle and then try the fit. I didn’t make my adjustments this way, but I accept the consequences of my actions.
I can’t believe I even have to put this here, but don’t make yourself the end of a “you know you’re a redneck because” joke.
- DON’T catch your truck on fire because you kept your heat source on the dash kit plastic till it caught fire!
- ALWAYS take proper safety precautions even if it takes a little longer to do the task.
Then new radio looks and sounds great.
Finished Installation
Raised Bed Gardening Ideas
No Comments »My wife and I were on a trip to Washington state last fall when we came across these raised beds in front of a restaurant. The restaurant used the herbs and vegetables in the cooking when they were in season.
The design efficiently used the water because of the drip irrigation system. I am thinking of converting part of the grass in my back yard to a raised bed garden for a number of reasons;
- I believe it will conserve more water than the grass there
- There would be less grass for me to mow
- I want to experience the sweet taste of what remember tomatoes used to taste like
Raised Bed Garden In Front Of A Restaurant
Raised bed attributes I saw:
- Constructed from what looked like 3 layers of non-treated 1 x 8 lumber
- 4 x 4 posts supported the structure every 4 feet
- Stainless steel lag bolts and washers held the boards into the 4 x 4 posts
- They had drip irrigation going to each plant
Raised Bed Garden Construction Detail
One thing i noticed is the 8 foot and 4 foot sections were all cut the same length and used overlapping joints for assembly.
Raised Bed Garden Drip Irrigation
The irrigation used feeder lines off black irrigation tube. I’m assuming they used this form of tubing to connect the beds instead of PVC in the ground. It is more economical and easier to lay. If you’re looking for some information on how to install a drip irrigation, the SNWA site has some detailed information and a video to watch.
Irrigated Container Garden
I like the way they used a more economical plastic containers instead of earthen ones. They probably drilled holes in the bottom of the pots to run the irrigation, and kept the original hole for proper drainage.
Register For A Free World of Concrete 2010 Exhibit Pass
2 Comments »
I just registered for the 2010 World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, because that’s where I live . This will be my third year going to this show. I love checking out the new innovations in builing materials and tools. There is always a great showing from manufacturers like Bosch, Makita, DeWalt and many others. They traditionally have booths outside where you can try out all their new power tools.
Luckily I was able to find a free registration for the exhibits through the American Concrete Institute. Just use the click through on thier site and you don’t have to pay the $40 entrance fee.
Hope to see you there.
Bosch Booth From 2009 World of Concrete
Online Building Code Refence Materials
No Comments »I was looking around online for free building code sources and found these:
ADA Accessibility Guidelines (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines )
Architecture and Bulding: Standards and Codes – This is a compilation of links hosted by the UNLV library. Topics covered by this guide include architecture, building and construction, design, housing, planning, preservation, facility management, energy and the environment, and landscape architecture.
Reed Construction Data – Building Code Reference Library – You can find links to Building Codes and Authorities Having Jurisdiction for all states.
U.S. Department of Energy Building Standards & Guidelines Program – The U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Energy Codes Program is an information resource on national model energy codes. We work with other government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations, and industry to promote stronger building energy codes and help states adopt, implement, and enforce those codes.
Souther Nevada and Las Vegas Code Online References
Clark County (Nev.) Local Code Amendments – Southern Nevada code amendments, adopted by all governments in the Las Vegas Valley with the exception of the City of Las Vegas.
City of Las Vegas Local Codes Amendments – City of Las Vegas online code adoption reference material.
Southern Nevada Local Codes Amendments 2006 (available from the Henderson City Website)
Trying Out Windows Live Writer
No Comments »In an attempt to get newer posts out quicker I’m trying Windows Live Writer. So far its pretty straight forward and easy to use.
Windows Live Writer Screenshot
The interface is really easy to use, the Preview tab shows accurate output and I love the fact I can still edit the source code to put my “special tweaks” to the site.