Backup Safety

Chevy Truck Side and Front Cameras for Repeat Lake Butler Client

September 16, 2022 By JOey Knapp

In one of our recent posts, we shared a Chevy truck owned by a Lake Butler client with a radio, camera and speakers installed. We mentioned that the client had spoken about adding side view cameras. Shortly after finishing the first round of work, he contacted us again about finishing up the Chevy project with not only side cameras but also a front camera.

Front Camera Installation

We started with the easiest part of the installation, the front camera. We could use one of the Echomaster cameras with a mount that fits perfectly on the truck’s front grille. The camera’s small size lets it blend in and become almost unnoticeable.

Side View Camera Installation

The mounting location on the fender flare was precisely marked.

The small acrylic ring would provide the base of the angle adapter.

Once molded into place, it was time for some paint.

The spot we chose for the cameras ended up working great!

We might prefer this new location over a mirror mount!

The typical mounting location for side view cameras is in the side view mirrors. This truck, however, had some aftermarket mirrors that would not accommodate the adequate mounting of cameras. We started looking at other options for camera mounting and noticed a slight recess in the fender flares. This spot happened to be just big enough for a camera. The only problem with the spot was that the angle was too sharp for a camera to have a good line of sight.
Luckily for this client, we have the tools and know-how to tackle most any fabrication project. The plan we crafted was to laser cut a small acrylic ring, just larger than the camera size. Observing the correct angle, we molded that ring to the fender flare. Once the body filler had set, we removed the assembly and sanded the ring and filler to shape. A little automotive-grade paint was all that remained for the installation of the cameras into the fenders.

Final Adjustment of Chevy Cameras

Rear View

Front View

Left View

Right View

Once all the mounting was finished and wiring routed and connected, it was time to set the cameras up. Each camera has a bit of adjustment to maximize the views. We set the cameras, so they viewed the optimal area for each location. Once again, the client was happy with his upgrades and couldn’t wait to try out the new camera. We install much more than just backup cameras at Pinnacle Autosound. If you have any out-of-the-box camera needs, stop by or contact us for more information.

Chevrolet Radio and Backup Camera for Lake Butler Client

September 9, 2022 By JOey Knapp

This client from Lake Butler recently checked in with us to see about installing a new radio and backup camera into his Chevrolet 2500. The client also mentioned possibly adding side-view cameras to his truck sometime. After listening to his other needs for his trunk entertainment system, we knew the perfect radio for him would be the Stinger Heigh10 radio.

Chevrolet Radio Installation

There was plenty of room between the screen and the shifter, when in park.

Android Auto apps are easily accessible.

The large 10″ display makes navigation mapping easy.

The Stinger Heigh10 radio offers plenty of source options.

The Stinger Heigh10 radio is not your average radio. It features a large, 10″ touchscreen display. While the large display makes the radio safer and more engaging, it also limits some of the vehicles in which it can be installed. In this Chevrolet truck, our first step was to measure and make sure the shifter would clear the screen. We were in luck, and there was plenty of space between the shifter and the screen. We were then able to begin the dash removal process and installation preparation.

Chevrolet Backup Camera

The backup camera was mounted just above the license plate.

The backup camera was perfectly aligned.

One of the ways the client wanted to take advantage of the large 10″ screen was with a backup camera. He was excited about how easy the new camera would make hooking a trailer up to his truck. The large, clear screen makes it easy for him to see his backup progress at a glance. We mounted one of our Echomaster backup cameras just above the license plate and neatly hid the wiring before routing it to the front of the truck.

One More Thing, Speakers

The front speakers were upgraded with Rockford Fosgate Punch coaxials.

Smaller 4×6″ coaxials were used in the rear doors.

A late addition to the project was new speakers for the front and rear of the truck. While we had the truck apart, the client wanted us to freshen up the speakers. We were happy to oblige and chose two pairs of Rockford Fosgate Punch coaxials to upgrade the front and rear speakers in the Chevrolet truck.

Setup and Delivery

With the radio, backup camera, and speakers all installed, it was time to set up the new radio for the client. We first adjusted the backup camera to ensure the client could see the ball of the hitch and the space behind the truck. We took advantage of the sound settings in the Heigh10 radio to maximize the sound from the new speakers. The crossover settings let us filter out some of the bass from the smaller rear speakers. With all the features working optimally, it was time to hand the truck back to the client. We knew his ride home to Lake Butler would be better than the trip to see us! Need a radio, backup camera, or new speakers for your Chevrolet truck? We can help! Please stop by, call, or contact us to learn about the options we offer.

Jeep Wrangler Backup Camera and Audio Upgrade for Live Oak Client

May 24, 2022 By JOey Knapp

Jeeps and customizing go hand in hand. We don’t think anyone purchases a Jeep and thinks “It’s perfect, I will leave it just like this”. Customizing and enhancing safety were on the mind of a Live Oak client when she called us. The client wanted to make it easier to see when backing her Jeep Wrangler up and also get it sounding a little better. Jeeps aren’t the quietest vehicles on the road, so they always need a little help in the audio department.

Jeep Wrangler Backup Camera and Radio

The Sony radio gave the client access to her backup camera and smartphone.

The backup camera is barely visible hiding away in the wheel spoke

The backup camera is mounted in a metal tube, keeping it safe and secure.

Once the client dropped her Jeep off we began working on the numerous projects. The first we tackled was the Jeep Wrangler backup camera. For our Jeep clients we stock a special mount that positions the camera between the spokes of the spare tire. This provides an excellent vantage point for viewing, as well as having built-in protection from getting hit by anything. To help the client view her new camera, we installed a Sony touch screen radio in her dash. This radio not only shows the output of the backup camera when the Jeep is in reverse, but also give her the option for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Speaker and Bass Upgrade

We designed and cut this acrylic adapter plate on our laser.

The front speakers were upgrade with Morel component speakers.

The small Sony subwoofer fit perfectly under the rear seat.

With the camera and radio done, we moved onto the speakers and subwoofer upgrade. We removed the factory speakers and replaced them with Morel Maximo speakers. We love the Maximo speakers for their smooth response and detailed sound. To fit the tweeters in the factory location we used our laser to cut out custom acrylic adapter plates. Once the speakers were done, it was time to add in a little bass. The client didn’t want to take up any of the usable space in her Wrangler, so we went with a thin, under seat subwoofer system by Sony. We mounted the subwoofer under the rear seat, leaving all of her hatch area accessible. With the new gear installed we went through and adjusted the radio as well as setting the subwoofer controls. The result was a great sounding system that was not only better sounding but also louder, with more bass. Now the client could safely backup her Jeep and sound good doing it! Give us a call or contact us here if you would like to find out options for upgrading your Jeep.

Lake City Hyundai Santa Fe Gets CarPlay Radio Upgrade

October 28, 2020 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client from Lake City recently contacted us at Pinnacle Autosound about upgrading his daughter’s Hyundai Santa Fe with an Apple CarPlay radio and a backup camera. We offer a number of radios that feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We hand pick radios from the top brands, Kenwood and Sony, for their excellent CarPlay options. After discussing different radio options with the client we settled on the Kenwood DDX5707S.

Safe and Handsfree Phone Access

The Kenwood DDX5707S offers many features that bring the technology in this first generation Santa Fe to the 2020’s. Most importantly the DDX5707S offers Apple CarPlay that gives the user handsfree control of their smartphone for safer driving. The client’s daughter will now be able to safely listen to music, navigate using numerous navigation apps, and even text with both hands on the steering wheel! Our technicians mounted the microphone above the rearview mirror, so it was sure to provide clear sound quality for those on phone calls with the client.

Backup Safety by Echomaster

To further enhance the safety of the vehicle the client requested the addition of an Echomaster backup camera. We exclusively sell Echomaster cameras because of their outstanding quality and value. Echomaster not only offers clients to the aftermarket segment but also to OEM manufacturers. We mounted the camera over the license plate, a location we determined would be perfect for the Santa Fe. The camera was adjusted to give the driver a rear view that includes a bit of the bumper to help judge closeness to objects while backing up.

CarPlay Available at Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City

If you are interested in adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your vehicle, give us a call or email. To see Apple CarPlay in person, stop by our store. Make sure to check out our Echomaster backup camera display, too!

Toyota Corolla Audio System Upgrade for Lake City Client

September 10, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client recently brought her Toyota to us here at Pinnacle Autosound for a Corolla audio and technology upgrade. She wanted a safer way to interact with her phone while driving and also needed new speakers. We put together a plan for her car and started to work.

Apple CarPlay Radio Upgrade

Apple CarPlay was the star of this Corolla audio upgrade.

The USB port gives the client easy access for plugging in her phone.

The microphone makes sure the client’s conversation are easily heard.

To assist with the client’s driving safety a Sony touch screen radio with Apple CarPlay was installed. This will allow the client to have handsfree control over many functions of her phone. Some of the new features she will gain are: on-screen navigation, speech-to-text messaging, and numerous audio streaming sources. The Sony radio is Bluetooth enabled, so the client can make and receive handsfree calls while driving. Our technicians mounted the microphone for the radio at the top corner of the windshield, for maximum performance. Plugging in her phone to the radio was made easier by a remote USB port that was installed in her console.

Corolla Audio Upgrade by JL Audio

To address the problem of the anemic sounding front door speakers our techs installed a set of JL Audio C1 coaxial speakers in the factory locations. The JL Audio speakers, paired with the new Sony radio, give the client much more output, clarity and response. If she ever decides to add an amplifier to the system, the JL C1 speakers can also handle a bit of power, too!

Backup Camera for Additional Safety

To securely mount the camera the trim panel was removed from the car.

The wiring enters the trunk through a hole protected with a plastic grommet.

The camera wiring was neatly secured to the factory wires.

Once we finished our work on the factory loom it looked completely stock.

Backing up is much safer thanks to the addition of the backup camera.

The final step in the upgrades on this Toyota Corolla was the addition of a backup camera. The camera was mounted just above the license plate on a plastic trim panel. The camera was secured to the plastic with stainless steel bolts to ensure a lifetime of use. The wiring for the camera was neatly routed with the factory wiring. To maintain a factory look in the trunk, the tape on the OEM wire loom was cut and our wires were inserted. Then the OEM wire loom was re-taped, leaving it looking like we were never there. The backup safety system also includes guidelines to help the client judge when she is getting too close to an object.

Audio & Technology from Pinnacle Autosound

If you have a car, truck, boat, golf cart or side-by-side that needs an audio or technology upgrade come see or contact us at Pinnacle Autosound. We offer a wide range of products to fit anyone’s budget. Topped with our award-winning installations, our solutions can’t be beat!

Nissan Altima Android Auto Upgrade for Lake City Car Audio Client

February 15, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client recently came to us looking for a way to safely use his phone while driving his 2015 Nissan Altima. We talked with the client about the different ways that could be accomplished. After narrowing down the best radio for the client we scheduled the appointment for his Nissan Altima Android Auto upgrade.

Mitchell1 Software Saves The Day

Nissan Altima Android Auto — The factory radio had a small screen and no ability for Android Auto.

We have recently subscribed to the Mitchell1 ProDemand service for vehicle wiring and repair. This service gives us access to wiring diagrams and exploded views of 100’s of automobiles. For this Altima we were able to use the ProDemand service to determine the proper wiring for the steering wheel controls interface. Typically this wiring information is provided with the steering wheel interface, but this 2015 Altima was not listed. A quick look through the ProDemand software helped us verify the proper wiring.

Backup Camera Interfacing

The client’s small factory screen served as not only the radio for the car but also the display for the factory backup camera. The client had asked us about possibly retaining the factory backup camera. Thanks again to our ProDemand software, we were able to determine the correct wires to us for interfacing the new radio with the factory backup camera. The ProDemand software also alerted us to a changing in voltage for the camera system. The client would now be able to see the view from his camera on the new, larger screen.

Nissan Altima Android Auto Features

The component of this installation that the client was most concerned about was the smartphone integration. Thanks to the new Kenwood radio, the client would now had handsfree control of his phone. And exciting new feature too is the addition of Waze to the Android Auto suite. Now the best smartphone navigation software would be at the control of the client’s voice. In addition to navigation, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify and hundreds of other apps are now available.

Find Out More About Android Auto

If you use and Android smartphone and would like to learn more about integrating it with your vehicle stop by today. We can plug your phone into one of the Android Auto radios on our display and you can see first hand the convenience it offers. If you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us using our online contact form.