A client from Fargo recently visited Audio Garage to talk about upgrading the CD player in his 1999 Jeep Cherokee. He wanted something that would let him stream Bluetooth and listen to NPR and would work with SiriusXM. We showed the client a radio from Kenwood and after a brief discussion about the age of his stereo system, we added a set of speakers to the work order. As you will learn, the project grew and grew as time passed. Read on to find out how things turned out.
Jeep Cherokee Audio System Upgrade
While the truck was in our bay for the installation of the Kenwood KDC-X702 CD receiver, an SXV300 SiriusXM satellite radio tuner and two sets of Infinity Reference-Series REF6532ix coaxial speakers, our salesperson, Caleb, started talking to the client about sound deadening. Caleb had noticed the big tires and engine modifications and asked the client if the interior of the truck was loud. Of course, the answer was a resounding yes. Caleb explained how an application of Dynamat Xtreme and Dynaliner on the front doors could help make the vehicle much quieter. The client added the sound deadening upgrade to the work order.
The client saw our Scosche Magic Mount smartphone holder display on the counter and asked if we could install one in the truck. Caleb found out that the client had an iPhone X and offered up a mount that included wireless charging. We mounted the charging bracket to an air vent on the dash.
While we were still working on the truck, the client asked if we could mount his Magellan off-road GPS navigation system to the dash. Of course we could! Knowing that the dash in this 20-year-old Jeep would be somewhat fragile, we added a 4-by-4-inch steel reinforcing plate under the dash to provide extra strength to ensure the large 7-inch TR-Series display would be solid.
Radar Detector and Laser Defense System
Shortly after that, the client came up with another idea for an upgrade. He had an Escort IX radar detector and ZR5 laser shifter system left over from a previous vehicle. He asked if we could install them for him as well. As an authorized Escort radar dealer, we knew what it would take to install the system and we added it to the list. We installed the IX detector beside the rearview mirror and concealed all the wiring behind the roof and trim panels. We mounted the laser shifters in the lower openings of the Hanson Offroad front winch bumper. The controller for the laser shifters is mounted to the dash just beneath the new radio, so it’s easily accessible.
Custom Lighting Upgrade
The client was looking around the showroom while waiting for his truck and noticed that we had a 50-inch Morimoto LED light bar on display. He asked if we could install that on the front of the Off-Road Enterprises roof rack on his Jeep. This request prompted a discussion with Nick, the owner of Audio Garage, who is a certified welder and expert metal fabricator. After inspecting the roof rack and the light bar, we agreed to create a set of custom mounting brackets to secure the bar to the roof.
Trailer Towing Hooks
Yep, you guessed it: Our comment about Nick being a welder gave the client another idea. He needed a set of trailer chain hooks welded to his hitch. Nick gave the project a nod and went to work making the vehicle compliant with state laws for the use of safety chains while towing.
Jeep Cherokee Upgrade Project
What started with a plan for a few hours of work blossomed into a two-day project. The client was thrilled with the audio system upgrade we installed in the Jeep, and he loved the radar detector and light bar installation. We showed him how to pair his phone to the Kenwood radio and installed the Magic Mount charging bracket on the back of his iPhone. If you are looking for upgrades for your off-roader, drop by Audio Garage in Fargo and speak with one of our product specialists. You can also reach us by phone or by e-mail using our contact form.
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