Now and then, a good plan gets derailed by a lack of skill or knowledge. Do you remember the first time you took something apart, only to realize you didn’t know how to put it back together? The lesson is: Don’t take it apart in the first place. This brings us to the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X audio system upgrade shown here. The owner, Robert, wasn’t impressed with its Bose audio system, so he took the brand-new truck to a local shop for an upgrade. Frustrated with the results, he ended up on the doorstep of Audio by Art in San Antonio, Texas. Let’s look at what Arturo Ceballos and the Audio by Art team have done to transform this sound system into something he’d love.
Starting from the Bottom
The first step in a project like this is to evaluate the existing system and installation. Art listened to the sound system and inspected the installation. While the system had some good equipment, its design didn’t include a digital signal processor, and the installation wouldn’t be reliable. Taking shortcuts on the installation won’t do; it doesn’t represent the car audio industry well. Here’s a sample of the issues Art found.
While there were more issues, these observations offer clear evidence that the installation needed a thorough reworking.
Front-to-Back Reinstallation
The reinstallation began with replacing the fuse holder and creating a steel mounting bracket to locate it securely beside the battery. The connection to the battery was moved to a fastener on the battery terminal.
New Amp Rack and Amplifiers
With the power wiring fixed, the next order of business was to create a new amp rack. Art ordered a replacement vent for the truck’s back wall and created a mounting panel using existing fastener locations. It took considerable measuring, but it was worth the effort to maintain serviceability. A layer of black trunk-liner carpet gives the new amp rack a clean appearance.
The AudioControl amplifier was replaced with a Helix V Twelve and M ONE X amplifier. The digital signal processor in the V-series amplifier allowed Art to power each of the truck’s speakers with a dedicated power channel, creating maximum flexibility in system calibration.
Speaker Reinstallation
Next, it was time to ensure that the speakers could do their job correctly. The Audio by Art team removed the Focal Flax speakers from the modified OEM speakers and created new acrylic mounting solutions. A base was cut to fill the opening left by the factory-installed 6×9 speakers. Then, several acrylic rings spaced the speakers away from the window glass and regulator. Threaded inserts mean that the speakers will be easy to service, if needed.
The inner and outer door skins and the area behind the speaker mounting adapters were treated with layers of SoundShield sound deadening. Establishing an interior that is as quiet as possible is crucial to enjoying music from an excellent stereo system.
Next, Art turned his attention to the dash speakers. He removed the hot-glued Focal tweeters and reinstalled them using an epoxy adhesive that wouldn’t be affected by heat. Next, the Focal midrange drivers were replaced with smaller and appropriately sized BLAM Signature wideband mids. Once again, acrylic rings held the speakers securely to the dash.
Subwoofer Upgrade and Custom Remote Level Control
Two 10-inch Audiomobile drivers installed in a vehicle-specific sealed enclosure replaced the subwoofers.
Aside from configuring and calibrating the system, the finishing touch on the installation was to mount a Helix Director remote control in the center console. This remote is configured to adjust the subwoofers’ output so the owner can fine-tune the system to his music or mood. Art 3D-printed a little pod that would hold the remote in the corner of the center console storage tray.
GMC Sierra Car Stereo System Rescue
Though it took several days of work, the Audio by Art team brought this installation back to life through complete reconstruction and several transplants. Most importantly, the client is now happy with the sound system in his GMC Sierra and knows where to go the next time he needs an upgrade.
If you live in the San Antonio area and are looking for a reputable shop to improve the stereo in your car or truck, contact the team at Audio by Art by visiting their website. You can see some of the projects they’ve been working on by following them on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to tell them the guys at BestCarAudio.com sent you!
