A client from the Baltimore area came to us with his 2011 Ford Econoline work van looking for several upgrades. This E250 van was going to be used as a work van (as usual) and he had a very specific list of features that he knew would make life more convenient. We set up a time to sit down with the client and planned a course of action.
In-Dash DVD Unit Provides Platform For Other Options
The first upgrade option on his list was to replace the factory radio. This Econoline only had an AM/FM radio in the dash. He couldn’t even play a CD! Since the opening was large enough, and knowing he wanted a backup camera as well, we chose to install a Sony double DIN in-dash dvd player. This in-dash DVD player gave him several options that he did not have previously. The new head unit gave him the ability to play CD’s, whether burnt or store-bought. It also allowed him to play DVD’s while the vehicle was parked.
Bluetooth Handsfree and Streaming Audio Enhance Work Van
It added Bluetooth so the client can talk safely and legally on the phone with both hands on the steering wheel. His phone will automatically connect when he starts the vehicle. When receiving a phone call it will automatically mute whatever source of music he is playing and switch over to the phone call when he hits the “answer” button. Bluetooth is a great technology and a very convenient feature that is easily added to almost any vehicle. The Bluetooth will allow him to stream music wirelessly from his smartphone as well, whether it be music he has saved on his phone, or internet based radio such as Pandora and Jango. The in-dash DVD player has a USB input on the front, which he can use to play music from an iPod/iPhone or most any other device that uses a USB. Now that we had a great source unit we moved on to the rest of the upgrades!
Backup Camera A Welcomed Addition
This van had a ton of blind spots, and it was very difficult to judge the rear bumper when backing into parking spots or backing in at job sites. We installed a high quality backup camera just above the rear license plate and interfaced it directly into the Sony in-dash DVD player. The rear image displayed on the in-dash touch screen immediately any time the vehicle was shifted into reverse. This particular backup camera we installed was made by Echomaster. The backup camera features infrared technology, giving it the ability to produce a high quality image even in very low light scenarios. This was important to the client since there were many times he would be at a job site before the sun came up!
Hella Fog Lights Provide Visibility When It’s Dark
Not only did we install a great backup camera, but we also installed a set of Hella fog lights under the rear bumper to illuminate the area behind the vehicle. These lights also helped him move the vehicle backwards at night, but more importantly it gave him a well-lit work area behind the van when parked. Sometimes he was at job sites before the sun comes up but other times he’d be there after the sun goes down! We wired the lights so that he could turn them on without having to leave the key in the ignition making them more convenient to use. Now that we had his list of necessary upgrades completed, it was time to have a little fun.
Econoline Work Van Gets Great Audio
The Ford Econoline work vans only come with two low quality speakers in the front doors. As you may know, Ford puts very little effort into making their base model speakers sound good. They figured it wouldn’t matter in a work van… On the contrary! If you are going to be in a vehicle for many many hours a week why WOULDN’T you want your work van stereo to sound great?! Not a problem for the team at WSS Westminster Speed and Sound. We replaced the front two speakers with German Maestro Concept Series coaxial speakers. The new speakers fit directly into the factory locations but gave him a “night and day” improvement in sound quality. His music no longer sounded muffled and distorted like it did with the factory paper speakers. The Econoline had more mid-bass and the treble was crystal clear as it should be! The sound quality technology incorporated in the German Maestro speakers is truly something that everyone should experience.
To add more output and rear fill, we installed a set of Powerbass 6×9 coax speakers in small enclosures and mounted them to the side walls towards the back of the van. Now that he had four good quality speakers instead of two lousy pieces of paper the stereo sounded great!
Dark Matter Window Tint. Because It Matters!
As a final touch, we tinted the front two windows in Dark Matter 30% and installed a set of Weathertech in-channel rainguards (also known as ventshades). The Dark Matter film is the best that money can buy. We are the only dealer in the area that offers a window film with such high standards and great technology. We are Maryland’s exclusive dealer for Dark Matter from Geoshield. If you demand the best, you’ve just found it. This tint uses nano-ceramic technology to provide uncompromising looks and high optical clarity while enjoying low reflectivity. It blocks 99% of all UV rays (UVA as well as UVB) cutting down on the heat inside the vehicle in the summer, as well as protecting the interior and your skin from the damaging effects of UV. When looks and performance BOTH matter, this is the best you can get.
Making The Work Day More Enjoyable!
This Baltimore area client now had a Ford Econoline that was easier to move in reverse and overall more enjoyable to drive! We were excited to show the client the finished project. It gave him everything he wanted and more. The client was very happy with our installation and customer service. We knocked another one out of the park! If any of these features we have discussed interest you (in-dash DVD players, Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone playback, backup cameras, window tint, speaker upgrades) feel free to send us an email for more information. If you have an opportunity, stop by our facility and let our expert staff guide you in the right direction. We can help plan a course of action to make your drive easy! Call, Stop in or Contact Us today!
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