Upgrading from stock to Shaker 500

[rodmunera]

I have a 2008 convertible that I bought off the lot with the stock radio. I (foolishly) declined the shaker 500 and I drove a billet demo while my car was being delivered. The billet had a shaker 500 and it rocked my socks. When I got mine I was disappointed by the sound of the stock and I've been kicking myself ever since.

How much of an overhaul is needed to upgrade from stock to shaker 500? Do I need to order the door panels as well? I looked online and each panel is about $300+

The shaker that I'm looking at comes with the door speakers and subs but no rear speakers. Are those rear speakers the same as the stock speakers? or do I need to buy those separately?

 

[newskool]

If you're serious about upgrading don't go with the shaker 500. too amny issues with that systaem. Plus there are several nice units out there for fairly cheap prices. I recently replaced my shaker 500 unit with a pioneer avd-p3100 dvd touch screen unit and it is worlds better.
Amazon.com: Pioneer AVH-P3100DVD 5.8-Inch Widescreen In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver: Electronics

 

[lostprophet894]

If you're serious about upgrading don't go with the shaker 500. too amny issues with that systaem. Plus there are several nice units out there for fairly cheap prices. I recently replaced my shaker 500 unit with a pioneer avd-p3100 dvd touch screen unit and it is worlds better.
Amazon.com: Pioneer AVH-P3100DVD 5.8-Inch Widescreen In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver: Electronics

That's a pretty nice head unit. How much did you pay to have it installed?

 

[stanmckinney]

I agree. Look at the aftermarket. Less cost, more sound and better controls for ipods, etc.
I had an Alpine which was great. I now have a Kenwood with in-dash GPS and the works.

 

['08GTcaRED]

He is talking about the whole system guys...not just the in dash unit. That's why he is asking about the door panels etc.

Honestly rodmunera see what a service dept. would offer you. Even look at the shaker 1000. Check the classifieds too and see if someone has upgraded their system for something else and is selling the system that you want for cheaper...

 

[rodmunera]

He is talking about the whole system guys...not just the in dash unit. That's why he is asking about the door panels etc.

Honestly rodmunera see what a service dept. would offer you. Even look at the shaker 1000. Check the classifieds too and see if someone has upgraded their system for something else and is selling the system that you want for cheaper...

Yeah, That's exactly it. I'm not too concerned about the toys on the head unit. I've got enough toys as it is everywhere else. What I really want is better sound. Speakers/amps/etc, I hate that the sounds start to distort above a decent level. I don't want to stuff amps under the seats and in other places, I want to keep the look in line with the original design.

I also don't need to shake the trunk loose so I think the 1000 is a bit overkill for me.

I really wanted to stay away from the dealership because I know how they mark up the prices, plus I'm used to doing all of the work myself on my car and motorcycle.

 

['08GTcaRED]

Hm agreed about diy the only reason I let the dealership do my last oil change was because it was free

Actually look at ebay motors and other sites. I don't know if it still there, but there was a guy selling everything but the rear speakers on there. If you don't mind a little electrical work then there ya go. That would probably be the best way to go, used from someone who upgraded their system...

I can't seem to find a price online from Ford for the 500, but the 1000 is 1295$ add on for a new car so I'm assuming that the 500 would be a little below 1000$ but that all includes install too. Maybe just call your parts department and see how much they would charge just for the system and no install.

The rest is up to you

 

[stanmckinney]

Or you could get aftermarket speakers that will work in your doors. Much better sound.
I have a Shaker 500 I am not using but I am using the factory speakers.

 

[newskool]

That's a pretty nice head unit. How much did you pay to have it installed?

A couple of beers and about 30 mins of my saturday morning. I installed it myself in my driveway. It's really not that hard. If yuo do go that route let me know and I'll be glad to help you with any questions you might have.

 

[newskool]

Or you could get aftermarket speakers that will work in your doors. Much better sound.
I have a Shaker 500 I am not using but I am using the factory speakers.

+1 on that. That's what I was talking about in my original response. I simply linked to my head unit as a good place to start.

 

[rodmunera]

Yeah, I saw the guy on Ebay selling his unit including speakers. I called the dealership today to ask about the price but I haven't heard back from them yet. Knowing the aftermarket salespeople they'll probably tell me the wrong answer anyway. I'm tempted to walk into the shop and ask the techs up front. They're the ones doing the work anyway.

 

[stanmckinney]

A few years ago I checked on the price of a 6 disc in-dash radio from Ford, not a Shaker 500 mind you. I don't remember the price but it was about twice the price of one of the best aftermarket units you can buy. I think you will be shocked at the price for all of the factory pieces from Ford. I would buy used from someone who has taken the stuff out or go aftermarket.
I believe you can probably put in an aftermarket headunit with GPS and all the other bells and whistles and great aftermarket speakers for at least half of the cost of buying the factory stuff.
It is much, much cheaper to order the stuff when the car is built. That's just the way it is.