A client from Wildwood, Missouri, contacted JML Audio in St. Louis about getting some 2003 Porsche 911 Cabriolet upgrades. We are known for our work on Porsches – in fact, some days it seems as if we have more of them in our install bay than any other vehicle. While we love the 911, the earlier models seriously lack in modern technology. Our team of mobile electronics specialists has spent years developing solutions for our clients that keep the integrity and cosmetics of the vehicle intact while adding technology that makes the drive safer and more enjoyable.
As is customary for JML, we scheduled a consultation appointment for the client so he could stop by the store with his vehicle and get to know us better. We take such appointments as an opportunity to show clients around our facility and let them see our current projects. Our team looked over the car with the client and listened as he explained his goals for the upgrades. During the conversation, we offered upgrades that the client may not be familiar with so the client could make educated decisions about his car. When we are done with the consult, we worked up a proposal that we felt best suited the client. In this instance, the client liked all of our ideas, so we set up an installation appointment.
Technology Upgrade With Kenwood Radio
Right from the beginning, we knew the client wanted what we call our technology and convenience upgrade. It involves replacing the factory radio in the dash with a Kenwood Excelon 7” touchscreen navigation unit that will become the foundation for all of the electronics upgrades. As you can see in the pictures, we custom-made the dash trim plate for the navigation system and made it look like it came factory-equipped. We moved the heater controls into the lower console and added a Porsche pocket right above them, again, in keeping with the factory appearance.
The client now has an easy-to-use navigation system that also adds HD radio, iPod and thumb-drive music control, Bluetooth for hands-free calling, and wireless music streaming. We added Sirius XM satellite radio, with the satellite antenna completely hidden from view in typical JML Audio fashion – we have a spot where it can be installed that maximizes reception while staying completely invisible.
Backup Camera For A Safer Driving Experience
The backup camera is almost invisible, yet adds an additional measure of safety to this Porsche.
If you have ever driven a 911, you know how bad the blind spots are in the vehicle. If you have driven a 911 Cabriolet, then you know they are even worse. The good news is that a backup camera from JML solves the problem. In this vehicle, we mounted the camera at the top of the rear license plate, centered in the vehicle. You would never know the camera was there unless you went looking for it. The image from the camera is displayed on the Kenwood Excelon navigation unit whenever the vehicle is in reverse.
This particular 911 had the upgraded Bose audio system, which works through a fiber optic network known as a MOST system. Unfortunately, in the 996 series of Porsches, when you replace the factory radio in the dash, the Bose amp no longer works. (On a side note, if you are the owner of a 997 series Porsche 911, we do have a solution to retain the Bose amplifier. If you contact us, we will be glad to explain.)
Hertz HDP5 Amplifier Powers Entire System
Our favorite upgrade solution involves adding a five-channel amplifier to the vehicle to power the door, dash and subwoofer speakers. In this vehicle, we chose an amplifier from Hertz – the HDP5. It is very compact and extremely flexible. The client gained increased output and better sound quality since the new amp was superior in every way to the original Bose amp. We mounted the amplifier in the front of the trunk, right behind the spare tire. As you can see in the pictures, the amplifier has a clean look that adds to the class of the vehicle. In normal fashion for us, we covered the wiring in our protective loom and properly secured it at multiple points along the way.
Full Paint Protection Package
During our consultation with the client, we noticed the 911 was in beautiful condition. We suggested adding our full paint protection package to the front of the vehicle to keep it looking that way. Our team installed the film on the whole hood, bumper, front fenders, headlights, mirrors and door trim. The end result was a package that will keep the paint looking new for years to come.
Window Film Looks Great And Adds Protection
The addition of the window film made this Porsche safer, and look even better!
We also installed our heat-reflective window film on the vehicle, which dramatically lowers the temperature inside the vehicle in the summer, while protecting the interior and the occupants from the sun’s damaging UV rays. As more and more people recognize how deadly skin cancer is, adding our window film is not only a cosmetic upgrade but a safety upgrade as well.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet Upgrades Are A Success!
When the client came to pick up his car, he was thrilled with the finished product. Everything from the technology upgrades to the window film looked perfect, in his opinion. When we sat in the 911 with him to demo the equipment and show him how to use it, he loved it. And that made our day.
When you are ready to add new technology or convenience items to your vehicle, we invite you to contact us HERE at JML Audio in St. Louis. Let’s set up a consultation appointment for you to stop by with your vehicle. Our team of specialists will work one on one with you to design, build and install the upgrades you have always wanted.
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