The owner of an extremely well-kept 1997 Chevy Silverado Z71 has tapped Tuckahoe, New York-based customizations shop Ai Design to install a modern new Alpine stereo in his throwback pickup.
Ai Design was recently selected as the first North American installer of Alpine’s F#1Status audio system, which the Japanese company describes as the world’s highest resolution in-car audio system and the only automotive-grade system capable of producing “full-spec” sound quality.
One of Ai Design’s clients recently heard the shop had been selected as an installer of this new Alpine audio tech and was eager to secure a spot in line as the very first F#1 installation in North America. This client has a “fleet of impressive vehicles,” according to Ai Design, however he picked his trusty Chevy Silverado Z71 two-door to receive the full-spec, high-res audio system. This is a bit of a surprise, seeing as a late 1990s Chevy Silverado is far from a luxury vehicle and this sound system costs roughly $35,000 before it’s even installed.
Ai design says the Silverado’s short two-door cab is “necessitating some creative solutions and intricate fabrication,” particularly for the large subwoofer. The company made its name by making custom-fit speaker boxes and other design solutions for automotive applications, however, so installing this new Alpine system will be a breeze for the N.J.-based shop.
For some context, Ai Design was the first company to install a digital display screen in a car’s headrest and also the first company to install one in a sun visor – car modifications that have largely fallen out of favor since the early-to-mid 2000s, but were considered very impressive at the time.
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Comments
$35K!?! for an audio system!?! on a mint old half ton!?! What the heck!!!
Some people really have to much money.
Isn’t Tuchahoe in NY? Does the value of the truck actually go up? It looks to be in good shape. Can’t buy a new version of same truck, either.
Great truck. Designed and built better than today’s version. If the owner lives in NY or NJ and takes this ride to the roads in the winter, I hope he or she has invested in a very premium rustproofing job.
Please bring to SEMA some year for a show and tell of this ride and it’s sound system. A+
P.S. Save your hearing and wear ear protection.
Haha, designed and built better than today’s truck? There is a reason no one wants em built like they used to. Today’s trucks are much stronger, stiffer, reliable, powerful and on and on. No they aren’t easier to work on and the sheet metal is thinner but they’re tested and designed far more than older trucks. With each generation they get better, not sure how you can’t see that. I dig those old trucks, but give me a new or any day.
Yes, 110% built better and much much more reliable. If you do know anything about new trucks, its that they are made cheaper, faster, and fail more often. Nothing built today will ever beat the reliability of an old OBS or GMT800 truck.
Commonsense:
I don’t need a mile plus of wiring harnesses, a bazillion chips, several little black box computers, and an infotainment center in the dash in my pickup.
Also an engine compartment that is so crammed and chock full that you lose a tool in it and need a proprietary computer to diagnose and service it.
Half the engine and it’s related guts buried halfway under the windshield?
Lastly on the new 3.0 diesel, the GM factory specification for API 0W 20 engine oil is absolutely crazy. Are they suckering the public into accelerated obsolescence and wear? API 15W 40 is the God given standard for diesel engine lubricating oil. Ask Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, even the Germans.
Lastly engine blocks and heads made from aluminum? Cheap and crazy. Throw away beer cans.
I really hope no one is driving that truck on salty roads. There are so few of them around that are in good shape anymore.
Most of the running examples have well over 200,000 miles and all the typical issues you’d expect out of a 25-30 year old vehicle. I absolutely love that body style though. That was the best one GM has ever made by a long shot.
It’s unapologetically a truck, but nothing about it was exaggerated. It was a good, clean design without any unnecessary bulges or creases in the bodywork. Visibility was awesome. The seats were super-comfortable. And the interior was even pretty nice after the 1995 refresh.
35 grand maybe if the system is in my living room
So, does the owner plan to drop $35K each on the rest of his “fleet of impressive vehicles? He must wipe himself with hundred dollar bills” With Karma the way it is, he just might hit a patch of ice somewhere in NY and the whole truck would be totaled by his insurance company.
For $35,000, that radio better have an Orifice. Plus, the more original that truck is, the higher the value.
Forget the Alpine F1 system. I would commit unspeakable acts for a brand new, completely stock T400 K1500 Silverado right now. Basically a 1995-1998 model.
The T400 is not only the best truck GM has ever built, but it’s one of the best ever. I had a green one, and I miss it dearly.
Lol first off that is not a Silverado first model year of the Silverado was 99-06 changed the front end looks in 03 catheter head lights and what not before 99 they are GMT and a 100 number designation. Second an audio system for that price better have a full stage and live music even top end everything 0awg and taking it to a shop to do the work hmm 5k max
My 98 says Silverado on the emblems as well as on the Manuel and paperwork when I purchased it brand new.
Notice the sub is made in china lol I just hope it comes with a lifetime warranty