When a Ford F-150 owner came to Next Level Car Audio looking to elevate both their truck’s sound system and aesthetic appeal, our team knew this would be a project worth showcasing. The result? A stunning combination of premium JL Audio performance and a head-turning blacked-out exterior that transforms this already impressive truck into a true custom masterpiece. And before we were all done, the customer asked for the installation of front and rear-facing cameras.
Premium Sound: JL Audio System Installation
We started with what we do best—delivering exceptional audio quality. For this F-150, we installed a complete JL Audio system designed to provide crystal-clear sound whether you’re cruising down the highway or tailgating at the game.
JL Audio is renowned for their engineering excellence and uncompromising sound quality, making them the perfect choice for drivers who refuse to settle for factory audio. Our installation ensures every component is optimally positioned and calibrated to deliver the immersive listening experience this truck deserves.
Installed were two amps, one for the speakers and one for the shallow, downfacing subwoofers in a custom box under the rear bench seat. Then a bass control knob was installed by the steering wheel.
The Art of the Blackout: Precision Details
The blacked-out transformation of this F-150 required meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. This isn’t simply painting over existing elements—it’s a comprehensive process that demands patience, precision, and professional-grade execution.
The Blackout Process: Step by Step
1. Careful Removal
Our technicians carefully removed every piece of lettering and emblem from the truck, including badges, logos, and trim pieces. This step requires specialized tools and a delicate touch to avoid damaging the underlying paint or the components themselves.
2. Surface Preparation
Once removed, each piece is thoroughly cleaned and prepped to ensure perfect adhesion for wrapping or painting. Any residue or imperfections are addressed before moving forward.
3. Wrapping or Painting
Depending on the component and desired finish, pieces are either professionally wrapped in high-quality vinyl or painted with durable automotive-grade finishes. Both methods deliver that sleek, murdered-out look while protecting the original components.
4. Precision Reinstallation
After the blackout treatment is complete, every emblem and piece of lettering is carefully reinstalled in its exact original position, ensuring factory-perfect alignment and a seamless, professional appearance.
Complete Exterior Transformation
Beyond the badges and emblems, we took this F-150’s blacked-out aesthetic to the next level by treating the roof and outside pillars. This comprehensive approach creates a cohesive, aggressive look that turns heads wherever this truck goes.
The Showstopper: Backlit Ford Logo
While the blacked-out treatment delivers serious curb appeal, our engineers added one more custom touch that truly sets this F-150 apart: a backlit Ford logo in the front grille.
This innovative modification provides a subtle yet striking illumination that highlights the iconic Ford badge, especially impressive during evening drives or at nighttime events. It’s the perfect balance of custom styling and brand pride—a detail that shows this truck owner isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Font Facing Camera
Why Choose Next Level Car Audio?
This Ford F-150 project showcases what sets Next Level Car Audio apart:
- Expert Audio Installation: Premium systems installed by technicians who understand both the equipment and your vehicle
- Precision Custom Work: From detailed blackout procedures to custom lighting, we execute every modification with professional-grade results
- Comprehensive Vision: We don’t just handle one aspect—we bring your entire vision to life
- Quality Components: We work with industry-leading brands like JL Audio to ensure lasting performance
Ready to Transform Your Ride?
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your sound system, customize your vehicle’s appearance, or create a complete transformation like this stunning F-150, Next Level Car Audio has the expertise and passion to make it happen.
Contact us today to discuss your project. Let’s take your vehicle to the next level.
At Next Level Inc., we take pride in elevating every project we touch — and this 2006 Chevrolet C4500 Kodiak was no exception. This iconic, heavy-duty truck underwent a complete transformation, blending rugged performance with custom styling and modern comfort. Every detail of the vehicle is customized and installed precisely. From the custom Battleship wrap to upgraded audio and flooring.
Take a closer look at everything that went into bringing this beast to life:
Exterior Transformation: Strength Meets Style
🚛 Full Vehicle Wrap
Notice the bold Battleship-themed wrap covering the entire vehicle. Designed to give the C4500 a tactical, commanding presence, the wrap spans the body, front bumper, and head rack. This custom look turns heads and sets the tone for the rest of the upgrades, delivering a military-grade aesthetic that is both sleek and aggressive.
🎨 Custom Gloss Black Paint
To complement the wrap, we refinished key components of the truck in a high-gloss black paint, creating a striking contrast and polished finish.
Painted areas included:
- Front Grille
- Chrome Trim
- Fender Vents
- Side Mirrors
- Door Handles
- Rear Cab Handles
- Hood Latches
- Hood Handles
We also applied a smoked amber tint to the side mirror indicators, subtly darkening the lenses for a cleaner, more unified exterior appearance. Every painted part underwent meticulous prep and finishing to ensure maximum durability and a flawless, mirror-like shine.
🛠️ Heavy-Duty Powder Coating
For the parts that endure the most wear, we took protection even further with professional powder coating, providing a rugged layer of resilience against the elements.
Powder-coated components included:
- Bed Rails
- Mirror Arms and Mounts
- Grille Overlays
- Vent Overlays
The result is a tough, durable finish that will not chip, peel, or corrode — ideal for a workhorse like the C4500.
Wheels, Tires, and Alignment: Built to Roll
🔥 Premium Wheel & Tire Package
The C4500 now rides in style on a brand-new setup featuring:
- American Force 24″ x 8 ¼” wheels
- Nitto Ridge Grappler LT315/50R24 tires
This combination offers the best of both worlds — aggressive off-road performance and street-ready attitude. We handled the mounting, balancing, and alignment process in-house at Next Level to ensure a perfect fit, optimum tire wear, and a smooth ride across all terrains.
Lighting & Installation: A Brighter, Safer Truck
💡 Full Exterior Lighting Upgrade
To complete the exterior transformation, we upgraded all exterior lights. Enhanced lighting improves safety and visibility while modernizing the overall appearance, bringing the exterior up to standards of brightness and style.
Interior Enhancements: Comfort and Sound Performance
🔊 JL Audio Sound System Upgrade
We brought high-end sound to match the impressive new exterior by installing:
- JL Audio 6.5” Coaxial Speakers
- JL Audio 6.5” 2-Way Component Speakers
We upgraded the sound system for better signal clarity and power distribution. Whether cruising the highway or parked at the job site, the C4500 sounds as impressive as it looks.
🧹 SeaDek® Marine Flooring Installation
We installed premium SeaDek® marine-grade flooring, offering unmatched durability and comfort. Our custom flooring process involved:
- Scanning the cabin for a perfect fit
- Designing a layout that complements the functionality
- Precision machining of the material
- Prepping and professional installation
SeaDek® provides a soft, slip-resistant surface that is waterproof, easy to clean, and tough enough for all heavy-duty work.
Rhino Lined Fenders and Rear Bed, Painted Underbody, Fixed Air Suspension, Rewired Entire Stereo, Fixed Dashboard
Final Result: A True Next Level Creation
This 2006 Chevrolet C4500 is a fully customized powerhouse — combining military-inspired aesthetics, upgraded performance, modern comfort, and extreme durability.
At Next Level, we not only upgrade vehicles; we redefine them.
Ready to transform your vehicle?
Take your vehicle to the Next Level and call us today to get started!
📞 (407) 704-5676
📧 [email protected]
📍 Orlando Location: 87 W Michigan St., Orlando, FL 32806
📍 DeBary Location: 485 S Shell Rd Suite B1-B4, DeBary, FL
🌐 www.orlandocustomaudio.com
🌐 www.floridamarinecustoms.com
🕘 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM
This Hydra-Sports Customs boat came to Next Level for a huge upgrade to the entire boat. We’ve added all new upholstery to the seats, and along the gunwales with custom stitching. A custom acrylic dash was made to flush mount the electronics like the Garmin Chartplotters and JL Audio radio unit. Next Level is one of the only custom boat aftermarket fabricators that are flush mounting the JL Audio receiver and other electronics. We also installed BocaTech Switches along with an Etching of Hydra-Sports logo with backlit lighting. This customer also got custom CNC cut SeaDek® cushioning and flooring in the boat.
Flooring and Upholstery
The boat was equipped with SeaDek® marine flooring everywhere in color combo Mocha over Black. The main flooring is 6mm thick with the helm pad at 13mm thick.
UPHOLSTERY – ALL NEW MATERIAL DOING NEW DIAMOND DESIGN
Audio
When it comes to sound we went with the best, JL Audio – a superior stereo for boats, 6 amps in a custom enclosure then wrapped to match the new seats. 4 tower speakers with covers, 4 T-top coaxial down-firing speakers, two 12” subwoofers, two 10” subwoofers, six outdoor side mounted speakers, four below deck JL coaxial speakers. We installed LED lights to add to the effect and painted the 3 engines and made custom OEM decals.
Customizations:
Acrylic Dash and Switch Panel
Custom cut and installed acrylic dash for new electronics from Garmin, JL Audio and Yamaha. Another acrylic dash panel was cut for the gauges and switch panel with new BocaTech switches. The lower acrylic panel has backlit lighting with Hydra-Sports logo etched for a great finishing touch.
-BocaTech re-settable switches
-Install and rewire all switches and install RGB back lighting
Lighting
Installed flir cam and tv ant – remove and replace NAV and ANC lights – install lightbar and remove and replace spreader lights.
Remove and replace trim tabs and pumps / led gauge and all 16 necessary components – test and verify all operation.
Custom CNC cut black acrylic boat name – 1 raised from transom and backlit.
INSTALL ACRYLIC BOAT NAME- WIRE RGB LIGHTING
Audio
Install all stereo components / wire / test tune and verify all 20 operation
Fill all holes in roof and rear sub location cut out backs of 1 speaker in hardtop and patch fiber glass and re-gelcoat all areas
Body Maintenance
Remove decals and pinstripes – full wetsand buff polish and 1 wax detail.
Full Hardtop soft Eisenglass – doorway in front and rear – 1 rollup windows on sides
Paint all engine cowlings – paint radar and lighbar and all 1 ant / mounts on roof / flir cam
FLIR M232 Camera
The M232 pan and tilt camera is one of FLIR’s smallest and affordable marine thermal cameras. Featuring a resolution of 320 × 240, the M232 improves safety by revealing vessels and obstacles at night. Enjoy 360 degree viewing while underway. Combine the M232 with a Raymarine Axiom MFD and take advantage of FLIR ClearCruise™ intelligent thermal analytics. ClearCruise™ provides audible and visual alerts when “non-water” objects such as boats, obstacles, ornavigation markers—appear in the scene. This enhances boaters’ overall situational awareness, both day and night.
Navigation
A FLIR thermal and night vision camera and GPS radar was installed to the T-Top then repainted black to give a sleek appearance that matched the engines we repainted and added new decals to.
Paint
Engine Maintenance
PERFORM 100 HOUR SERVICE ON TRIPLE 250
YAMAHAS TO INCLUDE OIL, OIL FILTERS,WATER
SEPARATOR FILTERS, REMOVE AND SPARK PLUGS,
CHECK AND CLEAN ZINCS, GREASE PROP SHAFTS
AND ZIRC FITTINGS, REMOVE LOWER UNITS AND
REPLACE WATER PUMPS/ INSPECT FOR ANY OTHER
ISSUES – YAMASHEILD ENGINES, START AND RUN
ENGINES HOOK UP COMPUTER AND RUN
DIAGNOSTICS, VERIFY OIL LEVELS, SHIFT AND
THROTTLE AND CORRECTLY PUMPING
INSTALL SET UP TEST VERIFY ALL OPERATION
Disassemble engine cowlings and all components to be 8 painted – reassemble cowlings and all components – install new decals on motors
Install new bow thruster control – install door latch
More Maintenance
Disassemble engine cowlings and all components to be 8 painted – reassemble cowlings and all components – install new decals on motors
Install new bow thruster control – install door latch
Install new TACO 15’OUTRIGGER (BLACK-SILVER) 1 and WINDLASS – MAXWELL RC86
This giant Nissan Titan came in to have the entire suspension system powder coated Gold.
Using our in-house vehicle lift, we were able to easily remove all of the suspension parts, trailer hitch, HornBlaster Train Horn, and exhaust tip that were already installed. Once each essential part was taken off, the parts were able to be professionally powder coated with a specific gold color that was chosen by the owner. Powder coating truck and car parts is the best way to professionally paint what is needed and is the longest lasting painting technique to use that will battle the outside elements.
Follow this truck on Instagram @D_KingRusso
One of the most interesting things we found about this truck when it came into Next Level are the custom HID headlights with the Versace Medusa Head. A subtle touch that really takes this truck to the Next Level. Our business(Next Level Inc.) does not build custom headlights.
But WE DO CUSTOM HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS. Call or email us for more details.
See this video of a custom headlight housing we made for JSJUnlimited.com truck.
Contact Us Today!
If you will like to do custom work to your car, truck, van, boat, ATV, side-by-side, motorcycle or UTV, then Next Level Inc. is your place!
See our Google Reviews and see why others have chosen us to work on their vehicles.
Follow us on Facebook and see reviews here too!
Call for your appointment today
407-704-5676
Stop in and enjoy playing with new speakers and stereo’s on our demo wall full of head units and speakers. Crank it up, that’s what its for!
87 W. Michigan St. Orlando Florida 32806
Check us out on Google
New cars and trucks need to protect their paint as to hold resale value and keep its shine for years to come. One way that you can protect your vehicle from elements of the road and weather is to wrap the body panels with a clear protective film.
This layer of protection is nearly invisible to the outside public, as pictured below, when installed by one of our professionals. It can prevent chips and scratches from rocks, dirt, and other road debris. A clear bra can prevent front end bug damage like we have here in Florida with the “Love Bugs” that eat at your paint if not removed.
Clear Body Film
Clear Bra Installed
Next Level uses on all vehicles- 3M™ Paint Protection Films.
Paint protection film – also known as a clear bra – is designed to protect your vehicle against the elements without changing the design features or color.
Front to back film protection
Soapy water is necessary for installation
Stealth Installation
Typically customers will first cover their front end with the clear bra film, and some ask to have the entire car wrapped from bumper to bumper. How much you want to cover is up to you.
Black Roof Wrap
Ceramic Coated Wheels and Truck
There’s a 100% chance something will wreck the paint on your new car. Rocks, bugs, stone, sand, harsh weather, keys, salt, rings — you name it. Our virtually invisible film tirelessly protects your paint, even when you can’t. Get it professionally applied to the high-impact, vulnerable areas of your vehicle. The film has advanced flexibility and hugs tightly to curves and contours, which makes it easy to install and leaves no visual trace.
The Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro Series offers:
• Unrivaled scratch and stain resistance
• Exceptional clarity
• Resistance to yellowing
• Self-healing technology, which makes most scratches disappear
• Tough, durable and maintenance free
Stop in or call us to schedule your protective clear bra or vehicle wrap.
Call for appointments 407-704-5676
Open 9am-6pm M-F
If you will like to do custom work to your car, truck, van, boat, ATV, side-by-side, motorcycle or UTV, then Next Level Inc. is your place!
See our Google Reviews and see why others have chosen us to work on their vehicles.
Follow us on Facebook and see reviews here too!
Call for appointments 407-704-5676
Stop in and enjoy playing with new speakers and stereo’s on our demo wall full of head units and speakers. Crank it up, that’s what its for!
87 W. Michigan St. Orlando Florida 32806
The Reel Flooridian Fishing Team brought their beautiful Yellowfin Yacht to have a few things done.
One of the first things we did to the boat was to paint the twin Yamaha 300’s white to match the boat.
Then we printed and installed the new Reel Flooridian Fishing Teams Logo around the boat. With their team’s graphic, we were able to have it put onto SeaDek that the team wanted to have us install on 2 new white Yeti Coolers. The team also wanted to have us install a 30mm “Helm Pad” from SeaDek with their logo that turned out awesome!
Outside, underwater OceanLED lights were installed on the back of the boat for better fishing.
Finally, we installed 2 new Simrad NSS evo3 touchscreen’s that control all the electronics for the boat that also work as a Chartplotter, Fish Finder, and much more!
See the detailed work we did to install the Simrad units in the photo gallery below.
SolarMAX™ HD display technology delivers exceptional clarity and ultra-wide viewing angles, combined with an all-weather touchscreen and expanded keypad for total control in all conditions.
Cruise confidently with ForwardScan sonar, or fish easier with StructureScan® HD imaging and dual-channel CHIRP-enabled Broadband Sounder™ technology. – Simrad
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- Big Boats Accepted
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- Yeti Dealer and SeaDek Installer
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- Capitan’s Helm Pad
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- Custom Helm Pads Too
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- Organization Matters!
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- Touch Screen Navigation and Controls
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- Painted Engines
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- We Also do Underwater Lights and Stereo’s
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- Underwater Lights Installed
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- Reel Flooridian Fishing Team SeaDek Helm Pad
