Well...

As some may know on here - I bit the bullet and have restarted another audio install, after looking at Woob's thread I decided my previous install just was not good enough (Woob - im sending you the bill......).

Also - blew my favourite speakers aswell :doh:

So - old gear thats staying:

Pioneer H/U
0AWG wiring
Speaker wiring.
Sound deadening
Soundstream Tarantula TRX 2.640
Soundstream PQ7
RF P3D412

New gear:
Polk Audio SR6500's (pics to follow)
Soundstream TRX1000D
Linear Actuator
90Kg rated drawer rails :kb:

So here's the start of what undoubtedly will be a long process (took a week off work) - 1 day in and the car is stripped and the new amp rack is starting to take shape. Hoping to have it finished tomorrow (minus trim) and have the back half of the boot in a 'ready to trim' state.

I doubt it will be, but hey.....

Pics....

Old install.....yes it was dirty - I once again blame Woob, after seeing his thread I gave up on this install - just needed perspex too...

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/3482/p1030438.jpg
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/4448/p1030440.jpg
http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/4503/p1030442.jpg

Some more pics of the lack of progress :kb:

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3588/p1030453.jpg
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/7084/p1030454.jpg
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/4980/p1030455.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1903/p1030457n.jpg

Link of image fail
edit* there we go..
I have no idea how this will pan out, but best of luck dude..

some more...

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/9697/p1030458.jpg
http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/1066/p1030463.jpg

Haha neither do I - well....I do, however I cant draw - tomorrow about lunch there will be more pics of the somewhat finished amp rack....

how exciting! good luck man, can't wait to see the finished product!

sexy amps :) keeping an eye on this one. waiting for the bill in the mail :)

They arnt half bad the amps, just wish the mono block was as big as the 2 channel :)

Tomorrow it'll look more together fingers crossed, that said - this install may well take a few weeks, not particulary fussed as long as everything is done right, just had a look at the amp rack and a few things im not 100% happy with - might fix that tomorrow.

tho is must say, install is destined to fail. needs more cake.

I though you said you did heaps of work :facejump:

Shall be interesting... very interesting!

Woob is right, your cake sucks!

i dont eat cream for when the cake comes back but it looks intense mann, cant wait to see how it turns out.
add a fair bit of weight in the boot tho yeah? good luck :)

Today was somewhat productive....

Though - I didnt like the mounts for the amps, so the one's in the pics here were re-done in timber as I stuffed that MDF quite badly, so the day was spent reworking the whole amp rack :kb:

Tomorrow should bring:
Trim panel mounts (back half of the boot)
Trim panels (back half of the boot)
Perhaps the middle section aswell

However im more keen to make sure all the wiring sits in neatly.

This is going to take a while :tired:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7163/p1030463c.jpg
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8487/p1030465b.jpg
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8268/p1030466.jpg

Some more....

Oh and here's the rest of the gear too.....love how my room looks - though crap I miss my stereo.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7953/p1030470t.jpg
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7296/p1030471.jpg
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4765/p1030472.jpg

The Polks......

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8562/p1030475.jpg
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7168/p1030478a.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3057/p1030477.jpg

ah you decided on the polks. nice choice :)

They look good - we'll have to wait a while before we hear how they sound - at this rate, this install might be finished in June hahaha

Edit: Presti - there's a bit of weight in the boot, I estimate around 50kg by the time its done (including amps, sub, wiring, deadening, amp rack etc).

Not too bad - not sure why I decided on another install though LOL

**** yeah, looking good so far
times like these I wish i knew anything about audio

those amps are bloody sexy.

So where are you mounting the subwoofy?

That Xover looks the goods... :D

Time for a quick update....

Back half of boot starting to take shape.....not sure im 100% happy with it...maybe im just tired, sure wish I had Woob here to do the hard work hahaha all I have is an my dad (an engineer)....sheesh those guys are really picky about being 1mm out here or there....

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7301/p1030480.jpg

This is the rack re-modelled. MDF changed to pine. Works slightly better, and gives me plenty of room for the thick gauge wires now too.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1387/p1030483r.jpg

Dont forget kids - safety is important (stolen from Woobs thread hahaha)
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7947/p1030485r.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5396/p1030488.jpg

Some more.....

The previous pic, along with these one's - how I've decided to mount trim panels...

Once trimmed, quick dab of glue on any panel that feels like being disobedient and done....

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9948/p1030491g.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9417/p1030492f.jpg

Test fit number 300....

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7991/p1030493w.jpg

Charisma - sub will be mounted behind drivers taillight - inverted, magnet facing the back of the boot on roughly a 45degree angle.

Left hand side will have a compartment for storage and the electrical system.

Im a bit miffed as to where to mount the Xovers though - had an idea and just meh the crossovers are a lot bigger than I expected so its actually thrown a lot of the design out the window.

I will have not much boot space left as you can see - not too fussed about that, dont have kids so dont really need more than a few bags in the boot.

Just blah - tomorrow trim panels for rear half will be done by lunch.

Which will mean I can bolt the amp rack in place, run the wiring to/from amps, do the rest of the floor and the compartment on the left. Leaves the sub box and front stage to lucky last :)

Thoughts on this lighting set up?

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1295/testing1.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/2859/testing2p.jpg

looks f-ng awesome mate.

Ta - just had some spare flexible LED stuff laying around.....

May just modify it to fit properly - bit on the ricey side.....but damn its bright :)

cetainly better than most of the fail uses that people find for led strips, i say go for it

The led's on that sub are awesome dude! :D

cool stuff. very cool

Looks brilliant mate! Any updates today :hmm:

Wicked!!!! i want more pics!

Not much of an update today, dont get me wrong, lots of work was done today - you just probably dont see it :-/

Re-designed/made the amp rack a tad - the false wall/ceiling was looking way too crap for my liking, so now presenting the new and improved version :)

Amp rack itself is finished, including space for wires - bolted to floor, quickly painted (needs another coat or 2), glued, screwed and finished (3 days overtime, but I got there).

Tomorrow - finally the floor covering the wheel will be done, along with the left storage compartment. Depending on how fussy I amp will depend on wether this takes half a day, or 1 day. Going by previous efforts, this could take till the end of the weekend lol

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9844/p1030509i.jpg
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9199/p1030511i.jpg

Oh P.S

If anyone has any idea's where to mount these damn Xovers - idea's will be stolen promptly - I have NFI....been bugging me for days since they are a tad bigger than for what I had in mind :(

you have 2 of those x overs yeah?
maybe in the false floor, either side of the front amp??

could look nice..

Yeah there's two of em.....

I was thinking that aswell.....

Perhaps on the false floor mounted on same angle as the amp?

they are pretty massive crossovers! I doubt they'll fit where I put them, but just to give you some ideas...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/MGNTZD/IMG_3629.jpg

Is there a pic of where your crossovers are? A bit further away? As I have no idea where that is on a Magna LOL

Is there a pic of where your crossovers are? A bit further away? As I have no idea where that is on a Magna LOL

haha, my bad... it's in the centre console... the part that you rest your elbow on when you drive :P
It was a perfect fit for my crossovers!

Ah fair enough.

Unfortunately mine are a 'tad' too big for that. I love the crossovers, just hate thinking of places to mount them. Considering the effort im going to with the rest of the install, I dont want to just shove them somewhere and have that part look 'average' compared to the rest of the install.

I'll sleep on this thought - maybe some brilliance will come to me tomorrow eh...

p.s whoever done the crossover install in your car done some nice work :)

Did it myself! Hooked up some red LED's to a switch as well, so it looks awesome at night!

Yeah, with crossovers that big, I reckon you'd need to incorporate it with the amps in the boot somehow. You could easily hide them in the footwells but then you're never gonna see them :(

If you have a boot lid liner maybe mount them into the boot lid, unless that would damage them when u close the boot, not sure just throwing ideas out there. Would be cool as then that could be the feature of the underside of the boot when its open to show off etc

Well we have two options now it seems.

Mount them in the rear seat arm rest (same style as MGNTZD), or do a custom bootlid liner (TimmyC).

Eitherone will take me a weekend lol I guess we'll see sooner or later which one I went with :-)

If you have a boot lid liner maybe mount them into the boot lid, unless that would damage them when u close the boot, not sure just throwing ideas out there. Would be cool as then that could be the feature of the underside of the boot when its open to show off etc

Yeah, Surely mounting audio equipment on the boot lid couldn't be good for it.. I can't see them lasting long as the boot is being opened and slammed shut everyday...

Yeah, Surely mounting audio equipment on the boot lid couldn't be good for it.. I can't see them lasting long as the boot is being opened and slammed shut everyday...

Mmmm seen plenty on installs with items mounted into the bootlid screens etc. Not sure if it would be feasible with X-overs but would be sweet if possible

Rory - ok this will probably sound like me being a smart ass, but compare the slamming of a bootlid a couple times a day, to the amount of G forces on all your electrical equipment during a normal drive, and then add the vibrations of a sub..

I dont honestly think that audio equipment being mounted to a bootlid will have any bad side effects - granted some audio equipement like amps are not meant to be mounted upside down, but other things eh.....

I dunno...

Anyway back to this floor making of mine....

Rory - ok this will probably sound like me being a smart ass, but compare the slamming of a bootlid a couple times a day, to the amount of G forces on all your electrical equipment during a normal drive, and then add the vibrations of a sub..

I dont honestly think that audio equipment being mounted to a bootlid will have any bad side effects - granted some audio equipement like amps are not meant to be mounted upside down, but other things eh.....


I agree mate. Definitely vote for putting them in the boot, not sure where but definitely in the boot with all the other gear you have to keep it together i think

Plus if the crossovers fail......

Guess it would give me a good excuse to upgrade to some Seas Lotus Reference series speakers.......

LOL

Rory - ok this will probably sound like me being a smart ass, but compare the slamming of a bootlid a couple times a day, to the amount of G forces on all your electrical equipment during a normal drive, and then add the vibrations of a sub..

I dont honestly think that audio equipment being mounted to a bootlid will have any bad side effects - granted some audio equipement like amps are not meant to be mounted upside down, but other things eh.....

I dunno...

Anyway back to this floor making of mine....

and the slamming of the car door.

Mini update - looks like the back half of the boot will take a while after all.....

Though things are starting to come together much easier than the amp rack - in hindsight I would have done something different with the hinges, but hey its my 5th install, and only 3rd complete boot install so im cutting myself some slack :-/

So here's this part, hoping to have the passenger side done within a couple hours - then its off to the pub - hoorah!

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6476/p1030512.jpg
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8422/p1030513.jpg
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5421/p1030514.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1452/p1030515i.jpg
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4741/p1030516.jpg

lookin noice!!!

need to light the underside of the amp rack so it looks a bit speccy when it comes out

Looks good so far... you going pimp shag pile spec trim?

Hey guys - got a day off working on someone elses car - so looks like there will be an update tonight aswell :)

Left side will be done - and those trim pieces will be fitted. Then going to look at the Sub box....its already given me some nightmares lol

Light underside of the amp rack? Hrm......not a bad idea - stolen :)

Shag pile? probably vinyl actually, chances are the box will be too hard for me to trim, so that may well get sent off to Fhrx for a quick trim up once its done :)

Was going to go pimp spec cream vinyl, then looked at the rest of the car - so probably grey vinyl hahaha

hahah shag pile would be horrible, vinyl definitely sounds like the go

looks like it's coming together nicely, can't wait to see the finished pics

Mate! looks sweet to date ,good effort.

cant wait for the final product.

Why is one amp on a slider......is that to get to the plugs or adjust?

ps shag pile lol!

you put shag pile in and ill fly over, track you down and stab you. FAIL WITH AIDS.

cream leather/quality vinyl would work if you got the verada trim to suit, otherwise its a tough one. vinyl can all too easily look cheap ass and ugly, theres a fine line between tasteful and tacky, gl finding it :)

Today didnt go as well as I had hoped - after dinner I'll post pics and will need some advice, got two very similar designs for the left hand side (which all the electrics will be in).

Woob - dont have verada trim, so its a bit of a wank (well.....more of a wank than the build itself LOL). So I'll have to either chat to Fhrx, or to my friends cousin, who happens to be a auto trimmer by trade.....as this install is taking its sweet time, there's no rush to finish it I guess - gave up on that during the week.

Cuzman - reason the amps are on sliders, well.....because I can, thats about it - install would have been rather easy (wait.....easy-er) without the amps moving via the linear actuator - but hey, that parts done so hey, just the rest of the install to worry about.

In other news - picked up a second back seat arm rest from the wreckers, thats where I will try and shoehorn those crossovers in (thanks to MGNTZD for the idea.....same idea, just one row of seats back)

Here goes.....

First, lets all give a nice warm welcome to a new member of my family - Ozito Drill # 2. I really, really, got sick of swapping between drill and screw driver bits - for $53 these aint half bad.....

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7690/p1030517.jpg

My second effort - initial design, once 'realised' sucked the big one, and this design isnt much better.....
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/6464/p1030518k.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7582/p1030519e.jpg
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9275/p1030522w.jpg

Something just seems to be 'wrong'

Here's what I came up with on the spot once the above didnt pan out how I initially thought.

No, its not finished - only had 30 minutes of sunlight left :kb:

What im thinking is, since the amp rack to the floor is angled down at 45 degree's, the passenger side 'compartment' and the sub will both be angled at 45 degree's to come level with the amp rack false floor.

Unfortunately for the sub box this may mean about 8lt less volume. So I may be forced to use a round port instead of a slot port, but that in itself is not a HUGE issue....the port wont be seen regardless :ninja:

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2389/p1030523.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3971/p1030525.jpg
http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/5995/p1030527.jpg

How about this vinyl?

Looks pimp :P

http://www.fabricsupplies.com.au/products/DJFVFBJSeriesCushionInsert.jpg

Alternatively -

http://www.fabricsupplies.com.au/products/DJFVFBJseriesHighlandGrey.jpg

Or...

Though this one may be a tad hard to trim with - every angle will have to be spot on, or it will show it up like nothing else :redface:

http://www.fabricsupplies.com.au/products/VFBQulitedsBlackQA3.jpg

please dont use vynal...looks soooo cheap IMO....go for a nice carpet thats black, also hides mistakes alot better too ;)

Even the top black vinyl? looks a bit like leather :P

As I said its a while off - we'll see what I end up doing, black carpet.....hrm.....

Hell, could go for leather, per metre its cheaper than carpet hahaha

Ah personall opinion, All the vynal install's I've done just.....they never looked right, as soon as I covered it in carpet it just looked "right"...
Also allows you to hide screws that you need to access:P

But WOW. you have put quite a bit of effort into this.....too much effort for my liking! I think I'll save on moving parts to make my install easier :P

Fair enough - I just think carpet may be a bit of a let down after all this.

Screws - luckily I thought a little ahead this time, every panel that needs to be accessed is done so through those little thingy mebobs from jaycar, panels clip off to give access to screws.

Anywho back to working on this install - tearing apart this arm rest thing....one part of this has me beat.

Effort? Yeah a little, wish I was a shopfitter by trade now, lots of things I constantly re-do. Stupid learning process :(

agreed on finding vinyl personally always looking cheap and nasty, im yet to see a vinyl install i like.
a good quality black carpet is the way to go imo, it's basic, clean, easy to work with and durable

nice work on the physical side of it man, totally jealous

Crossover mounting......

Inside the fold down armrest in the backseat.

Step 1:

Remove trim.....

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7672/p1030531o.jpg

Step 2: Remove this glued on foam crap.....hrm, appears to have some sort of metal backing......this cant be good.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/7416/p1030532.jpg

Step 3: Blood, sweat and tears......wait, did someone say blood? oh noes.....

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9523/p1030534j.jpg

Step 4: Ah.....so that was the metal backing.....

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3959/p1030535.jpg

Step 5: Test fit...

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/823/p1030547k.jpg

More test fits.....

On the plus side - looks like there's this groove that is just perfect for the crossovers. Downside is, well, its late - and neighbours wont like me using an angle grinder tonight - so its a tomorrow arvo job.

What will probably happen is I'll cut the metal backing out. Do up a 'box' for the crossovers (which will have an LED light). Then, once im happy with the result, carefully cut my fold down armrest and slot the box in, hopefully without removing trim....

Thats the plan....... :ninja:

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6513/p1030548v.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3798/p1030550.jpg

Looking good man, definatly agree on the black carpet idea.... Just not that cheap "out door" crap.

If your lucky, you might even be able to do it with a big strip of offcut from someones home cinema, I would def be asking around.

As for the arm rest, someone mounted an xbox in one, might be wortyh digging up the thread see if there are any pictures that might help you out.

I also remember someone mounting a sub in one too.......

Might have a look around the forums, chances are the threads are long gone. Carpet is getting a fair few votes - I'll see what I can find when trimming comes around.

Could always go black perforated leather hahaha

lol, dunno if i'd go trimming an install in home theater carpet... not really the same kinda carpet at all :P

as for the vinyls, im a big fan of the top 2, i think if you were tricky and used a combination of say that grey vinyl, and black microsuede or carpet, you could make for a really effective feature trim.

vinyl is most effective as a feature as opposed to the only material used.

Wow dude awesome effort, looks like a big job.

Will the amps hide some how when they are slid back?

How about a curtain that opens from the centre? could be on cables driven by the amp rack.

That would be awesome :facejump:

Vinyl FTW!

Yeah it turned from being a 6 day install into a 6 week install.....

I know I have 1 day next weekend, possibly day and a half.....

Weekend after that is free.....and 1 day in the last week of may. After that I have another week off work start of June.

As 'complete' as the install is starting to look - there will be lots of filing/sanding/filling before trim goes on to make sure its all smooth.

We'll see - long way to go, today should see the side compartment finished, and the arm rest cut apart with an angle grinder and hopefully a box made up of some sort :)

Sub box will just have to wait.....prob should run the wires since they are just waiting to be connected.......

Small update - at this rate, its never going to get done....

The weather, mothers day and a sleeping nephew hampered my efforts.....plus dont think the neighbours will appreciate my jigsawing at 7pm......

Which reminds me - must get circular saw, mitre saw and few other goodies.


Sparky sparky goes the angle grinder...
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7941/p1030555.jpg

Remember - always use two hands when using power tools....
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3223/p1030557.jpg

For those that have not used angle grinders before - a trick, use the angle grinder to make a small groove where you want to cut through - this makes it a lot easier when you do cut through, the angle grinder will follow the groove, just watch out for the 'kick back' when it grips.

Also - a warning, make sure you have a good mask on, especially if you are using an angle grinder anywhere near this foam crap - it does burn due to the heat/sparks and releases some nasty fumes.

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6/p1030558i.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4067/p1030559g.jpg

Ta - da
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1782/p1030563.jpg

After 15 minutes with Mr Stanley Kincrome, we have this....

70mm depth, 280mm length, 183mm width. Now just gotta find time to make the box to fit inside....oh, and then replicate in my car.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/783/p1030564z.jpg

Sooo any progress?

Tomorrow, or today (sunday in eithercase).

Was wiring up a drag car up north.....almost done, so so close.....

;1041626']please dont use vynal...looks soooo cheap IMO....go for a nice carpet thats black, also hides mistakes alot better too ;)

If it's done well it does not look cheap. and if the works good then you dont need to hide anything

Well bit of an update, definitely did not get what I wanted done - but im happy with these results :)

Oh and thanks to MGNTZD for the idea - legendary.

Trial fit of the box...
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2284/p1030570.jpg
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/8698/p1030572.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7642/p1030573.jpg

I really was not happy with how this looked, box was not square (off by 2mm), edges looked average, and it was WAY too deep...
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2292/p1030576.jpg

So 1.5hours later, new face plate, box squared properly (just because you cant see it does not matter, it should be square) all box sides were filed down to equal dimensions, face plate hand filed etc....

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4915/p1030582.jpg

IMO it looks a little better raised now :)
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2070/p1030583.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6990/p1030584.jpg

Nearly ready to trim this crossover box too. Just need some LED bezels, some LED's, oh and have the perspex engraved, and shave 2.5mm off the faceplate to make sure it sits flush with the original trim/foam.

Oh and the edges will have a going over or two during the week with some files - they still dont look 100%.

hlucin8 - dont worry, the work wont be dodgy. Wont give out full details as yet, but every trim panel will be hand finished with filler, all gaps will be 3mm - will take a while but it will be done right, wont need to 'hide' anything :)

looks pretty complex man, i really like it

Not all that complex - just takes time doing the work....bit by bit it'll get done :)

i dont even know what crossovers do, but that looks sweet

i dont even know what crossovers do, but that looks sweet

pretty sure a crossover sends high freqs to the tweeter and lower freqs to the woofer? am i right(ish)?

Yup thats correct, they split the signal between woofer and tweeter.

Nice work!! can't wait to see it trimmed up with LEDs and all :D

hlucin8 - dont worry, the work wont be dodgy. Wont give out full details as yet, but every trim panel will be hand finished with filler, all gaps will be 3mm - will take a while but it will be done right, wont need to 'hide' anything :)

Sorry mate wasn't implying it would be. Hence why i said if its done properly it looks good. Sorry if you got the wrong idea

Nah didnt get the wrong idea - just saying this will be the first install I dont rush LOL

hence why its been in the works for 3 weeks :-/

Very nice idea there, well done so far.
Just 1 question, can I remove the steel plate there so I can cut it without having to worry with the foam to burn?

Foam burning isnt a major issue, its fire retardent (sp?).

With the angle grinder, if you dont keep holding it in the one spot and do it gradually the foam does not burn. That said, I wear a facemask for dust/chemicals as they have used glue on the metal backing that you can see letting off fumes.....nasty stuff IMO.

That being said - you can take it off, however requires some work to get out - will post up a pic tonight - as I couldnt be bothered finding out how to remove the clips, I left it in.

Thanks for the info.

So far looks like you've put a lot of thought into it ! can't wait to see the finished results !

Nooooo you got MDF dust on the xovers lol.

Looking good mate, is there an estimated time of completion?

Nah the MDF dust aint on the crossovers hahaha its on the perspex....lol

Ah, there's roughly 6 odd days of work left.....got this weekend to work on it (sub box will be done)...

Then its time to expand foam the boot and sub box....and start shaping (which, good weather provided) I'll do at nights as it doesnt make noise.

Then trim / electrics, and do the front stage.....

Chances are not a May finish (unless my boss approves 3 days of holidays for this week/next week)....but I do have 1st week of June off aswell......so we'll see....

3weeks, maybe 4 - depending on weather / time off work / the moon cycle/ my menstrual cycle......you know, the usual.

Very nice idea there, well done so far.
Just 1 question, can I remove the steel plate there so I can cut it without having to worry with the foam to burn?

Here's the clip that I mean mate - if you can figure how to get this out, then you can take the mountings off, you will need to un-attach the foam from the metal, after that it will come out......I think.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/734/p1030591k.jpg

Mucking around with Foam Filler.....

I tried Bostik Expanding foam last week....worked ok, but was very porous, had a lot of pitting and air pockets.

So here's my try with Selly's No More BIG Gaps...

Works a lot better, easier to shape, much more dense foam - no real major pitting - works a treat for what I will want :)

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4995/p1030596w.jpg
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/915/p1030598.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3994/p1030601.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/687/p1030602i.jpg

whats the foam for?

if it's for some kind of mold you could always go over it with bondo or something.

Ah the foam......

I decided last week I dont like the look of the boot floor/side's etc.....

Design is not changing as such, just getting a slight improvement - it was looking too angular, too average - so the side compartment, front of amp rack (the angled bits) and the sub box will get this foam covering them, then they will be sanded down carefully - filled, sanded again - and then trimmed.

Just to make the design flow a lot better, probably just made no sense, so you'll have to check for updates in the coming weeks :)

wow how did i miss this thread :O

Bloody good work there mate, would love to be able to have the skill for something like this

Nah didnt get the wrong idea - just saying this will be the first install I dont rush LOL

hence why its been in the works for 3 weeks :-/
3weeks is nothing.......

1.5 years and counting...

Ah the foam......
will get this foam covering them, then they will be sanded down carefully - filled, sanded again - and then trimmed.


Just be careful to test the glue your using for trimming on some spare foam 1st just insase it reacts with the foam and melts it

Foam will be filled with filler first, as it wont be smooth enough to trim, so thats kinda sorted......

Looks like is coming along quite well. I completed my stereo a few weeks ago, but it was only in my car for 6 days before I removed everything again. haha.

What if you covered the foam in fg resin? Does foam react to resin? I imagine it would look really cool throwing it in a bucket of acetone :D

Pretty certain if you put anything other than filler on this foam, you'll create some amazing fumes, and possibly a fire hahaha.....

Has a similar feel to polystyrene foam, very similar actually.

Hey, just wondeirng, how much throw have you got on that actuator?? I cheaped out and got an electric arial for my current install. Still need to figure out how to get the linear action out of the white plastic strip. Hopefully it will be strong enough. Perhaps I should just bite the bullet and buy a linear actuator :( Got control and limit switchign figured out for the actuator as well?

How big is your sub enclosure anyways?

Throw on this particular actuator is 300mm. Built in limit switch so no need for micro switches.

Sub enclosure? not 100% sure.....im aiming to try and find around 55lt of space, its going to be ported (the only way for a sub) - so once i find the volume I require, port will be put in......

Kinda the backwards way of doing it, but I cant seem to find another way :)

your installs looking good cant wait to see it finished

Time for a slight update.....

Sub box - done (not happy with sealed boxes......24.5lt for those wondering, Qtc of 0.816 F3 of 46.01Hz)
Im half considering making the tail light accessible from the outside and just building a big ported box over the wheel arch/behind tail light - we'll see how I like the sound of this sub box, but dont be suprised if there's a massive update in the following months!
Passenger compartment - done (well....just need to buy more of those sticky things from Jaycar, stupid me forgot today argh)

Next on the list? Monday-Thursday get the boot ready for trim (foam and filler here we come....)

Saturday - fit crossover enclosure in my armrest, and finish that off (ready for trim).

Following week I have holidays - so I'll finish the freakin thing....

Anyway enough jibber jabber - here's some pics...

So the sub box starts...
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5088/p1030624t.jpg

Mounting this thing is a tad 'hard' but doable......i'll be damned when my tail light blows...
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3167/p1030615.jpg

These clamps are awesome....just bloody awesome.
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5076/p1030612.jpg

Test fit.....smaller than a smoking midget.......sigh.
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/4205/p1030621.jpg

Here - cupcake!
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1734/p1030622.jpg

And some more....

Woot she fits.....
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6861/p1030626.jpg

JUST....
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1315/p1030628y.jpg

Lookin industrial....
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/9634/p1030629.jpg

So WTF do I do with my pretty Audison cable? *sigh*
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8389/p1030631.jpg

Passenger comparment....
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/460/p1030632.jpg

Last few....

Hrm - one of the things that needs attention...
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/7131/p1030633.jpg

And this....poor planning on my part, but I just love creating MORE work for myself.....
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7845/p1030634.jpg

Starting to look like a boot....woot!
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3300/p1030643.jpg

Dont look into the light......blinding haha
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/8929/p1030645a.jpg

This had me excited.....im finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.....well, light at the end of the sub atleast
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2183/p1030647.jpg

Damn mate it's looking like an awesome install.
Mines on hold till I get back from Adelaide this friday.

Thanks mate :)

Im reasonably happy with it - personally cant wait until I have my own place and a project car, learnt a lot from this - and will learn a lot from the next few installs for friends....

Even though this install will have some 140hrs behind it, and it probably wont show im glad im doing it - teaching myself lots of things working with wood, will allow me to do other projects down the road - like a home entertainment build LOL

Then I think its time to properly 'do up' a car.....

The expanding foam stuff will really be fun to do, so easy to shape that stuff :)

mate that is looking awesome. This is going to be a kickass boot install when finished. That LED ring around the sub is just wicked. :thumbsup:

Been doing some work after work....

So - time for some foam filler filled fun!

Ah - just some quick 'trim' panels that will be coated with this stuff....
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7595/p1030659h.jpg

Next step - cover everything I dont want this to stick to with good old baking paper haha
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9563/p1030661z.jpg

Some more...
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9025/p1030662.jpg

Weapons of choice for this task....
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8773/p1030663z.jpg

Once again - safety is important!
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2263/p1030664.jpg

So this is how it looked after night 1...
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/9923/p1030665.jpg

Used a 'tad' too much.....and ran out.....halfway......sigh...
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1072/p1030666.jpg

Second night - tape up the rest, as I found out from the night before, you really, really need to tape up EVERYTHING...
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2034/p1030668.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5988/p1030669a.jpg

This is how it looked straight after spraying....
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1298/p1030671l.jpg

God I hope this all works...... :eek:

This just looks cool..
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/8567/p1030674.jpg

The rough shaping has started - decided to start cutting the excess off the left side while the right side set properly....so easy to work with once its actually set - before then it can get very, very messy :ninja:
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2482/p1030677c.jpg

awesome work mate

also, nice hood, wheres it from? :P

how strongs that stuff? interested for when i do my install eventually

Hey guys,

Updates may take some time now - my laptop (only computer which doesnt lock up when loading pics) is having some trojan/virus/hacker issues. Basically whenever I connect to the net I get hit with trojan after trojan (running trend pc cillin, avg antivirus and ad-aware. Latest one has me locked out of task manager......this will be awesome.

Anywho - the stuff is reasonably strong when in thicker segments (i'd show pics....but ah.....yeah). Leaning on it makes indentations however lol

If you want whatever you're building to be super strong - use this expanding foam, then cover with filler, smoothen out. Then add a couple layers of fibreglass. This should make fibgreglassing a LOT easier, as the smooth shape is there. Will save a lot of finishing time......

I think I'll be carpeting the thing.....

Hrm....

Black on the side's and around the amps, and charcoal for the false floor bit......

Will be seeing Fhrx on tuesday, so perhaps he'll be able to throw some idea's at me....boot is shaped, just spac-filling everything, sanding, spac filling, sanding etc....some things were a lot harder to do - but for my 3rd boot install im rather happy with the results so far :)

So hows it coming along dude

If I had my lappy working I'd show you lol

Currently in the wiring stage.....2days down, 1 to go. Have a relay/fuse box to wire, ah...and put in a new HU.

Apart from that - stuffed the xover box, so wont even post pics till its redone.

Decided on a new idea for the boot floor (bit covering the wheel) - thats getting re-done in nearish future.

Will be re-doing speaker baffles (dont like the angle...)

Oh and I have a bulk pack of sound deadening to do (2 more coats on the doors, then the pillars and floor).

So its coming along, but im finding new things to do along the way....in a week or two my lappy will be fixed (fingers crossed) and I'll do a mass update....

Oh....and it has now hit week 6, and around 120hrs....

I'd say there's another 40hours before im 'happy' with it.

It's always the way isn't, start on one idea and find yourself changing it halfway through. I think Woob has changed his boot 2 or 3 times already. :lol:

Its just because im learning lol and a perfectionist - so not the best mix.

Certain things I'd love to have the time/energy to re-do again but hey. Oh PS - dont think im EVER doing a move-able amp rack again...I've spent some 8hours hunched over with an amp rack stuck in my ribs routing and re-routing wires....

God...so so painful.

Okay, I wont even attempt it. :)

2 or 3? or 6 or 7, lost count :P audio sucks when you get bored easily :P

That and sucks more when the simplest thing takes you 3 tries since you've never done it before!

Ers' setup. With the moving amp tray, VERY VERY COOL!!

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww202/cybermonkey24/Mitsubishi%20Magna/21062009115.jpg
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww202/cybermonkey24/Mitsubishi%20Magna/21062009116.jpg

Looking nice mate!! Very clean install ;)

Yeah not 100% happy with it, I need some 40hours to finish it....

Left side will be changed, I think the floor infront of the amps is getting changed too hahaha

Cheers Dave for posting those up, god it sucks having no photo-uploading ability :(

i really like where the sub is, looks like it's a great place to have it if you're after room in your boot to remain. Any idea if it'd be possible to have it there without the expanding foam(i.e. access to rear lights still?) and do you need the reinforced floor to hold it down? Just curious as i want my install for next car to have decent boot space still

The expanding foam is just there to shape it.

The sub box is still removeable (bout 30minutes in/out) as its held in by bolts.

When I have time, im going to try and make the tail-light pop out on a hinge (remote release like a boot). This way I can build a sub box into that area while making the tail light accessible.

As for the reasoning - I want a 50lt ported box....hard to do while making it removable.

what exactly is it bolted to? And although i know you only approve of ported sub boxes, would the spot still be fine for a non ported box?
And how accessible is the spare tyre?

Ha a look at the start of the thread twiggy, it has all the pics of the bare naked boot :D

Ha Ers will slowly appreciate a sealed box... which is what he has there atm. EBP will deterime usually which style of cabinet(s) will suit the woofer.

Bah sealed boxes lack low end punch lol

That and they resonate too much hahaha

Twiggy - that spot is rather perfect for a small sealed box, that one is approx 24.5lt. Stuff it with polyfill and its almost like a 32odd lt sealed box - it should do for most subs, more or less in phase (mine is now delayed 4msec to bring the sub right up front).

As for the spare tyre, that middle section comes out alltogether - spare tyre is still accessible, bit harder than factory but its not a 30minute job - maybe 5mins alltogether.

So much to do, gotta stop working on other peoples cars.....

Bah sealed boxes lack low end punch lol



I hear something but I'm not sure what it is....

Change your sub to a Boston G5 or Oz Me and you will get this so called "low end punch" lol

Will look good when it is lit up with that ring.

You finished this thing yet??

Kinda yeah kinda no.....

Probably should post some pics tomorrow of the current state of affairs lol

Hence why I dragged it out :D

Kinda yeah kinda no.....

Probably should post some pics tomorrow of the current state of affairs lol

:ninja: Have you done anything?? lol

Did you get it tuned up yet?

Nah not tuned yet, had a few 'busy' weekends recently - lots of beer and clubs = CBF sunday.....

Now i've got a lung infection after quitting smoking, go figure.

how hard was the centre console to cut, i wanna put an xbox inside mine :P

Well with the help of an angle grinder its not that hard.

The problem lies in the two washers that hold the brackets onto the console. Im sure there's a 'proper' way to remove them and re-install them. Buggered me though.

Once the brackets are off the trim is easy to take off and you can cut all you want. Not sure how an Xbox would go though, the heat and what not could be rather bad.

Nah not tuned yet, had a few 'busy' weekends recently - lots of beer and clubs = CBF sunday.....

Now i've got a lung infection after quitting smoking, go figure.

Thats sucks dude, you will be better off in the end... or so they say :kb:

Yeah I know how that feels, have to take a day off work if I want anything done lately.

looks awesome mate *thumbs up*

good stuff!
I cant believe I've completely missed this thread
very innovative mate!