Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
mklett33

*CAF* Duramax 2500 HD - Fiberglass Underseat Sub Box - PICS and HOW TO

Recommended Posts

Hey all! Much like my previous threads I am starting another part of a build that will be completely documented through video. The support for the door pod series was awesome and I hope you guys enjoy this series just as much. Just like before I will be video taping every single step and editing all the information together to present to you. If you haven't seen my videos before I hope that you enjoy them and would love to hear what you think!

 

If you missed the seeing the door pods I mentioned above here is how they turned out:

 

http://www.youtube.com/caraudiofabrication'>DoorPods_20130824_0071_zpsaa14e983.jpg

 

If you would like to see the in depth process of each step for how I made these door pods there is a conveniently organized playlist on YouTube at this link:

 

 

But enough about the door pods! Its time to get into our next project: The Fiberglass Under Seat Sub Box! Lets get started!

 

First a little about the system:

 

The Vehicle:

Chevy Duramax 2500 HD Extended Cab (Will add pics soon)

 

The Gear:

Alpine Type R's 6.5" Component Speakers

10" JL Audio W3 (Just kidding, I was planning on using this but have fallen in love with the DAD KMH-8, so we are using that instead)

Knukonceptz wiring

Wirecare.com wire protection products

Alpine MRP-M500

Alpine MRP-F300

 

If you are interested in a review for the KMH-8 or learning more, check this out:

 

I started with a concept, I knew that I wanted to build a box that would house both the amplifiers for the system and hide the wiring, but at the same time I wanted quick and easy access to them. The plan for how I am going to do this is difficult to explain, but as the build progresses it will become clear. 

 

The box will also feature several inserts, I have entertained the idea of doing light up plexi on parts of the box. But I am not sure I want too. What do you guys think?

 

Anyhow here is the initial idea, I like to get stuff out on paper first, really gets the creative juices flowing:

 

http://www.youtube.com/caraudiofabrication'>UnderSeatBox_0000_zps0098d340.jpg

 

With the general idea framed out I started building. Pretty traditional stuff here but one of the coolest things I can teach you here is how I used a "Adjustable Curve" to get a perfect match with the floor contour of the vehicle. I also got the "Beauty Panel" frame trimmed out on the top of the box.

 

http://www.youtube.com/caraudiofabrication'>UnderSeatBox_0001_zps2690afb8.jpg

 

To see the steps that got me to this point check out the video below!

 

 

Well, thats it for now, off to a good start, I already have the bottom fiberglass molded, just need to edit the video, so you guys have to wait!  adhd.gif  Let me know what you guys think, wondering what direction you think I should go with the insert pieces, back lit, metal mesh, etc.

Edited by mklett33

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I veiwed it- and watched the video...going to be pertty sweet. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Looked for a sec. I can't watch videos at work so I try to pay attention to threads with a lot of pics, not a lot of videos.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I veiwed it- and watched the video...going to be pertty sweet. 

 

Hmm it was strange, it said 0 views on the thread, weird. Glad you  like it. 

 

I veiwed it- and watched the video...going to be pertty sweet. 

X2

 

Thanks

very cool.

Thank you.

 

Looked for a sec. I can't watch videos at work so I try to pay attention to threads with a lot of pics, not a lot of videos.

 

Gotcha, I have a ton of pics coming soon so pay attention damn it!

 

Haha

 

Fiberglass stage is complete. Editing the video tonight.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Here is the next video, I have a bunch of pictures too, but I want to edit them before upload. 

 

This video will show how I mold the bottom of the enclosure with fiberglass. 

 


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Pictures! All steps can be seen in the video in my previous post.

 

Molded the floor of the enclosure:

 

UnderSeatBox_0015_zpsd70ead3d.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0016_zpsf85b4aa9.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0017_zpsf9062022.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0009_zps178d0c8a.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0012_zps397a6f4e.jpg

 

Have to be sure it is strong!

 

UnderSeatBox_0011_zps64e060e8.jpg

 

Added the top:

 

UnderSeatBox_0018_zps762b86d3.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0019_zps96351f3e.jpg

 

Had to fill up the large hole at the back of the enclosure where I wasnt able to just mold the floor:

 

UnderSeatBox_0020_zpsccfa0ddb.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0027_zpsc7a2f043-1.jpg

 

One mistake I made is I went to heavy with the resin with the first coat, it ended up really glossy on the bottom of the enclosure, but still I was able to build several layers and it is STRONG. In the video I even bounce up and down on it with no issues!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Very nice setup Sir !!!

Awesome Vids !!!

 

Thank you! I hope the videos help you learn a thing or two!

 

two thumbs up!

 

Thank you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Who wants some pics?

 

Started with a circle around the sub, didnt really like it so you will see but I do something a little different:

 

UnderSeatBox_0029_zps734120d9.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0028_zpsb6f77069.jpg

 

Finally got a new dust mask! i love this thing!

 

UnderSeatBox_0032_zpsf3a71adc.jpg

 

Like the new shape around the sub better?

 

UnderSeatBox_0033_zps4885029b.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0035_zps630802a3.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0034_zps09ed668d.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0036_zps4978eb95.jpg

 

Amplifier cover templates:

 

UnderSeatBox_0037_zps8c9220a7.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0038_zps42eee41c.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
UnderSeatBox_0043_zps7b983b57.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0042_zps9900ad8f.jpg

 

Messed around a little with this mesh, do you think I should use it?

 

UnderSeatBox_0041_zps15fd09eb.jpg

 

Man I need a dust collector! Any suggestions?

UnderSeatBox_0040_zpsfcd3f6a2.jpg

 

Here are all the steps in video:
Edited by mklett33

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I know have got the amp rack fibeglassed, smoothed and all ready for vinyl. Lets take a look at the steps:

 

Started with some fiberglass:

 

UnderSeatBox_0044_zps79da9da2.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0045_zps62afdac2.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0048_zps4d7e21af.jpg

 

Started smoothing thins out with filler:

 

UnderSeatBox_0054_zpsd4f6041b.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0055_zps2942925f.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0056_zps45681e72.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0060_zpsfe573aea.jpg

 

Heres how the mesh looks over the amps, still not sure if I will use it, or paint it. I need to see what it looks like after everything is wrapped.

 

UnderSeatBox_0050_zps054e58d2.jpg

 

Everything is smooth now!

 

UnderSeatBox_0058_zps565b305a.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0057_zpse0303c32.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0059_zpsb208bdf1.jpg

 

You can see all the steps from this post in video with explanations here:

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Time for some progress and FINISHED PICS!

 

I got the front inserts done using my Smart Spreaders:

 

DSC_1162-2-2_zpsb61211af.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0068_zps7f6bf1cc.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0066_zpsdb57bbcc.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0067_zpsfff7d1c6.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Now that all the surfaces are smooth and clean its time for some wrapping, I started with carpet and black suede in the insert areas:

 

UnderSeatBox_0070_zps5e04f9fb.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0069_zps8e923326.jpg

 

I also wrapped the top removable amp rack piece with black vinyl, then press fit all the inserts in temporarily as I was waiting to receive the cool grey vinyl I had ordered. 

 

UnderSeatBox_0072_zps59c8af87.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0073_zpsb1dc0dc6.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0078_zps7a3c6f78.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0075_zps674e5b7f.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0074_zps2db7b24a.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0082_zps7be04f77.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0083_zps49b429d0.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Finally it was time to wrap the final pieces :) Here is the finished product:

 

UnderSeatBox_0084_zps0298aaf3.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0085_zps9ae4abc5.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0086_zps46c99a17.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0090_zps2616596e.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0089_zps226ddbeb.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0087_zps701fa600.jpg

 

UnderSeatBox_0088_zpsbd60c9cd.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

And as always I edited every single step of the process to help you guys learn how you to can build like this:

 

 

If you would like to see the full series check out the video playlist here:

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Beautiful....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's some awesome work. :wub:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×