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

[mklett33 32]

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'>

 

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'>

 

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'>

 

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!    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 October 12, 2013 by mklett33

[mklett33 32]

Thread says 0 views?

[Lee Carter 150]

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

[KyleBrown 121]

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

X2

[Julian 641]

very cool.

[gprestonmoto 89]

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.

[mklett33 32]

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.

[mklett33 32]

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. 

 

[mklett33 32]

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

 

Molded the floor of the enclosure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have to be sure it is strong!

 

 

Added the top:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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!

[Randal Johnson 544]

Very nice setup Sir !!!

Awesome Vids !!!

[Lee Carter 150]

two thumbs up!

[mklett33 32]

Very nice setup Sir !!!

Awesome Vids !!!

 

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

 

two thumbs up!

 

Thank you!

[mklett33 32]

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:

 

 

 

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

 

 

Like the new shape around the sub better?

 

 

 

 

 

Amplifier cover templates:

 

 

[mklett33 32]

 

 

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

 

 

Man I need a dust collector! Any suggestions?

 

Here are all the steps in video:

Edited November 4, 2013 by mklett33

[mklett33 32]

[mklett33 32]

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:

 

 

 

 

Started smoothing thins out with filler:

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Everything is smooth now!

 

 

 

 

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

 

[mklett33 32]

Time for some progress and FINISHED PICS!

 

I got the front inserts done using my Smart Spreaders:

 

 

 

 

[mklett33 32]

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:

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mklett33 32]

I also added this cool hex pattern mesh:

 

 

[mklett33 32]

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mklett33 32]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mklett33 32]

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:

 

[altoncustomtech 773]

Beautiful....

[mklett33 32]

Beautiful....

Thank you

[ssh 924]

That's some awesome work.