Hi Guys,
I haven't been making threads for my pro-touring rebuild because there seems to be server already for everything I have done, Hotchkis suspension, Wildwood brakes, Aftermarket wiring, etc...
But now I am at the point where I am addressing something I have not seen a thread on. This is the installation of a custom stereo and trunk interior.
I have stock interior (aftermarket replacement panels and covers) but since I have gone thru the trouble to insulate the entire car and add a custom stereo "system (nothing crazy) it seem only natural to do something in the trunk that, at first glance, could have been how it came from the factory had they even gone to the trouble to design an interior originally rather than just a plaid door mat.
In talking to my friend 303 Mopar he seemed to think there could be interest since this would cost several hundred dollars or more if you sent it out to be done.
Now, bear in mind, I am not an upholstery guy. Actually, I have never tacked an interior project prior to this but thought it could be interesting and fun to do and share.
So here we go.
First, I'll say I will be using common hand tools and learning as I go so any input, suggestions, criticism or appreciating is greatly appreciated.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20160731_183558_zpsrkyg9mlp.jpg&hash=289655163f18f9e270486eec917871933c16c86f) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20160731_183558_zpsrkyg9mlp.jpg.html)
First order was to construct a mount for the two amps I have. These are Kicker products, one is for the 2-6" round speakers mounted in the kick panels and two - 6"x9" speakers mounted in the rear package trey. The second is for the single 12" subwoofer which will be set up to shoot into the trunk.
At this point, I should make it clear, I know less than nothing about stereo systems. My good friend Joe Gross works at Kicker and recommended these units to me when I first go the car. Problem was, the guy that installed them only had two speakers working. Not good enough!!!
I will point out, before someone one else does, the power separator block has been located under the hood within 12" of the battery. I did not know to do this when this picture was taken.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20170607_113415_zpsms3u2gm0.jpg&hash=d72836515fa9ab7a842571837d3f6852a366e6c5) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20170607_113415_zpsms3u2gm0.jpg.html)
About to start the wiring and install the sub. After everything is wired it will slid into position so the front legs can be secured to the trunk hinge vertical supports and to the x-bracing behind the seat.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20170607_113329_zpsyarpanfs.jpg&hash=027177261311f16de06c224bcc50d23ac650d84a) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20170607_113329_zpsyarpanfs.jpg.html)
Everything is in place now and ready to begin the upholstery layout.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20170718_170522_zps8oc5aggv.jpg&hash=5572ac9cb5ade8138f690aaf1750d996d5678cd3) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20170718_170522_zps8oc5aggv.jpg.html)
I started with a 1/8" piece of lauan plywood for the front wall.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20170718_170707_zpsz3vvqxue.jpg&hash=842920ca37361ac5b150d5c67cdbd80939913600) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20170718_170707_zpsz3vvqxue.jpg.html)
I could never seem to get the speaker hole center properly so I decided to make a trim ring that will locate itself properly around the speaker.
I'll move to the front at this point and move to the back wall.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20170718_154210_zpsud1jikhd.jpg&hash=6a3f17090bf59a70277b51c5bd4a8d324043ec59) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20170718_154210_zpsud1jikhd.jpg.html)
Here is the initial layout of the rear wall. The center piece was fiberglassed to the top so as to hold it while getting the sides cut out.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20170718_154308_zpsroejo1tc.jpg&hash=aa6f05d6a0f7c26df56847d571bdafc3d2e507b8) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20170718_154308_zpsroejo1tc.jpg.html)
I wrapped some glass cloth around a coke can. This will be the basis for covering the gas neck extrusion.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh332%2FMickm33%2F20170718_154409_zpswiodlbjr.jpg&hash=f7ef4a31bcf5139bea31ae40b069c1bf702c0ead) (http://s1104.photobucket.com/user/Mickm33/media/20170718_154409_zpswiodlbjr.jpg.html)
And after it has curred and removed for the can. It is worth noting here that wrapping a form in masking tape will allow the fiberglassed piece to be separated form the molded part.
Thats all for today, I'll be back with more soon.
Cheers!
Mickm
Coming along nicely. Do you think the 2 mounting points at the hinges will be enough? That speaker looks like it will kick pretty hard. :notsure:
That's a good question Cody. I believe it is because the subwoofer is attached into the cradle by two screws on the side and two on the bottom. The top rest against the body support so the box is actually giving addition support to the cradle.
Cheers!
Mickm
Nice job! I'll be following this one. I'll probably do something like this on my Dart. I might not do a stereo system back there, but at least make some finish panels.
When I did this on my 02 Stratus R/T, I didn't fasten anything to the car. The box was large and the face plate mounted directly to it. The side panels fit tightly around the factory trunk carpet on two sides and next to the face plate on the other side. I made a fake floor for the center that kept the side panels from moving in. It worked out pretty good for that car.
I like how you're tying in to the trunk hinge mounts. You probably only need one fastener at the back just so it doesn't try tipping back under acceleration. I don't think that's going anywhere. I'll be curious how you attach the side panels.
QuoteI could never seem to get the speaker hole center properly...
That trim ring is going to be a really cool looking detail. Even if you were able to center the hole where you wanted it, I think you would have needed that trim piece anyway. It creates depth in the design. If you ever need to drill more larger holes, here is what I made to get the job done. It's just a piece of MDF(plywood or plexi-glass would work too) that a router attaches to. You can slide the pivot pin anywhere you want it, to adjust your radius. I was able to cut a perfect fan hole in my radiator shroud with it.
(https://s20.postimg.org/4rnl1wibx/DSC03200_zpskareesei.jpg) (https://postimage.org)
Burdar, The cradle is secure to the X-Brace behind the rear seat by two dry wall screws. This will keep anything from tipping over and aid in giving overall support.
Thanks for the interest.
Cheers!
Mickm
Before final installation, you should weigh everything. I'm curious to see what the total added weight will be.
Looking good. Anxious to see the finished product! :banana:
Are your fasteners going to be visible or are they going to be buried under vinyl/leather/carpet? You could install some rivnuts in the latch bracket and use regular 1/4x20 or smaller screws.(button head or counter sunk) If you are taking that panel in and out multiple times, a regular threaded fastener might work nicer. I don't know how often a sheet metal screw can be removed and reinstalled before messing up the hole.
Looking really good so far!
All good point Burdar. To be perfectly honest, I haven't a clue what I am going to do, I am learning and making decisions as I go (I'm sure you can tell :looney: lol)
Next step is to incorporate some fiberglassed curves on the side panel to tie them into the front and rear. Still getting my head wrapped around now best to do this. lol
I am thinking I want to make an accessible door on both side panels for cleaning rags and bottles of detailer. Jury is deliberating if I can make this happen lol.
Thanks for the interest.
Cheers!
Mickm
Great DIY, How To, Project.
Has been on my to do list for a while.
I think it was XV that did a kit for Challenger trunks before folding and was hoping someone would do one for Cudas.
I've been searching and getting ideas for the Cuda and the Barracuda trunks. Think they should be finished like new trunks and have some hidden storage too as well as the requisite Stereo amplifiers and Subwoofers. :ohyeah: :bradsthumb: :cheers:
Hidden Strong magnets hold many of the panels in place in some that I have seen.
Rest against and have a spot where you have to press to make the panel pivot to get a hold of the edge in order to take out.
Some plexi and RGB LED lights too. :)
Looking great.
Keeping an eye on this, since I will want to do something similar.
Thanks
I saw this '70 vert today and thought about how yours is so much better. This looks like a disaster waiting to happen.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170729/8dccd297f26eacfba7f881c26df562cf.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170729/319fded2741f04f90702e31fb4f7042a.jpg)
Today I Googled "custom trunk panels" and was looking at pictures to get ideas. I ran across a Chevelle build thread on ProTouring.com. Someone asked about wood and moisture buildup.
Do you have any concerns about that? Are you going to coat the wood with anything before covering it? I see you have the trunk floor insulated. That in itself should protect the floor.
Burdar, that is a good point. I am coating the wood with two coats of resin just in case an moisture is introduced into the trunk.
I am in hopes I can get the trunk completely sealed off so as not to allow any moisture in, but I'm not 100% sure that is possible.
Thanks for the interest guys.
Cheers!
Mickm
If your worried about moisture, you can make the box out of pvc material.
That's a good idea fern. I am not worried about moisture at all. I am giving thought to using what i have to this point as a pattern and laying three layers of glass cloth over everything then cover it with oem trunk material to get a finished product much along the same lines as a new car has. I am not wanting a high zoom creation.
As I stated early on, I'm learning as I go lol.
Cheers!
Mike
It depends on what part of the country you're in. If you have large temperature swings from winter to summer, you're going to have moisture to deal with. I've read people say that their rubber trunk mats have water under them in the spring.
Coating the panels is a good idea I think. Paint them at least. I think it's good that you insulated the trunk floor. I don't think water will get under the Dynamat material.
Yes: Condensation can be an issue. In one area I lived I left the trunklid open on my Challenger with the rubber mat folded over in two corners as well to let it breathe. I think resin over the wood will work fine.
Any updates? :popcorn:
Here is a couple pictures of my setup in the convertible! :banana:
QuoteHere is a couple pictures of my setup in the convertible!
Purple one 4Showin...
Black one 4Cruizn...
Burdar, nothing much new to show right now. I have been at the Streetrod Nationals in Louisville since Wed.
Just getting home and about to go out in the shop and lay up some more glass. I'll post something soon.
Thanks for the inquiry,
Cheers!
Mickm
Last night I spent a long time looking at upholstering videos on YouTube. I don't know what you're planning for outer material but there are some really cool videos to take a look at. I watched one on tuck and roll, visible stitching and custom door panel design. They might be helpful.
I'm kind of thinking the same thing...keep it factory themed with materials. I'm planning on carpeting the trunk floor with the factory style carpet. Then I'll use black and pearl white vinyl for all four sides. I'm going to talk with Legendary and see if they will sell a yard or two of their pearl vinyl. If not, I'll have to spray regular white vinyl with Herb's pearl interior paint.
Nice turn of events today. I went by a friend who has a Streetrod business nearby and he hooked me up with 1/4" dense foam, black ultra-leather, and carpet.
Bit of a different path than I orginally planned but I couldn't say no.
Cheers!
Mickm
Great job. It looks amazing! I assume you wrapped the leather around the edges and stapled it on the back side?
Thanks Burdar, I am pleased to this point.
I did apply glue to the edges and a 2 inched area on the back so I could wrap it around. Couldn't staple into the fiberglass.
I will make the floor today which should go pretty easy.
I still dont know what i want to do with the circle around the speaker. I plan to make some form of logo model that will be black and silver. Stay tuned.
Cheers!
Mickm
OK, I thought the back of your panels was just thin plywood material.(lauan)
My mother-in-law and my wife's aunt both have really expensive sewing machines. You can design a logo in a computer program and load it into the sewing machine. The machine then does all the work for you. That might be an option for the center panel. Maybe a screen printing type place would be able to do that?
That looks awesome!
Quote from: Burdar on August 04, 2017, 09:17:24 AM
QuoteHere is a couple pictures of my setup in the convertible!
Purple one 4Showin...
Black one 4Cruizn...
Yes but now the purple one is 7DCUDA . . . I got tired of 4showin. . . I really wanted 4PLAY
WOW! That really looks amazing! Maybe I need to fly you up here and have you finish mine..... :thinking:
Looks amazing! I gotta ask: How does it sound?
Thanks for the kind words guys.
Dan, you have any frequent flyer miles? :D
Shawge, "How does it sound"? Do you mean does it rattle when I drive? To be honest I just finished today and have not driven it but all the panel are snug and secured. I hit my fist on all panel and there was no sound so I am not expecting anything when I do drive it.
I left one detail out. The floor was made from two pieces of 1/2" birch plywood. Sealed in case of moisture with carpet glued on and stapled on the back side.
A small strap was made and located on the passenger side so the floor can be lifted and removed.
The floor secures the front fascia in place at the bottom. The top is held in place by two magnets glued to the back of the fascia and an adjustable "L" bracket screwed into the side braces.
The trim panel is secured to the front fascia with 10 socket head screws that align with and match the screws in the trim ring on the sub woofer.
Cheers!
Mickm
Your trunk turned out fantastic! I was considering doing something like this for the Duster, but man, that trunk is huge! Great job! :clapping:
Fantastic job man. :clapping: Very nicely done. :woohoo:
That turned out great! The red around the sub looks good. Black would look good too. You could even use a silver vinyl/leather to match the center of the sub. You could recover it or just use some vinyl paint/die to color the red you already have.
All good points. I am now thinking about using the perforated black material used inside the stock seats.
That would tie the trunk interior into the interior of the car.
Cheers!
Mickm
That looks great and the venting around the speaker was a good idea.
Terific job, we'll done!!
:perfect10:
Very well done indeed! :1place:
Haha, no not the rattles - everything looks solid :) How does the stereo sound with that subwoofer enclosed? Must be a lot of kick.
Shawge,
I drove it yesterday and today and it is very solid. It helps insulate the cabin and you are right, the stereo is awesome. Noticeable amount of kick from before. I'm loving it!
Cheers!
Mickm
Nice job , looks great! :bradsthumb:
Quote from: Mickm on August 19, 2017, 12:33:26 PM
Shawge,
I drove it yesterday and today and it is very solid. It helps insulate the cabin and you are right, the stereo is awesome. Noticeable amount of kick from before. I'm loving it!
Cheers!
Mickm
We want video!!!! :banana:
wow. great work buddy. it always feels better when you do something yourself and it turns out better than if you hired someone, plus you save some cash!
Shooter, i like to do all I can myself for that reason.
Thanks for the kind words.
Cheers!
Mickm
Nicely done, came out fantastic.
Looks awesome! I've always planned on doing this to mine.
Might of missed it but how did you secure the panels to the inside of the trunk? Example; the panel that is right up against the trunk latch?
Nicely done.
What are you doing for a spare?
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
AAA
Sorry for the late reply guys, been trashing trying to get last minute details finished so I can leave for the Cruzin the Coast show tomorrow.
Dave73Challly - The rear panel is held in place by two countersunk screws that are threaded into the top of the latch via an insert. The side panels have two screws that attach at the back into a recessed piece of wood that is glued to the back of the rear panel. They are secured in the front by two wood screws into the hardwood 1" pieces bolted to the trunk supports. The front panel is held in place by two "J" loop strips attached to the rear of the panel and a small "L" bracket bolted to the hardwood supports. I'll try and get some pictures as soon as I return to show these.
Chris Pauluk - I don't carry a spare. I have made many trips over the years without one with no problems to date. I know I'm rolling the dice but I always be certain my air pressure is good and the condition of the tires are good before any trip.
Thanks for all the kind words guys and gals. I have completed the decklid panel now and will post a pic of it when I return.
Now I'm off on my first road trip since the build.....wish me luck ;)
Cheers!
Mickm
QuoteThanks for all the kind words guys and gals. I have completed the decklid panel now and will post a pic of it when I return.
Any pics of the deck lid panel?
Also, I have a question regarding the slots for the trunk hinges. Did you put anything behind those slots so you can't see anything through them? Like a vinyl flap that covers the slot when the trunk is open but moves out of the way when the trunk is closed.
Burdar, I apologize for not seeing your post and replying sooner. Not sure how I missed it.
I did not take any photos of the deck lid panel but it's just a .125" piece of abs plastic. I'm not really satisfied with the way it came out. I mean the area around the latch.
I did not put any sort of filler int he hinge slot openings. That may be something I do eventually.
Since I have some miles and experience with the trunk now, I'm thinking about redoing the rear panel. It protrudes into the trunk to far taking up precious trunk room. So, I plan to redo it some day. I'll post progress of it when it happens.
Thanks for the interest.
Cheers!
Mickm
That looks great!
Great work on all you are doing !
My only suggestion is try Captain and ginger ale, I first tried it at the blackjack table in Vegas a few years ago , ordered Captain and coke , drink came back looking light colored , thought it was light of coke but it was ginger ale , do it that way always now .
Amazing trunk conversion great job
That came out REALLY nice, I love it! I may steel your idea and use kydex to do something similar, I never considered it until looking at how your trunk came out. Thanks for putting in the hard work and the great idea!
Quote from: Convertcuda on March 07, 2019, 04:44:16 AM
Do you have any plans of reproducing this product? Great idea. Professional. I'm interested in you do.
Ken
:iagree: There may be more interest as a product as it really cleans up and modernizes the whole trunk area.
Quote from: CudaMoparRay on March 07, 2019, 12:59:01 PM
Quote from: Convertcuda on March 07, 2019, 04:44:16 AM
Do you have any plans of reproducing this product? Great idea. Professional. I'm interested in you do.
Ken
:iagree: There may be more interest as a product as it really cleans up and modernizes the whole trunk area.
:iagree:
I would definitely be in for a set if you make these. PayPal is just a click away ;)
Thanks for the kind wordsguys, I'm very excited you like the results.
I am interested in offering the trunk package for sale thru NuPar Products. However, due to my current marital issues, it will be a while before this can happen.
I will post an update as soon as I can get these ready.
Cheers!
Mickm
NuPar Products
I hope the issues subside and you can be at peace... And bring us cool new stuff :)
Have you considered Kydex-T Thermoplastic? It comes as thick as 1/8" and resists chemicals etc.. How thick is the ABS you used?
If you'd like some Kydex to experiment with I'd be happy to send you some.
Take care...
~Alan
ledphoot, Thank you so much for the kind wishes. Hopefully, life will get back to some normality soon.
As for my product, my original is made of .25" ABS plastic. This thickness seems to be perfect as it does not oil can or flex but holds it shape well.
Thanks for the offer to send me some material but right now I don't have a shop to work in. I'll let you know when I get my feet back on the ground.
I will need to finish the vacuum machine I started building so I can produce the latch cover then make a couple of gigs for the pieces.
It will be offered as mine with the exception of the forward surface will be just a plain piece of plastic. This will leave all personal customizing to the owner.
The decklid piece will be offered also but available with or without the 'Cuda recessed emblem.
Hopefully, this can happen sooner than later.
Thanks again,
Mickm
NuPar Products
Quote from: Mickm on March 09, 2019, 05:27:10 PM
ledphoot, Thank you so much for the kind wishes. Hopefully, life will get back to some normality soon.
As for my product, my original is made of .25" ABS plastic. This thickness seems to be perfect as it does not oil can or flex but holds it shape well.
Thanks for the offer to send me some material but right now I don't have a shop to work in. I'll let you know when I get my feet back on the ground.
I will need to finish the vacuum machine I started building so I can produce the latch cover then make a couple of gigs for the pieces.
It will be offered as mine with the exception of the forward surface will be just a plain piece of plastic. This will leave all personal customizing to the owner.
The decklid piece will be offered also but available with or without the 'Cuda recessed emblem.
Hopefully, this can happen sooner than later.
Thanks again,
Mickm
NuPar Products
Maybe we should have you up here since we technically have 2 shops now that you could work out of for a week or 2/3/4. You would have a couple e-bodies to work on and it could help clear your head too, it's helped others!
Awesome idea Dan......That could be cool. In more ways than one!
Cheers!
Mickm
Let me know when your ready. I am interested as you did an awesome job on the cuda trunk.