Custom Trunk Interior Installation

[Mickm]

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.

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.


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.



Everything is in place now and ready to begin the upholstery layout.



I started with a  1/8" piece of lauan plywood for the front wall.


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.


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.


I wrapped some glass cloth around a coke can. This will be the basis for covering the gas neck extrusion.


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

[Cuda Cody]

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.   

[Mickm]

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

[Burdar]

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.

I 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.

[Mickm]

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

[Burdar]

Before final installation, you should weigh everything.  I'm curious to see what the total added weight will be.

[Mickm]

I was able to get some work done today on the Tinfish trunk project. Although sanding outside in this 105° heat index wasn't the most fun.


Last thing yesterday was the lay some glass on the joint in the rear fascia. I was racking my brain as how to attach the side panel to the top but came up with drilling some small holes and pegging with toothpicks.  This actually worked great. So well, I wish I had taken a picture but did not.


Here's the rear panel completed. I cut out a couple scallops for some added detail. Note really sure why, just did lol.


This is where I left it today. The rear fascia is secured by two sheet metal screws to the latch housing. Here you can see the side panel has been cut.

My plan is to make about a 3" radius piece both front and rear to tie into the front and rear fascia's. I am going over how best to do that now and will post more once I have a plan.

Thanks for looking.

Cheers!
Mickm

[usraptor]

Looking good.  Anxious to see the finished product! 

[Burdar]

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!

[Mickm]

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  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

[cudaragtop]

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.     
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. 

[Mickm]

Thanks for kind words and advice guys.
I made a stride today by getting all four corners made.


This is what the front corners look like now. Tomorrow I will cut the sides of the front fascia and incorporate them into the sides.
This will leave the center a smaller section that can be removed easily in care it's needed.


Here's the front and rear corners.

I wanted to have radiused corners as I think this gives more of an oem look.

Stay tuned for fastening next.

Cheers!
Mickm

[Fern]

Looking great.
Keeping an eye on this, since I will want to do something similar.
Thanks

[303 Mopar]

I saw this '70 vert today and thought about how yours is so much better. This looks like a disaster waiting to happen.

[Burdar]

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.