After almost 2.5 yrs, my stereo is finally done...for now
04-09-2012, 12:12 PM
#1
After almost 2.5 yrs, my stereo is finally done...for now
I didn't want to do a build log because I knew it would take forever. Plus, I think it is fun to be able to see the finished product right away. On top of that, the design changed about 5 times in the process. Anyway, it is finally to the point where I'm willing to show it off. So, here it is:
Start up front, a Kenwood DNX9980HD in the factory location. I filled the side trim pieces and had custom vinyl wrap done to match the stock pattern. I have the video output running to a PAC VCI-HON2 to feed the Kenwood nav to the factory screen.
The kick panels look remarkably like Niebur3's. I built my own, he did his about the same time I just never posted any pictures. Speakers are JL Audio C5-653s with the 6.5" in the door and the 4" and tweet in the kick.
Start up front, a Kenwood DNX9980HD in the factory location. I filled the side trim pieces and had custom vinyl wrap done to match the stock pattern. I have the video output running to a PAC VCI-HON2 to feed the Kenwood nav to the factory screen.
The kick panels look remarkably like Niebur3's. I built my own, he did his about the same time I just never posted any pictures. Speakers are JL Audio C5-653s with the 6.5" in the door and the 4" and tweet in the kick.
04-09-2012, 12:18 PM
#2
I know...I need to fix the dead pedal.
Now, on to the back seat.
Alpine PKG-M780 headrest monitors cut into the factory headrests.
and sources for the back...
and actual original circa 1985 8 bit NES.... and...
A Myron and Davis DVD player in the rear armrest
and the 2010 TL cup holder. This idea I straight up stole from Niebur3. Brilliant solution man!
Now, on to the back seat.
Alpine PKG-M780 headrest monitors cut into the factory headrests.
and sources for the back...
and actual original circa 1985 8 bit NES.... and...
A Myron and Davis DVD player in the rear armrest
and the 2010 TL cup holder. This idea I straight up stole from Niebur3. Brilliant solution man!
04-09-2012, 12:26 PM
#3
On to the trunk...
This is the finished product:
and without the beauty panel:
and the amp mount in the corner
What is there: 3 JL Audio 8W7-AE subs, and 3 HD600/4 amps stacked on top of each other in the corner. The center sub is one of the limited edition Signature Series W7-AEs, signed by Lucio Proni ("L" of JL Audio).
Also, not seen, an AudioControl DQXS processor and all the video switching stuff is on an aluminum panel behind the box.
A couple of side notes on this; I wanted to use as little wood as possible in this build. The only MDF in the entire install is 5/6 of the sub box. Everything else is either custom fiberglass parts (the spare tire cover, amp cover, trunk trim), ABS parts (the "Acura" beauty panel in the trunk), or a combination of other composites like duraglass, rage gold filler, ABS, low temp plastic, etc.
There is also a JL Audio C2-400 in the stock center channel location, and no rear speakers.
Sorry, I didn't take a ton of build pics but I have a few.
Input is always welcome. Thanks for checking it out!
This is the finished product:
and without the beauty panel:
and the amp mount in the corner
What is there: 3 JL Audio 8W7-AE subs, and 3 HD600/4 amps stacked on top of each other in the corner. The center sub is one of the limited edition Signature Series W7-AEs, signed by Lucio Proni ("L" of JL Audio).
Also, not seen, an AudioControl DQXS processor and all the video switching stuff is on an aluminum panel behind the box.
A couple of side notes on this; I wanted to use as little wood as possible in this build. The only MDF in the entire install is 5/6 of the sub box. Everything else is either custom fiberglass parts (the spare tire cover, amp cover, trunk trim), ABS parts (the "Acura" beauty panel in the trunk), or a combination of other composites like duraglass, rage gold filler, ABS, low temp plastic, etc.
There is also a JL Audio C2-400 in the stock center channel location, and no rear speakers.
Sorry, I didn't take a ton of build pics but I have a few.
Input is always welcome. Thanks for checking it out!
Last edited by DiamondJoeQuimby; 04-09-2012 at 12:28 PM.
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04-09-2012, 01:48 PM
#11
Looks great!! How did you stack those HD amps in the corner? Any pics of that?
I used the JL HD stack kit. The back one is mounted to a steel bar, and to part of the car. the other 2 are just stacked up w/ the Jl stack kit. I'll rummage trough and see if there is a good pic of that.
Also, love the kicks. How is the stage height, etc with the mid and tweets in the kicks?
I used the JL HD stack kit. The back one is mounted to a steel bar, and to part of the car. the other 2 are just stacked up w/ the Jl stack kit. I'll rummage trough and see if there is a good pic of that.
Also, love the kicks. How is the stage height, etc with the mid and tweets in the kicks?
04-09-2012, 02:15 PM
#12
Here are some box build pics (in no particular order):
The box is 3/4" MDF w/ a 1" MDF baffle. The Plexi panel is 3/4" clear, screwed in place. There is a 1/2" foam gasket between the plex and wood and has held up nicely to this point (fingers crossed). The wiring in the box is copper tube, bent to shape, polished, and clear coated (except at the termination ends.) The carbon fiber is 3M 1080 Scotchprint and was a pita to apply because I wanted to leave the exact gap for the panels to glue together wood on wood. the red rings around the subs are counter sunk 1/8" frosted plexi and then painted red on the back side. I wanted to hide the mounting screws for the subs with these. I was originally going ot light them, but it would have been an additional ~$250 to do it w/ fiber optics and LEDs so I decided paint would do fine. I also did red rings to tie in the design element of the gauges in the cluster being outlined in a red pinstripe. I carried the "red ring" theme into the outline of the "JL" logo on the showing HD600/4 amp as well. White LED strips are mounted to the top and illuminate the chambers in the box as well as the trunk and some of my driveway when the "Acura" panel is off.
The box is 3/4" MDF w/ a 1" MDF baffle. The Plexi panel is 3/4" clear, screwed in place. There is a 1/2" foam gasket between the plex and wood and has held up nicely to this point (fingers crossed). The wiring in the box is copper tube, bent to shape, polished, and clear coated (except at the termination ends.) The carbon fiber is 3M 1080 Scotchprint and was a pita to apply because I wanted to leave the exact gap for the panels to glue together wood on wood. the red rings around the subs are counter sunk 1/8" frosted plexi and then painted red on the back side. I wanted to hide the mounting screws for the subs with these. I was originally going ot light them, but it would have been an additional ~$250 to do it w/ fiber optics and LEDs so I decided paint would do fine. I also did red rings to tie in the design element of the gauges in the cluster being outlined in a red pinstripe. I carried the "red ring" theme into the outline of the "JL" logo on the showing HD600/4 amp as well. White LED strips are mounted to the top and illuminate the chambers in the box as well as the trunk and some of my driveway when the "Acura" panel is off.
04-09-2012, 03:01 PM
#15
04-09-2012, 03:02 PM
#16
BANNED
iTrader: (33)
wonderful setup. i'm impressed.
what did you use for the beauty panel? mdf? and if so, what size?
what did you use for the beauty panel? mdf? and if so, what size?
04-09-2012, 03:34 PM
#17
NO WIRE HANGERS (MDF)!!!!!! j/k. It is an ABS plastic panel, with corrugated cardboard for the lettering and logo. I used cardboard becasue it gives a little and has a softer edge than using abs or hard board for the letters. Also, it is WAY easier to cut out, especially the details, than a harder material. It is covered in a perforated vinyl that somewhat matches the factory 2-tome in the seats. It is held in place w/ rare earth magnet discs from unitednuclear.com
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SharksBreath (04-09-2012)
04-10-2012, 12:23 PM
#24
04-10-2012, 02:18 PM
#27
With my setup it sounds better in the kick. I spent about 2 weeks driving around w/ speakers in different locations to get it set up. FWIW, everyone who has listened to it sees the grill in the dash and just assumes that is where the speaker is unless I tell them.
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complacent_one (04-16-2012)
04-21-2012, 12:52 AM
#33
Team Owner
I really like the sub setup, very unique and different. Are those plain copper tubes feeding power to the subs or are they something special?
04-23-2012, 10:17 PM
#38
if you don't mind me asking what did you use to fill the half circles and what vinyl did you use? I had my head unit installed today along with sub and amp and would love to know so I can do it my self! I understand if you don't want to share your secrets
