Anyone good with fiberglass?

[Tribalvision]

Looks pretty good. Before you go smoothing it out, trim the edges and test fit the box.

 

[tegguy]

Looks pretty good. Before you go smoothing it out, trim the edges and test fit the box.

Yeah once it's cured I plan to test fit and then trim off the sides and everything. I am really happy with the shape

 

[Tribalvision]

See. i told you it wasnt too tough

 

[tegguy]

It wasn't too bad it was nice having 3-4 people the whole time it helped for stretching the fleece and also had a nice little process. I ran out of resin and had to buy more I ended up using over a gallon and a half (I dunno if thats too much or not). I had a few tough spots that took some work and I'm going to have to figure out how to clean up the sides but that shouldn't be too bad. I just checked on the box and and it's still a little tacky but it's really solid.

Fyi I dislike the 3M resin it didn't work as well as the other stuff I had.

Any advice for what tool to use for cutting out the fiber glass from the subwoofer area?

 

[Tribalvision]

Drill a hole where the ring was cut out and use a router and flush cut bit with the bearing and run it right around the circle

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

 

[tegguy]

Well I checked on the box today and the resin cured. I think it came out pretty good with only a couple small bubbles. Now I just need to figure out how to cut off the extra on the side and bottom without damaging the box (I'm thinking sanding will work) I also need to figure out how to cut out my logo area since the flush cut bit bearing is too thick. Here are a couple pics of the box as of today.

 

[Tribalvision]

the extra on the sides and bottom I usually sand off with a 36 grit beltsander. for the logo, you can use a jig saw and get close, then sand. or use a dremel or rotozip and take your time.

 

[tegguy]

The jigsaw is too deep and might damage the bottom panel. I am thinking I am going to have to use a cut off wheel and be careful. I have about 1/8 to 1/4 inch between the fiberglass and the bottom panel

Also I fixed the above pics

 

[geologist]

I think I would give it at least one more medium coat of resin.

 

[03protege]

I think I would give it at least one more medium coat of resin.

Are you thinking it doesn't look saturated enough? Between the two speaker rings it looks kind of light to me.

Also before sanding I found it helpful to spread on a thin layer of resin that has been dyed (I use black) and after you sand it makes it really easy for you to tell your low spots than need to be built up.

 

[tegguy]

I think I would give it at least one more medium coat of resin.

as protege asked can you please expand on what your thinking here?

 

[Tribalvision]

If you just coat it with resin it may cure but will feel sticky. Mat and cloth are treated with wax which well allow the resin to cure hard/smooth. They sell a wax additive you can add so it cures without being sticky

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

 

[tegguy]

If you just coat it with resin it may cure but will feel sticky. Mat and cloth are treated with wax which well allow the resin to cure hard/smooth. They sell a wax additive you can add so it cures without being sticky

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

Do you think there is a need to coat it?

 

[Tribalvision]

Its hard to tell from the photos. It looks like the Mat is dry just inside the speaker on the right. At this point coating will not change anything because the resin is cured. If it feels sloppy in that area, just grind it out some and add another later or 2 to the area.
Feel for air pockets.if present, grind and repair. You want a solid box.

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

 

[tegguy]

Its hard to tell from the photos. It looks like the Mat is dry just inside the speaker on the right. At this point coating will not change anything because the resin is cured. If it feels sloppy in that area, just grind it out some and add another later or 2 to the area.
Feel for air pockets.if present, grind and repair. You want a solid box.

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

The I wasn't worried about inside the speaker area since it will be cut out anyways. I have a couple small pockets but they were is non structural areas. I'm going to attempt to cut off the extra on the edges today and start some preliminary sanding after checking the subs fitment.

 

[Tribalvision]

Not where the speaker is, just to the left of it where it slopes down towards the center. If is loose it will vibrate and crack

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[tegguy]

Not where the speaker is, just to the left of it where it slopes down towards the center. If is loose it will vibrate and crack

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

Oh ya I saw that I'm debating if I want to sand it down a little to get a look at it and add a couple more layers on it or not.

I guess here is a good question. I was worried about leaving my box outside due to condensation and rain but I wanted the fiberglass to cure good and the fumes were a little much for keeping it inside. What would you recommend for a place to let it dry?

 

[Tribalvision]

Leave it anywhere it won't get wet. I'm not worried about the fiberglass.I'm worried about the MDF. If that gets wet it will be junk.

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

 

[tegguy]

I suppose if I add more I can leave it off the ground under a tarp or something in case it rains. In your honest opinion do you think I need to add more fiberglass and resin?

 

[Tribalvision]

If you did 5 layers than no... If that's an air pocket, fix it

Sent from my <~ Galaxy SII ~€

 

[Rated ///M]

what is your final finish strategy? are you planning on painting or covering it in a vinyl or fabric?

 

[tegguy]

Well I started cleaning it up a little bit. Everything looks good but I'm not 100% sure on the adhesion at the top of the box. The edge looks good but where it wraps around when it goes down I'm not sure of the adhesion. It's adhered but I'm not sure how far down whats the best way to deal with this?

I cut one speaker out to check my fitment of the subs and took a look at the inside. I have a couple minor spots where the fleece didn't get 100% saturated but saturated by 99.5%. Here is a picture with a sub installed looks pretty good.

 

[Tribalvision]

First off I'll say that you've selected some very nice subs... I've heard them before and in the correct box, they sound very good. I used to run 3 Arc Audio amps on my front stage in my previous install in my Tahoe. a 2050 CXL on my horns, a 2100CXL on my 5.25's and a 2100CXL on my 6.5" midbass drivers. They were so nice, I kept them after removing my install. I will use them in something else..

Anyhow, can you take a few photos of the lack of adhesion at the top of the box so we can get an idea of what is going on there??

 

[tegguy]

I'll take some photos tomorrow and show you what I'm talking about.

Also thanks I've never heard any parts of my system before I wanted to try something different and new it's components are below
Alpine CDA-9886 Head Unit
Audison BitONE
Arc Audio Black 12 subs
Arc Audio KS1200.1
Arc Audio KS300.4
Hybrid Audio Technologies (HAT) fronts and rears

 

[Tribalvision]

Arc Audio were the amplifiers used by Matt Borghart from Image Dynamics when he won a couple World Championships in sound quality.. Very good equipment. It should sound great. The only downfall is the subs will be in the trunk. If I were you, I'd totally remove the rear speakers and let the bass come thru the rear deck into the cabin. It will improve the output. You dont need a rear stage anyway... but that's just my opinion

 

[tegguy]

I'm not looking for award wining. I am looking for something that sounds good/decent and can overpower the exhaust if I wish to. This is going into my 1972 Chevelle

 

[Tribalvision]

It will sound great.. Upgrade your alternator

 

[tegguy]

I'll have to double check the alternator but everything is brand new. I bought the car of a restoration shop owner who was building it for himself.

 

[Tribalvision]

you need a larger alternator designed for higher output. With 3 amplifiers, it's only a matter of time until the stock one smokes. I recommend a 180-220 amp alternator and upgrade the Big 3...

 

[tegguy]

you need a larger alternator designed for higher output. With 3 amplifiers, it's only a matter of time until the stock one smokes. I recommend a 180-220 amp alternator and upgrade the Big 3...

It's only 2 amps but ya I know what your saying. By Big 3 do you mean battery, alternator and wiring?

 

[Tribalvision]

yes, the big 3 is the underhood wiring. positive to starter, positive to alternator, alternator to ground. I used 1/0, but I'm drawing alot of current. You can probably use 4gauge and be fine. You can get it in nice colors to compliment your engine compartment. I also upgrade the engine and battery to chassis grounds too

 

[tegguy]

yes, the big 3 is the underhood wiring. positive to starter, positive to alternator, alternator to ground. I used 1/0, but I'm drawing alot of current. You can probably use 4gauge and be fine. You can get it in nice colors to compliment your engine compartment. I also upgrade the engine and battery to chassis grounds too

My battery is in the trunk actually. I have 4 gauge for everything to include the amp wiring, alternator, and starter.

 

[Tribalvision]

Good deal, you should be good to go...

 

[tegguy]

As promised here are the photos of the back (top) looking at it today I think it's good I just need to do some more cleanup work on it. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Tribalvision]

since this part of the box will not be visible, I would just trim it up with a dremel, Just cut off the loose stuff. Then glue down some black felt and use a straight edge and a good razor/knife and trim the felt in a nice clean line..

 

[tegguy]

OK that's what I was planning to do cut the excess with my cutoff wheel and cover the sides and back with carpet

 

[03protege]

If you are really worried about the seal/strength of that top back edge you can add a layer of mat to the inside.

 

[tegguy]

Thanks for the info guys

 

[tegguy]

Little more progress today sorry for the horrible pics but basically I cut out the logo area.

 

[Tribalvision]

lookin good so far...