Another thing I do - custom car audio

[JasonC]

Scion Xb before...

In progress...

After.

JL10W7 in a 2013 X-Runner. Owner wanted it in a console type enclosure and ported if at all possible. Speaker needed 1.5 cubic feet at 35Hz ported. With the space I had to work with, the shape I wanted, and ergonomics considered, I built a 1.3 cube enclosure ported to 38Hz and added polyfil. That let the sub see a larger enclosure volume and drop the port tune freq to 35Hz.

Anyway, pics of this one will show why I wanted the table saw.

Crapload of kerf cuts.

S-bend in the top is all kerf cuts.

Fiberglass around his factory console. Did this for two reasons. Wings on the side hide the seam (passengers see the seam at the cupholder, not along the back wall of the factory console. Seats hide the actual seam) and the forward wall of the enclosure is fiberglass.

Also used fiberglass to copy the factory arm rest on the front console. Wrapped it in 1/8" foam then vinyl.

Owner says people will be in the truck with their arm on the arm rest and ask where the subwoofer is. People that knew he was having an install done couldn't find it, and he said people try to open the rear console. :laughing:

2012 Murano.

Before.

In progress.

And after.

I don't do the car audio projects often because people don't want to pay for the work I do, but I enjoy doing it.

 

[Edgar]

Impressive!

 

[KBs Pensnmore]

Nice work, real classy. It's a pity people don't appreciate the work that goes into jobs like that.
Kryn

 

[Crashmph]

I can definitely appreciate the level of work involved in those projects. Please post more pics of your work. I think it looks wicked cool with the before and after pics.

 

[BSea]

That is awesome!!

Now you've inspired me to do a custom console that I've been thinking about. Maybe by version 5 or 6 I'll have something usable.

Thanks for the detailed pictures. It helps make it seem like something I could do.

 

[skiprat]

Great attention to detail!! Everything looks like it 'belongs'

Great idea with the child labour too...keep them cost down!!!

I'm kidding of course, it's wonderful if you can include your kids in any activity these days. Most kids are just given crap electronic toys to keep them out the way. Well done on all counts!!

 

[JasonC]

Thanks, guys.

I can definitely appreciate the level of work involved in those projects. Please post more pics of your work. I think it looks wicked cool with the before and after pics.

I have a '96 Impala SS coming in soon. It's in the paint shop now. That thing has an old install from the '96-'98 in it, all but one of the interior speakers have died, the dash has damage, the ash tray is missing, just a lot to do on the inside. The sub enclosure and amp rack take up the large majority of the trunk. Massive trunk in that thing and it's pretty much useless.

Talking with the owner the plan is to gut the entire car and install a whole new system with new gear. Owner is letting me do whatever I want with it as far as design and such. He's seen my style and knows that I like my kids seen but not heard and my installs heard but not seen. :tongue:

I'll be sure to post pictures of that one when it comes in. It won't be a quick project at all. LOTS of work to do. Lots of time. And money. :biggrin:

 

[Crashmph]

Good luck with it. Sounds like a blast of a project.

Thanks, guys.

I can definitely appreciate the level of work involved in those projects. Please post more pics of your work. I think it looks wicked cool with the before and after pics.

I have a '96 Impala SS coming in soon. It's in the paint shop now. That thing has an old install from the '96-'98 in it, all but one of the interior speakers have died, the dash has damage, the ash tray is missing, just a lot to do on the inside. The sub enclosure and amp rack take up the large majority of the trunk. Massive trunk in that thing and it's pretty much useless.

Talking with the owner the plan is to gut the entire car and install a whole new system with new gear. Owner is letting me do whatever I want with it as far as design and such. He's seen my style and knows that I like my kids seen buy not heard and my installs heard but not seen. :tongue:

I'll be sure to post pictures of that one when it comes in. It won't be a quick project at all. LOTS of work to do. Lots of time. And money. :biggrin:

 

[robutacion]

Well, great workmanship and usability of available spaces, very nicely done, congrats...!

It was my impression that, this sort of work (very specialised work) was well paid, those that I've seen doing it, "normally have more money to spend than brains...!" so, I'm surprised when you say that, most people are not willing to pay for your work, the only thing I can tell you about that is, don't do it to those people, unless they are good friends (family or not) that deserve your time and effort...!

When I was younger, much younger, I also done a few of those jobs, as a know carpenter/cabinet maker, I had the tools and the brain to do those jobs so, I know what it takes to get them done and done right...!

Having your kids involved, will only be a positive thing, they get some pocket money, and you get help with things that don't require a great expertise, freeing you for the other more important stuff that needs to be done.

I appreciate your attention to detail and imagination with the spaces you have available, well done...!

Cheers
George