Fiberglass Enclosure

[Concept MSP]

MSP Fiberglass Sub/Amp Enclosure

I just thought that I would share my latest project for the MSP. I am making a fiberglass sub/amp enclosure for the trunk. I want something custom and unique that will also allow me to have a trunk space that is still somewhat functional. Here are some pictures of the progress so far, I will continue to update this thread as I continue through the entire process.

This is my first attempt at working on a fiberglass project, and I must credit the following sources for some good how to's and suggestions.


http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=109035&highlight=fiberglass+enclosure
http://chris.pfharlock.com/glass/index.htm
[url="http://www.winbeam.com/~clentz/fiberglass/"]http://www.winbeam.com/~clentz/fiberglass/[/url]
http://www.ajquick.com/cars/tutorials/fiberglass.php


Taping off the area in the trunk where the mold will be formed:

After about 3 - 4 coats of resin and fiber mat, still in the car:

The mold removed from the car:

It is a very messy process, but with a little time and patience it is not all that difficult. The next setp is to get the sub ring and amp tray made and mounted to the base. Then I can determine the final contours and shape. More pictures and progress to come.

 

[livelyjay]

It is a pretty easy process once you do your research and start to get into it. Did you use mdf for the bottom? Looks like you're off to a good start. I'll be starting mine here in the next few weeks, but the other side of the trunk.

 

[Concept MSP]

Yes, I used a piece of 1/2" MDF as a base for the entire thing. I plan on attaching the sub ring and amp tray to that.

 

[livelyjay]

Very nice. Keep us posted with updates and pictures. Here's a link to the progression of my box for my Lancer

 

[Concept MSP]

Very similar to what I am working on now. Looks good so far.

 

[livelyjay]

Very similar to what I am working on now. Looks good so far.

Unfortunately that was for my old car. It doesn't fit the MSP. I'm going to cut the back off (part that touches the side and rear of the trunk) and make a mold of the MSP trunk. Then I'll glass the two pieces together. Shouldn't be too bad since glassing the rings was the hardest part imo.

 

[livelyjay]

Got the backplane glassed this weekend. I screwed up and didn't put enough hardener into the resin for the first layer. I tried to make up for it by painting hardener onto the glass after it was tacky and it kind of worked. When I pulled it out of the trunk after the second layer hardened, some parts of the first layer peeled away with the tape because it was still soft. No biggie though, just gotta cut those fringes off with the dremel. Otherwise it came out pretty well. I'll take pics of my progress.

 

[chuyler1]

update? How's the box progressing?

 

[Concept MSP]

It is coming together. I have the mold cut to the correct shape now, and I added some more layers of glass & resin to strengthen it. I also built the amp tray. I am hoping to get the sub ring mounted and get the whole thing wrapped in fabric this week or next. I am also working on molding some tweeters in the a pillars too, so I am kind of splitting time between that and the enclosure.

Some updated pictures:

Mold cut to shape

After a few more layers:

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Concept MSP/Enclosure/DSC06406.JPG

I have some more recent pictures that I need to post of the amp tray, and of the base cut to the right shape too. Overall, it is progressing a little at a time.

 

[L8R]

Nice! Can't wait to see the progress also.

 

[livelyjay]

Nice work, looks like it's coming along nicely. I haven't gotten any more work done on my yet. Still just two layers of glass, and the back corner didn't form correctly because there wasn't enough hardener put into the resin. I'm going to have to cut away the fringes and put down another layer, then put about 3 more layers before I can cut it down and connect it to the front section from my previous car. Should get some work done this weekend though.

 

[ForceFed]

Nice ...work, looks like it's coming along nicely. I haven't gotten any more ...work done on my yet. Still just two layers of glass, and the back corner didn't form correctly because there wasn't enough hardener put into the resin. I'm going to have to cut away the fringes and put down another layer, then put about 3 more layers before I can cut it down and connect it to the front section from my previous ...car. Should get some work done this weekend though.

Guys...Mixing cups and following directions on mix quantities are your friend...Resin can produce night mares and ruin pieces if it doesnt harden right.
I have been doing this so long that I usually mix without measuring...But I have been playing with this stuff for about 5 years now.
Just a littl FYI....And your form is looking awesome!(thumb)

 

[Concept MSP]

Progress Update


Some pictures of the Amp Tray:

Here is the Subwoofer ring mounted and covered in fleece:

This will kind of give you an idea of what it will look like when completed:

 

[Super Mario]

nice man

 

[ForceFed]

Looking GREAT!

Keep it up!(thumb)

 

[slug420]

hot

 

[Concept MSP]

Thanks, it is not as hard as many people think. It just takes time & patience.

 

[Concept MSP]

I spent about 8 hours working on the enclosure on Saturday. I was able to get quite a bit done.


Here is the entire thing covered in fabric and resin:

This is after about 3 layers of fiberglass & resin:

Here are a couple of pictures to show the fit in the trunk:

Now I have a lot of sanding ahead of me. Then I need to decide on how I am going to finish it (paint vs. wrap).

 

[livelyjay]

Very nice work. You should feel priveledged to have a garage to work in. I'll have to do my work on my cold a$$ porch this weekend and piss off the neighbors with the smell and noise from my dremel.

 

[chuyler1]

Very nice work. I would finish it off with vinyl. Carpet requires no sanding but doesn't show off your handy work very well. Paint looks cool but requires endless sanding and will probably chip when you put things in your trunk. Vinyl is the best of both worlds. Its more durable than paint but it shows off the contours of your fiberglass work better than carpet.