DIY Sail panel mod for tweeters

[kawizx9r]

Well as some of you know, I installed some Alpine components in my vehicle after being sick of the 'premium' factory stereo in my PT Cruiser GT.

Disconnected the rears altogether, reinstalled my Kenwood stereo amp and ran new wire from the door panels and out to the trunk so the components are now powered by an external amp. Sounds much better than it did the 1-2 days I had the speakers installed running off my HU.

I wanted to bring the tweeters up high, and I was NOT going to install them up in the dash where the factory tweeters were (they would've been aimed upwards torwards the glass) so I thought I'd install them in my sail panels. Unfortunately, the sail panels had a slight curve so they didn't sit flush. So here's what I did instead!

[kawizx9r]

You'll see here I used a hole-saw to cut out holes for the tweeters. Since they didn't sit flush in the panels, I thought I'd do some minor custom work myself. Here's one sanded down next to the other with only a hole drilled through it.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/1Onesandedonestock.jpg

Here, I played around a bit with angling the tweeter mount. Soon as I got the angle I wanted from where I'd be sitting, I glued a popsicle stick in place.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/2Anglingthetweeter.jpg

Here are both panels with tweeter mounts glued on.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/4Tweetermountglued.jpg

[kawizx9r]

Next comes the bondo!

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/7Anothercloseup.jpg

After the very first application of bondo, sanded down.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13119.jpg

Both sanded down and carved somewhat to the shape I want.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/9Sandedandcarved.jpg

[kawizx9r]

This is when I start using the automotive glaze to fill in the small imperfections. You'll notice it's darker than bondo, and it's much easier to work with.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/12Firstcoatofautomotiveglaze.jpg

First coat of primer applied!

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13132.jpg

Sanded down smooth for some more automotive glaze and another coat of primer.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13138.jpg

[kawizx9r]

I want to say this is the 6th coat of primer. It was primer+sand+automotive glaze+sand then primer again.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/15Sixthcoatofprimeraftersandedglazedsanded.jpg

Very first coat of paint. Wanted to see how the finish would come out. It was too glossy for me and stuck out like a sore thumb in my vehicle.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/16Secondcoatofpaint.jpg

This next one is after 2 coats of paint and 2-3 layers of paint (done from afar) to create a 'textured' finish. I wanted the sail panels to blend back in as much as possible with the rest of the interior.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/17Fourthcoatofpaintandsecondcoatoftexture-technique.jpg

[kawizx9r]

Installed back in! Still need to play with the tweeter swivel, but I'm not too worried about it just yet because I'm looking to upgrade my HU.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/18Installed.jpg

Hope you all enjoy the pics!

Btw, the imperfections look worse than they really are! Took these with my digital camera with the Macro setting ON so everything shows up :eek:

-Freddy

[kawizx9r]

Oh and here's the HU that's soon to be replaced. Looking at getting the Kenwood Excelon X794.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13161.jpg

And the mess I have in the rear.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13139.jpg

[Toolfan66]

Nice Work!! I take that back I should say Beautiful Work!!!


Enjoy!!!!

[kawizx9r]

Nice Work!! I take that back I should say Beautiful Work!!!


Enjoy!!!!

Thanks Larry!

Looking back at that pic, the tweeter is turned way in lol I'll fix it later.

[kawizx9r]

Lil update, the speakers are sounding really good now with the tweeter raised up closer to ear level and because they're breaking in :)

Can't wait to replace my HU!

Will upgrade my sub later, and use the JL Audio amp for the components (which may be switched out for some Polk MM's). I'm wanting some more midrange, maybe use an 8" sub as a mid-bass module?

[mole']

this is what you were doing last week when i text ya? looks awesome man.

[kawizx9r]

this is what you were doing last week when i text ya? looks awesome man.

Heh when I told ya I was a bit busy? Yep!

Took a hell of a time sanding by hand! Used a dremel tool to partially carve away the excess bondo but it sanded off way too quick so I stuck with hand-sanding it.

And thanks :D

[mole']

Heh when I told ya I was a bit busy? Yep!

Took a hell of a time sanding by hand! Used a dremel tool to partially carve away the excess bondo but it sanded off way too quick so I stuck with hand-sanding it.

And thanks :D

ill get that WGA shipped out for ya today. have some other things to ship out aswell. i have a big turbo kit that would wake your Pt/Gt up. i did almost 450hp with it on pump gas. :evilgrin:

[kawizx9r]

ill get that WGA shipped out for ya today. have some other things to ship out aswell. i have a big turbo kit that would wake your Pt/Gt up. i did almost 450hp with it on pump gas. :evilgrin:

Geez, but that'll cost a hefty amount haha.

On the other thread, you'll see pics of when I swapped out the wires+plugs as well as my straight pipe.

Next is upper+lower intake manifold swap, diablo sport predator tuner, the wga you're sending out :D, bigger fuel injectors, magnaflow catback exhaust, and whatever else comes my way.

[mole']

Geez, but that'll cost a hefty amount haha.

On the other thread, you'll see pics of when I swapped out the wires+plugs as well as my straight pipe.

Next is upper+lower intake manifold swap, diablo sport predator tuner, the wga you're sending out :D, bigger fuel injectors, magnaflow catback exhaust, and whatever else comes my way.

what size injectors you looking for?

i have a set of 750cc and 1680cc here im not using anymore.

[kawizx9r]

what size injectors you looking for?

i have a set of 750cc and 1680cc here im not using anymore.

Whatever injectors that are recommended when one gets stage 1. Although since I won't be getting S1 the tuner will bring it up to those levels so I'll need that.

[mdaudioguy]

Hey man, nice work! :)

[kawizx9r]

Hey man, nice work! :)

Thanks!

Half tempted to make some kick-panels for my 6 1/2"s I've got in the door...hmmm

[mole']

Whatever injectors that are recommended when one gets stage 1. Although since I won't be getting S1 the tuner will bring it up to those levels so I'll need that.

if you plan on keeping your stock turbo, these are WAY over kill for you. even if you used 100% e-85. Mopar stage 2 injectors would be the most you would ever need.

[mole']

Thanks!

Half tempted to make some kick-panels for my 6 1/2"s I've got in the door...hmmm

check these out

http://www.carbonbydesign.com/proddetail.asp?prod=srt4_speaker_pods

shop is located in SD. i got all of my Carbon Fiber stuff from them.

[mdaudioguy]

Thanks!

Half tempted to make some kick-panels for my 6 1/2"s I've got in the door...hmmm

I say go for it. What have you got to lose? Looks like a fun project, and you're pretty good with that Bondo! I'm sure you could beat $299...

[mole']

I say go for it. What have you got to lose? Looks like a fun project, and you're pretty good with that Bondo! I'm sure you could beat $299...

ya im sure he could. just showing him the pics of what they make.

[kawizx9r]

I say go for it. What have you got to lose? Looks like a fun project, and you're pretty good with that Bondo! I'm sure you could beat $299...

Heh thanks, but now I think I'll have to redo these sail panels or mod them a bit.

Just bought some SR6500's from the garage sale on here, so now I'll need some new tweeters. I plan on ordering some Vifa ring radiator tweets, but don't know if they'll fit properly in my current panels and if it'll be an ideal location for them.


ya im sure he could. just showing him the pics of what they make.

Checked out the site, they've got some nice looking stuff! It's actual carbon fiber as opposed to the fiberglass stuff that's given that carbon fiber look which is pretty cool but I might just have to make some myself anyway.

We'll see! Though if I do, I'll be sure to post a separate thread on that as well ;)

[kawizx9r]

Ordered these - https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=45_229_427&products_id=1679

Can't wait now!

Depending how everything comes out, I might rethink the kicker panels.

[mole']

Heh thanks, but now I think I'll have to redo these sail panels or mod them a bit.

Just bought some SR6500's from the garage sale on here, so now I'll need some new tweeters. I plan on ordering some Vifa ring radiator tweets, but don't know if they'll fit properly in my current panels and if it'll be an ideal location for them.



Checked out the site, they've got some nice looking stuff! It's actual carbon fiber as opposed to the fiberglass stuff that's given that carbon fiber look which is pretty cool but I might just have to make some myself anyway.

We'll see! Though if I do, I'll be sure to post a separate thread on that as well ;)

ya they make REALLY nice stuff. it is $$$ tho. was trying to give ya an idea dfor your kick panels. all of their stuff is real CF. they are a vendor on my site.

[kawizx9r]

ya they make REALLY nice stuff. it is $$$ tho. was trying to give ya an idea dfor your kick panels. all of their stuff is real CF. they are a vendor on my site.

Got any custom panels/molds done to your SRT4's interior?

[kawizx9r]

Well, I'm thinking that since I don't want to completely redo the sail panels that I'd just drop in the Vifa's (after carving away a bit at the Alpine tweeter mount). Only thing is, the tweeter looks a bit big....maybe that's just cause I'm used to the Alpine's smaller footprint.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13186.jpg

[DSkip]

How goes the install? Any updates?

[disneyjoe7]

Nice work.

[kawizx9r]

How goes the install? Any updates?

Got it all installed the 30th :)

Need to clean up the slight extra wiring I've got going under the seat because that's where I put each crossover.

They sound great, though the tweeters need to break-in some. So much detail in these speakers, remind me alot of my LSi's!



Nice work.

Thanks!

I'm going to end up redoing the panels though. The Vifa's pretty much dropped in and with a quarter of a turn, they're in there nice and tight however the angle is not ideal. When I decide to tackle the job all over again I'll do so, in the meantime they still sound pretty good to me :D

Oh and just for the hell of it since this thread got brought up, figured I'd add the updated pics on here as well of my HU I replaced as well as the SR's that replaced the Alpines.

[kawizx9r]

HU after it came in from Crutchfield

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/SNV13187.jpg

Installed

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13191.jpg

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13192.jpg

SR6500's when they came in

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13197.jpg

SR woofer next to Alpine Type S woofer

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13199.jpg

[TrashyTrucker]

kawizx9r,

That is gonna be a sweet sounding rig in your car for sure! Thanks for showing us all the pics! BTW that HU is awesome too! You are gonna love it.

regards,
Matt :D

[kawizx9r]

Hehe thanks Matt :D

I posted on my 'New HU; tuning help' thread in search of a little bit of advice :eek:

But so far, I'm really loving the HU. To top it all off, I don't have to carry all of my CD's with me (all store bought, never burned CDs) cause I just got an iPod touch for free!

Ran the USB cord behind the dash and into the glove compartment so the iPod is completely hidden and can be controlled completely by the HU. I stick with lossless files as much as possible, hate low quality recordings.

[TrashyTrucker]

But so far, I'm really loving the HU. To top it all off, I don't have to carry all of my CD's with me (all store bought, never burned CDs) cause I just got an iPod touch for free!

Ran the USB cord behind the dash and into the glove compartment so the iPod is completely hidden and can be controlled completely by the HU. I stick with lossless files as much as possible, hate low quality recordings.

Kawizx9r,

You will be spending more time in your car now than you do at home...LOL
Again that will be some sweet setup. Keep us posted and we all learn together? The HU has alot of cool features for sure. The hidden iPod is way too cool too! Can I have a ride to the store?

regards,
Matt :D

[kawizx9r]

Kawizx9r,

You will be spending more time in your car now than you do at home...LOL
Again that will be some sweet setup. Keep us posted and we all learn together? The HU has alot of cool features for sure. The hidden iPod is way too cool too! Can I have a ride to the store?

regards,
Matt

Haha

Even if I don't find myself having to go anywhere, I'll sit in the car for a bit just to tweak it some more!

I'm really just playing around with the time alignment trying to get the soundstage and imaging just the way I want it (and should be).

Right channel is back to 0, and I'm adjusting the left delay as well as the delay to bring the height of the sound up even more.

The HU came with a small usb holder/mount and 2 black screws so that if I wanted I could mount the usb input anywhere I'd like. I had an ideal location for it but asked myself 'why even expose ANY wire at all?'

No more than 8 hours goes by that I'm not back in my vehicle so I never shut off the iPod and keep the glove compartment locked at all times.

Sure thing! :p

How about some food afterward, drive-thru? :D

[slammin86]

Those tweeter mounts turned out great. Look very professional.

[kawizx9r]

Those tweeter mounts turned out great. Look very professional.

Thanks, though I did touch them up again like a month later. I've got a little bit of OCD so yeah....

Here's the rest of my setup. It's been this way since last....Dec. I'd say? Anyway, it's still the same -

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13383.jpg

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13395.jpg

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13399.jpg

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab16/sirsoapmaister/GT%20Cruiser/SNV13509.jpg