custom kick panels

[mstrgrn]

just started fabing up some custom kick panels for speakers...i was wondering if anyone had some photos of ones they have made...I want to see the ideas

I will post pics once finished if there is any interest in them....

[shifty]

some recent threads on the topic:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=kick+panels
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=kick+panels
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=kick+panels
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=kick+panels
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=kick+panels
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=kick+panels
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=kick+panels


lots of pics in there. quick search in this forum for "kick panels" produced a lot of results - i might have missed a couple, hope this helps though.

[MadDog]

wow, some of those look amazing. I whish i knew how to do that, and had the money to do it with.

[shifty]

I might have some more pics at work that i've saved randomly from show truck photos. Will try to remember to check tomorrow.
Meanwhile, want to know how to make them? It's not that bad.

Take some painters tape and line the entire area where you want the kick panel to be with a thick mask of tape.
Figure out the size and depth of your speaker and make a cardboard "O" shape that is about an inch or two taller than the speaker is deep.
Mount the speaker circle on the tape accordingly.
Lay your fiberglass cloth over the area where the kick panel and "O" ring will be, then resin it into place.
Once the cast is dry, you've got your mold.

Be sure to lay sheeting of some sort around the work area, any parts that are not covered. Repeat on the opposite side, unless you can figure out a good way to mirror the original prototype.

This is how it was explained to me. Make sure the 'glass is thick enough and that you save enough room for a mounting flange.

alternately, what some others do for a more rigid or structured design is build up a form using MDF fiberboard to the general shape and fit of the kickpanel, then 'glas that over. Voila, you have your kickpanel.

Ultimately, take a day just goofing off in the shop, you'll be amazed what you come up with.

[nate68]

i bought some from rod doors. they were cheap and worked well

[Orange]

Originally Posted by nate68

i bought some from rod doors. they were cheap and worked well

Pics?

[jimmydean]

I am doing some like the ones in the first link Shifty posted. What I did was make a trim ring out of 3/4" particle board to mount the speaker to. Then I made a template out of thin masonite that fits in the location. I positioned the speakers so they faced up a little, but didn't hit the park brake or take up too much foot room. Once I have the speakers placed right, I stapled some light weight felt my wife had to the trim ring and wraped the edges around the masonite. Once I have that shape, I mixed up some fiberglass resin and brushed it onto the felt. As the felt gets wet, you can mold it a little to get the curved shape you want. Let the first few coats dry, then recheck the fit. if the fit is good, then do a second, third, maybe forth coat until you get a solid thickness and finish you want.

Once it's all dry, you can sand it smooth, use body filler if you'ed like, paint it, wrap in carpet or fabric, whatever you want. Mount the panel in place (you can use screws, velcro, whatever works for your application). Wire up and mount the speakers, then rock out.

It looks real trick, but it's way easy to do, plus it's cheap. I haven't done my truck yet, but I've done a ton of car/trucks in the past this way. It's the same basic process Q-logic uses for the crap they charge way too much for.

If you use a shallow mount speaker like MB-Qart or Polk Audio, it's even easier. Otherwise, you might need to cut the sheet metal. If I ever get around to doing my truck, I will show you pictures. I use speaker box carpet because it's cheap and has some strethc to it. Use 3M spray glue to attach the carpet and your good to go.

[1972ChevyCheyenne]

FAQ with pics

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=141614

I used 5.25 speakers but if i were to do it again i would use the 6.5 speakers.