Kick panel project :)

[KatWoman]

Well we finally got started on the reconstruction of my stereo system We are starting out with the kick panels for my mid range speakers. So far one side has been built and completed and we will be finishing up the other next weekend.

I still have to add to my Project 97 NEON site, but I thought it would be nice to post an old and new shot...construction pics will go up on the site hopefully this week.

Work courtesy of my loving fiance, Alex

Old kick panels (right):



New and improved kick panels (right):

[Rich]

Nice job, Kat. Im guessing your going for a high-end comp system?

Anyways, it looks good. Post some more pics of your install when you get done

[KatWoman]

Thanks, HM. We're not really aiming for a competition system, although I am sure when we are done it would be show worthy. Alex and I both enjoy car audio as a hobby, and we're basically doing this just to have a nice looking and nice sounding system. Alex has worked for a few companies designing products and working in tech support and has learned alot on those jobs on how to make things look n sound good. He even built a system for a truck that appeared on the cover of the March or May 2001 issue of "Minitruckin" magazine (orange 88 Nissan Hardbody with a ragtop). And he also had a hand in a few other things.

My car is a project we have actually been trying to get to for the last 2 years but between work and other stuff going on it got put on the back burner...which is fine cuz I have had to put my $ into other things like wheels/tires and maintainence.

After the kick panels we will probably start on the sub enclosure. After the system is completed and I get my interior redone, I may hit up a show or 2 just to show off the car and see what Joe Public's opinion is, but I am not planning on dedicating all my time into car shows.

I will post a thread or message when I get the car site updated

[KatWoman]

Well I finally got the Kick Panel section of my project site up n running Click on the Project 97 Neon site in my sig to see the step by step process.

[Rich]

Originally posted by KatWoman
Well I finally got the Kick Panel section of my project site up n running Click on the Project 97 Neon site in my sig to see the step by step process.

Im astonished, Kat. Props to you and Alex, the work is first rate.

I must say the fiberglass work is nicely done. Im such a goof when it comes to working with fiberglass.

btw, the site itself is looking good too. Nicely laid out.

Keep us informed of updates.

[KatWoman]

Thanks HM

Fiberglassing is not as easy as it looks...Alex has come a long way from his first set of kick panels (he forbids me to even look at those pics LOL). You gotta be careful about how much catalyst you put in the resin..Alex mixed one batch so hot it was literally smoking and the stuff hardened in the dish in minutes. And if you put too little in it will be a month before completely setting, literally.

Tomorrow (Saturday) we should have the driver's side completed. Then the next phase will be the sub enclosure. Alex is still planning the design for that so depending on when he gets it all laid out we should be starting next week or the week after.

[Holyterror]

Wow, that looks great! I need to learn to work with fiberglass, since I plan on making my own enclosures pretty soon. Much more attractive than the truly ghetto setup I have now (long bolts barely hold the speakers in, and the edge of the cone is about an inch past the door. Now the sub enclosure, I can handle. All I have to do there is cut, drill, and slap together. It's taking the place of the folding rear seat, and somewhat emulating the shape. I love the idea of being able to match or exceed the fit and finish of a professional job. Keep up the good work!