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DIY Sail panel mod for tweeters

kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
edited March 2011 in Custom Fabrication
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!
Truck setup
Alpine 9856
Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

For Sale
Polk SR6500
Polk SR5250
Polk SR104


heiney9 wrote: »
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    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.

    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.

    2Anglingthetweeter.jpg

    Here are both panels with tweeter mounts glued on.

    4Tweetermountglued.jpg
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    Next comes the bondo!

    7Anothercloseup.jpg

    After the very first application of bondo, sanded down.

    SNV13119.jpg

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

    9Sandedandcarved.jpg
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    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.

    12Firstcoatofautomotiveglaze.jpg

    First coat of primer applied!

    SNV13132.jpg

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

    SNV13138.jpg
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    I want to say this is the 6th coat of primer. It was primer+sand+automotive glaze+sand then primer again.

    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.

    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.

    17Fourthcoatofpaintandsecondcoatoftexture-technique.jpg
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    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.

    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
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    Oh and here's the HU that's soon to be replaced. Looking at getting the Kenwood Excelon X794.

    SNV13161.jpg

    And the mess I have in the rear.

    SNV13139.jpg
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
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  • Toolfan66Toolfan66 Posts: 14,605
    edited September 2010
    Nice Work!! I take that back I should say Beautiful Work!!!


    Enjoy!!!!
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    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.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    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?
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • mole'mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2010
    this is what you were doing last week when i text ya? looks awesome man.
    mole'
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    mole' wrote: »
    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
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
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  • mole'mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2010
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    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:
    mole'
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    mole' wrote: »
    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.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • mole'mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2010
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    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.
    mole'
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    mole' wrote: »
    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.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • mdaudioguymdaudioguy Posts: 5,137
    edited September 2010
    Hey man, nice work! :)
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    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
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • mole'mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2010
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    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'
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  • mole'mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2010
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    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.
    mole'
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  • mdaudioguymdaudioguy Posts: 5,137
    edited September 2010
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    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...
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  • mole'mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    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.
    mole'
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    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.
    mole' wrote: »
    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 ;)
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    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.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • mole'mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2010
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    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 $$$ tho. was trying to give ya an idea dfor your kick panels. all of their stuff is real CF. they are a vendor on my site.
    mole'
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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    mole' wrote: »
    ya they make REALLY nice stuff. it is $$$ 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?
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited September 2010
    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.

    SNV13186.jpg
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • disneyjoe7disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,520
    edited October 2010
    Nice work.

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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited October 2010
    DSkip wrote: »
    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!

    disneyjoe7 wrote: »
    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.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • kawizx9rkawizx9r Posts: 5,179
    edited October 2010
    HU after it came in from Crutchfield

    SNV13187.jpg

    Installed

    SNV13191.jpg

    SNV13192.jpg

    SR6500's when they came in

    SNV13197.jpg

    SR woofer next to Alpine Type S woofer

    SNV13199.jpg
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


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  • TrashyTruckerTrashyTrucker Posts: 225
    edited October 2010
    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
    Integra DTR 50.2 used as a preamp
    Rotel RCD 1520 cdp
    AudioQuest Jaguar 72v dbs ic's
    AudioQuest type 8 wire
    biamped to:
    2-Hafler 9500 trans nova's
    AudioQuest NRG-3 power cable's
    dedicated AC line for
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    SDA SRS 3.1 TL's modded...
    spikes, rdo's, rings, dynamat, sonicaps, mills & aeon
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    ...SDA's are just like candy for your ears...
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