First build log ever

Original wis · Sep 2, 2022

So I have bipolar disorder and I've missed 4 of the last 6 weeks of work from either being manic or depressive. Which has caused me to go through my savings to the point where I'm going to have to put this build on hold. Because of the financial situation I'm in I'm guessing it's going to take me until December or so until I'm able to recover to the point where I'm able to justify working on the build again.

To the site administrators please do not close his thread. As soon as I am able to I will continue and complete the build.

Thank You,

Lewis King

Bobbytwonames · Sep 2, 2022

Original wis said:
So I have bipolar disorder and I've missed 4 of the last 6 weeks of work from either being manic or depressive. Which has caused me to go through my savings to the point where I'm going to have to put this build on hold. Because of the financial situation I'm in I'm guessing it's going to take me until December or so until I'm able to recover to the point where I'm able to justify working on the build again.

To the site administrators please do not close his thread. As soon as I am able to I will continue and complete the build.

Thank You,

Lewis King

Take care of yourself man. Car Audio will always be there when you are ready. Health first. You're very courageous to be honest about your situation. Be proud of yourself!

audiobaun · Sep 2, 2022

Original wis said:
So I have bipolar disorder and I've missed 4 of the last 6 weeks of work from either being manic or depressive. Which has caused me to go through my savings to the point where I'm going to have to put this build on hold. Because of the financial situation I'm in I'm guessing it's going to take me until December or so until I'm able to recover to the point where I'm able to justify working on the build again.

To the site administrators please do not close his thread. As soon as I am able to I will continue and complete the build.

Thank You,

Lewis King

Deff hope you get to feeling better. Nothing wrong with taking time. I do it as well. Always take care of yourself as stated.. your health is the most important and well being man. This hobby and others are always here, and there may even be some new gear to look at and makes changes as well. looks Great for sure. Take your time, and I sure hope you get to feeling better man. Best to you.

Original wis · Sep 5, 2022

[Update:

I realized that even though I couldn't complete the installation of the sound system, there are other things that I can work on. I managed to complete the installation of the carpet and roof liner as well.

First I sound deadened the entire roof. Here's a few pics:

Someone needs to practice their photography skills. 😂

I also finished the installation of the carpet

And I painted the panels for the center console parts black.

I'm going to paint the panel below the steering wheel and the glove compartment as well. Once I complete the painting of the actual center console I should be able to put the entire car back together minus the sound system of course for the first time since I started putting sound deadener.

I could technically put in the entire sound system minus the subwoofers but I don't want to do so because I feel that would be tantamount to admitting defeat. And I don't want to become complacent with a partial system. It does feel good to be able to get some things done in the meantime though.

Lewis King

just call me KeV · Sep 5, 2022

Glad you stuck with it. It can be theraputic working on the sytem. It can clear the head and shake some shit loose. I do some of my best thinking working on my system. Look forward to more updates.

Original wis · Sep 5, 2022

Test fitting. I have some touching up to do but man I did not realize how much work I put in until I actually put everything back together it took a real look at it.

I'm not getting big headed or anything but I'm pretty damn happy with myself right now.

Lewis King

audiobaun · Sep 6, 2022

Looks DAMMNED GOOD MAN!! Props for Sure

Boomsday · Sep 7, 2022

looking good

Original wis · Oct 9, 2022

Update:

Completed the interior. Here's pics

As for the subwoofers, I'm going with 4 DC Audio level 4 10's or 4 Adire Audio brahma 10's on a Salt 6k.

Original wis · Oct 21, 2022

Quick update:

Finally found all of the missing brackets needed to mount the head unit and the Clarion EQ. Ignore the Dual mechless it is definitely not a part of the final build it's just a placeholder for the eventual mechless that I plan on purchasing.

Plus the body kit finally came in. Took me several months to find the pieces because they're not being manufactured anymore. I like the fit though. The plan is to paint the mesh gold and the car black so it matches the interior. I purchased a roll of what looks like metal fencing and the plan is to cut and mount it diagonally to match the diamond shape. It'll look nice in the bottom cutouts that are open.

Still saving for the subwoofers. Probably going to end up getting a Helix dsp since it seems to be a crime against manhood to purchase anything less. So that means at least another 6 months of saving and finishing everything else piecemeal during the wait.

Lewis King

audiobaun · Oct 25, 2022

Original wis said:
Quick update:

Finally found all of the missing brackets needed to mount the head unit and the Clarion EQ. Ignore the Dual mechless it is definitely not a part of the final build it's just a placeholder for the eventual mechless that I plan on purchasing.
View attachment 43857
Plus the body kit finally came in. Took me several months to find the pieces because they're not being manufactured anymore. I like the fit though. The plan is to paint the mesh gold and the car black so it matches the interior. I purchased a roll of what looks like metal fencing and the plan is to cut and mount it diagonally to match the diamond shape. It'll look nice in the bottom cutouts that are open.
View attachment 43858 View attachment 43859
Still saving for the subwoofers. Probably going to end up getting a Helix dsp since it seems to be a crime against manhood to purchase anything less. So that means at least another 6 months of saving and finishing everything else piecemeal during the wait.

Lewis King

Very Nice man!! Looks Sweet man. I will Vouch for the grill protection needed. Almost a year ago.. i was flying down the Highway @(##@@$) MPH, and all Sudden I felt a huge slam in my 08 HHR LT(2.4). Then temp went up pretty quick. pulled over and My radiator was shot/trashed from a bird that came right through that opening up front with no grill protection. Expensive Fix. after all said and done with towing ect. Spend the $100 bucks on the radiator Grill protection for any vehicle. Doesnt take much to Damage these cheaper made radiators/Thin half Plastic have MM thin so called Alumin.?? Even a small Rock will do it in.. I had nearly $600 Bucks with towing and repairs. Even Damaged my Electric fans.

Original wis · Dec 14, 2022

Update:

Finished the fiberglass kick panels. This was my first time trying to fiberglass or fabricate anything ever in life.

This was the mock up.

I glued cheap $3 Walmart polyester around the pod and the kick panel. I used gorilla glue epoxy.
After that I painted it with way too much fiberglass because after all I had no idea what I was doing.

This is day two of me trying to sand down the way too much fiberglass that I put on it.

What I ended up having to do was to buy some primer / filler and basically put 10 coats on each piece. After that I sanded It down smooth. It took 2 days to get it done correctly with the filler, then two more to send down correctly until it was smooth. I used 60 grit, 80 grit, 220 grit, 400 grit, 600 grit then finally 1000 grit. When I was done the primer was shining like actual paint.

10 coats of paint and 10 coats of clear enamel later and we're looking ok.

Prep hole for cutting out speaker location.

Final form.

What do you think?

Lewis King

Original wis · Jan 14, 2023

Update:

Found DC Audio level 1 12s for $89 each. I have 4.
Found a Taramps Bass 1200 for $119.
My brother's sending me a Dayton DSP!

I'm getting so close to the finished product... Looking for a box builder and amps to power the mids and highs.

Lewis King