Windowed Panel Advice

[jw191]

Last year I built a custom install in my GT86. The carpeted panels that cover the top work fine but they are a bit flimsy. I want to replace them with something more sturdy.

I would like carpeted panels again, however with acrylic windows over the amp, crossovers and maybe the DSP. I have two ideas

1) 6mm MDF with recesses, and acrylic inlays for the Windows, then carpetted with cutouts.

2) Make the whole panels out of 5mm acrylic, then carpetted with cutouts



My question is how can I get really clean and secure edges on the carpet cutouts around the windows? Any alternative suggestions appreciated!

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[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

Router a lip on the inside of your cutout that is deep enough to recess the desired thickness of plexiglass plus the thickness of the carpet. Glue the carpet to the panel and then make sure it follows the profile of the groove and wrap it underneath and secure it. Then cut the acrylic to fit the recess and secure with some screws. Here's a quick drawing of what I mean. The carpet is the red line. 

 

[jw191]

Thanks for the effort and suggestion. I hadn’t thought about that approach. I’d prefer not to have screws visible on top but I guess I could use a small band of black vinyl around the edge of the windows to hide them.