Fiberglass speaker pods

[Binford]

OK, seeing Magicmike's fiberglass, me not having a decent system in my car, Subawhat showing off his recent audio adventure, and me working in stereo shop has all motivated me to do some custom work in my SS. I had wanted to buy something a little more worthy to show off my work, but I have to make do with what I've got.

I plan on building a "pod" with the mid and tweet angled up towards the driver and passenger, on separate planes. I'm undecided on how to finish it, though. I want some kind of grey fabric to cover it instead of the 'glass look to make it blend in better, but I don't know. We'll see, I guess. Maybe I could make a mold and make some more if anyone would be interested.

[gt2.5turbo]

might be a little later down the road... keep us updated though

[magicmike]

black (dark grey) vinyle is the way to go so it blends in with the rest of the door panel. I havent looked at the door panel in great depth yet because I'm not thinking about doing anything yet.

[Binford]

Pics so far.....

http://www.thawa.net/gallery/album78

[magicmike]

doesn't look bad except that the mid ring looks like its going to be crazy sticking out. I like to keep panels close to the original shape of the door so it blends in better. I see where you are going with directionality, but mids are much less sensitive to directional plane than tweeters. I'd flatten those out mids a bit, not to mention when they stick out that far its very hard to stretch the vinyle. Also, you need to fasten that piece to the door securely or its going to vibrate alot.

please note, I'm just offering advice, I'm in no way shitting on you.

[Binford]

please note, I'm just offering advice, I'm in no way shitting on you.

Advice is always welcome. It gives me something to think about in order to improve upon. Thanks.

[Binford]

I redesigned the pods and updated my pics. Have a looksee and tell me what you think.

http://www.thawa.net/gallery/album78

[bmxkelowna]

wow, those look really good man. you should send them to me and ill test them out for you! haha

[magicmike]

looks good so far. I usually like to make a lip in the speaker rings so when you screw the speaker in it sits flush with the pod. That is a totally different technique from what you did though. Looks good though, I would call it a level 2 speaker pod

[Binford]

I'm trying to keep it simple and improve my technique as I go. This is all just a learning experience and to show off what I'm capable of. There just isn't any custom fiberglass in any of the vehicles in my area, and I'm trying to get people interested. People with money, that is. I get alot of interest from people that are broke, like me.

Level 2.......out of 10? I thought it would be a little higher than that. I know it's nothing spectacular (in the world that is custom fiberglass) but it's huge leaps ahead of the kickpanels I made in my truck.

[magicmike]

no no, level 2 out of 4

Level 1: cut shape out of wood and mount speakers to it.
Level 2: cut shape out of wood, make rings and angle accordingly and cover with glass.
Level 3: same as 2 but add lip on rings to recess the speakers.
Level 4: same as 3 but make custom grills that cover speakers.

I was giving you a B- when you thought you were getting an F

[gt2.5turbo]

i would almost think that maybe it would be cool to make those just for a set of 6.5's and then make a pod for a tweeter up in that triangle trim piece where the newer subarus get them stock. ... Looks good though! i might be very interested wheni look for a system upgrad to componets

[Binford]

no no, level 2 out of 4

Level 1: cut shape out of wood and mount speakers to it.
Level 2: cut shape out of wood, make rings and angle accordingly and cover with glass.
Level 3: same as 2 but add lip on rings to recess the speakers.
Level 4: same as 3 but make custom grills that cover speakers.

I was giving you a B- when you thought you were getting an F

Thanks! I feel better now.

[Binford]

i would almost think that maybe it would be cool to make those just for a set of 6.5's and then make a pod for a tweeter up in that triangle trim piece where the newer subarus get them stock. ... Looks good though! i might be very interested wheni look for a system upgrad to componets

I could make a set for just the 6.5" for you relatively easy if/when your ready.

[magicmike]

your not supposed to seperate mid reanges from tweeters by much. I think its like inches but I'm not too sure. besides looks like there is enough room down there for both to fit.

[Binford]

your not supposed to seperate mid reanges from tweeters by much. I think its like inches but I'm not too sure. besides looks like there is enough room down there for both to fit.

I realize this, which is why I placed mine together. Alot of people just prefer the sound of high mounted tweets, even if it's not "optimal" for accurate sound reproduction. I do usually bring that up when someone says something similar. I guess I should've mentioned it, sorry.

However, alot of components allow you the option of coaxial mounting them, like Kicker and Eclipse. The Kickers I'm using have this option. I'm usually not a fan of how Kicker speakers sound in general, but these sound really good for the price (retail $249). I have them coaxial mounted in the factory locations in the doors for now, and most people would be completely satisfied with leaving them as is. I just want something that'll stand out a little. I do like Kicker subs, though. If all goes well, I'll have four 8" L7s in three seperate enclosures to optomize space in my SS. It's just such a shame this is all going into a rust bucket.