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new Xterra project

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=61580
Printed Date: March 28, 2024 at 12:11 PM


Topic: new Xterra project

Posted By: j68rh
Subject: new Xterra project
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 at 3:22 PM

Here is my 3rd project its of my 2004 nissan xterra.

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here is the next picture

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Sorry I had to use foil but I just didn't have enough tape to just mask it and Also the tape just would not stick it was being a pain the old A@*:x
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Replies:

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 at 3:46 PM
Well I personally wouldn't have used fiberglass for over half of what you have there. There are too many large flat surfaces. I probably would have made the whole thing out of mdf actually but I don't know what your plans are.

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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 at 7:46 PM
The reason why I am doing it like that with all fiberglass like that is because I just wanted the mold and I wanted the exact  curves of the back to the floor also I wanted a light weight enclosure.  Next steps for me is going to be putting alot of layers of glass down to build my strength up. cut my MDF rings mount them and fleece and glass and smooth and paint.  just keep in tune for more to come.




Posted By: auex
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 at 10:39 PM
Well I only see 1 curve, and that could be duped closely with mdf and resin. If it had to be completely molded then the only part that I would have used fiberglass on would have been the wheel well.

As far as weight, by the time you reinforce the large flat sections the box will probably weigh more then if it were mdf. Not to mention the money it would save either.

But to each his own. Keep it up.

-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: August 19, 2005 at 7:40 AM
I see where you are coming from on this but I am looking at useing either kevlar or a carbon fiber like material to do the reinforcement.  There is a distributer right here in the hampton roads area of Virginia that I got my supplies from.  Have you ever worked with those 2 materials?  You have to use an epoxy resin but when its cured its very strong and very durable.  cuts down on weight and seals tighter then using MDF, wood glue, screws, and caulking




Posted By: realitycheck
Date Posted: August 19, 2005 at 7:41 AM

Looks like you've done a great job so far. Yeah just giving it to you for future reference man. You could also save alot of time that way also. You can even take the mdf and cut it at a 45 degree angle and fill in the wheel well area.   Or you could have made everything out of mdf, sit it in the car stretch fleece over that wheel well and just fiberglass that one piece. Its just alot easier less expensive, less time, alot stronger. Just trying to help you out man, I know I need all the help I can get.



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Learning the trade one fiberglass creation at a time!




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: August 19, 2005 at 8:46 AM
Thanks I just wanted to try something new with kevlar and carbonfiber.  A guy I work with used it and told me great things.  If i don't like how it turns out I will junk this box and go back to the old ways of doing things with the MDF and then glass where it needs to go.




Posted By: soundmasta
Date Posted: August 19, 2005 at 9:53 AM

nice....it will probably turn out good. i would try the rope trick to strengthen up those large flat areas. heres some pics of an 04 xterra i did.

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Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: August 19, 2005 at 12:40 PM
hey there soundmasta the pics didn't come out and what is the rope trick that you are refering too?  Never heard of it




Posted By: 05honda
Date Posted: August 19, 2005 at 11:20 PM
the rope trick is said to work but ive never tired it...you add pieces of rope along the flat areas of the glass to add strength




Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: August 20, 2005 at 7:54 PM
why not just go to Lowes and buy some chicken wire? kinda looks like the stuff that people put on their bodykits. It's REALLY plyable and it should help with the form; not to mention it is metal which will add strentgh probably better than rope...just a suggestion. BTW, I have an '01 Xterra. I am finishing up the door panels now (finally after about four months) I will be adding pictures soon so keep an eye out for them. Do you have anything else done to your Xterra? if so I would like to see.




Posted By: auex
Date Posted: August 20, 2005 at 8:21 PM
mi_what wrote:

why not just go to Lowes and buy some chicken wire?


Well chicken wire adds no support to flat runs of fiberglass. Sure you can use it to form but it doesn't help in this situation. The rope trick basicaly puts a ridge or curve into the flat surface. Curves are where fiberglass is the strongest.

-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.




Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: August 21, 2005 at 9:40 AM
I'll take your word for it auex. You probably have more experience in this sort of thing than I do. To be honest I've never heard of the rope trick before this. How exactly is it performed?




Posted By: Poormanq45
Date Posted: August 28, 2005 at 9:33 AM
I would recommend for the flat surfaces that you use cardboard. Apply the fiberglass directly to it, both front and back. It will be extremely strong and add very little weight

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Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 08, 2005 at 1:11 PM
That is an awesome Idea thanks for the inputs.  sorry I have no pictures right now to show the progress I haven't even really worked on it.  I have just been so busy with work and my 3 yr old daughter and my wife pregnant.  Also I am getting ready to buy a new battery for My Xterra because the stock one is only 460 cranking amps and with one Kicker comp VR at 2 ohms mono the volt drop from 14.4 to just above 12 when it really gets going.  and that is with my cap in place with a 1000 watt amp.  So with 2 Kicker comp VR 10's I am going to need a yellow top.  I am going to try to work on it this weekend




Posted By: 05honda
Date Posted: September 11, 2005 at 7:28 PM
the rope trick isnt something he just made up.....it actually works......you lay rope in lines along your flat areas to add strength..




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 14, 2005 at 1:08 PM
Well sorry no pics still I have been busy but to update you I have layed another layer of glass so I am up to 4 layers of glass now and I am trying to think of a way to design some supports for when I make the box because i am going to do a plexiglass cut out view on the back side so when you put the seet down you can see the magnents.  And for all those that are going to ask NO its not going to be a bandbass.  Soon I should have some pics




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 20, 2005 at 4:10 PM
I am furthur along now I cut my rings out for the subs and i have layed 3 more layers of glass and secured down one of the rings out of 2.  Tomorrow I will have the other ring done and fleece covered with pics I promise




Posted By: branvw
Date Posted: September 21, 2005 at 9:09 AM
the rope trick works very well, i actually use wrapping paper tubes to stiffen big boxes or molds.  Fiberglass is VERY strong when not laying flat, so in fact the glass will act as a tube frame, the actual material that is used to make the tube will do nothing, it is all in the glass!! this method is by far one of the best for strength




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 21, 2005 at 12:25 PM

Poormanq45 wrote:

I would recommend for the flat surfaces that you use cardboard. Apply the fiberglass directly to it, both front and back. It will be extremely strong and add very little weight

I did what Poormanq45 did and its very strong.  In the picture you will see right now only one sub ring I haven't added the second ring yet and I still have some trimming I have to get done right along with covering it with fleece.  Sorry if it is looking alitttle sloppy but my end products always come out awesome.  Click on the link to check out the progress

https://www.cardomain.com/ride/1171997/2  Tell me what you think





Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 22, 2005 at 1:52 PM

https://www.cardomain.com/ride/1171997/3

Here are some more pics check it out.





Posted By: Poormanq45
Date Posted: September 22, 2005 at 2:58 PM
Yey, I'm happy I could help you out posted_image

ANy idea how much resin the cardboard soaked up?

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Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 22, 2005 at 4:16 PM
Alot but its as hard if not harder then MDF.  its a great idea I am going to use it again next time I build another box.




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 23, 2005 at 1:47 PM
Check this out let me clear up the statement I posted right before this.  I used the card board with 7 layers of glass that is how it is so hard like MDF.  the box is so strong I can stand on it and it doesn't flex.  I weigh 220 lbs. if that clears any thing up for everyone with doubts.




Posted By: abovestock
Date Posted: September 24, 2005 at 12:17 AM
That's coming along nicely. Can't wait to see the finished project.

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Why do you ask if I ate paint chips when I was younger?




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 24, 2005 at 10:11 PM
thanks.  I am going to start sanding it tomorrow if it doesn't rain.  I don't have a garage and my shed is to small that is why it takes me so long to work on things.  any ways thanks for the complimants.




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 27, 2005 at 11:21 AM

Here is some more pics check out the link

https://www.cardomain.com/ride/1171997/3

its the last 3 on the page.  I had to add some more glass in certain areas because it didn't pass the thumb test.  now starts the fun part of sanding and filling and getting ready to paint.

Also after people visit my cardomain site don't be shy to check it out and to sign my guest book.  Thanks

starting a new progect soon a back deck piece for a 1993 or something like that mazda mx-6





Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: September 27, 2005 at 3:02 PM

https://www.cardomain.com/ride/1171997/3

last 2 pics are pics of me starting to smooth out the box.  I am going to do it in pieces so I don't waste body filler





Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: October 05, 2005 at 8:15 AM

here are more pics of the box.  its not finished just doing a fitting a looking at it.  I still have a bunch of sanding to do.

https://www.cardomain.com/ride/1171997/3





Posted By: realitycheck
Date Posted: October 05, 2005 at 9:32 AM

Looking good buddy.  Why a five farad cap how much power you running? What subs?



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Learning the trade one fiberglass creation at a time!




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: October 05, 2005 at 9:38 AM
well I am running 2 kicker comp vrs at 1 Ohms mono and the xterra has pretty small battery the cranking amps on the battery are 460 and the cold cranking amps is like 660 or something like that.  Right now I am running one 10 and before I put the 5 farad on there I had a 1 farad and the lights would dim at night when I was running loud with the air conditioning on the volts would drop from 14.4 volts to just about 12 volts so now with the 5 farad cap I have no problem




Posted By: j68rh
Date Posted: October 05, 2005 at 9:43 AM
Oh yeah those are going to be 2 kicker comp vr 10's.  the cap was just cheaper then the new battery option





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