Fiberglassing Full Lengh Kick Panels

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=76439
Printed Date: April 28, 2024 at 4:50 PM

Topic: Fiberglassing Full Lengh Kick Panels

Posted By: mitch04
Subject: Fiberglassing Full Lengh Kick Panels
Date Posted: April 18, 2006 at 6:48 PM

I have a 1993 Firebird and I want to fiberglass pods into the kick panels. The only problem is that the kick panels are also the sill plates and stretch to the back of the door. I was thinking of a few things, 1. Fiberglass an entire mold, but then I'm worried about fitting perfect and screwholes...the panel goes up the front of the door(not the door but where the door seats by the dash) 2. Fiberglass pods that just set over the front part of the kick panel, but I don't want the joint to be too ugly, i want it smooth 3. Cut off the front part and mold the pod directly to the kick panel, but there I'm worried about the fiberglass bonding to the plastic, I've heard horror stories of this problem. Any help would be much appreciated. The pods will hold Kicker SS 5 1/4 inch Components ran by an active crossover. Thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: crazyoldcougar
Date Posted: April 18, 2006 at 7:48 PM

i dont think making a mold of a part this small would work all that well..it would most likey warp all crazy on you...

i think if it were me i would build it right on the factory panel...

first i would make my rings (obviously) ,

second i would figure out the firing angles to mount the speakers at..and then mount the rings at such angles..

third, i would figure out how far up the panel i would like to build the pod (toward the door i mean)...theni would trace out a piece of wood in the shape i would like that edge to be in ...i would use a piece of super thin wood like 1/8" masonite or something..then i would cut that strip and sandwich you fleece between the piece of wood and factory kick panel, and bolt it together so that the fleece wraps around the outter edge of the wood..besure to pull it as tight as you can while tightening the bolts..

then you can carry on stretching the fleece over the rest of the pod..add resin and your good to go...i would also put a couple pieces of foil tape along the edge of the wood so you dont get any resin on the factory panel past the edge of the wood piece you bolted in..

you can use staples or spray glue to hold the fleece to back side of the rest of the panel...hopefully the shape you have created with the rings, pulls the fleece out a bit from the wood so you dont see the bolt heads..if you know what i mean..

hope that helps..

-------------
Fiberglass Guru.

Posted By: mitch04
Date Posted: April 18, 2006 at 9:08 PM

I think I have the general idea, and I like it :) so thanks for your help

Posted By: geofbettis003
Date Posted: April 19, 2006 at 12:22 AM

you know...Q-Logic makes a set of kick panels that bolt right up to factory mounts and even has matching color too. they even accomodate a 5 1/4 inch speaker opening.

Posted By: grantd
Date Posted: April 19, 2006 at 12:57 AM

If you're interested I found them at the cardomain store

posted_image

Here is the Link to the page I grabbed that pic off of. 129.99$

https://www.cardomain.com/item/QLCQLK1005B01

Posted By: crazyoldcougar
Date Posted: April 20, 2006 at 8:33 PM

now those are the ticket...nice find.

-------------
Fiberglass Guru.

Posted By: mitch04
Date Posted: April 20, 2006 at 10:26 PM

I've always known about q-logic, but I just prefer the to do my own work. Its not the money, I just feel better creating something with my hands instead of dropping money...otherwise I'd just drop it off at the stereo shop with a blank check, ya know?