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1972malibu
07-09-2011, 08:45 AM
I'll start by saying thanks for the great ideas from this forum. I've been going through all the installs for the past few weeks and pick up ideas for our project.

Let me introduce our project. We have a '72 Malibu my parents bought new. I've had it since i was 15 (~28 years). The car sat in storage 9-years and it was time to get rid of it or start a restoration project. My wife professed 'that' car was one of the reasons she went out with me in High School and we were not getting rid of it. After a major reorg of the garage, home it came.

The car is in the middle of a full frame-off treatment. The details are on our webpage, but a fair amount of metal, an OEM cowl hood, mild 383 from our original block at ~392hp/454lb-ft, 700R4, column to console conversion, bench to bucket conversion, sweep to round gauge conversion, stock to Vintage Air conversion, powder coated frame, M&H modified harnesses, coil-overs up front, UMI tubes all the way around, and a fresh posi for the rear end, and Rushforth Superspokes (18x8/18x10) were ordered last week. Nothing too extravagant but it should be a nice cruiser...

For the audio, we are going for clean sound and simple looking install.

Retrosound Model One HU (Hoping for the best, but prepared to changeout - I us couldn't cut the new dash out of the box - May put a HU in the glovebox)
JL Audio C2-600 Separates in the kick panels (Building custom panels)
JL Audio C2-690tx in the rear deck
JL Audio 10W3v3 (Sealed enclosure)
JL Audio JX250 Mono for the Sub
JL Audio JX360/4 for the front and rear

This week we started on the kick pods. I ordered a set of repops so I did't have to cut-up our stock panels that are still in good shape. The rings are typical 3/4" MDF and admittedly, I made it more difficult than it needed to be, but it's my first attempt.

With the driver pod and ring in-place, everything clears the e-brake without moving the mounts and the magnet tucks up nice in the fender well. I'll put a 6x9 speaker baffle in the hole to keep moisture out of the speaker and interior. The passenger side is going to be a little more difficult to frame up because the large hump for what would have been stock AC. I plan to cut the hump off and match the placement we did for the driver side. Before we put down the fabric, resin and vinyl, I'll create a small angled mounting stage for the tweeters.

Here are some shots. I'm open to suggestions...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct01-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct02-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct03-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct04-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct05-1.jpg

1972malibu
07-09-2011, 12:41 PM
These are still my favorites...

https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47378&stc=1&d=1307718579

1972malibu
07-10-2011, 07:03 PM
Not as much time to spend on the project this weekend, but we got the passenger pod roughed out. I'll pick up resin, glass, and fleece this week and see how it looks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct06-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct07-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/pod_construct08-1.jpg

1972malibu
08-04-2011, 09:31 PM
Just a little update. Everything had been going well, but I didn't account for the amount of build up the fleece and glass would add. With both pods ready to cover, we ended up having to trim back the top on the driver side to get the brake lever to fit up. Frustrating, but after another layer of glass, fill, and filler, I think they turned out pretty good. Especially for a first attempt...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/pod_construct09-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/pod_construct10-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/pod_construct11-1.jpg

1972malibu
09-05-2011, 05:14 PM
Time to start in the rear. This weekend we built a new 1/4" MDF package tray for the 6x9's. I'll seal it up and put down a couple layers of floss or batting and cover it with the same black vinyl as the kick pods.

After mocking everything up multiple times, I decided to build the amp rack on the floor of the trunk. There just wasn't enough room on the vertical divider that will hold the sub to place the amps the way I wanted. Once the amps are located, I'll build a false floor with inserts to hide the wiring and protect amps when we put things in the trunk. The goal was to have enough room for a ~27" donut spare for long trips.

The sub box is pretty small, but matches the JL-Audio recommended size exactly. I could have put 2-10's back there without any trouble.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk01-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk02-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk03-1.jpg

1972malibu
09-11-2011, 07:08 PM
A little more time in the shop today with some success. First order of business was to build a circle cutter template for the router. Turned out well and sure beats the jig saw method.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk04-1.jpg

More construction.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk05-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk06-1.jpg

The sub will be behind the false wall in the back.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk07-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk08-1.jpg

Next step is to install some mounts and brackets to be hidden behind the panels for securing everything. Still considering moving the amps to side panels to maximize the remaining trunk space, but even with a false floor to cover the amps, we should have enough room for a 27" dia emergency tire on road trips. Not much else, but at least a tire a cooler and chairs. Still a lot of wasted space under the package tray. Perhaps a door and access to a tool kit...

-Doug

MIKE67
09-12-2011, 09:30 AM
Nice work! What's with the "Arizona" on your mock-up material if you are in Idaho? Your woodworking skills are great. I'll check out the build.

ChevelleNV
09-12-2011, 11:12 AM
looking good, cant wait to see how this turns out. got me a 72 and will need some inspiration/ideas

1972malibu
09-12-2011, 07:59 PM
Nice work! What's with the "Arizona" on your mock-up material if you are in Idaho? Your woodworking skills are great. I'll check out the build.Too funny... Definitely in Idaho, but we recently installed a new Arizona Shower Door in the guest bath so I kept the box. I knew we could use the large pieces of cardboard for something...

1972malibu
09-12-2011, 08:05 PM
looking good, cant wait to see how this turns out. got me a 72 and will need some inspiration/ideasGreg, I just checked your thread and it's I that should be looking at your thread for inspiration and ideas. Darn! What a great build. We are no where near your caliber of build on our '72... I need to go back into the garage and try to build something know.

-Doug

Bmf5150
09-16-2011, 07:15 PM
Wow nice job

Tony_SS
09-17-2011, 04:57 AM
Nice work.... but how much weight are you adding there in the trunk? Looks like a good 200 lbs...

chuckd71
09-17-2011, 08:49 AM
Did you keep your templates? You could replicate and sell them. It would save a lot of people a lot of time playing with cardboard (people like me).

1972malibu
09-18-2011, 09:16 PM
Nice work.... but how much weight are you adding there in the trunk? Looks like a good 200 lbs...Could be close. While I don't want to add too much weight, the car will be a cruiser. The engine dyno came back at 396hp/454ft-lb in front of a 700R4 with custom torque converter and 3:55 gears out back. Should be great off the line with the torque curve and overdrive on the highway will be comfortable.


I'll weigh everything out after I cover the panels. I actually needed to set the rear down on the springs a little to get the wheel/tire reveal I wanted. This should do it...

1972malibu
09-18-2011, 09:18 PM
Did you keep your templates? You could replicate and sell them. It would save a lot of people a lot of time playing with cardboard (people like me).

Templates were pretty rough, but the finished panels are clean and true off the table saw. If I get the time, I'll throw them in AutoCad and dimension them out. I'm still working on the attachment process, but I need to get the covering done first.

The WidowMaker
09-20-2011, 05:57 PM
how did you run your vintage air lines. it looks like they would clear even a stock kick panel. i plan to do the same and dont want to run them through the vent as VA suggests.

good job on the setup. a 3/4" full mdf sheet weighs ~90 lbs. i dont think youre quite there. you could always route an area of the back out if you were really concerned. i dont think you are though.

1972malibu
09-20-2011, 07:04 PM
how did you run your vintage air lines. it looks like they would clear even a stock kick panel. i plan to do the same and dont want to run them through the vent as VA suggests.

good job on the setup. a 3/4" full mdf sheet weighs ~90 lbs. i dont think youre quite there. you could always route an area of the back out if you were really concerned. i dont think you are though.Tim - We ran the VA lines through the firewall up high and tight so they are hidden behind the fender. We shaved the firewall so we punched four holes with grommets. We started with a stock style kick panel, but it needed a slight modification to clear the blower on the VA unit. With a little work, we got the hoses through the opening and still had room for the magnet on the JL to nestle in the hole. We will use a set of 6x9 baffles to block off any moisture from the speakers.

I can shoot you some images when I pull the car out this weekend. The car is flipped the wrong way in the garage to get access right now.

As for the MDF, the bottom is made from 3/4", the speaker box is 3/4", the vertical pieces are all 1/2" MDF and the package tray is 1/4" MDF. I ordered samples of speaker and trunk carpet Sunday so hopefully I can get it ordered lat this week or early next.

The ratchet shifter detent plate arrived for our horseshoe shifter and works well. If all goes well, we will be able to make the first drive around the block this weekend. No fenders or windshield, but I should be able to take it off the dolleys and pull it in and out of the garage under it's own power. Color is next!

Let me know if the pictures would help.
Doug

The WidowMaker
09-22-2011, 06:33 PM
id love to see some pics. i think im going to go with a bulkhead and try and get it up as high as possible. i didnt see a reason to go throught the air vent like va suggests. you proved that its possible. thanks.

1972malibu
09-22-2011, 08:18 PM
Tim - I'll get you some pictures this weekend to see if they can help you out. We originally planned on a 4-port bulkhead pass-thru, but we ended up doing things a little differently to reduce the number of connections and access to the fittings.

-Doug

chuckd71
09-22-2011, 08:33 PM
Templates were pretty rough, but the finished panels are clean and true off the table saw. If I get the time, I'll throw them in AutoCad and dimension them out. I'm still working on the attachment process, but I need to get the covering done first.

That would be awesome. The way you have done the sides looks like it would be ideal for the way I was planning to mount my air ride tanks, but I've been too wrapped up with other things to really mess with it.
And you can never have too many pictures, even of trivial things. Never know what someone might find useful.

1972malibu
09-25-2011, 10:15 AM
id love to see some pics. i think im going to go with a bulkhead and try and get it up as high as possible. i didnt see a reason to go through the air vent like va suggests. you proved that its possible. thanks.Tim - See of these will help. With our kick pod in-place, you can't see any of the tubes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/VA01-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/VA02-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/VA03-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/VA04-1.jpg

Let me know if there is anything else you would like to see.

Denvervet
09-29-2011, 07:51 PM
I'm looking at a similar setup with either the retrosound or http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/newradio0F.htm and wondering how you are wiring up the sub amp since the units only have outputs for 4 channels....2front &2 back speakers....and no designated output for the sub? I called them both and their answers are vague at best.

1972malibu
09-29-2011, 08:31 PM
I'm looking at a similar setup with either the retrosound or http://www.radiosforoldcars.com/newradio0F.htm and wondering how you are wiring up the sub amp since the units only have outputs for 4 channels....2front &2 back speakers....and no designated output for the sub? I called them both and their answers are vague at best.We are going to take the 4-channels from the head unit and run them directly to our 4-channel amp. The 4-channel amp we are using has a pass-thru pre-out channel that we will run into our sub amp. We will just dial in the low-pass cross-over at the sub amp. To have some added control, our sub amp has a remote gain knob that we will mount up front out of the way.

I love the AudioControl digital cross-over as well, but we are going to start like this and see how it turns out.

The repro radios look so good.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I'm not convinced we are going to be happy with the RetroSound, but it's mounted already and I just couldn't see myself cutting the brand new dash. If worse comes to worse, we will pull the RetroSound, find a stock looking HU, and put a modern HU in the glove box with a remote.

-Doug

westoz
09-30-2011, 05:43 AM
Great install thread - I'm subscribed!

darkgable79
10-06-2011, 01:07 PM
Any updates?

1972malibu
10-06-2011, 04:16 PM
Any updates?The weekend before last saw the first movement of the car under it's own power. We got everything buttoned up underneath, took the car off the stands, torqued the lugs, primed the fuel and fired her up. It was a momentous day to say the least! The inaugural run was half way up the block, turned around and promptly drove back into the garage. No fenders, bumpers, hood, glass, or door latches makes for an easy target. At least I had the registration, plates and insurance card on the floor next too me. It's SO loud with strait headers and no interior or glass yet that I didn't want to abuse the neighbors too much. Our friends across the street said they heard it fire up from the back of their house over the TV.


This last weekend we mounted up the bumper and tied up some loose ends to get everything ready for paint. With the rear bumper on, I can see a bunch of body work is going to be need to address some alignment issues as the quarters were as reworking the quarters were replaced without the bumper and things aren't quite a square as I want. No worries... it's better to find out now rather than after we put color on the car.

Drum roll.... The color of the week is "Huntington Blue Pearl" with "Chip Silver" stripes. Both colors are part of the BASF Chip Foose Signature Series. My body guy shoots BASF so he can get it, but i'll have to buy a quart of each color to make sure I like it. What's another $200 at this point? I spoke to BASF, but they don't have any spray-out or chips they can provide as samples. It's only the third or fourth color combination to date so who really knows what color we will end up with.

Carpet arrived last night for the trunk so if I can get some time in the garage, I may finish the rough-in and setup for the trunk before we send everything off to paint. I ordered two different carpets so I can see what will work best for the base and upright pieces. I found an original GM NOS grill in the box and Malibu grill trim in the original GM wrappers that will be here later this week to so we can mock some of that up as well.

-Doug

1972malibu
10-15-2011, 04:30 PM
Thanks a lot for the comment, we've been checkn out your build nice work keep on crankn!!!!!!

Thanks guys. You do some fabulous work! We will have to see how much budget is left after paint. I'm not entirely happy with how everything turned out, but we will see.

-Doug

1972malibu
01-29-2012, 08:51 PM
Finally got a little time in the garage this weekend. Between the holidays and work, it's tough to get much time on the car.

Thinking we may move the car back to the body shop in the next couple of weeks so I wanted to get the rest of the dry fit done to minimize the scratch factors. Once at the shop, they can do the final fit and finish for the rear bumper gaps, shoot the final primer, block, seal, and shoot the colors. The body is still slated for Huntington Blue Pearl but with Arctic Silver strips instead of the Chip Silver. The keyless entry/alarm is installed and working great. The interior is on order from Legendary, and after tonight, 90% of the trunk dry fit is done. Struggling to find a set of scrub/junk wheels and tires to put on the car when we drop it for paint. I don't want anything to happen to our Rushforth's, but our old wheels and the spares I've found won't clear the new Wilwood calipers. They are HUGE!

Still a little to work out with the cap and wire routes, but minor overall. I'm much happier with the false panels on the sides for easy access to the side marker lights and it opens up some space for a tool bag, flares, cables, etc. The rear panel is cut and aligned for the sub box that we sealed up this weekend. The more I look at the panels on the sides, the more I'm thinking about doing something similar on the back panel on either side of the sub. Lot's of lost space under the 6x9's back there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/audio_trunk09JPG-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/audio_trunk10JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/audio_trunk11JPG-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/audio_trunk12JPG-1.jpg

crazycarguy22
01-29-2012, 10:05 PM
Wow, looks awesome. That is very similar to what I am planning on doing to my 72. I like that you chose to do the cutout around the hinges makes the trunk so much bigger. Keep it up, can't wait to see it finished up.

ProTourGSX
01-30-2012, 03:45 AM
Digging the smooth trunk layout, so far! I really like this, and would like to finish my '70 GS trunk, similar, although just a little concerned about if wood trunk enclosure would trap moisture to rust out trunk floor/inner 1/4 panels/etc. prematurely?!

Impressive skills, looking forward to seeing the end results with this cool '72!

1972malibu
01-30-2012, 08:07 AM
Digging the smooth trunk layout, so far! I really like this, and would like to finish my '70 GS trunk, similar, although just a little concerned about if wood trunk enclosure would trap moisture to rust out trunk floor/inner 1/4 panels/etc. prematurely?!

Impressive skills, looking forward to seeing the end results with this cool '72!Moisture is always a concern so we've taken a few steps. The underside of the body was lined during the frame-off. The interior of the the trunk was sprayed with an epoxy sealer and the floor is fully lined with Second Skin Damplifier Pro and Luxury Liner Pro. The 3/4" MDF floor has a 3/4" air gap between it and the Luxury Liner. The MDF will receive 3-4 coats of acrylic poly urethane prior to covering with black carpet. My only concern for now is the potential heat from the amplifiers so I will punch a series of vent holes under the amplifiers with the option for a couple of small fans if needed. I hate fans so hopefully we will run cool enough. Before we load the trunk, I'll install the seals and flood the window channel and around the deck lid to make sure we don't have any obvious leaks. Fortunately, the car is parked in the garage and I don't see it getting too wet too often...

1972malibu
03-30-2012, 08:01 AM
A couple of people asked for more detail on how the assembly stacks together. Here are a few shots. I have the full assembly sequence starting on page 2 of our website gallery.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/72gallery_051JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/72gallery_050JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/72gallery_060JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/72gallery_064JPG-1.jpg

SparkyRnD
03-30-2012, 06:20 PM
really neat looking trunk package you are building, and I bet it's gonna look killer once finished. are you putting in any lighting in the trunk?

1972malibu
04-01-2012, 11:52 AM
really neat looking trunk package you are building, and I bet it's gonna look killer once finished. are you putting in any lighting in the trunk?Haven't gotten that far yet. Considering it, but nothing lined up yet...

makoshark
04-01-2012, 08:30 PM
Hey Doug, you responded to my thread over on diymobileaudio a while back. Your audio install is killer! I'm curious though, what brand of hose are you using for your heater hose? Is it PTFE or Teflon lined hose?

1972malibu
04-01-2012, 08:49 PM
Hey Doug, you responded to my thread over on diymobileaudio a while back. Your audio install is killer! I'm curious though, what brand of hose are you using for your heater hose? Is it PTFE or Teflon lined hose?The hose is Russell Pro Classic. I wanted to AN type fittings at the intake and water pump, but the hose didn't lend itself to connecting to the Vintage Air barbed fittings very well so I converted from the Pro Classic to good old fashion Gates rubber hose at the firewall. I see Russell has a new Pro Classic II that is Teflon lined. At the end of the day, it looks good and I'm not worried about the hose coming off under the dash and blowing antifreeze all over the passenger.

Not the best picture, but you can see where I routed the hose behind the VA compressor. The hoses group up under the compressor and then route under the battery tray up and behind the fender. Pretty well hidden unless you are looking for them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/underhood01JPG-1.jpg

Here is the AN to barb to gates connection at the firewall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/VA02-1.jpg

1972malibu
04-17-2012, 08:27 PM
Well guys... She's off to the shop for final fit, paint, and finish.

Now it's time to reorganize the garage. It was one thing to stack things around the car when it was in primer. It's a WHOLE different thing when she comes home with paint!

Wish us luck!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/gonetopaint01JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/gonetopaint02JPG-1.jpg

makoshark
04-17-2012, 08:50 PM
Good luck in paint jail. Hopefully the judge won't set bail too high for ya!:cheers:

1972malibu
04-18-2012, 05:04 AM
Good luck in paint jail. Hopefully the judge won't set bail too high for ya!:cheers:
Thanks! We will see... The base color is selected, but the stripe color needs another spray-out or two to get where we want. My bet is that the car is headed to the frame shop later this week. Either the new quarters or frame are not quite correct. You can see in the last picture that the right rear sits higher than the left.

1972malibu
05-24-2012, 08:05 PM
Well guys... Paint jail is proceeding. We ended up with a lot more fab work to get the rear quarters and deck lid cleaned up, but it's done. Final fit and mockup is done. Window openings were reworked to match the restored trims. Gaps are set and blocking was to start this week. More primer, blocking, primer, blocking, repeat... Hopefully we will see color in the next couple of weeks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/body2_front-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/body2_doorgaps-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/body2_rear-1.jpg

makoshark
05-27-2012, 11:08 AM
Body shop is doing a killer job! I'm loving their attention to the gaps. You know your dealing with a quality body shop when they pay attention to those important details. Your car is going to look great. What color?

1972malibu
05-27-2012, 04:56 PM
Body shop is doing a killer job! I'm loving their attention to the gaps. You know your dealing with a quality body shop when they pay attention to those important details. Your car is going to look great. What color?
Thanks... The body shop and I are working closely together to make sure our expectations are met. At some stage, it's a point of diminishing returns. I'm in the shop about once per week to touch base and photograph the progress.

The body color is a BASF Chip Foose signature color called Huntington Blue Pearl. The stripes will be silver, but we are still working on spray out colors to match the depth of the Blue Pearl. The smoked glass is ordered and the Legendary interior kit is boxed in the garage.

As of last Friday, everything is aligned, gapped, and a heavy blocking. We should be back in the booth for another layer of primer and start blocking again later this next week.

-Doug

makoshark
05-27-2012, 05:06 PM
What was done to obtain the perfect gaps on the car?

1972malibu
05-27-2012, 06:39 PM
What was done to obtain the perfect gaps on the car?
I can't say they are perfect, but much better than what we started with. To get the rear quarters and deck lid worked out, they made a series I'd pie cuts and extended where needed with new metal or rod on the fished edges. By the time the rear was done to fix the repop quarters and matched to the deck lid and bumpers, we were in it another 60 hour of fabrication. There was some other fill work here and there to get everything just right.

I can still see a few spots that aren't 100% symmetrical, but unless I told most people they wouldn't know.

Doug

1972malibu
09-09-2012, 11:54 AM
First round of paint is finally done. Car is coming out of the booth this week for a full wet-sand to block the inner-clear and then back in the booth for a pin stripe detail and more clear.

It's progress!!! Hopefully we have it home in another 4-5 weeks after final clear, headliner, and installing the glass, and final cut-and-buff. The pictures are a little dark, I can't wait to see it in the sunlight! The valance in the sun looked great...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/body_firstclear02-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/body_firstclear07-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/body_firstclear05-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/body_firstclear01-1.jpg

MK69RSSS
09-09-2012, 01:51 PM
Looks great!

kochevy67
09-10-2012, 04:51 AM
I was wondering, how are you securing the MDF panels to the trunk floor? My car is already done and painted and of course now I am deciding on doing an audio system and am running into issues with a trunk enclosure. Your car looks killer in that color combo. Keep up the good work.

1972malibu
09-10-2012, 07:40 AM
I was wondering, how are you securing the MDF panels to the trunk floor? My car is already done and painted and of course now I am deciding on doing an audio system and am running into issues with a trunk enclosure. Your car looks killer in that color combo. Keep up the good work.

The vertical panels are attached to the MDF floor with a subframe that is mounted to the floor. I use a series of screws to attach the panels. The false floor is held off the base with a removable ring. Something like this;

Floor foundation
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/audio_trunk03-1.jpg

Mounting configuration
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/trunk_mountJPG-1.jpg

False floor support ring
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/audio_trunk09-1.jpg

The extra side floor pieces on either side of the amp cover are held up with the same false floor support ring and three shelf pins attached to the vertical side piece.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/audio_trunk12-1.jpg

I'm not 100% sold on the configuration and may change a few things once we actually start covering panels and loading equipment. I'm second guessing the amplifier selection pretty hard right now. I'm also reconsidering adding a second 10". Right now I need to quit hemorrhaging cash by replacing equipment I already have...

cmac06
09-11-2012, 12:12 PM
:lurk:

Subscribed. That is awesome MDF work.

darkgable79
09-13-2012, 07:45 AM
Can't go wrong with JL Audio.

1972malibu
09-13-2012, 08:36 AM
Can't go wrong with JL Audio.
No worries with JL Audio. The only concern is with the JX series of amplifiers. I'm wishing I had gone with the XD or Slash series. I really like the looks of the new v3 Slash series that just came out. Solid equipment! We will see where we sit once the paint is wrapped up.

kochevy67
09-13-2012, 08:33 PM
I guess what I am asking is did you screw anything to the trunk floor or is it a floating system.

1972malibu
09-14-2012, 05:42 AM
I guess what I am asking is did you screw anything to the trunk floor or is it a floating system.My floor plan has a couple of holes at the outter edge where it drops off into the rear quarter panel. I will drop a lag bolt through the floor and MDF base just to make sure nothing moves. That way I don't have to punch a hole in our trunk.

kochevy67
09-15-2012, 07:13 AM
Got it, thanks. The work is really top notch.

1972malibu
09-15-2012, 07:20 AM
Got it, thanks. The work is really top notch.Thank you. I appreciate the comments. I'm REALLY looking forward to getting the car back so we can start the install and get some better pictures posted.

As a quick update, the headliner should be going in Monday ($150) with the front and rear glass to follow so they can start the wet sanding. I wanted to do the headliner myself, but the timing didn't really work out. This way, the headliner and glass are installed before I get the car back so if there is any damage by the upholstery or glass guys, someone else is on the hook and it can be fixed before we go into the final clear.

1972malibu
10-07-2012, 08:09 PM
I know this is the audio section, but a few have asked so here here's a quick update. The headliner is installed and the first color sand is done. The car is back in the booth as of Friday for final clear. The blocking looks really good. We are not going to have the pinstripe applied. The black stripes look clean and subtle as is. The pinstripe is too risky. Final clear should be Monday followed by another block sanding, cut-and-buff.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/body_2ndclearprep01-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/body_2ndclearprep02-1.jpg

JAWSS
01-03-2013, 04:08 AM
Great job on everything!! This is very inspirational for my 70 Malibu project. I love the trunk enclosure and the kick panel work. It all looks great!!

1972malibu
02-11-2013, 09:42 PM
Finally a little progress...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/reassembly01-1.jpg


Time to rebuild the false floor for the new amps and load the side panels. Sides are in black vinyl. Floor will be thick black automotive carpet. Haven't decided if we are going to load the 2F cap or not.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/audio_trunk13-1.jpg

ChevelleNV
02-12-2013, 04:38 PM
Looking sick...

1972malibu
03-07-2013, 09:41 PM
Well guys... After the mad thrash the last two weeks, we made it to the show yesterday. Crappy lighting, but this is what we ended up with. More detailed pictures of the final trunk and interior install when the car comes home. We've already received an invitation to attend a show in Oregon that is by invite only. The audio sounds decent. I have some work do to in order to get it where we want and ultimately may need to swap out head units, but it's close for what we wanted to accomplish.

Need to do some work on the suspension setup, but I like the stance where it is. Just some tuning...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/Roadster01JPG-1.jpg

makoshark
03-07-2013, 09:50 PM
Car turned out awesome! Bet it's a very exciting relief to see the car finished. What head unit are you running? Not running any type of processor? I'm still a ways away on my build, but I am planning to utilize the new Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.3.

1972malibu
03-08-2013, 11:47 AM
Car turned out awesome! Bet it's a very exciting relief to see the car finished. What head unit are you running? Not running any type of processor? I'm still a ways away on my build, but I am planning to utilize the new Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.3.

Head unit is a RetroSound One. I really didn't want to cut the new dash so we went this route first. Pre-outs are fed to the JL 400/4 and daisy chained to the 600/1. No processor. At least not yet, but I have room on the amp board to install one very easily. I'll have to take a look at the 3sixity.3. I downloaded the software and looked through the screens for the BitOne. Nice unit...

makoshark
03-09-2013, 05:48 AM
RetroSound setups are not known for their sound quality. I understand not wanting to cut the dash. Have you considered mounting a better head unit in the glove box? I don't have any experience running a processor through a lower grade head unit, so I don't know if the processor would produce a better sound or not. I do know, in order, to have a sound quality sound system, then you need a quality head unit to start with, as it is the brain of the system. There are several head units available that offer on board processors, so you may want to look at those to keep from having to install a separate processor.

1972malibu
03-09-2013, 10:00 AM
I knew the Retrosound would be a risk and prepared myself to put a HU in the glove box. I thought I would start this way and convert later if I had too. I'm not opposed to a processor and almost bought a BitOne a couple of times but I think you are dead on. A processor can only fix so much if the incoming signal is lacking. Build priorities, budget and time all have to come together.

1972malibu
04-05-2013, 08:33 PM
Well, I just couldn't take it anymore. The RS head unit just isn't going to make the grade. I knew it was a risk when we installed it, but last weekend I mocked up an old Alpine HU I had and the SQ was an order of magnitude better. The imaging from the kicks was no longer muddy and I could turn the amp gains above 1/4 power without the background noise. After some searching, I found an original NOS AM radio that I will drop into the dash location with power and ground so the indicator lights up. This weekend I'm going to start building an insert for the glove box to install a Kenwood Excelon X597 and IR Extender I picked up locally. Should be a better solution all the way around...

Updates to follow...

makoshark
04-05-2013, 08:41 PM
Two thumbs up!!! Glad you finally decided to ditch the crappy headunit. Their great for someone sticking to originality, but wants some tunes. However, with what all you have done, it just doesn't fit.