Teaching Fiberglass (part one and two)

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by BIGGERISBETTER

your a freak nick.

Looks killer.

Being a freak is the only way.

Here are the plans for the new sub box which will be a Full Rear Wall Enclosure with Amp Display and (3) 3D Flush mounted 10" Woofers.









Should be awesome,

I just cut the hole in the floor for the driveshaft clearance. I'll have the tunnel welded up this weekend to start the construction of this beast.

[BIGGERISBETTER]

haha.. geezuz.. thats gonna be nice. I like the detailed plans.

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by BIGGERISBETTER

haha.. geezuz.. thats gonna be nice. I like the detailed plans.

Stay tuned. I'll have the entire build up right here, soon.

[RacerX420]

Man this thread was kick ass....I didnt read part 1 yet but soon will.....I relly wanna build a fiberglass console first before I get into redoing my dash so I will be witing to see your console build up.My biggest bitch is trying to get time to do these fun projects. I have so many things/hobbies I love to do it`s just getting the time to do the damn things that sucks.....
Again this was a great detailed how to...
Awesome work and thanks for putting the time into duing this....Oh if you dont mind me asking what did it cost that guy to have you redo hid bezel to accomidate the monitor and HU like that?

Thanks again,

Later!

[Mr Bravada]

man, i just found this thread... i love this, i have some new ideas for what is to come, i was always hesitant about the bezel for my dash but hell its worth a shot, great how to!! i'm def. looking forward to the center council part coming up, great work thus far! the box was sweet, can't wait to see the new one

[s10FoxRida125]

wow looks siiick, hey could you send me those plans for the first senclosure you made? i too have a 2nd gen reg cab and i need a new box..Im realy thinking about making a enclosure like that one..that would be great, also where did you get your mdf rings? let me know Thanks, scott..... FoxRida777_@hotmail.com

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by RacerX420

Man this thread was kick ass....I didnt read part 1 yet but soon will.....I relly wanna build a fiberglass console first before I get into redoing my dash so I will be witing to see your console build up.My biggest bitch is trying to get time to do these fun projects. I have so many things/hobbies I love to do it`s just getting the time to do the damn things that sucks.....
Again this was a great detailed how to...
Awesome work and thanks for putting the time into duing this....Oh if you dont mind me asking what did it cost that guy to have you redo hid bezel to accomidate the monitor and HU like that?

Thanks again,

Later!

Sorry, Pricing to my people I do work for is a private thing between me and the other individual. However, pricing and or parts trading is negotiated, as in this case, until both sides are satisfied and feel it is fair. Being fair with people is only proper.

[Metlhed01]

that is just beautiful. great work indeed.

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by s10FoxRida125

wow looks siiick, hey could you send me those plans for the first senclosure you made? i too have a 2nd gen reg cab and i need a new box..Im realy thinking about making a enclosure like that one..that would be great, also where did you get your mdf rings? let me know Thanks, scott..... FoxRida777_@hotmail.com

MDF rings were hand made from you're normal 8 X 4 sheet of MDF from Home Depot. Accurate accurate accurate measuring and double checking size, then accurate cutting and anyone could make them. Just takes time, slow and precise cutting with the jigsaw. Then I glued the rings together and used a bench sander to even up the surfaces and a diegrinder with a drum sander to even up the inner surfaces. This gave me perfect cylinders of rings sandwiched together.

Plans for the old box were were never made. I just stubled across this Visio program from microsoft which allows you to design anything from floor plans and electrical schematics to computer networks, structural building plans and circuit board layouts. Pretty cool.

I do however have the ability to e-mail the plans to this box if you'd like to get a better idea of measurements and then you could adjust it to resemble that of the original box. The first box and these plans to the second box are no different except for the middle scallop over the middle woofer is removed on the newer version and the back wall extends all the way to the cieling on the newer version. Let me know if you're interested. I would however appreciate that you don't directly copy it. Its not a copy written or patented item but its more out of respect for fellow S10forum folks not to directly copy another's idea without asking first. Just my thoughts on it.

[NickZigaitis]

I forgot to add to the plans shown above my new idea. the back window will be blocked out due to the new box size, which eliminates my rearview mirror. But, I still like being able to see behind me. So, I have solved the problem by including into the plans a rearward facing backup cam that will be mounted in the upper portion of the box, looking through the back window. The camera lens will be hidden by tint of the window. This camera will be hooked up to the screen in the dash to act as the new rear view mirror.

The camera is 12V and is 2" in length and 2" in diameter. It has a 120* viewing angle and switches to nightvision mode when its too dark. Alot like the retarded DHL switch in the dimes.

I think this will be awesome.

[RacerX420]

Good luck with it man.....

[pewter_dime_99]

new plans are friggin sweet man... can't wait to see the build up

like i said before, you do some amazing work

[NickZigaitis]

Appreciate the compliments guys.

There was a thread started about a site called fiberglassforum.com. The site is good for ideas but I would really pay attention to the terminology being used. There is a lot of mis-use of terminology even there that could potentially mislead others into the wrong direction. Mis-use of terminology and the leading in the wrong direction is what prompted this thread originally.

Good luck to those who part-take on their own fiberglassing projects.

Over the next couple of months I will be hitting the reast of the fiberglassed interior pieces trying to finish them up for when spring hits to paint them.

1) New full wall enclosure; Regular cab

2) Center console with 4 Autometer Ultra-lite Air pressure guages and 7 rocker switches wired; Regular cab

3) Speaker pods for door; Regular Cab

4) Maybe the arm rest of the 60/40 split bench seat; Regular cab.

[Mr Bravada]

Plans for the old box were were never made. I just stubled across this Visio program from microsoft which allows you to design anything from floor plans and electrical schematics to computer networks, structural building plans and circuit board layouts. Pretty cool.

i have to ask do know what the program is that you use? i would love to be able to do similar layouts for my own projects and others....

[s10FoxRida125]

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis

MDF rings were hand made from you're normal 8 X 4 sheet of MDF from Home Depot. Accurate accurate accurate measuring and double checking size, then accurate cutting and anyone could make them. Just takes time, slow and precise cutting with the jigsaw. Then I glued the rings together and used a bench sander to even up the surfaces and a diegrinder with a drum sander to even up the inner surfaces. This gave me perfect cylinders of rings sandwiched together.

Plans for the old box were were never made. I just stubled across this Visio program from microsoft which allows you to design anything from floor plans and electrical schematics to computer networks, structural building plans and circuit board layouts. Pretty cool.

I do however have the ability to e-mail the plans to this box if you'd like to get a better idea of measurements and then you could adjust it to resemble that of the original box. The first box and these plans to the second box are no different except for the middle scallop over the middle woofer is removed on the newer version and the back wall extends all the way to the cieling on the newer version. Let me know if you're interested. I would however appreciate that you don't directly copy it. Its not a copy written or patented item but its more out of respect for fellow S10forum folks not to directly copy another's idea without asking first. Just my thoughts on it.

ya man i hear ya i love that amp rack and how the fiberglass overlaps it slightly it looks sick..ill probably get off my ass sometime after christmas and start my fiberglass enclosure with a friend. im gonna paint it light blue so im thinking of a wavey top above the subs where the fib overlaps the amp rack. then maybe do the same thing on the top of the amp rack creating a 3 d wave effect but ill draw up some plans and post them when i have the time its hard to explain.

[s10FoxRida125]

o ya about that visio program from microsoft..did you find it online and down load or what thatwould make the process and plans a lot easier to make.. thanks

[MoneyMike]

nice

[s10FoxRida125]

hey sorry about all the posts but i got one more question nick...how many 8 oz bottls of the 5 minute epoxy did u need and of filler also, how many square feet of the 3/4oz cloth did you need..one more thing...how many layers is needed when using the 3/4oz? thanks

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by s10FoxRida125

hey sorry about all the posts but i got one more question nick...how many 8 oz bottls of the 5 minute epoxy did u need and of filler also, how many square feet of the 3/4oz cloth did you need..one more thing...how many layers is needed when using the 3/4oz? thanks

The Visio program is what I use. I found it at BestBuy. A bit expensive though. I think a little over $100.
To answer you're questions. If you are referring to the 3/4oz glass, on the sub box, well then it wasn't used. 3 layers of 12oz aircraft grade fiberglass was used. If you are referring to the latest screen install I did, the it was 1 layer of 3/4oz to seal and fill the weave better on the 1 layer of 12oz aircraft grade fiberglass that was applied. Epoxy, I needed only one package of the 8oz bottles for the screen install. for the sub box, I needed 3 packages. I needed more for the sub box but not enough to justify paying the arm and a leg for gallon amounts of epoxy at a marine store.

[s10FoxRida125]

niiice i cant wait to see your newest enclosure when do you plan on starting it? hey how much did that first monitor cost ya i was thinking of getting the kind where they pop out and up like out of a single din compartment but i like the kind you put in our dash. $100 for that system huh jeesh lol i think ill just stick with the old pencil paper calculator brain thing lol although a program like that would be a lot easier and shit hmmm. maybe ill have santa bring it to me for christmas

[LaydSierra]

nice read

[bawls2thewalls]

Nick -

Just wanted to thank you again for the work you did on my dash bezel. The TV looks awesome and the stereo fits perfectly (of course I had to modify the inner dash).

Everything turned out just as I expected....I couldn't be more pleased with your work. I will now stop 'kissing your a$$', but in all seriousness I really appreciate the work and the quick turnaround.

I will give you a call soon (I know you have tried to call, but work is keeping me pretty busy).

Anyone who needs any fiberglass work done or help with a project, get with Nick. He has been more than helpful in answering my questions and I am sure he would do the same for anyone else.

Thanks again, I will get a sticker to you soon after more are made up.

[jds_truck]

wow nice work guys i will eventually do one my self but since first gen im gonna do in the glove box door

[s10FoxRida125]

hey i couldnt seem to find the 12oz fiberglass on wicks.. could you send me a link to it? thanks

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by s10FoxRida125

hey i couldnt seem to find the 12oz fiberglass on wicks.. could you send me a link to it? thanks

Just went to their site and didn't see it, so I called up there and its no longer offered.

This link is the next closest to it.

http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog...492/index.html

Lay that down and then lay 1 layers of this down over it.

http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog...486/index.html

Then 2 layers of this over that.

http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog...482/index.html

This will fill the fiberglass with fiberglass. The last layer you put on, the 1.2oz glass, use epoxy and microballoons so you have everything filled and a mild sandable surface. This will reduce excessive need for bondo.

The key to reducing bondo is to have the skeleton built properly and the stretch fabric pulled as tight and you can get it.

[NickZigaitis]

Just in case there is still a mis-understanding between what "Weave, a.k.a. "Clothe"" and "Matte" look like.

Weave Fiberglass


or


or


Matte Fiberglass


Kevlar (similar in appearance to weave fiberglass)


Carbon Fiber

[BIGGERISBETTER]

hook me up w/ some carbon fiber yo

[s10FoxRida125]

hey thanks nick..ive started making my plans for my box.. im gonna have the two side subs be ported out the sides and one rectangle port in the middle undernieth the middle sub itll take more time to build but be well worth it.

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by s10FoxRida125

hey thanks nick..ive started making my plans for my box.. im gonna have the two side subs be ported out the sides and one rectangle port in the middle undernieth the middle sub itll take more time to build but be well worth it.

Might want to re-think your port location for the side woofers. The box design (I think its you I gave plans to) calls for the box to fit so perfectly that the sides of it are extremely close to the rear pillar cowls. I would find it hard to imagine the sound of the side woofers sounding right with the holes very, if not almost copmpletly occluded.

Try a different location for the port.

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by BIGGERISBETTER

hook me up w/ some carbon fiber yo

Yeah I wish. So far the only place I have found to get the material is Wicks but its taping, 3" x 5'.

I need to find sheets sold by the Square yard.

What's one of the biggest draw backs of a large system that most probably don't realize?

Answer: Its Weight.

As soon as I can find the carbon fiber material I'll do a complete enclosure entirely out of carbon.

This time we'll shape a mold and do it skeleton-less. That won' be for a while. But keep an eye out for carbon fiber in sheet size and let me know. I'll pic it up in a heart beat.

[BIGGERISBETTER]

will do

[Chappy316]

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis

As soon as I can find the carbon fiber material I'll do a complete enclosure entirely out of carbon.

This time we'll shape a mold and do it skeleton-less. That won' be for a while. But keep an eye out for carbon fiber in sheet size and let me know. I'll pic it up in a heart beat.

try Select Products, i know they carry carbon fiber but im not sure how they sell it as i have never ordered any so... just a suggestion

[s10FoxRida125]

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...h;eclDrill;752

[s10FoxRida125]

theres also a shitload on ebay under carbon fiber cloth for cheaper but watch who u buy from.

[s10FoxRida125]

hey nick how many quarts of epoxy did you use on your box? im debating on getting 2 or 3..

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by s10FoxRida125

hey nick how many quarts of epoxy did you use on your box? im debating on getting 2 or 3..

I used 3. I had a little extra left over. 3 should do it and allow for extra if you need it.

[NickZigaitis]

Just to give you all a heads up.

I am currently working on a center console and fiberglassing (3) 2 1/16" air guages into it. Each guage will have its own scallop. Currently the item is sanded smooth and fiberglassing will begin very shortly. I'll be posting pictures in this thread as per the request of the item's owner. When more pictures are available, I'll begin posting them.

Thanks

[BIGGERISBETTER]

Are you modding a blazer console or makin your own?

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by BIGGERISBETTER

Are you modding a blazer console or makin your own?

Modding a blazer console to fit three air guages.

[Kenny_Cox]

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis

Just to give you all a heads up.

I am currently working on a center console and fiberglassing (3) 2 1/16" air guages into it. Each guage will have its own scallop. Currently the item is sanded smooth and fiberglassing will begin very shortly. I'll be posting pictures in this thread as per the request of the item's owner. When more pictures are available, I'll begin posting them.

Thanks

WOO HOO thats my console he is working on... Nick i worked on the rest of the console tonight using the method you talked about and it came out SWEET... i did one of the window control bezel's first... it came out sweet so i did the console and i have to say i did pretty sweet for really being a "first timer" ill post pics later...... thanks bro

[s10FoxRida125]

sweet

[zeldalord]

WOW!! Nick's work is outstanding!!!!

That glass work on the dashes is wicked!!

[zeldalord]

hey Nick, you want a site for Carbon and Kevlar you got it! also has colored kinds....
http://carb.com/

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by zeldalord

hey Nick, you want a site for Carbon and Kevlar you got it! also has colored kinds....
http://carb.com/

Cool. I'll check it out. Thanks

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by zeldalord

hey Nick, you want a site for Carbon and Kevlar you got it! also has colored kinds....
http://carb.com/

Thanks man. I just ordered their sample set of carbon fibers. I'd like to see the quality before I pay the expense of Carbon.

[zeldalord]

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis

Thanks man. I just ordered their sample set of carbon fibers. I'd like to see the quality before I pay the expense of Carbon.

no prob can't wait to so your next project with CF, or CF/K . Their CF is really nice from what i've seen of it.
Hey what material do you use for the stretchy cloth?
PS. isn't Brentwood right in the middle of St. Louis? I'm pretty close to there, would like to talk to you about some work on my 94.

[NickZigaitis]

Quote: Originally Posted by zeldalord

no prob can't wait to so your next project with CF, or CF/K . Their CF is really nice from what i've seen of it.
Hey what material do you use for the stretchy cloth?
PS. isn't Brentwood right in the middle of St. Louis? I'm pretty close to there, would like to talk to you about some work on my 94.

Brentwood is right in the middle of St. Louis. Near 170 and 40. Give me a PM any time to meet up. I'm always willing to talk shop.

As far as the strech fabric. Its actually a rather cheap fabric from Walmart. Its a spandex material. Little thicker than t-shirt material, a lot thinner than fleece and streches far better than t-shirt or fleece fabrics combined.

[BIGGERISBETTER]

Gettin back to fiberglassing.. what've you got so far on your console man. Im excited to see how its coming.

[NickZigaitis]

I'll have pics soon for ya.

[ThorRacing01]

cant wait to see the pics. have you started on your new dash bezel with the 10" in it? what kind of tv is it really looking for the same thing. Thanks