hihoslva

With my sub box nearly complete, I am trying to figure out how to cover it nicely.

I have bought some dark gray Naugahide (marine-grade fake leather vinyl) and spray adhesive - this will give the box a real nice look when its done, and I have covered the board that serves as my amp rack with the same stuff (But all I had to do was wrap and stretch the vinyl around and staple it on the backside - that side isn't seen).

The issue I have is with the seams in the material - anyone have any tips on how to ensure that they look as nice and neat as possible? Like, where a box corner is, one side will have to have a seam in the vinyl. I think I have some decent ideas as to how to make sure the seams are nearly invisible, but I'm looking for any hints or tricks before I just go at it.

2002VividYellow

The shop I use to work @ a few years ago we'd apply some heavy duty glue used for head liners. We'd cover a square box for an example with 3 pieces of material. One large piece would wrap around the box cover the majority of it, with the 2 other pieces going on the ends. You'll need a super sharp knife, leaving about an 1 inch extra all around the box lay the blade flat against it & trim back the first piece. do the same with the other 2 end pieces, if its carpet you can gently use the knifes edge to blend the seems in. With Vinyl you can use a heat gun & somewhat stretch the material, you may find when doing corners its easlier to make 2 cuts leaving like a tab piece in the middle which you can pull down over the edge.

just my 2 cents worth

hihoslva

I think that's basically my plan - I only really have three sides that'll be exposed, so the looks only count there.

I was figuring on using one piece to wrap the front, then over the top, leaving about 2 inches extra on the sides. Then, gluing down a piece to fit each side, but leaving the very edges unglued - then I can pull the excess from the top over the unglued edges of the sides, and cut both pieces with one pass - virtually guaranteeing that the seam will match - sorta like the way they piece window tint together.

onehawaiian

dude, sounds like a plan! but don't forget that vinyl shrinks so it'll pull later on down the road. i had to re-do the edges on my box. still looks good tho.

hihoslva

Well, I just decided to go for it - and I must say - things are coming along schweet as far as my fabrication goes.

My amp rack is complete (to be mounted behind the rear seats) and the sub box is complete (except for the Infinity Perfect - should be here soon). Some pix here

Next should be just installing everything. I plan on running new speaker wire to the front, fabricating new adapter plates for the front speakers (6-1/2"s - I will try to make the plates angled for better imaging) and deciding where to mount the tweeters - the Infinity's have a swivel mount, so I'm thinking about putting them near the door speakers angled upward - at least it'll sorta be like kick panels. I have other tweeters in the mirror panels - dunno if I want to put the Infinity's there. I can get replacement "triangles" easily enough, so I think it's time to ditch that area for tweets.

mazdaspeedwest

Nice Job!!!

hihoslva

well thankyaverymuch

onehawaiian

wow, really nice work!