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Cost mainly. Plus I liked the idea of not having to keep fuses on hand. I've never used the breakers before so I'm not sure how they are going to work out. I fixed the pics on the last page also, I loaded them wrong. Thanks for the compliments as well. I really want this thing to turn out nice.

They are just some left over fasteners from another job. I'll trim them down flush once I'm done. I may put a piece of 1/8" aluminum plate under the amps for piece of mind. I don't like the amps being that close to the batteries in case of a freak meltdown. Strength is very important this ride will see lots of abuse when it's done and I don't want shit coming apart. I mounted the breakers today in the same manner as the amps. This will be the main power from the alternator. These will be for the amps.

Got the amp rack tapped for the mounting fasteners.

Thanks. This build is definetly getting complex. There is going to be a total of 19 batteries (3 for audio and 16 for the hydraulics) ,4 hydraulic pumps, 2 amps, 4 12" subs, and enough cable and hoses to power a small village. It will be a very tight fit but will be super clean and organized. I almost finished the amp rack. Just need to modify a couple things but it's close. I finished welding the tray to the subframe then moved onto the hold down. Just showing off here. Welded a 1/2" stover nut onto the tie down bracket which I failed to take pics of. Hold down/amp rack top side Under side. Bolted on. I still need to drill and tap the frame for bolting the amps down but here is the layout.

I have been tied up lately but managed to get back on this today. I had to plan out the hydraulic set up and racks first to determine where the rest of the audio gear would fit. The batteries for the sounds will share the rack with the hydraulic set up. I'm going to use 3 Kinetik 1800s. Now I can get busy making the amp rack for these.

Yes they can. Thanks. Finally got the trim piece done. I'm pleased with it now it looks like it belongs there. Now I need to get the amp locations sorted out.

Just ditch the center support and build build up the center of the baffle more to do double duty as the support as well. It would be worth doing a frame around the opening with some 1/4" flat bar or angle just to give the baffle a more solid foundation. Bolting the lower edge to the floor pan would also be a good idea. Do you plan on sealing off the trunk from the cabin this time around? I can only imagine that eliminating the potential for cancelation should help you reach your goal. Don't worry about the set back it happens all the time when I build stuff. I'm still trying to get the IB set up finished in my friends Caddy. Looks like your on the right track though.

It has to be strong. I'm rebuilding the hydraulic set up next and it will be able to hop the front end fairly high and I don't want the unit falling out.

Well here is a little more of the rest. Got the head unit mounted today. This was in the way. But not for long. This was a bit tricky. I made a few brackets to make sure the unit is held properly. I'm sick of using shit plastic adapters that look like shit and just end up breaking. The bottom bar spreads the load over a large surface to keep the dash from cracking. Just need to make a trim piece to fill the gap now.

Thanks. Also got the passenger side ready for primer.

Wait no longer... I've got one ready for primer.

Thanks. I'll do yours if you don't mind paying the price and waiting for it to be done right. I'm not known for being the fastest guy in town but it's usually worth the wait.

Got a little more done after dinner. I sorted out how I was going to mount them and counter sunk some 1/4" bolts into the board. I filled over them with body filler (you can see in the last pic). I will do a backer board on the back side of the panel and sandwich the door panel between the two. I laid down a very light woven cloth over the foamed areas to seal them and make it rigid enough for filler. It's almost not visible once it's wet. It lays down very nice and doesn't pucker and lift around the rounded corners like a heavier weight or chopped mat does. Decided to wet the whole board down to help seal it so it won't soak up the primer so much hopefully.

I made some better progress today. They look like something now. All trimmed and close to final shape. Then I removed them and sealed up all the edges and openings to allow me to pour the foam in. Did a rough sanding to get the contours sorted out. Bolted it back on the door panel for a test fit. I think it's looking real nice I just need to work on the transition from the edge of the baffle to the bottom board now. These should look real clean once they are perminetly attached. The door panels have a nice layer of foam under the vinyl/leather so the pods will squish into the door giving it a nice factory look.

Didn't get much done but I at least got the base layer of glass done that will give me the contour of the door. I didn't get pics of each step mainly due to how quickly I had to work to get everything done. I first did a coat of thinned filler to get a good smooth finish on the back side and then layerd the cloth on before the filler set. I should be able to pull and trim them tomorrow. Then I'll do some 2 part foam and get busy making them look like something.

Unfortunately the suede isn't going to work out. It's already fading badly so I'm going to pull it all back out and prep it for paint and just match it to the body color. At least I have not sealed it and bonded it to the car yet. I've been doing welding and fab for years so the clean welds are easy for me, it's all the rest of this build that is a struggle. Thanks.

I'm going to try to get focused on this project again. I'm glad I took a break from it though since after not looking at it for a while now I realized I wasn't happy with the shape of the door pods. I reshaped the speaker baffle a little and got the passenger door started to match. I need to pick up some resin tomorrow and see if I can make some real progess. The heat is killing me though, was 100 degrees today and I don't even have A/C in the house to be able to take a break and cool off.

Well this is not an update I'm pleased to post but here it is. Truck was destroyed. Somehow my friend survived with a broken arm and lots of bumps and bruises. I was able to salvage all the audio gear from the truck at least. I was also able to remove the door pods and they were unharmed by the accident so if anybody wants them they are for sale. I don't know what other years and models they fit so thats up to the buyer to sort out. I can get the year of his truck if anybody is interested.

Eastpointe. I think your less than an hour away from me.

And you posting that wasn't? He's building what he wants in his van. Notice a pattern there. Keep up with the build man. I like seeing people do things differently, even if it goes against the grain.

Good to hear. Thats why I do these topics.

Thats exactly why I did the pods the way I did. I so tired of seeing all the same tear drop shaped pods. I like to be able to shape things to look more custom fit to the application.

The last 2 videos are sweet. Makes me want to do something for the house.

Thanks. I try to be humble, but take pride in my work. I make up for my lack of knowledge with determination. Car audio isn't even my strong point.

Eastpointe, just outside of Detroit. I've lived in Michigan for 34 years and I've had my fill. Hate the roads, weather , and people.