I have a really nice sounding (IMO) box in my Firebird, but it's just too da** heavy. So I've decided to attempt some fiberglassing.

I have another car that I can use (a Camaro) to get started on so I don't have to pull my box out of my car. I also have to build a box for the Camaro for a single 15" sub.

So, can you give me a list of the supplies that I need to start building a box using fiberglass?

Also, can you provide any tips to getting started, keeping it from getting too messy, etc... Links to web sites are cool too. I'm even willing to buy a book if need be. I want to do this RIGHT!

Oh, and finally, once the fiberglass has set up and cured, is it cool to measure the volume with water? Or will the water ruin the material?

 

If you have never used fiberglass, remember that it smells REALLY BAD! It may take weeks to lose the smell.

Just a tip to a friend!

Pure

 

I have never used it, but I had heard about the fumes. I have also heard that they are poisonous or something?

Thanks for the tip!

 

As long as you do it outside, youll be ok. If you lock your self in a non vnetilated 10x10 room, then yes youll have problems.

Heres a few links Ive said over time.


http://web.njit.edu/%7Ecas1383/proj/main/

http://wes.nissanpower.com/photo.html

http://www.termpro.com/cgi-bin/ubb/u...ubb=forum;f=32 <- this is where Ive gained most of my FG knowledge. There are a few very smart/great guys in there that pretty much know it all.

 

1. Epoxy Resin
2. MEKP hardener
3. What ever weight cloth and mat you can afford. Kyntex 1708 is the s#it!
4. A crap load of 75cent 2" brushes
5. A few cups with graduates on the side
6. Big *** box of rubber gloves
7. Masking tape
8. 2 mil drop cloth
9. acetone
10. Depending on exact application, a mold release.

Is any of the fiberglass part going to be visable? Or are you making the top out of MDF? If you are making the top fiberglass, you'll also need either a surfacing agent or use a finishing resin for your final coat. Then you'll need to sand the living cr@p out of it. A sanding block will come in handy. Bondo is your best friend for getting that smooth look. Then sand more.....and more. Then use the paint and clear coat of your choice.

Make sure you tape off EVERYTHING you don't wanna fiberglass. If resin drips on it.... it's just about over. Start high and work lower. Soak the mat/cloth big time. But if the resin starts to form pools then your using too much. Maybe get a roller from a fiberglass supply store. They look a little different then mommy's baking roller. They work real well on flat surfaces for removing air bubbles.

Well that my 3 minute drill on fiberglass. If you have any more questions or comments, feel free to ask.

 

97 has a great site and firebirdude has some good points too. To throw my 2 cents I recommend practicing. Practice will make it perfect.

Tips:

Aluminum foil tape, aluminum foil, masking tape, wax and vaseline can come in very handy. Here is why. If you wanted to create a fiberglass dash pad (why? I don't know, I'm just trying to help) you would first cover the dashpad with masking tape, then apply Alluminum Foil Tape over the masking tape.

Why?

Alluminum Foil Tape is extremely sticky, and pulling it off the pad will leave residue. When you apply the fiberglass resin on the alluminum foil, it will stick while soft and peel of when hard.
Now you have a perfect mold.

Which reminds me...

I recommend waiting 24 hrs for fiberglass to cure. Its worth the wait, because then it won't bend out of shape.

Other tips:

-Wear a hat, trust me, a friend had to shave his head.
-Don't put too much hardener in the fiberglass mix; it will get very hot and smoke.
-Sanding is not fun if you want the fiberglass perfectly smooth, and don't worry if you f-up a section, you can always add more fiberglass without worrying about it not matching properly.
-And as suggested, if you can, work in a field with a mask. This stuff will give you a serious buzz.


Pure

 

I just want to sincerely thank you for those links.

I have been wanting to learn more about fiberglassing for a long time...and a lot of those sites seem to help me out a lot.

So thanks again...I'm really glad someone started this thread and that it is getting some positive responses.

 

Happy to help!

 

I just made a box myself, turned out great, I'm really proud of it. Make sure you get a respirator. You can reuse your paint brushes as long as you put them in acetone and clean them before it dries.

I didn't look at the site, but here is how I did it.

Used cardboard and masking tape to create the mold in my car. Put turtle wax on the masking tape so the resin wouldn't stick. I molded the bottom of the box in my car, and molded the top of the box to the quarter trim outside of my car, then joined them later. I used a mixture of bondo and resin painted on once I got all the layers of cloth down.

Make sure to order the cloth the other guy mentioned. I used cheap thin Meijers Stuff and it took around 6 layers or so

Brian

 

So what's in the box?

Let's see some pics of the finished product!!!!

 

The sub I put in the box is a 12" IDV2. The box ended up being a little over .8 cuft which is smaller than I was hoping. But I think it turned out quite nice and really hits hard in the car. I used vinyl to cover the front of the box and matches the leather in the car quite well.

http://www.nitro-nights.com/nn_shared/box1.jpg
http://www.nitro-nights.com/nn_shared/box2.jpg
http://www.nitro-nights.com/nn_shared/box3.jpg
http://www.nitro-nights.com/nn_shared/box4.jpg
http://www.nitro-nights.com/nn_shared/box5.jpg

Brian

 

Looks pretty good. Just a couple of suggestions. First, mount the sub straight! hehehehe Just a pet peave of mine. Second, on the trim piece you had to cut to fit the box in. Even it out a bit, and then try putting that rubber edge molding around it. Know the stuff I'm talking about? They should sell it at Home Depot real cheap. Should really finish off your install.

 

lol... There were two reasons I mounted it on that angle. One, I thought it looked kinda boring horizontal. The other is at the bottom there isn't a lot of material for that one screw.

As for the trim, my wife mentioned the same thing that is looks bad in the pic. The flash somehow makes things look worse cause it isn't doesn't look that bad in person. I cut it out then sanded it. The trim is a good idea though.

First time I've ever made anything out of fiberglass, so I took it as a challenge...

Brian

 

And you did a wonderful job. Looks great!