Lowrider Custom Trunk Panels - Lowrider Magazine

The ultimate honor for a lowrider is to be recognized by one's peers. While trophies and photo shoots hold a special value, they will never replace the "street cred" that this sport was founded on. A lowrider wants to be known for his ability to build a sweet ride and this is where it all starts.

Not every reader will be able to handle every aspect of this kind of trunk build at home, but seeing how it gets done will put things in perspective nonetheless. The final product looks simple and clean, but you'll see that there are hours upon hours of blood, sweat and tears that go into this seemingly simple build. Turning an average trunk into a better than showroom-finished masterpiece is not for the weak of spirit.

The objective of this build is to create a paintable showpiece that will accentuate the chrome hydraulics setup and still allow the space needed to create a good-sounding sound system. We wanted a smooth and simple foundation that would highlight the setup without overpowering it. This is one of the reasons why a multi-angled box was built.

The intention was to optimize the space, but keep a clean, flat face on the enclosure. The beauty ring on the enclosure was created in such a way that kept to the smooth theme, but provided some depth to the sub faces. The final touch to this artwork is squirting the custom paint and wrapping some material to incorporate the touches from the inside and outside of the car. Once complete, we're sure that this car will be a giant step toward the "street cred" that we desire.

The first step in our custom build was to weld a piece of metal above the floor pan to provide us a semi-smooth surface for the molding to begin. While the floor itself could be filled with body filler, you run the risk of the body filler cracking. The smoother the surface is to begin with, the less body filler needed, and the better off you are.
The first step in our custom build was to weld a piece of metal above the floor pan to pro
Once the welding is complete, the tedious task of body filling begins. Body filler is a customizer's best friend when it comes to task like this. Mix it a few wipes at a time so as not to waste materials.
Once the welding is complete, the tedious task of body filling begins. Body filler is a cu
Even the lines at the rear of the trunk should be properly finished. Attention to detail will not go unnoticed when the judges stop by.
Even the lines at the rear of the trunk should be properly finished. Attention to detail w

After countless hours the floor is starting to take shape. Keep in mind which areas will be seen and remember it's better to leave a pretty part hidden than it is to have an ugly part showing. "Too much work" shouldn't be in a custom car builder's vocabulary.
After countless hours the floor is starting to take shape. Keep in mind which areas will b
Now that we have a smooth surface for our foundation, the audio build can begin. Using and angle finder, our multi-angled box begins over the large drop from the area below the package try to the newly formed flat floor. This will be the base of the enclosure.
Now that we have a smooth surface for our foundation, the audio build can begin. Using and
Lots of sandpaper and wipes of filler later, the floor is nearing completion. Be sure to mark off the areas where the custom panels will go and use a scrap piece of wood to ensure that the necessary areas remain flat.
Lots of sandpaper and wipes of filler later, the floor is nearing completion. Be sure to m

The box was then measured out in such a way that left plenty of clearance for the cylinders and hoses. These complex angles need to be sealed up tight so be sure that the wood butts up nice and the sealer is laid on thick.
The box was then measured out in such a way that left plenty of clearance for the cylinder
Before removing the box for the next step in the molding process, the subs are dry fit for a final confirmation of proper spacing. With this confirmed, the box and beauty panel can be finished independent of the rest of the trunk if so desired.
Before removing the box for the next step in the molding process, the subs are dry fit for
Here the damping material has been applied. Be sure to pre cut the material before attempting to install it and also that the primer or paint is completely dry or the material and primer will never properly adhere to the metal panel.
Here the damping material has been applied. Be sure to pre cut the material before attempt