Lowrider Custom Trunk Panels - Audiotech

Damping material was also applied below the box to help reduce the vibration. The box will also need to be secured with brackets so it does not move when the switches are hit, but this material will help reduce any noise.

With all of the damping material in place, we can complete our visit to the trunk by creating the final finishing panels. These side panels were cut from a cardboard template. Like the saying goes, measure twice and cut once.

For visible surfaces, templates should be created to ensure clean lines. These will likely be painted over, but if the lines are not clean to begin with, they will never look right.

The next step is to trim the box with a clean beauty panel that matches the angles and contours of the car. The illusion that we are trying to create is a clean transition from the flat box surface to the rest of the trunk. The best way to avoid gaps is to cut out the lines with plenty of material left over to allow for a final trimming that butts up all of the surfaces as completely as possible.

The next step in the molding process is the primering of the molded surfaces. In this case, the entire inner trunk was primered. The uniformity of the primer will show any major flaws, such as cracks or major uneven surfaces. Like regular paint work, this merely completes the "rough work" and the finish work must begin before it can be painted.

Choose an industrial set of shears for cutting this type material. While regular scissors will work, you run the risk of gumming them up with the adhesive or dulling them out with the aluminum material.

The extra measuring time paid off. The panels marry up nicely. The final dry fit before everything is removed to be finished. The final product is a trunk with clean lines that will appear subtle, but the painted effect will be powerful none the less. See you on the streets!

After multiple passes, we achieved our goal. The edges for the panel butt up clean and the trunk hinges are checked for clearance.

Clean and completely form fitting. Be sure that a heat gun is used to ensure that the material will remain secure. Most sound damping material require a slight amount of heat to activate the adhesive.