The 1957 Chevy Bel Air has become a popular model amongst the lowrider community in recent years. The sexy lines and mixture of chrome and paint make a beautiful showpiece no matter what genre you decide to build these classic cars into. For the lowrider, though, the added challenge of a hydro setup and batteries can play havoc on a show-worthy trunk.
Because while this "tri-five" seems to be large enough to play with the big boys, the reality is that the engine bay and trunk are actually significantly smaller than the cars of the next decade. A setup and a system had a hard time co-existing in the trunk, but a showpiece must be complete so we're here to help you overcome your claustrophobia.
A trunk should be a combination of function and beauty, much like the vehicle that hosts it. The tight space of this trunk is much like that of a newer import vehicle, but the goal of our build, much like any other, is to configure this trunk so that everything fits without consuming every inch of space.
Sometimes, bridges will be created for the hydraulics, but in this case, we're fortunate to have a custom-fabricated trailing arm setup and frame support system for the hydraulics. None the less, accommodations will need to be made for the cylinders and lines.
To follow our functionality detail, we've decided on hugging close to the walls and floor in order to allow more space for the setup and batteries, and integrate every aspect of the interior with touches from the exterior as well. Some big expectations for such a tiny space, so follow along as we cure your claustrophobia and transform the little empty trunk into the showpiece our future trophy winner deserves.
 The short and sweet list of...  The short and sweet list of components will not only fit into our confined space, but will raise the bar on the audiophile experience. Add to that the Scosche Industries power kit and we'll be ready to power up. |  First on the agenda is planning...  First on the agenda is planning out the system. Empty, this trunk seems fairly large, but once populated, though, this trunk gets small fast. With the components we're adding, it seems best to leave the floor area free for the setup and batteries to occupy. So the box itself will lie between the cylinders and the amplifiers will reside on the transition portion of the floor so as to occupy a less usable portion of the trunk. |  Here, we measure out the beauty...  Here, we measure out the beauty panel again using the factory metal transitions to our benefit. Allowing the panel to disappear behind the factory transitions will make finishing the panels much easier. |
 The panels have been formed...  The panels have been formed and shaped and are ready to be finished. The edges were rounded over with a router bit to allow a clean edge once upholstered |  The box was cut to allow plenty...  The box was cut to allow plenty of play for the cylinders and the hard-lines that will be installed. The amplifier rack is simple and will use the factory floor transition to help hide the wires. All in all, the foundation for this system is very simple and clean. |  With the panel in place, the...  With the panel in place, the final pieces are trimmed away to allow for a clean fit and to serve as a template for the secondary beauty panel. To ensure the subwoofer cutouts line up, two screws were taped in to secure the panel for cutting. |
 Now we can focus our attention...  Now we can focus our attention on the side panels. To shorten the work and save on wood, we're using upholsterers "chip board" to create a template. Keep in mind that this is a template and the important thing is to have the outer edges correct, so the amount of pieces you use and tape together doesn't matter. You don't lose cool points for using multiple pieces of cardboard to make your template, only for wasting wood. |  Once the panel has been cut...  Once the panel has been cut out, test fit it and mark any areas that require further trimming and repeat for the opposite side. |  Another chip board template...  Another chip board template was made to fit the insert pattern that we taped off. |