Over the course of a car's life span, there are many changes that occur in the fashion that is its genre. In the case of lowriding, there is an ever-changing mix of colors and styles that make up the next trend. When the hot ticket has become a fizzled flame, it's time to regroup, refresh, and then show off the newest collaboration and find your new way to the trophy. Not too long ago, wrinkles and buttons dominated the show floors and streets. That was a time when a street ride paid the trunk no mind. "just make it easy to get to" were the famous last words of many a street rider. Welcome to the 2000s where a street car would take a trophy in many a custom category of a little more than a decade ago. The competition is tough and the streets are filled with back bumper heroes and rolling works of art. The fact still remains that a street car needs easy access to the pumps and batteries, but it can still look good doing it. This month's subject touches on the simplicity of building a clean street trunk with a little flavor, the basics of a show quality trunk with a little spice to it. Follow along as our street Grand Prix gets a trunk makeover updating the '90s street to 2000s flair. A saucy mix of product to spice up the trunk of our lovely lowrider. Like most street rides, this trunk was built for function. It's seen better days but we'll change that.Like most street rides, this trunk was built for function. It's seen better days but we'll With the trunk stripped and cleaned, we can start our measurements. We'll simply start on the top and work our way down and around.With the trunk stripped and cleaned, we can start our measurements. We'll simply start on With a skilled craftsman's steady hand, we cut out the panel and amp, and notched out spaces for the hydraulic lines.With a skilled craftsman's steady hand, we cut out the panel and amp, and notched out spac Step one is to strip the trunk. There were a lot of years under this carpet, so clean-up was not an easy task. The setup could use a little freshening up so we'll incorporate that as well.Step one is to strip the trunk. There were a lot of years under this carpet, so clean-up w The measurements were then translated onto a sheet of 3.4-inch MdF. Now we can test fit the panel and move on to the next portion of the build. Next, we can start working on the enclosure. Because the racks are not perfectly symmetrical, we've taken a different approach and balanced out the panels to keep symmetry.Next, we can start working on the enclosure. Because the racks are not perfectly symmetric Using our handy dandy carpenter's angle finder, we find the angle of the trunk floor transition. While we can't see the final trunk, we know what needs to be done to keep everything looking finished.Using our handy dandy carpenter's angle finder, we find the angle of the trunk floor trans The first panel is cut. now what? Time to build around it. This is where it gets complicated. This box takes advantage of every possible space with multiple panels and angles. Another approach would be to fiberglass this area and gain a little more air space, but simplicity is the approach today.This is where it gets complicated. This box takes advantage of every possible space with m The transition is a fairly simple series of panels attached at 90-degree angles. To keep the curve of the tire well, we'll use upholstery chipboard.The transition is a fairly simple series of panels attached at 90-degree angles. To keep t This is where it gets complicated. This box takes advantage of every possible space with multiple panels and angles. Another approach would be to fiberglass this area and gain a little more air space, but simplicity is the approach today.This is where it gets complicated. This box takes advantage of every possible space with m We transfer our angle and measurements onto a sheet of wood and begin to make our battery covers.We transfer our angle and measurements onto a sheet of wood and begin to make our battery The top panel was cut to match the curves of the rear trunk area and notched for the latch. Before the panel can be attached, it needs to be sealed. The center was marked off to ensure a proper fit as the sealing and nailing will be done outside of the vehicle.The top panel was cut to match the curves of the rear trunk area and notched for the latch Next we turn our attention back to the area behind the pump and begin a transition panel to "marry" the amp panel to the battery covers. notice how both the amp and transition panels were notched for the braided hose.Next we turn our attention back to the area behind the pump and begin a transition panel t Having the transition panel in place makes it much easier to see where the battery cover comes into play. The front of the cover was angled to allow a better view of the pump motors and to keep a more open feel to the trunk.Having the transition panel in place makes it much easier to see where the battery cover c Now that the angles have been confirmed, side panels were attached and the inside of the box was sealed with adhesive silicon.Now that the angles have been confirmed, side panels were attached and the inside of the b The edge was rounded over and the secondary final sealing of the box was done. Coming together nicely, the only thing left is a bit of accent and the pump. The solenoids were relocated to the inside of the tire well where there was plenty of space and where they could remain out of sight.Coming together nicely, the only thing left is a bit of accent and the pump. The solenoids The final trunk is simple yet effective with just enough accents to make it show and still fully functional with removable battery toppers for easy access for charging and simple disassembly just in case the setup needs to be worked on. See you when this showpiece breaks the show floor again.The final trunk is simple yet effective with just enough accents to make it show and still As mentioned earlier, the setup needed some help. To clean things up, a few unused brackets were cut off to free up a little more room.As mentioned earlier, the setup needed some help. To clean things up, a few unused bracket The final panel in the lower trunk area was measured out. notice that the measurement was taken off of a scrap-board. Three boards will be tacked to the final panel to create a semi-false floor that will allow for any oil from the hydros to flow down to the metal of the trunk floor and away from any of the upholstered panels that could be damaged.The final panel in the lower trunk area was measured out. notice that the measurement was After wrapping and wiring the box, the subwoofers were mounted. The same goes for the amplifier panel that sits behind the pump. notice the mounting steps created to keep the amp just the right distance from the face of the panel.After wrapping and wiring the box, the subwoofers were mounted. The same goes for the ampl With those brackets out of the way, the second amp rack was built for the sub amplifiers. It's a tight squeeze but we were able to fit both amplifiers.With those brackets out of the way, the second amp rack was built for the sub amplifiers. The panel was then test fit. notice that there's plenty of room for the upholstery material and for the mounting feet of the amplifiers.The panel was then test fit. notice that there's plenty of room for the upholstery materia All dressed up and ready to go, the sub amplifier panel goes in for the kill. SOURCE Eclipse Audio Memphis Car Audio By Mario Escamilla Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
