2009 Civic LX Coupe

[MorfiusX]

So Bikinpunk has posted some threads over at the 8th Civic Forums that brought me here. I just ordered a bunch of gear to start my build. I plan to do a three way active setup. I'll do this in phases starting with the head unit.

Here is what I have ordered so far:
- alpine IVA-W505 - HU
- Alpine PXA-H100 - Imprint Processor
- Alpine KTX-H100 - MultEQ
- Alpine KCE-400BT - Bluetooth
- Alpine TUA-T550HD - HD Radio
- Alpine KCA-SC100 - Sirius Connect
- SiriusConnect SC-C1 - Sirius Receiver

Additional items I plan to add:
- Zed Leviathan?
- 2 Way Component Set (Hertz HSK 165 or Apline SPX-17PRO)
- Single 10" or 12" sub
- Nav add on for HU
- Sound deadening
- Wiring upgrades
- 160gb ipod Classic

Items I have done so far:
- Optima D51R battery

The idea is to have any of my music available at any time, and it sound good. I know some don't like the imprint, but I didn't really want to spring for an Audison BitOne.

I'm sure I will have a ton of question, but there is plenty of research material here!

[SRim23]

where in ohio are you? would love to hear this setup when you are done. I have a 2005 civic that im always adding to.

[MorfiusX]

I finished the Big 3 upgrade today. I haven't done the positive wires yet. I will work on those this weekend and will also put in the head unit.

Original Crappy Ground Wires:


Transmission Ground:


Battery Ground:


Engine Block Ground:


Battery Terminals:

[MorfiusX]

Alright, back to this... I have installed the HU and all of the modules. Nothing spectacular here. I crammed all of the modules up under the dash. I will probably move them at some point.

I purchase a Hertz HSK 163 3 way set. I will am in the process of building custom A-piller pods for the mid and tweet. I started with 1/2" MDF. I cut the base for the pod with a Dremel and the Dremel circle jig. I covered the piece with headliner material that is an open cell foam with a cloth backing. I then used 3/4" iron-on veneer to create a lip that will be used to fiber glass the pod to the a-pillar. My father is cutting a metal trim ring that will sit inside the lip. I'll probably cover this trim piece with carbon fiber vinyl fabric. I also worked on positioning the speakers. I think I will end up aiming them at the dome light.

[MorfiusX]

I figured I would post a little more background. It's been nine years since I last built a system. I used to work at a local stereo shop in high school, but no one there knew anything about SQ.

I bought the Civic in August (Yay Cash for Clunkers!). I plan on doing a complete audio build over about 6-9 months. I have already purchased the following:

HU - alpine IVA-W505 with Imprint, BlueTooth, HD Radio, and Sirius
iPod Classic 120gb
Hertz HSK 163
Alpine MRV-F405

I plan on adding:
2 x Arc Audio KS 300.4
Image Dynamic IDQ 12"

The HU and modules are already installed. I've been working on installing the Hertz kit.

I finished sound deadening the passenger door. I used Damplifier and Luxery Liner. I covered about 80% of the outer skin and around 90% of the inner skin. I had to cover two large holes with Plexi glass and then Damplified over the plexi. I used 3M spray adhesive to add a layer of Luxer Liner trimmed to fit.


The baffles are 1.5 of MDF. Around the inner edge of the baffle, I used 1/2" weather stripping. I then covered the front of the baffel with headliner material purchased from Joann Fabrics. It has about 1/8" open cell foam with a cloth cover. I did this in case any bit show through the opening in the door panel.



I am in the process of building a trim ring for this so that you can't see the cut marks.

[t3sn4f2]

Are the MDF rings treated in any way?

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/60325-post13.html

Imagine what that ring will do a a speaker basket.

[MorfiusX]

Originally Posted by t3sn4f2

Are the MDF rings treated in any way?

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/60325-post13.html

Imagine what that ring will do a a speaker basket.

In other vehicles, I have had baffles installed for years with absolutely no sign of water damage. But to be safe, I will coat the inside in fiber glass resin when I do the a-pillar pods.

[t3sn4f2]

Originally Posted by MorfiusX

In other vehicles, I have had baffles installed for years with absolutely no sign of water damage. But to be safe, I will coat the inside in fiber glass resin when I do the a-pillar pods.

Yup better safe then sorry when it's more then just a piece of MDF at risk.

Although, resin on MDF is not a good idea either. It can be a pretty bad one because MDF is like a water soluble sponge that will soak up the resin and cause it to deform.

If I was you I'd redo them and make them out of a cheap piece of cutting board plastic.

[amitaF]

Originally Posted by MorfiusX

In other vehicles, I have had baffles installed for years with absolutely no sign of water damage. But to be safe, I will coat the inside in fiber glass resin when I do the a-pillar pods.

fyi> i drove around with my door panels off for a while and the civic door do leak like a mofo...you will need to treat the mdf and make a rain deflector to keep water off those sexy hertz woofers. nicely done on cutting out the oem grill...it really kills the output of the driver...

rubberized undercoating spray is a cheap way to make the mdf splash resistant

[JayinMI]

go on ebay, look up Cesany Plastics. They sell something called King Starboard. It's available 1.5" thick, and takes threaded inserts rather well.

Cesany Plastics can do custom sizes. IIRC, I got mine cut to 18x24. It was only like $59 shipped, but you'd probably need far less.

Here's how I made my speaker mounts.

2010 Genesis Coupe Build Log, Page 4

Jay

[ngiczat]

Subcribed

[MorfiusX]

I had my father cut some new mid/tweet speaker rings using the water jet. I wanted to see how well MDF held up. It did OK. I could have him re-cut these using 1/2 aluminum, but I would have to wait until Monday to get them back and I want to start working on this Saturday. I covered the MDF in painters tape to reduce the water that was absorbed. When the get covered and glassed into the a-pillar, you won't even know they absorbed a bit of water.

[ngiczat]

looks good. Now I know who to hit up when I start on my system.

[MorfiusX]

More work on the a-pillar pods:




I don't think I'm gonna get as much as I wanted done this weekend...

Rolled my ankle playing indoor softball. Hurts like a bitch and I can barely walk.

[ngiczat]

Nice ankle. Although I do not see how that affects your install. A real audiophile would not let that stop them.

Just Kidding. Hopefully it gets better soon.

[amitaF]

ouch!

[MorfiusX]

A-Pillar work:



Carbon-Fiber vinyl on the door:



A surprise from my son on my camera:

[amitaF]

nice job with c/f vinyl.... i was thinking of using that stuff too, but you beat me to it.

[FLYONWALL9]

Neat pillar pods. I wish I had pillars large enough to
incorporate something like that in my install. Really
slick

I too have never had any water issues with wooden
door baffles. However, if you coat them in resin I would
use epoxy resin, polyester isn't really waterproof. You
could get a small amount of "West System" from most
any boaters store.
West Marine: #105 Epoxy Resin Product Display

Anyway, based on your location I would use
the fast hardener due to air temp. Also, you
can put the can in a pot of water bring it up to say 90deg.
Doing this will ensure proper cure, the same technique
can be used with polyester in cold climates. If you cant
or don't want to use WEST System, many other choices
are available, MAS, SYSTEM3, Marinepoxy, Silver Tip.

I know I'm going to catch crap for suggesting epoxy over
polyester, but as a boat builder you can trust the info I
give on this particular subject to be correct. I wouldn't
lead anyone wrong on something I'm passionate about.

Again, really neat pods I look forward to your progress.....

[t3sn4f2]

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/901825-post175.html

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/902390-post184.html

[MorfiusX]

Originally Posted by t3sn4f2

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/901825-post175.html

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/902390-post184.html

Yeah, I drilled holes through the first layer so that the second would stick better.

[Echo42987]

Just curious, where did you get the Carbon Fiber Vinyl and how much?

[MorfiusX]

Originally Posted by Echo42987

Just curious, where did you get the Carbon Fiber Vinyl and how much?

Upholstery Fabric, Tools, Supplies, Decorative Nails and Furniture Legs
Upholstery Vinyl Classic Black Carbon Fiber | DIY Upholstery Supply

~$12/yd on a 54" bolt. 3 yards was ~$50.

[d_man1]

lookn good man!

[dvflyer]

Interested in seeing how this turns out. I have been itching to redo my a-pillars.