need some ideas here guys

I'm building an amp rack/facade whatever you want to call it and I'm torn as to what to do for the cover or top of the box. I have the cowboys partition which is the kind that doesn't go straight down but has an angle on it. http://www.exoticvette.com/partition.htm

I've made the bottom piece so that it fits right up against the angled piece that goes toward the front. I like the look of it angled.

My original idea was to just use mdf to make the top and cut out the Z06 logo into the top add plexi and have it lit up.

I thought I knew what I was going to do, but my dad threw me into another option. He suggested making the top out of stainless steel and curving ever so very slightly. I want the Z06 logo etched, cut out, or a decal on top of it. Preferably cut out so you can see the amp when it is lit up only. When its not lit, I don't want it looking like there is an amp back there.

I was also thinking of either putting the amp in the middle with 2 little storage compartments built in on the sides, or moving the amp to one side of the box and making a bigger storage space to one side or the other.

So many choices, I will try to draw something up soon, or if someone can draw something up would be cool. I was also thinking of having the top open up to the front. So I don't have to be going through the trunk to make adjustments.

The amp is a PPI 1000.4


Thanks for any input here guys. It's much appreciated

The dimensions of the bottom piece are 13" x 45"

 

I have the same amp. It looks so nice with the end caps I decided not to flush mount it. If I did, I would remove the end caps and cut the opening of the amp rack to expose only the area to where the rails run.

If you wanted to use steel for an industrial look, Home Depot carries a stretched steel mesh that comes in 2 sizes, but one is 12" x 24". Its about 1/4" thick. You could use a router to flush it into the top of the rack. It would proably look pretty neat with some shadow lighting and you wouldn't have to worry about heat build up with plexi. Having to mess around with fans and all that.

That's a thought that was going through my head, but it may not be even close to what your thinking. Without seeing the partition and how it affects the space in person, its difficult to know what to suggest.

 

your right. I'll have to snap pics when i get home to give you guys an idea as to what/where Im at.

Hmm stretched steel mesh. I wonder what that looks like. I'll have to look it up.

 

I'm bored, so here is a link to what I'm talking about:

Expanded Metal

The stuff they have at HD is the 1/2" x #16 I think. Its like $9 per sheet.

 

Thanks for the link. Not what I was thinking, but its another option

 

what if you build the amp rack into the partition. can you flush mount it under the angled section?

 

thats what i was kinda thinking originally scott. Have the top just go all the way across to the angles part on the partition.

but then my dad has put this SS idea in my head.

 

OH...that's what you meant, sorry. I'm scatter brained today. I still think that would look the best. maybe with a smoked plexi window covering it and backlighting the amp so that all you see is a spill of light around the sides and some spec hits on the shiny parts

 

what I mean and what I say can be totally different. I don't i ever said it like you did. But that's what I was getting at.


The lighting effect would be pretty cool.

 

Dave are you done yet...

 

I prefer the MDF to stainless, simply because i think it has better building potential on audio applications imho. Carpeted MDF looks very close to stock. If you're thinking about building a sealed enclosure, you should consider a cooling fan (or 2) and a vent. also keep in mind where your adjustment controls are when designing your rack.

my vote would be for a hinged lid with a plexiglas window. you could have the z06 emblem etched in the plexi and use cathodes or LEDs to light up the amp (and the etching)

I like things balanced so if you're going to have storage compartments, i'd vote for the two on either side.

 

I like the way you think radio. I had thought about just doing a pliexi window, but its been done. I have seen the actual z06 cut out it self with plexi behind it, which is why im kinda leaning towards that. I already have an idea for the cooling fans. I'm gonna go with one on each side at this time i think

 

here's a thought to expand on the window idea (now that i'm not falling asleep on the keyboard )

take a regular sheet of plexiglas and remove the protective layer on one side (the non-transparent side) Now use a computer to find the zo6 emblem in a large size. Copy the image to paint brush and enlarge the image to the size you plan to have on the window.

then (this is key) go to "image - flip rotate - flip horizontal" this will reverse your image into a mirror image. print this out, it will be your template.

place your plexi on top of the template with the transparent protective side up. using a fine tip sharpie, trace the emblem onto the protective plastic on the plexiglas. Then using an exacto knife, cut the lines you traced. Finally carefully remove the cut plastic on the negative space leaving the cut-out emblem protected in the plastic.

Use a rattle can (any color you want) to spray ONLY the protected side of the plexi. After the second coat dries, remove the remaining part of the protective plastic. you'll have a transparent emblem.

 

That sounds pretty cool. For these larger plexi tops, What thickness do you guys recommend?

 

Without a doubt, i reccomend "duraplex" found at Lowe's. I used 1/8" thickness in my amp rack. DO NOT get the hobby grade plexi. it doesn't like being cut, drilled or etched. the duraplex however is very forgiving.

 

My two cents worth of info on this would be to mount the amp on the partion with it being angled forward. Since I am a big fan of the yellow and black, I think it would look awesome with a nicely made fiberglass cover painted yellow to match your car and with the silver and black of the amp the only thing showing in the middle with the plexiglass cover and your Z06 logo then etched into it.
However you do it i am sure it will look awesome.

 

bearsfan, sound like a good idea too. Im not sure I want to get into glassing just yet. I do want to in the future, just don't have the room/time to do that yet. It will be a consideration though. Thanks for the input so far guys, i will get you a pic soon I swear

 

im waiting for pics dave haha