Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 This is basically just a repost (With a few edits) of my Lexus LS400 build. I build this over winter for a bit of fun, nothing too serious. This is an uninterrupted build log so I can manage build pics and information easier. Thanks, and if you read it, I hope you enjoy Mike Hi Guys Not sure if you remember me, I've had a few small builds in the past. This one is going to be very simple and fast, it's for my Lexus LS400 I bought specifically to destroy with a stereo. It was a pretty good car to start with, just really really filthy, the previous owner did not deserve such a car. It was ran into the ground and I rescued it. I think it's a cool car to build a big system, as it is not the typical style of car that usually gets walled, plus it has a massive sunroof which will be funny to drive with it open at 150dBs I didn't want to go too wild with a system, I'm trying to stick to a budget and keep things neat, as long as it does mid 150s on music I'll be pretty happy. So far this is the estimate of what gear will be going in, I have pretty much all the gear now and the build is well underway Subs: American Bass HD18D1's x 4 of (Custom PSI Recone kits) Sub Amps: CT Sounds 70001D x 2 of Batteries (Rear): Schneider Electric AGM 120A/H x 12 of Battery (Front): TBA Cabling: Shok Industries Ref Series 1/0 Source: Alpine IDA-X305S Front Stage (Highs): PRV Audio Super Tweets (x4) Front Stage (Mids): PRV Audio Neo 8s (x4) Front Amp: Crescendo Alternator: Mechman (Still to purchase unless somebody has any other suggestions??) Gear is a little harder to get a hold of here in Australia, and the scene is a bit smaller than what you guys have, but we have some nice cars coming from the wood work. The day I got her Like all good builds should start with, a pallet of batteries Let me know what you guys think, all advice, comments critism welcome Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 Okay I may have lied a little in the first post, that whole pallet of batteries is not all mine, 'only' 12 are. Still a pretty big deal trying to fit twelve large batteries (Larger than an XS3100) in the trunk of a sedan. Here is how it started This is how it looked when I stripped it back. When I originally bought the car, I didn't realise the fuel tank was behind the seat. I wanted to cutout the entire rear firewall etc. for box space. Unfortunately I couldn't cut it out, but this meant I could do something cool with the floor... A little bit of a frame mocked up, I'm not going to show every damn step of this, but you will get an idea pretty quick anyway. So I think you know where this is going Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 Some more pics of the battery carrier, they all sit flush with the original boot floor height, eight in the floor, unfortunately I had two sit the other four in pairs either side on steel frames which bolt into the car. Once it has panels it will look neat, I promise My metalwork skills are not perfect, but it will be okay. A quick test fit to check it all fits A good buddy of mine helped me out with the aly plate to box it in A little bit of sealant and some Dynamat and it'll be weatherproof I even suckered him into helping me fit it I'm really happy with the finish, if it vibrates a little I'll sound deaden it Ground clearance? No worse than the factory tire well, winning So we're off to a good start I think Who would like to see more? All comments, advice, critisism etc. valued Thanks Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 Started on a simple but effective amp rack, I want the trunk tidy but functional. It's difficult with so much cabling but I'm getting there. I've got a surprise for you guys for the trim, but more on that later So this is how I want them to attach It's a bit ugly but it'll do. It won't be seen. It's not finished in these pics So this is how it kinda sits Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 Started on the monster job of getting the cabling done in the rear I try to make the cabling look nice and neat, it's all SHOK 1/0 I lay all the cables out first, then cut them to length and crimp and insulate after, that way they are all a good length and look nice, then I drill and tap the bussss bars All crimped and heatshrunk, you can see my crimper in the background Getting there There is still a metric TONNE of cable still to add... hope you guys like All comments, advise, critism, questions etc. welcome Thanks Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 So I stripped the bitch back. It has a massive sunroof which I want to keep fully functional. Obviously the roof is going to be a bit weaker because of this, plus I lose a bit of space on the wall. Oh well. These Lexus' are some of the most solid, best built cars I've ever taken to bits. Was almost a shame to do this. The sunroof and how far back it retracts into the roof A good mate of mine pressured me into originally buying this car to build another system since I have been out of the game for a while now... He also told me I'd better build the box frame from steel The best choice for the box was steel, since the car was pretty much junked as soon as I cut the floor out of it, I wasn't scared about welding $hit to it lol. My welder is a little average, but it's still strong, and gives me a good solid base to build my box from. I wanted the floor to be pretty level through the box, so I stepped it up at the front, the box still is fairly low though so I get maximum height. Nice little void space under here as well to put things I want hidden The frame is pretty much done. Far from perfect, but it's gonna work. Not the biggest car to start with, but should give me maximum room for my box Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 Went off to fetch some MDF.... So I could start on the floor of the wall, no cardboard templates for me, I measure all my shit. The first layer is glued firmly to the vehicle floor and the steel with big sheetmetal screws as well.. It's a fair bit of work to make it clear all the lumps and bumps, I want the floor as low as possible whilst being as flat as I can get. The trans tunnel will be glassed up. Getting there Hope you guys are liking where this is going Here you can see how the sides go together (Just clamped in place no glue or screws at this stage) Sides are pretty much done. I decided on only double layer, the steel and the bracing I'll be adding inside will make this plenty strong You can see how tight it hugs the car's body, nice big wide front on the box now, and very little gaps around the 'B' Pillar I think it turned out not so bad Thanks guys Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 Charge wires ran through car. Alternator is currently standard but will probably throw a mechman in it? Gonna keep it 14v for now. Ran the cables through the factory grommet, under the carpet, under the void space at the front of the box and out the side. Not a fan of cables under the car. Engine bay Out through the side of the box You can see the roof has been done, had to do it in two pieces because I couldn't fit one large sheet in the car unfortunately. It'll still be strong. Rear wall going in, first layer. You can see the access I've left for the fuel pump. It looks a bit gap city and horrible but I promise I will get it done properly. You'll see Bottom and top done, only two layers, but it's strong. The gaps will be taken care of don't worry See how much room we got Fuel door access, this will have a panel bolt over the top nice and flush Made some speaker cables, all SHOK 8awg of course Went overkill with length at this stage... better than making cables too short Can't reccomend the SHOK cable enough, lovely soft, bendy cable to work with I ran it through the corner of the box, which will be glassed over, you'll see in the next steps Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 Started filling/glassing all the gaps in the box This is the foam fill stage, yes it looks shit but it's the best way to do it I've found Then I cut it flush with a knife, time for it to get glassed over.. this stage really really sucks Stapling the matting over Ready to be hit with some resin I have made tonnes of progress on the wall I can share with you, but first I will show what's happening with the interior.The car was fairly neat to begin with, but a few bits of leather were worn out so I figured I may as well fix everything up.My trimmer is a good friend of mine and does it from home, he looks after me so I try and swing him work when I can.I gutted the entire interior, these cars are well built, everything is so solid and well put together The seats weigh a tonne!The steering wheel is pretty trashed too, replacements are like $500, I should be able to fix mine for around half that... all going well. My trimmer hates it when I bring him difficult jobs like these. Hopefully it turns out well.You can see the chalk lines, the steering wheel will be trimmed '2 tone' in these areasThe arm rests were also burned out, so we'll freshen them up too, you can see the chalk lines again, following with the 2 tone effect like the steering wheel.Not pictured is the centre arm rest, it will follow the same theme, you can also see above, the gear knob which will hopefully turn out well (It'll have to be hand stitched)Here is the chosen material, it's not real moo cow leather, but looks good enough, and most importantly it's suitably priced.The other material is a 'snake skin' vinyl, this will be used sparingly in the areas I've shown above to give the interior some impact. I'll also be trimming the wall etc. to the same effect.It's not going to be a Rolls Phantom but hopefully neat and tidy, and will look cool, which is the look I'm after.I hope you guys like it and all comments greatly appreciated.Here's my subs. Chillin on the hoodPlease excuse the dust. You all know what it's like playing wood shop Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charger Posted May 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2015 These subs I find interesting.Part of me wants to say they're great, then some parts I look at, I'm gonna call 'em trash.That's the great thing about not having to be loyal to any brand, if I wanna bash these subs I will, if I talk 'em up, you know I'm being 100 with you all. You'll get my honest opinion.They definitely look pretty, but some shortfalls I can definitely see with the soft parts... they're gonna have a hard life I have to admit guys, I slipped up a little on this build. I kinda don't have a regular 9-5 where I can see this car every day after work to check things out, make measurements, tweak things etc.So when I do work on it, it's all day harrd for a few days, then I won't see it for a long time, but with the nature of the build, I want things to roll on even if I'm not there, so I'm kinda doing bits even when I can't see the car, like ordering parts, supplies, making arrangements.Long story short, I probably should have ordered 15s.... Just the nature of thebeast I guess, thinking I had more space than I really had, I had initially ran a tape measure over the car real quick, seemed like I could easily smash 18s in, either flat wall or clamshell. Plus the price on the 18s was too good to pass up. I was out of town at the time, and with me wanting to get things happening fast I went ahead and ordered them.So when it actually came time to fit them in the car, I sat there cursing for hours, trying different orientations and combos, clamshell, bandpass, flat wall, everything, nothing fitted like how I wanted... If I had just ran 15s I would have been laughing, the extra 3" diameter per an 18" woofer just chewed up my space.Here is one of the ideas I tried... obviously two more woofers on top with a big arse port on the driver's side... nope... wouldn't fit!So here's the first steps on building the baffle, trying to work out what fits without wasting too much thick wood. Everything traced out onto thin MDF for the mock up, damn damn damn no space, things aren't as I hoped!!So I picked up some fresh supplies in the trusty daily work horseStarted working out space for the first layer... even after carefully measuring I still screwed up the first attempt and wasted half a sheet of MDF!!So I dummied it up in the car, yes the port is tiny, but not as small as it looks. I literally had no other way I could do it. Even though it looks small, it's more port area than my last setup with six 15s and that worked. At least I will have great control over the woofers with both windows down and sunroof open! Numbers are gonna suffer obviously but who cares, I've set the thing back from the B pillar so I can drive this thing comfortably anyway...Things look lame here guys, but I promise they take a turn for the good from here, plenty more pics of further to come if you like, it looks real mean how it sits currently with the wall 99% finished!!ThanksMike Previous 150+ daily rides: Volvo 240 wagon 2 x DD Audio 9915s walled, Isuzu Trooper 6 x DD Audio 3515s walled clamshell, Lexus LX470 2 x Kicked Solo X 18s, Lexus LS400 4 x American Bass HD18 walled SMD - System of The Month August 2008 My Youtube Videos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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