Flash back to summer of 2006.. I decided it was time to redo the entire car. Well, you need to have a plan, or at least some idea of what you want to do.

First, some ground rules. Keep in mind that this build has been an on again, off again work in progress over the past 6 years, so some of these rules have evolved over that time..

1. Car must remain street drivable, with seat belts, airbags and HVAC all fully functional. Install elements must keep occupant safety in mind.
2. Back seat is not required. The back seat in these cars is very cramped as it is, so sacrificing the back seat for equipment install is a viable option. (prior installs had the back seat removed as well)
3. T-Top storage must remain usable.
4. No needlessly added weight. Now, to clarify, this is not a light weight install by any means. Between the batteries, amps, and sound deadening, I’m sure a few hundred pounds were added. But fabrication techniques and materials were selected that maximize strength the weight ratio and fit within budget.
5. No wood. Semi related to rule #4, many cars, including my past installs, made liberal use of 3/4″ and 1/2″ MDF to make everything from amp racks, sub boxes and trim panels. (average 4×8 sheet of 3/4″ mdf is 75 to 90 lbs.) In addition, wood has the potential to absorb moisture and fall apart. So for this build, all materials consisted of steel, plastic, and fiberglass.
6. Multichannel audio. The car was being built to take advantage of JBL’s MS-8 processor, so the plan is for a full 7.1 system.
7. Non-flashy install. While I appreciate the art and creativity in a full flash install, my install skills limit me to OEM like, understated fabrication. This does not mean that the car must look stock, as my plan was to prefabricate nearly every panel in the car. But the end result must look like something that you find in a new car show-room, with a few tasteful highlights of the audio equipment.
8. Budget.. I’ve spent more money then I can count into all of my installs. However, my funding is not limitless. Materials and install techniques must keep costs in mind. For example, this is why all of my metal fabrication is with mild steel, as opposed to aluminum, which would require more expensive welding gear, as well as having a higher material cost.