Automotive finish for subs?

[Owen Bartley]

I've been looking at cars recently, and for some reason this afternoon I thought of an old project of someone's on the forums (years ago) that was going to involve finishing parts of the enclosure with automotive paint. I don't think the project ever did finish, but it got me thinking that you could have some great potential for awesome looking enclosures... should be pretty durable too. Does anyone know of a project that did use some kind of auto paint/clearcoat? Is it even possible or a good idea?

[Mike P.]

Owen, I saw pics of a sub that was done in a light blue color, I can't remeber where. It looked good.

[Owen Bartley]

Jay, you're right it can give too high a bling factor if done wrong. But even doing say just 2 panels, or maybe the baffle or something could add some great visuals. Maybe a nice pearl white to go with a light maple veneer, or a deep metallic red to match some dark rosewood or something. I guess this could also be an alternative to the conventional piano gloss black.

Meh, just another idea kickin' around my head.

[Rodny Alvarez]

Hey Owen, my sub panels and the flares for the port are painted with two stage paint (base coat, clear coat).
You have to use built up primer the gallon its about $75 or a quart for $40 and $20 for the hardener, the paint about $40 for a quart and like $40 for the clear, you can buy a gun for around $75 new or one used for less, a body shop should charge about $ 100 to paint couple of panels that's if they have some paint of the color you want, if they have to buy the paint its going to be a lot more
We don't have a paint boot and I paint most of the pieces the I built for the cars (wood or fiberglass)

IB panel 022 (Small).jpg

IB panel 035.jpg

IB panel 039.jpg

IMG_3716.JPG

IMG_3720.JPG

IMG_3732.JPG

IMG_3225 [640x480].JPG

IMG_3730 [640x480].JPG

[SQCherokee]

that looks nice.
If your painting straight on to mdf...I have heard that using a strong body filler like rage gold is a good way to fill in any imperfections (mdf is smooth but porus) just spread it on thin and sand most of it off...like you do with a classic car restoration...and that will give you a better surface for the paint to adhere to.

[Owen Bartley]

Rodny, I can't believe I forgot about your IB!! It's a perfect example of a fantastic result too, I remember when you finished it and how awesome it integrated into your setup. I'd say when done right, it would definitely be worth the extra effort, especially if you're looking to do something a little unique.

ps - I love that pic with the sun reflecting

[Rodny Alvarez]

The IB is dead!!!


SLLT:

[Canadian_Dude]

What is that blue light around the subs? Those pieces look awesome too btw.

[Rodny Alvarez]

Canadian_Dude wrote:

What is that blue light around the subs? Those pieces look awesome too btw.

Thanks!!

That's plexiglass with a neon blue rope.

[Owen Bartley]

Rodny, I've probably seen it and just didn't make the connection, but did you make a thread for your new SLLT? I've gotta check out whatever it is that swayed you away from using that beautiful IB.

[Rodny Alvarez]

Owen Bartley wrote:

Rodny, I've probably seen it and just didn't make the connection, but did you make a thread for your new SLLT? I've gotta check out whatever it is that swayed you away from using that beautiful IB.

I'm using the panels all I did was convert the IB to SLLT.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...-makeover.html

[mrogowski]

Very nice....

[Owen Bartley]

Aaaaahhh, I see what you did! Looks like you managed to keep everything mostly intact, that's pretty impressive. I'll read through the thread when I have some more time, it's another good one that I missed somehow. I'm glad you were at least able to keep the beautiful baffles!