2014 WRX Hatch

chithead

chithead

Well-known member
Ah yes, the obligatory build log. I will be attempting to present this in such a manner as to avoid confusion should anything be changed out, switched up, modified from the original idea, etc. It's no secret, that's kind of a forte of mine... to constantly change out equipment in the hope it will make it better, before even trying the stuff out!

So without further adieu... I would like to introduce everyone, to the beautiful automobile that will be receiving quite the acoustical upgrade. Our 2014 Satin White Pearl Subaru WRX Hatchback:

This is the day she was purchased at the dealer. You can see the previous love of my life right beside, the ill-fated 2010 Dodge Ram R/T - transplant recipient of numerous audio installs. May she have gone on to someone who also loves and cherishes her unique aggressive grace:



Some photoshop attemps made with an Android phone:







 
And also introducing... the front stage. Morel MT22 tweeters, Morel CDM88 dome midranges, and Morel MW166 woofers:





 
The idea is to mount the woofers in the stock location of the front doors, tweeters in the sail panels, and midrange in the A-pillars.

Started on molding the MT22 tweeters into the sail panels. After consulting with our resident advisor (Glenn) it was decided to use the larger Morel mount, and mold it as best as possible:







The smaller cup:



And the larger mount:

 
After filler and some rough sanding:



Some more sanding and additional filler for shaping:



Test fit the tweeter:



 
Here is the progress as of right now:



As you can see there is a seam and some sanding marks still showing through. Trying to make this all seamless and sand-scratch-free if possible:



 
Woohoo! The calls and cries that echoed from near and far have been answered, finally there is a method to the madness, a means to an end, an inevitable slow in the ever changing list of gear..........that's right.....chit has a build log! Awesome chit.....consider me tuned in.....

Oh, and you only have till november......so hurry the fuck up.....lmao.
 
Yeah no doubt! That's why I'm reaching out to the community here to help me if possible. Needing as many tips and tricks as I can learn to have this baby ready to go in November.

Any ideas on those sail panels? I assume just more filler, and switch to a finer grain of paper - using 220 grit right now, and of course it feels smooth as a baby's bottom, but the scratches still show through.

Plus I get to tackle these next:





 
Thanks lady! You've got just as much inspiration into this build as anyone else on here. The motivation to finish is wonderful.

Got some great recommendations from our resident advisor again on how to fix those sail panels. Will be picking up some different items to help smooth them out soon.

Also have some fab work to finish up on the dash kit as well. Had an old one laying around from the Forester build, which should work out perfect. The Zapco DRC-SL controller I plan on using is wider than an aftermarket radio, and since this piece fills the gap around where the factory radio was, looks like it's a good fit.





You can see the DRC-SL is just a tad wider:



Cutting out to accommodate the DRC-SL faceplate:

 
Thank you - shopping for radios right now. Kenwood KDC-X997 is at the top of the list so far. Just wish there was something better to match up with that DRC-SL
 
I do not know this from experience but it seems like some high build primer will help remove those fine sanding scratches.
 
Thank you sir! It was suggested to try a glazing putty, and switch brands of filler primer I was using. Hopefully will have more updates soon with better results :)
 
Oh, anyone with some awesome head unit recommendations - it's funny to want those three requirements. I've only used Bluetooth once since having the car just to make sure it worked. USB though, it gets used every day. Only have three CD's in the car, and they are used if the thumb drive is removed to swap songs and I forget to put it back in the car. Steering wheel controls, yeah man. What a lifesaver.

Is it so much to ask... to have frickin' sexy good looks, with frickin' Bluetooth and USB, and frickin' steering wheel controls...

KDDyhr5.gif
 
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Decided on a Kenwood KDC-X998 for the head unit. It meets all the requirements, and is the best looking to me out of all the new single din offerings.

Worked on the dash kit a bit today. Still needs a bit more trimming to set the DRC-SL in further, but I'm pretty happy with the way it's turning out so far. Then will fill, sand, and paint the trim piece to a more factory appearance.



Mostly worked on the sail panels today. Sand, fill, sand, fill, sand, fill, sand... etc.

Ugly as sin at this point, but super smooth. Just a bit more sanding to do, then will start with the filler primer, sand, spray, sand, spray, sand... etc. as suggested above:



 
Making progress......... Looks like the sails should be blemish free this time! Also looking forward to seeing the Kenwood paired up with the zapco controller.......
 
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