Adding Amps and Speakers to a Chevy Bel Air

[caption id="attachment_335" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="Chevy Bel Air"][/caption]

The Bel Air, which has become a favorite with hot rod restorers, debuted in 1953, when Chevy renamed its premium Deluxe model.

With this article, Jason Kraut of Car Audio Depot in Modesto, Calif., demonstrates how to add more “show” to a show vehicle. Kraut accomplishes a clean but effective audio installation on this crimson Bel Air.

[caption id="attachment_336" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="Classic cars weren’t originally equipped with much insulation, so sound deadening needed to be applied to all areas before any fabrication."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_337" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="A bandpass enclosure was built to allow the bass to fire up through the rear deck and into the listening area. Another advantage—no trunk rattles."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_338" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="An amplifier rack was then fabricated out of MDF in order to give the amps a sturdy mounting surface and mark a starting point for fiberglass work."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_339" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="The side panels of the trunk are contoured using ¼-inch MDF and stretched fleece material. Braces were used down the face of the fleece to reduce warping."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_340" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="Constructing rings with a router and using ½-inch MDF to brace, Jason is able to create a skeletal structure for the front panel. Nails and wood glue were used to secure the pieces."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_341" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="Wax tape is used to protect the amps and fleece is stretched in place. Resin can then be applied."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_342" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="The speaker was test fitted before the fiberglass chop gun was put into action. "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_343" align="alignnone" width="316" caption="The pieces are then wrapped in vinyl."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_344" align="alignnone" width="178" caption="Notice the rectangular area in the deck where the bandpass subwoofer enclosure will fire through."][/caption]