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Why is it the more I like it, the more she hates it?

For starters I'd plan out everything before you removed the first scerw or cut your first piece of wood.

I'd probably start by pulling the carpet out of the vehicle, finding a good match for it and plan on replacing the entire rear portion, the current carpet will not have enough pliability to cover the additional height of the new floor. Then make a cardboard mock-up of the proposed new rack, paying extra attention to the contours of the floor getting as close as possible, for the absolute best fit.

The floor area of the entire rack and surrounding bezel area, should be at least 2" wider and taller than that of the actual mounting area that will remain visible when the project is completed. This will allow you to slope the sides into the surrounding floor, remember to keep the area around any mounting holes clear, and well marked during the entire construction process, you don't want any necessary access denied when you're done.If you can allow a wider floor trim, then do so, it will lessen the visual impact of the addition to the floor.

As far as depth is concerned, this will depend on the product that will be showcased inside the new rack. Try to keep it to a minimum, even with careful planning and good construction techniques, this thing will get really big when you start adding depth.

And finally, remember to build in some sort of cooling system, for this project to look cool you're going to need to keep the profile as low as possible. Give some consideration to using a product like the Dynamat Extreme, the aluminum laminate will really help to keep the heat from under the car rising up and heating your amplifiers for you. A space this shallow will have little air circulating in it to help keep amps cool, build in fans to pull air in and push air out, this will keep the system running cool.

As is usually the case, there are too many other things to cover, but if you plan right and consider everything, you'll be able to work it all out before you get started on what will no doubt be an awesome rack. If you need more info or other ideas let me know, I'll do what I can.

As far as the Dynamat Extreme, I was planning on ordering the B-Quiet Extreme. Is this product just as good? The web site says it is.

Also when you stated the fact of replacing the rear carpet, I had that in mind already. Like you said it wouldnt be pliable enough to add the extra dimensions in there. How would I get a seamless look though from the front carpet to the rear carpet? Would I just use some carpet tape and Iron like you would for your house or what?

Appreciate all your help on this. I am not even ready to start this project yet still a couple months away, but the way I figure it, if I got all my plans on paper and think my way though it a million times before it gets here I shouldnt encounter any problems. For me it's all about doing it right the first time and making it look spectacular.

Thanks for all your help and patience.

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Why is it the more I like it, the more she hates it?

Any insulating mastic will help to keep the heat down. What's important is the foil, this is what reflects the extra heat.

As for how and where to seam the carpet, the seaming tape should work, but a strip of linen or broadcloth and some contact cement will work as well. Use the cloth to join the two pieces of carpet together, remember to verify the direction of the carpets bias(natural direction of fiber lay). Another thing to try is placing the seam under the front seats, there will be less possibility of anyone noticing a seam in that location.

L8,
Mike

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Why is it the more I like it, the more she hates it?