SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Misha Design Widebody Kit Build Thread SEMA 2010 Completion
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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SL55, S500
Wow, I always wondered how these promo deals work.
DO you get to keep the whole sound system free since they are using your car to promote it? Do you have to pay half price? Or do they even pay you on top of giving you the free system? ^^
DO you get to keep the whole sound system free since they are using your car to promote it? Do you have to pay half price? Or do they even pay you on top of giving you the free system? ^^
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
iForged Project SL Audio Build
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
Day 2 Project SL Audio Build
Day 2 has been all about the amp and wiring display. Here Is the base for the wiring display
Once the base is made the caps and distribution blocks are laid out
After that we made a template of the floor to cover over the wiring. This panel will have a cutout that will show the wiring display
The upper panel will support the amplifiers. Here is another in progress picture as we line up the equipment
Here we have drilled all the holes for the wiring getting the panel ready to laminate
Once laminated we will start mounting all the wiring blocks and capacitors. It’s now time to wit up the blocks before put the panel in the car.
Here we are wiring the caps and. Distribution blocks.
Here is the display sitting in the car finished.
Here is the trim panel over the display
Here is the amp board with the laminate cut to fit.
Here is the amp board with the laminate cut to fit.
Frames are made around the outside edge of the panel to support the upper trim which will trim off the amplifiers and our wiring display
Our template for our bottom panel is now the base for our top trim also. With a few sizing modifications we will use the old template to now make the outside shape of our upper trim panel
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
Day 2 Project SL Audio Build
Day 2 has been all about the amp and wiring display. Here Is the base for the wiring display
Once the base is made the caps and distribution blocks are laid out
After that we made a template of the floor to cover over the wiring. This panel will have a cutout that will show the wiring display
The upper panel will support the amplifiers. Here is another in progress picture as we line up the equipment
Here we have drilled all the holes for the wiring getting the panel ready to laminate
Once laminated we will start mounting all the wiring blocks and capacitors. It’s now time to wit up the blocks before put the panel in the car.
Here we are wiring the caps and. Distribution blocks.
Here is the display sitting in the car finished.
Here is the trim panel over the display
Here is the amp board with the laminate cut to fit.
Here is the amp board with the laminate cut to fit.
Frames are made around the outside edge of the panel to support the upper trim which will trim off the amplifiers and our wiring display
Our template for our bottom panel is now the base for our top trim also. With a few sizing modifications we will use the old template to now make the outside shape of our upper trim panel
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
iForged Project SL Audio Build
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://fiercecaraudio.com/
Day 3 – upper amp rack and wrapping amp panels
Once our template is finished we copied it onto a piece of 1/2 inch mdf to make the top layer of our upper trim
Once our amp and wiring window were marked they were cutout using the router for our square openings and a jigsaw for the other shape
As you can see the upper middle window is cut larger to give the wiring rack below more depth and look correct
3 more shapes were added to the panel to fill in the large void of empty space and give a more 3d pop to the upper trim.
After we duplicated the top panel we added some detail using a 45 router but around our openings. After some final detail sanding these panels will be ready to wrap
After we duplicated the top panel we added some detail using a 45 router but around our openings. After some final detail sanding these panels will be ready to wrap
Now that everything is cutout and sanded smooth we are ready to wrap panels
Now that everything is cutout and sanded smooth we are ready to wrap panels
One panel down. This panel is the base of our top panel and wrapped in mercedes black OEM vinyl. The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://fiercecaraudio.com/
Day 3 – upper amp rack and wrapping amp panels
Once our template is finished we copied it onto a piece of 1/2 inch mdf to make the top layer of our upper trim
Once our amp and wiring window were marked they were cutout using the router for our square openings and a jigsaw for the other shape
As you can see the upper middle window is cut larger to give the wiring rack below more depth and look correct
3 more shapes were added to the panel to fill in the large void of empty space and give a more 3d pop to the upper trim.
After we duplicated the top panel we added some detail using a 45 router but around our openings. After some final detail sanding these panels will be ready to wrap
After we duplicated the top panel we added some detail using a 45 router but around our openings. After some final detail sanding these panels will be ready to wrap
Now that everything is cutout and sanded smooth we are ready to wrap panels
Now that everything is cutout and sanded smooth we are ready to wrap panels
One panel down. This panel is the base of our top panel and wrapped in mercedes black OEM vinyl. The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
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SL55 Widebody
One panel down. This panel is the base of our top panel and wrapped in mercedes black OEM vinyl. The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
One panel down. This panel is the base of our top panel and wrapped in mercedes black OEM vinyl. The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
One panel down. This panel is the base of our top panel and wrapped in mercedes black OEM vinyl.
The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
Almost done wrapping just 2 more windows to go in the upper panel. Things are starting to look finished now
Here is our complete top trim looking sexy and ready for it’s new home
Here is our complete top trim looking sexy and ready for it’s new home
Here are the side Trims that go below the top panel to support it and trim off the amp section of our display
One panel down. This panel is the base of our top panel and wrapped in mercedes black OEM vinyl. The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
One panel down. This panel is the base of our top panel and wrapped in mercedes black OEM vinyl.
The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
The next panel is the top which will sit over the base panel to create our top trim.
Almost done wrapping just 2 more windows to go in the upper panel. Things are starting to look finished now
Here is our complete top trim looking sexy and ready for it’s new home
Here is our complete top trim looking sexy and ready for it’s new home
Here are the side Trims that go below the top panel to support it and trim off the amp section of our display
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
Here are the side Trims that go below the top panel to support it and trim off the amp section of our display
Here are the side Trims that go below the top panel to support it and trim off the amp section of our display
Our laminate piece that we routed out yesterday is now ready to be attached to our amp trim
Our laminate piece that we routed out yesterday is now ready to be attached to our amp trim
Our laminate piece that we routed out yesterday is now ready to be attached to our amp trim
Now we Have attached all the pieces together and the trunk panels are Now shaping up nicely
Our bottom panel of the lower part Of the amp rack needs to be trimmed on both side so you don’t see any reflections from the neon lighting going in the lower rack
Our bottom panel of the lower part Of the amp rack needs to be trimmed on both side so you don’t see any reflections from the neon lighting going in the lower rack
Here is our base panel in the car and now we are ready to screw our lower panels together
Here is our amp rack base together and upholstered
Here are the side Trims that go below the top panel to support it and trim off the amp section of our display
Our laminate piece that we routed out yesterday is now ready to be attached to our amp trim
Our laminate piece that we routed out yesterday is now ready to be attached to our amp trim
Our laminate piece that we routed out yesterday is now ready to be attached to our amp trim
Now we Have attached all the pieces together and the trunk panels are Now shaping up nicely
Our bottom panel of the lower part Of the amp rack needs to be trimmed on both side so you don’t see any reflections from the neon lighting going in the lower rack
Our bottom panel of the lower part Of the amp rack needs to be trimmed on both side so you don’t see any reflections from the neon lighting going in the lower rack
Here is our base panel in the car and now we are ready to screw our lower panels together
Here is our amp rack base together and upholstered
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
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SL55 Widebody
As you can see our amplifiers are not the same size. In order to keep thing symetical our tip panel has 2 windows the exact same size for the amps
With the amp cover on
with cover over
Here is a picture with the top down. That’s it for day 3
With the amp cover on
with cover over
Here is a picture with the top down. That’s it for day 3
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
iForged Project SL Audio Build
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://fiercecaraudio.com/
Day 5 and 6 Creating the Sub Enclosure behind the seats
The day will start out with first removing the rear section of the arm rest.
The day will start out with first removing the rear section of the arm rest.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
The console starts simply with 2 pieces of wood
Now the panels are Marked To support our Middle Brace That will Join both pieces.
Now the panels are Marked To support our Middle Brace That will Join both pieces.
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://fiercecaraudio.com/
Day 5 and 6 Creating the Sub Enclosure behind the seats
The day will start out with first removing the rear section of the arm rest.
The day will start out with first removing the rear section of the arm rest.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
A wooden board is made On both left and right side to give us a base to screw Down our enclosure. Aluminum brackets were made to support the board and bolt It into factory panel screw holes.
The console starts simply with 2 pieces of wood
Now the panels are Marked To support our Middle Brace That will Join both pieces.
Now the panels are Marked To support our Middle Brace That will Join both pieces.
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Once the mounts are Done a window is made for the opening To only show our xovers
Our window starts out as flat pieces of Wood and is sanded To the curve of our console
Now were going to mold the console to the factory rear panel that sits next to the armrest compartment.
Now were going to mold the console to the factory rear panel that sits next to the armrest compartment.
Now were going to mold the console to the factory rear panel that sits next to the armrest compartment.
Once The bond dries its Sanded to shape. The console lid is then molded And sanded to give us a Nice contour.
Once The bond dries its Sanded to shape. The console lid is then molded And sanded to give us a Nice contour.
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Now that we have a joined Framework for our console. We will be adding mounts For our xovers
Once the mounts are Done a window is made for the opening To only show our xovers
Our window starts out as flat pieces of Wood and is sanded To the curve of our console
Now were going to mold the console to the factory rear panel that sits next to the armrest compartment.
Now were going to mold the console to the factory rear panel that sits next to the armrest compartment.
Now were going to mold the console to the factory rear panel that sits next to the armrest compartment.
Once The bond dries its Sanded to shape. The console lid is then molded And sanded to give us a Nice contour.
Once The bond dries its Sanded to shape. The console lid is then molded And sanded to give us a Nice contour.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
iForged Project SL Audio Build
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://www.fiercecaraudio.com/
http://www.kenwoodusa.com
Day 7 is all about the rear speaker mounts. Here you see the beginning template for our rear panels.
We are going to make lots of copies to build the frame and grill for the speakers
We are going to make lots of copies to build the frame and grill for the speakers
Now that we have completed our speaker grills and frame we are going to cut out the speaker holes in our base plate and mount them to the side of our console.
Next were going to work on our sub enclosures.
We dont have a lot of room so were building some very small boxes for these subwoofers. The speakers have in inverse magnet which let’s you mount them in some really tight spaces
Once the boxes are mounted the top speaker panel is braced to the box and now we are going to make an outer trim to flush the subwoofer.
Here we are at the end of day 7 and we have got the base for our back panel completed. Tomorrow will be molding of our panels
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://www.fiercecaraudio.com/
http://www.kenwoodusa.com
Day 7 is all about the rear speaker mounts. Here you see the beginning template for our rear panels.
We are going to make lots of copies to build the frame and grill for the speakers
We are going to make lots of copies to build the frame and grill for the speakers
Now that we have completed our speaker grills and frame we are going to cut out the speaker holes in our base plate and mount them to the side of our console.
Next were going to work on our sub enclosures.
We dont have a lot of room so were building some very small boxes for these subwoofers. The speakers have in inverse magnet which let’s you mount them in some really tight spaces
Once the boxes are mounted the top speaker panel is braced to the box and now we are going to make an outer trim to flush the subwoofer.
Here we are at the end of day 7 and we have got the base for our back panel completed. Tomorrow will be molding of our panels
Last edited by Cyan 740i; Nov 30, 2010 at 02:24 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
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SL55 Widebody
Day 8 – our time is getting crunched as we get closer to the latter half of the install. The panels in the back require a tremendous amount of molding for Them to be ready to wrap in vinyl.
Here we have added a chipboard filler to close the opening between the speaker panel and the sub box. We will be filling the gaps with marglass
As you can see I have also added a detail window on the console side to give the console som flavor. The upholstery in the back will be two tone like the trunk panels using grey and black mb texture vinyl.
Now we are ready to mold our panels to the car interior and create the illusion that these are all factory panels
Once the panel dries it will be removed from the car and it’s back to sanding.
Now that we are close to done with one side we are going to start the same process all over again on the other enclosure. These boxes by no means are easy. The pictures are Deceiving as just one side has take over 10 hours to finish from the beginning of the molding process to the ready to upholstery stage.
Here we have added a chipboard filler to close the opening between the speaker panel and the sub box. We will be filling the gaps with marglass
As you can see I have also added a detail window on the console side to give the console som flavor. The upholstery in the back will be two tone like the trunk panels using grey and black mb texture vinyl.
Now we are ready to mold our panels to the car interior and create the illusion that these are all factory panels
Once the panel dries it will be removed from the car and it’s back to sanding.
Now that we are close to done with one side we are going to start the same process all over again on the other enclosure. These boxes by no means are easy. The pictures are Deceiving as just one side has take over 10 hours to finish from the beginning of the molding process to the ready to upholstery stage.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
Again we are Making insertable grills for our rear spears as well as some extras which will get sent out for a real carbon fiber overlay
Here we are 12 hours later at the end of day 8. The Box on the passenger side has only begun to be molded.
Here we are 12 hours later at the end of day 8. The Box on the passenger side has only begun to be molded.
Last edited by Cyan 740i; Nov 30, 2010 at 01:19 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
SL55 AMG
Holy crap by the time this build is done it would have WAY more $$$ sunk in it than the cost of the car 
! It is one unigue whip for sure though. THe only thing now is that with the added unsprung weight of the bigger wheels/tires etc...and now the audio system..extra weight on an already heavy as crap car...it's gonna take away from the performance of the car making it more show and less go
! It is one unigue whip for sure though. THe only thing now is that with the added unsprung weight of the bigger wheels/tires etc...and now the audio system..extra weight on an already heavy as crap car...it's gonna take away from the performance of the car making it more show and less go
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
SL65
Holy crap by the time this build is done it would have WAY more $$$ sunk in it than the cost of the car ! It is one unigue whip for sure though. THe only thing now is that with the added unsprung weight of the bigger wheels/tires etc...and now the audio system..extra weight on an already heavy as crap car...it's gonna take away from the performance of the car making it more show and less go
! It is one unigue whip for sure though. THe only thing now is that with the added unsprung weight of the bigger wheels/tires etc...and now the audio system..extra weight on an already heavy as crap car...it's gonna take away from the performance of the car making it more show and less goBadass build! Glad it was on an SL platform and done tastefully/right. Appreciate the great/detailed pics of the build process - very engulfing.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
iForged Project SL Audio Build
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://fiercecaraudio.com/
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/
http://www.rchdesigns.com/
Kenwood Gear arrived today
Kenwood Excelon DNX9960 Head Unit
Kenwood KCA-iP301V iPod Adapter
Kenwood CMOS-300 CMOS-300 Multi View Camera
Day ten is here and it’s the final crunch time. First order of the day Is to start the wiring process and finish wrapping our other sub/speaker box.
Day ten is here and it’s the final crunch time. First order of the day Is to start the wiring process and finish wrapping our other sub/speaker box.
With box 2 almost done with the vinyl wrap it’s time to prep the car for installation off our rear boxes.
My base on the passenger side was cutout to allow access to the factory fuses below.
Once that was done the speakers were wired up and installed and our sub box was screwed down to our base plate and the console to ensure the stay in place.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Anderson connector being wired so the car can get power at CES
Stereo Project Countdown.
Full CES build in 11 Days
Installer: Frank Sbrocca and his team at Traffic Jams in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.diamondaudio.com/
http://fiercecaraudio.com/
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/
http://www.rchdesigns.com/
Kenwood Gear arrived today
Kenwood Excelon DNX9960 Head Unit
Kenwood KCA-iP301V iPod Adapter
Kenwood CMOS-300 CMOS-300 Multi View Camera
Day ten is here and it’s the final crunch time. First order of the day Is to start the wiring process and finish wrapping our other sub/speaker box.
Day ten is here and it’s the final crunch time. First order of the day Is to start the wiring process and finish wrapping our other sub/speaker box.
With box 2 almost done with the vinyl wrap it’s time to prep the car for installation off our rear boxes.
My base on the passenger side was cutout to allow access to the factory fuses below.
Once that was done the speakers were wired up and installed and our sub box was screwed down to our base plate and the console to ensure the stay in place.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Lot’s of wiring going on right now on day 10. Were getting close to done and are almost ready to start wiring our amp rack in the trunk.
Anderson connector being wired so the car can get power at CES
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
SL55 Widebody
Next were wrapping our sub and rear speaker pods
Next were wrapping our sub and rear speaker pods
Wiring up the amp rack and the caps
Kenwood Headunit is in with custom double din enclosure
Last piece to be fabricated. Rear Panel to cover the sub enclosure.
Picture with the neon. It really shows off the depth of the amp rack
Rear Panel covers getting glassed
System was finished at 8am in the morning. Photo Shoot was scheduled at RCH in Huntington Beach at 2pm. We still had to weld the exhaust tips, put the wheels back on, and get the car detailed
5th flat bed trip in the last month for the SL. Heading back from LA to my office
At RCH Designs for the PAS Cover Photo Shoot
New Exhaust Tips and BASF Liquid Metal Pinstripe were added to the Carbon Fiber Wheel Lips
More shots from photo shoot at RCH
More shots from photo shoot at RCH
More shots from photo shoot at RCH
Ryan from RCH doing some post process work
Next were wrapping our sub and rear speaker pods
Wiring up the amp rack and the caps
Kenwood Headunit is in with custom double din enclosure
Last piece to be fabricated. Rear Panel to cover the sub enclosure.
Picture with the neon. It really shows off the depth of the amp rack
Rear Panel covers getting glassed
System was finished at 8am in the morning. Photo Shoot was scheduled at RCH in Huntington Beach at 2pm. We still had to weld the exhaust tips, put the wheels back on, and get the car detailed
5th flat bed trip in the last month for the SL. Heading back from LA to my office
At RCH Designs for the PAS Cover Photo Shoot
New Exhaust Tips and BASF Liquid Metal Pinstripe were added to the Carbon Fiber Wheel Lips
More shots from photo shoot at RCH
More shots from photo shoot at RCH
More shots from photo shoot at RCH
Ryan from RCH doing some post process work
Last edited by Cyan 740i; Dec 2, 2010 at 06:04 AM.
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