dodge Caliber 07 1st fab

BlacOrkhiD · 05-04-2007, 12:23 PM

I'm new to this forum and I just started fab on my caliber. I never
did any custom fab work before but im good with my hands and i can
follow good direction. Any help is appreciated. the first thing i did was
cut the bezel and epoxy the screen frame. Im planning on fabbing a
kenwood HU under the screen.

should i fill 2 holes on the sides with bondo or something else?

MGD · 05-04-2007, 12:33 PM

Use plastic weld. That much bondo will crack.

BlacOrkhiD · 05-05-2007, 10:52 AM

thanks the plastic weld did the trick. not quite done yet im building up a couple layers. here's a pic of the radio cage fab. using the plastic weld also, it came out very strong. the HU is pretty lightweight so i dont think i'll have any problems.

BlacOrkhiD · 05-05-2007, 11:28 AM

another pic

BlacOrkhiD · 05-06-2007, 10:50 AM

moving along i applied my 1st layer of bondo and sanded it down using 80 and 320 grit sandpaper. it looks alright but how can i get it to smooth out?

Dennis5587 · 05-07-2007, 08:56 AM

looks pretty good, gonna be nice when you're done... why keep the h.u.?

BlacOrkhiD · 05-07-2007, 09:30 AM

just finished last layer of bondo, i got it as smooth as i could. i'll shape it alittle more then prep for primer. i kept the HU cause i really dont want to have a amp.

Gemini3rdeye · 05-07-2007, 05:14 PM

So far so good! Keep it up!

BlacOrkhiD · 05-07-2007, 06:53 PM

thanks gemini, i just finished the primer. it came out very clean. im going to sand it a bit and prep for painting tommorow morning. I purchased paint from automotivetouchup.com. instead of painting silver I got color coded
inferno red paint to match the exterior of the car. I also got a clear coat paint
to give it high gloss and protection.

BlacOrkhiD · 05-08-2007, 09:24 AM

primed ready for paint!

BlacOrkhiD · 05-08-2007, 09:26 AM

paint came out good could have been alittle better overall im pleased at the outcome. this is before the clear coat

BlacOrkhiD · 05-08-2007, 09:36 AM

i did like 4 layers of clear coat. they all came out excellent except for the last coat. i got a small run down the left side. nothing major but im not in the mood to try and fix it. mounted the xenarc and found i didnt leave enough room for the back cover to fit. i will dremel it later. also primed and painted the shifter bezel witch came out clean w/ 3 coats.

turbocad6 · 05-08-2007, 09:43 AM

looks good man, might want to check out the next local meet & show it off

john05srt4 · 05-08-2007, 10:34 AM

Nice worklog.. good job on the fab.

BlacOrkhiD · 05-10-2007, 12:44 AM

my fab is complete. just want to thank this forum for all the helpful info.