Classic Nation

After a few years of sitting around and getting wet, many rear window seals start to leak. When this happens, water gets into the car and ruins the interior. My car has a very small leak, but it was enough to warp a new rear parcel shelf that I had purchased from Year One a few years back. These original pieces were made our of a cardboard-like material, so I decided to fabricate one.

First, I bought a 8′x4′ sheet of 1/4″ particle type of board. I bought it at Home Depot, but this type of material can be found at almost any lumber or building supply store. I got 1/4″ because I wanted it to be light but easy to work with. I then took my old piece out and used it as a template to cut the shape out of the wood. I used a jig saw to make the cuts, being careful not to cut too small.
Once I did this, I put the piece in place to see how it would fit. Perfect!
I then crawled in the trunk with a pencil and marked where the speaker holes were. Previously, I had opened the factory holes to allow my 6×9s to fit. Since I was going to be getting a new parcel shelf, I treated myself to a set of brand new Infinity Kappa 6×9s as well.

With this all done, it was time to do the carpeting. Since I have a black interior, I used black carpeting. I elected to use the thin, speaker-grade carpeting, as it molds better and is easier to work with. Also, the stock floor carpeting (80/20 loop) would definitely look out of place. I covered the entire panel and folded the carpeting around the edges, overlapping the back about 4″ all the way around. I then stapled and used spray adhesive to keep it in place. Around the edges, I would cut slits so that the carpet would lay flat. For the speaker holes, I poked a hole in the center and made cuts in every direction to meet the wood. I then folded these flaps back and staples and glued them as well.
With this piece done, I was almost ready to go. I first put in a thick piece of juke padding down to help insulate and help with sound.
The piece fit perfectly and looks great.

By: Nick E