LED lit Plexiglass - Install Light up Panels in your Car Audio Builds CarAudioFabrication

CarAudioFabrication shows how you can use light up plexiglass in a car audio install to accent the build. It can be used on a fiberglass sub box , on an ampliier rack, and more. These custom car fabrication techniques will definitely help you take your install to the next level.
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CarAudioFabrication - The Secrets of Car Audio Revealed

[@kapriece]

I used plexiglass in a door panel. Underneath the plexiglass we used a stretch fabric against the back side instead of sanding. We also cover the wood on the bottom with aluminum foil to spread/break-up the light. It makes the light-source look centered and seem brighter.

[@JonathanDFielding]

Hint! If you have ever taken apart an old monitor and gotten down to the back lit screen you will notice that the imperfections that they put in the plexiglass are more dense in the middle than on the outside. This causes the light that is bouncing back and forth inside the plexiglass to hit less of the outer imperfections, which caused the light to then reflect outward, and allows a more even amount of light to be distributed throughout the entire panel. If you noticed when he turned on the LEDs it was more intense around the outside edge and the light was not as intense in the middle. I think that if he did less sanding on the outer sides and more sanding in the middle then the light might look more uniform from outer to inner. Great job though!

[@aplusdesigners]

It's great to see these older videos and compare them to the newer videos to see where you started with the older tables and the smaller router table, then to today's really nice shop, large working surfaces, router lifts ,etc. Love your videos Mark. Keep up the great work.

[@clayteets6653]

I plan to use plexi today for the first time. I'm going to use it for my access hole in my first successfully built forth order sub enclosure. This is the 3rd enclosure that I have built but it is the first one that acctually sounds and looks good. between CarAudioFabrication and Steve Meade's youtube pages you guys keep me inspired. Thanks for the videos. Keep them coming.

[@kimjorgensen24]

Once used plexi years ago on a sub box, actually with lighting. Watching your brilliant ideas and exceptional finish, I have to take my next project "to the next level" :-) Have a whole car to do from scratch. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@93da9teg]

I used plexiglass on a few subwoofer boxes useing 1/4 inch 1/2 inch and 1 inch thick glass love watching all your videos mark keep them up !!👍👍👍👍😊

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks! They take a ton of work so I appreciate your thumbs and shares! Thanks!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it, spread the word to your people!

[@joshdye5727]

My first custom fiberglass install was in my girlfriend's '94 Lumina. Did and etched plexi butterfly in the amp rack to match her tattoo... It actually worked out great. The relationship...not so much. Anyway, I agree with you on the plexi vs. acrylic or other medium. It chips off way too easily. Keep up the good stuff man.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You have to really bolt the stuff down! Total pita! I hate using it for windows but the visual results def pay off. Thanks for watching and posting! You da man

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You have the right idea, taking the time to do something like this can reallyput an install over the edge. What are you running system wise? Just curious. Thank you for watching!

[@RYDENROAM72]

i have used plexiglass before on a sub box but not lighted. but watching this video i would want to use this technique on the bed of my truck with an RF and my Initials Logo in blue. Thanks mark for your channel and all of your vids. i have learned many things of fiber glassing, templates and just Mobile Audio fab.

[@joelbaron1683]

awsome techniques and presentation. iv'e been installing for 20 + years and am impressed at your patient willingness to walk people through this skilled endless art....

[@xcalibercustoms]

I actually took plexi and cut out a hole to mount speaker then mounted the other end to wood ring and mounted less along the edge to light it up... Love your videos man... great work...

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Are you wanting to use plexiglass on a future install? How about some back lit? Watch this video and learn how you can integrate it into a panel within your install. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2ncdZxup7h8nsU

[@BenTvHowman]

I would love to use this technique to highlight a merch table at a music gig :)

[@agrijag7536]

I'm planning on building a 4th order bandpass box for two RF 12" P2's. I want to get a piece of plexiglass to put onto the front of the sealed portion of the box, and am planning on getting an etched-style logo to stick onto the plexiglass portion, then I want to light it from the edges so that the logo lights up, but no other parts (except for the very edges) do.

[@kylevad9943]

+CarAudioFabrication I've used plexi for a bandpass sub box for a 12" kicker comp

[@KDD8]

+CarAudioFabrication 7:09 years of practice

[@sMASHsound]

hey, have u done, instead of sanding the transparent material, u route/etch a design onto its surface? I would expect the etching to catch the light, as the led light should permeate through the plexi like fiber optics.

[@oliverreiff777]

Glad I saw this video! It has given me a great idea for a customer's 1951 chevy fleetline that I'm building a custom interior for. I'd send you a few pix if I knew where to send them! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS!

[@thechevyKing1]

Im going to use this technique in my van that I am doing. Im going to do a video on youtube of the finished product in the near future so stay posted!

[@WhitentonMike]

I've done a pair of polycarbonate light bars. The way I did it was way too complicated. I flush mounted the poly, built a light box behind the opening and mounted a computer LED light tube. I tried sanding the poly but couldn't workout the right grit so I took them back to clear with 2000 grit and used frosted glass paint like you'd use on a bathroom window. It would have been much easier if I'd known about the template techniques. My next box is going to be awesome! Thanks Mark!

[@danwright2665]

Thank you for the informative video. I am starting a build on a vehicle that i inherited, wont go into detail on the situation behind the vehicle but I am former military and lost a brother in arms so this build is for WOUNDED WARRIOR AWARENESS.going to be putting plexi inserts into the door panels with the W.W. Logo in the center. I found this video and will be using your cool techniques to do this. Will post pics for you after they are done. Thank you for all the knowledgable videos that are going to help me with this build!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Me too! It really helps me make future videos as you well know.

[@SeanMolby]

Yes, subwoofer enclosure. Love your videos, very well done. I wish we had something like this back in the 90's, we had to learn the hard way. Keep up the good work.

[@workaholic7600]

I used plexi glass in the floor board of my trunk. I installed my amplifiers in the spare tire slot on abs board and my meds are actually in groove slots on bottom side shining down on amplifiers and wiring as seeing through the plexi. Learned everything on this site & 5 star

[@Wickstacular]

Awesome work as always, Sir! I have an acrylic window on the back of my sub box to let you see the motors from the trunk, along with some internal LEDs in the box and a mirrored bottom plate. Also BTW, if people don't want to sand the plexi to get the opaque effect, there is glass "Frosting Spray" which gives the same effect and isn't very expensive.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Yeah buddy! Thank you so much! Thats going to keep my channel alive! Its so much easier to make these videos knowing that Im not LOSING money on them!

[@gymmy972]

I used plexiglass to make tweeter mounting brackets in the stock location in the doors of my tacoma. Worked pretty well, but it plexi i used was really thin, so it kept cracking. Scoring it and snapping it worked better than trying to cut it with a jig saw.

[@WickedMoto]

I'm going to be using this technique and idea for my future door pods I'm going to be making that will house the led lights, the plexiglass sanded like you showed, an 8" midbass, 6.5" midrange, and 1" tweeter on each of the front doors.

[@BeefaloBart]

I have used plexy only for viewing areas for amp racks and speakers. Been some time since I have done any higher end installs but used neon and small bulbs to add lighting to them. Also engraved names on painted plexy to fill unused dash areas and put symbols or names lit with LED.

[@Grindtallic]

This is awesome great job, I signed up for your Patreon, its crazy all the perks you have over there! More people should do it!

[@randyhunt7585]

I have used plexiglass on a center console/sub box. I am planning to build a sub enclosure for my sons 2006 Tahoe that will consist of two 15" DC Audio level 4 subs. I want to incorporate a veiwing window with some sort of LED lighting. I have not began the project yet but I am starting to gather materials. At least things I know I will need. I'm in no hurry and I want to do a really good job. I enjoy your videos. You are very talented. Thanks for your videos.

[@jimg4521]

now were talking! thanks for the vids. will be looking forward to start my custom set ups in my 2 rides!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks Mentalist! I appreciate your support!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you! Did you have a chance to check out Patreon yet? Lots of great perks and will help me make future videos.

[@scottnuftul1840]

amazing video as usual. My system has gone from a clean basic to more advanced and with the lighting and fiberglass techniques... it is out of this world. I plan on edge lighting a "dark knight" bat symbol out of plexiglass with a vinyl wrapped wooden face and putting that over a pair of subs. I'd post a pic but I don't know how.....lol keep up the good work Mark. Video quality and editing have come a long way since you've started they are all awesome. ty again

[@Troy_Audi0]

I enjoy using frosted acrylic as a base for amp racks.. Add a trim of Aluminum and paint or black acrylic all polished up I love it!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Its some cheap little Ryobi set I got from Home depot lol, Im saving up for something better, but if you plan on only using it for a few installs it does the trick!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

The possibilities are endless with what can be done with it, hopefully this helps you get started. Did any ideas pop up when you first watched the video?

[@RussLyman]

Came out fantastic Mark. I love you. The possibilities of this are endless. I have used some plexy glass before in some installs just as accent lights. I hope to use this technique towards making a nice display piece for my girls car and maybe something new for my door panels in my car.

[@Malomex13]

Once again an awesome video Mark.... I'm going to use this technique on door panels I'm starting on.. You gave me a lot of helpful tips... Thank you for the help and I'm looking forward to supporting you on PATREON...

[@dsw_kat2693]

I've used Plexiglass to make trim plates around head units. Smoked plexi painted flat black on the backside shines like a mirror.

[@wal]

Super clean look, Mark! Just like my shiny bald head after a shave...LOL. I always wanted to do a sub box or portable stereo using plexi, just never did.

[@balleron24z]

man, what I'd give to have all of those tools! You did a killer job Mark, great design, and you make it look SO easy! Just about want to do this for a side of my enclosure so I can see the air movement inside my box!

[@Minotaurfrog]

I have used plexiglass on a few builds as a cool back to my sub boxes, where people can see the inner makings of the sub.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Looks nice man, thanks for watching!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Yup, but a different Russell. RussLymann to be exact, haha. But you can join my Patreon and I will call your name in the future, and love the support!

[@GimliTehDwarf]

SLAMMED THAT LIKE BUTTON SO HARD I THINK I BROKE IT...thats right all caps

[@vinikoffmusic]

Im nearly done with a custom build for the hatch in my nissan 300ZX. Ive used gold mirror plexiglass for the amp tray and have a clear plexiglass cover with Logo. Ive also used plexiglass acrylic tubing with spiralled LED strips installed through the centre to light the whole thing and with the gold mirror all over it really reflects the light all over. Id like to attach a photo but dont know how or if its possible.. maybe ill get a youtube video up instead.. Loving your videos, very cool..

[@preciseaudio]

Very nice technique. Will definitely try this out. Thanks Mark!

[@Sandman1832]

I haven't used it yet myself, but my buddy cut flames in to the side pieces of his 34 chevy coupes hood and used plexiglass and l.e.d lighting for the flame patterns he cut in both sides. He won best in show at 4 car shows including Carlisle car show in P.A, it was pretty sic looking. On his next project he is using polycarbonate behind the pattern he is going to cut out on the hood of his 1937 chevy truck, that should look awesome as well.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

No problem Mike, thanks for watching as always! Be sure to share pics with me, you have been watching my videos forever, you should be a pro by now!

[@JustEnufCustoms]

That was a really nice template and shape for the plexiglass back lit. I'm going to use something similar for my door panels to implement my car manufacture logo on it. Thx you showed me something new. keep up the good work Mark.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

That would be sweet. I plan on doing an "Edge Lit" Tutorial in the future. That would be nice for under some amps

[@89imp03]

I needed this video! I'm adding some back lit plexiglass to my door panels that I'm working on. Also used plexi on my sub box that I have now

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks man, it turned out sick. I like it. Thanks for posting!

[@evokevisualart9128]

Thanks - really helpful. I looked at this to get some ideas as to how to backlight some art on plexiglass.

[@allensailers3822]

I've used it for edge lit car seats with the padding just in the center it looks sweet got the idea from the mustang on KZbin so I made some for my own 98 mustang

[@pmsids]

Great stuff and I used plexi mostly on sub boxes back walls in trunks to show off subs lol works great just lexan in 3/4 thickness is not cheap !

[@JLanc1982]

Looking back on this video,You came along way Mark! 😎

[@loveaudio1236]

They inspire me too, these videos are freaking awesome man! A +++++

[@MeBeYours]

Sweet install man. Glad to see others are donating.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I see that! Thank you soo much, this really helps me get the materials for projects, I will get you added to the contributors list asap and add you to the credits of the video wen it comes out. Thanks again!

[@WattSmoke]

see thru sub boxes, console accents, door pod / kick accents, lit ipod / phone docks in a limo, Harley saddle bag radio accents..... the list goes on and on same with mirror backed or marbleized custom painted plexi accents. good work on the vid

[@NielsenSam7]

This is awesome, it's currently just inspiration for me but somewhere down the line I'd love to use these techniques to really bring an audio install to life. This particular thing I think would be great on a smaller scale as part of perhaps a sub box. Just a cool detail, solely to look epic.

[@GameTheNerd]

i have used it in my computer/gaming moding before but it was very remedial, i do plan on using it in exactly the way this video shows and in a box as a window. i know its a older video but oohwell.

[@davidtemple1]

Mark - I use Acrylic or Plexi-glass all the time in my customers installs as well as my own. Great Vids as always

[@paulsandin1539]

Just thinking how easy it would be to do this for an LED infinity mirror. Thanks for the good videos! Very easy to follow!

[@barryvanrijswijk7270]

My plan was to use this technique for my sub enclosure to cover up 2 amps, like a see-through window! On the richt side i wanted to place the sub, ported en pointed to the back of the car, and then on the left side, use the leftover space for the amps, sub and speaker amp. Hopefuly it works out like i hope it does! Fingers crossed

[@messylaura]

only used it for a set of custom taillights, converted 4 2006 vw passat lights to mount as bucket lights on a flat rear panel best moment, discovering i can mount 21w festoon bulbs inside the remaining light shell infront of the red led's to act as reverse lights, regular bulbs like the festoons just seem to work better than any led for that light throw for reversing like this vid, will be trying out for sure. thanks!

[@MrYosefi09]

Thanks for this video there isn’t any other videos showing how to cut led lights and make a run channel to install them cause I always wondered how led lights was ran in the consoles and speaker box door pods etc. now I can complete the project that I started 🙏 thanks

[@bigmacalacka]

Once again great video man. Great ideas and info every week

[@lion8354]

Good vid man! would love to see more videos with lighting!!!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Nice! What will you be putting them in? Thanks for watching!

[@MrDonohoo]

I once used plexi (actually I think it was acrylic) to make floating amp and eq racks, back in 1994...ish. I flame treated three edges of the plexi and installed neon lights on one edge that wasn't heated. The eqs were actually hanging from the ceiling, it looked pretty cool. I wish we had some that led crap back then. I think we had 32 sticks of neon on that truck lol. It won trophies and stuff. I wish I had pics of it :(

[@CarAudioFabrication]

If it was thick enough to support yes, if you re just using it as an accent then you could have holes through it and a piece of wood hidden behind it.

[@jasonothberg8728]

I am planning on using this technique with a custom enclosure for my floor board of my trunk where my spare tire goes.

[@mcharrison23]

The close up shots are nice, thanks.

[@corygilbert5666]

Awesome panel, it reminds me a lot of the glowing panels in halo, they have the same 'bumps' and glow in a similar fashion, really cool man.

[@gustavosalazar732]

That's bad ass u just taught me something that I've been wanting to know for quite some time

[@gregstart6997]

Nice job. Thanks for the tutorials.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

No problem! Im glad they are helping you out! Check out Patreon and return the favor ;)

[@Feelgoodie]

Mark. Another great , creative vid. Really nice to watch and learn in the process. Best regards from Poland.

[@tooldad8712]

going to build a cargo box for ATV and incorporate the bike's logo into the back light using plexiglass. Thanks for helping me take something boring into something awesome.

[@dcaudio1]

I love your videos. I just bought a new Honda Accord in silver and black and i am going to do a custom 2-10 sub box with components throughout. Im excited to start this project and have some tooling but certainly not your amount of tooling. Im looking to integrate the honda H logo and possible a small Raider badge as this will be my silver and black raider inspired car. Some lights, custom false wall, 2 10” Polk Audio memo subs with two kicker amps. Should be quite a build for me...maybe ill post pics when its done, but it will take a while as second skin will be used throughout as well.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks! I appreciate the view!

[@FirstnameLastname-kr1zs]

the possibilities are endless but for starters most definitely a speaker box/s but my center console annd the sides. I really want to light my floor boards up

[@Caliber747]

Used Polycarb on front of Sub Box and lit inside with Neon lights years ago. It was a three Mtx Blue Thunder 10 inch subs in a three chamber ported enclosure.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I didnt really mention it in the video but if you are just lighting it, you can use thin stuff, like an 1/8". Obviously if you are using it for a viewing window into a sub box it has to be thicker. But thats a different tutorial.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you! What will you be using this on? Or have you used it in the past?

[@kyle3420]

Dude, you could make any install look amazing with this backlit panel. I see why you made a tutorial on it

[@eystonaustin4988]

Awesome video man... Def learn a lot from your videos!!

[@mevana81]

looks awsome ... again :D i just used plexglass on computerprojects to enlight selfmade engravings... its quite similar, but the glass is only engraved and not sanded. i used once 2 layer to become a two colord engraving, but therefore i had to use thicker glass and put the leds directly into the border in a drill hole.

[@gibfortune]

Can you please make a video explaining how to hook the led up to the vehicle's power supply or an amp?

[@proshadowgamer7118]

I actually used a Plexiglas and a led build to light up my under-glow and my interior glow switches under my Rockford Fosgate Cd/Dvd player in my 2005 Sunfire

[@babehasse]

This was amazing! Im so gonna learn how to do these things as soon as I get a router :)

[@MichaelBrennan]

Great tips, thanks for the info, love the channel.

[@Kustomz1985]

I plan on using these methods very soon!!!

[@EdgarRodguez67]

More plexiglass techniques!!! I've used it on a sub box I made for my truck

[@Xpress_audio]

I think I am going to use this technique on my a pillars. Good shit Mark.

[@salatkurke]

Very nice tutorial!! Thank you!!

[@alanbolanon2635]

Yout amazing dude... great I found your channel

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks man! Put those skills to good use!