Bass is plentifully handled by 24 Dragster DWH-107 woofers, mounted in musically accurate, sealed enclosures arranged in a "push-pull" configuration to improve sonic quality and dynamics. Avoiding the usual medium density fiberboard for subwoofer cabinets, Bouzalas chose seven-ply Baltic birch plywood, which is the material of choice for stage cabinets forced to endure the torturous rigor associated with rock bands and roadies.
A total of six Dragster DH-3602 amplifiers rest on an aluminum framework, with routered and polished acrylic bulkheads. The angled arrangement of the amplifiers gives the appearance of the cylinder heads on a large V8 engine. Arranged in two rows below the amplifiers are 24 capacitors of 250,000 microfarads each, angled like pistons. Eight flexible exhaust pipes exit the sides of the amplifier array, but they're not there just for looks. Inside each heat formed ABS plastic manifold resides a small electric fan, directing a cool breeze toward the amplifiers. Directly below the "amplifier block" are wall-to-wall Surette Coast Guard batteries.
Wiring is clean and invisible everywhere except at the amp rack, where a somewhat random appearance of the wiring matches the routing of spark plug wires under the hood of a typical car.
Rather than use common neon lighting to accent the amplifier compartment, high tech polished metal halogen light fixtures direct several stark beams of light, reflecting aggressively off of the polished metal and chrome accents. These same halogen light fixtures serve as adjustable tweeter housings for the driver's system in the front of the van.
The unveiling of the finished project, minus a couple of last minute trim details occurred in March 2002 at a major spring audio and auto show in Toronto. Response to the vehicle was overwhelming as both spectators and press were mesmerized by the creation. This dragster attracted more attention parked than most do in the quarter mile...
(seevideo clips and additional installation photos at www.mobiledynamics.com/special.html)
Chris "Boozy" Bouzalas
Likely Canada's most eccentric vehicle customizer, Boozy has a long history as a professional installer with a penchant for "lunatic fringe" installations. How many other individuals would rig a '95 Harley Davidson Ultraglide motorcycle with a flip up LCD screen connected to both front and rear view cameras, and a subwoofer embedded under a shock isolated seat? Or build a subwoofer cabinet that contains foam skulls?
With over twenty years in the business as installer; tech support specialist with Clarion; amplifier manufacturer; and self-employed freelance installer, Chris went international by moving to Santa Cruz, CA to build a '58 Mercury Parklane into an IASCA winner. Other project vehicles include a '50 Merc, which also reveals his infatuation with mid-century cars. His own project car, a '47 Buick, has languished for years but Chris hopes to get back on the project soon.
The Dragster van is a rework of one of his earlier masterpieces. After being given the design criteria from his boss, Chris began to visualize an automotive theme built around lots of metal, Plexiglas and black and red paint, as he laboriously worked out all aspects of the design personally. He succeeded in producing an incredible example of demonstration art.
Where is he now? Still doing very custom work as he initiates a '55 Chevy project that will budget out at nearly $150,000 US for restoration and customizing. As well, he took a job in show business. Chris is using his uncontrollable imagination to contribute to the next martial arts mega movie, tentatively titled "Bulletproof Monks". This is my pick for an Oscar for special effects...