Hatch Craftiness
The rear hatch is now consumed by a beautifully crafted silver fiberglass amprack and subwoofer enclosure that also contains the rear fill drivers. Two JL Audio 13W6v2-D4 13" subs were molded into a custom MDF/fiberglass enclosure that features a hidden linear actuator that can open or close the port to tailor the bass response. For tighter, more accurate bass, the enclosure remains sealed. With a flick of the switch, the actuator opens the port for maximum SPL output. The trim rings of the subs were color-matched silver with yellow accents to match the rest of the installation.Before the subs, two of the four amplifiers that power the system were flush mounted in front of the amprack, just behind the rear seats. A JL Audio 1000/1 powers the two subs and a 300/2 powers the 6 1/2" midbass drivers in the doors. The remaining two JL Audio 300/4 amplifiers that drive the front and rear component sets were flush mounted in the side panels adjacent to the rear seats and trimmed with matching silver fiberglass panels. Folding the rear seats reveals yet another silver fiberglass panel that displays the fuses for each amplifier and also trims the Eclipse CD changer.
 Before the subs, two of the...  Before the subs, two of the four amplifiers that power the system were flush mounted in the front of the amprack, just behind the rear seats. A JL Audio 1000/1 powers the two subs and a 300/2 powers the midbass drivers in the doors. The remaining two JL Audio 300/4 amplifiers that drive the front and rear component sets were flush mounted in the side panels adjacent to the rear seats and trimmed with matching silver fiberglass panels. Folding the rear seats reveals yet another silver fiberglass panel that displays the fuses for each amplifier and also trims the Eclipse CD changer. |  Alarm remote which controls...  Alarm remote which controls the linear actuator for the sub enclosure. |  Using a linear actuator in...  Using a linear actuator in a way that isn't seen too often nowadays, Watkins molded the two JL Audio 13W6v2-D4 13" subs into a custom MDF/fiberglass enclosure whose port opens or closes for tailored bass response. For tighter, more accurate bass, the enclosure remains sealed. With a flick of a switch, the actuator opens the port for maximum SPL output. The trim rings of the subs were color-matched silver with yellow accents to match the rest of the installation |
So Filling
Flanking the two amplifiers in the hatch is a Focal 100KP 4" component set that serves double duty for both rear fill and for demo speakers when the hatch is open. Matching yellow trim rings and custom clear acrylic grilles were added to protect the 4" drivers. For added flexibility, Watkins added a separate gain control for the rear stage to adjust the level of the drivers for either rear fill or demo purposes.
The highest quality of workmanship and the utmost attention to detail is evident in all components of the installation. But don't take my word for it: Watkins' efforts have earned him the prestigious title of 2005 IASCA Ultra-Pro 601-and-up World Champion. Future plans for the RSX include custom A-pillars and a display podium, but for now Watkins continues to enjoy the fruits of his labor while remaining an active competitor.
Driver Profile
Like many of us, Wayne Watkins was turned on to mobile electronics at a young age. For Watkins, what started out as a hobby at the age of 17 has grown into a lucrative career as a professional installer. Hailing from Centennial, CO, he has mastered his trade with over 20 years of experience. Proof of his skills lies in the extremely clean installation in his Acura RSX featured on these pages. Two years of spare hours have gone into the buildup of the RSX, which he uses for both competition and as a demo vehicle at work. He would like to extend special thanks to his wife and two sons, who each contributed to the Acura's success.
Tech
18" Chrome Alba rims with 225/40/18 tires
Neuspeed lowering springs
Wings West body kit