One of the columnists for CA&E has covered kick panel enclosures (see A to Z). Here's a variation on a kick panel setup. This is a look at the BMW 5 series with Genesis 7" midrange, midbass drivers. Depending on how complicated you want to get, it can be hard to make kick panels. So here's the inside scoop for how a good DIYer can make nice, factory-looking kick panels for great sound using aftermarket speakers.
 1. First, cut away the factory...  1. First, cut away the factory carpeting. |  2. The factory wires are rerouted...  2. The factory wires are rerouted higher to accommodate the speakers when placed later. |  3. Then cut away the factory...  3. Then cut away the factory sheetmetal. Remember to measure and cut out only the amount of metal you need. |
 4. The next step is a two-piece...  4. The next step is a two-piece process. First, cut out speaker rings made of two 3/4" MDF rings that are glued together for mounting the speaker. For the outer diameter cut out 1/8" masonite to be formed together for depth and any angles that might be needed. Now glue two tabs to hold the two pieces together at the appropriate angle to ensure proper staging. |  5. Stretch the fleece and...  5. Stretch the fleece and add resin for strength. Use Rage Gold as a filler to smooth out any imperfections. At all four points use screws to secure the entire baffle for mounting. |  6. Use SEM undercoating spray...  6. Use SEM undercoating spray to seal the wood and fiberglass for structure. Now you can see the angles of the speakers and all of the mounting points for the speaker. |
 7. Now it's time to Dynamat...  7. Now it's time to Dynamat the interior cavity. Use dense foam blocks inside the top and bottom for standing waves as well as polyfill before mounting the speaker. Check the manufacturer's recommended enclosure, whether sealed or baffle mounted. The Genesis 7" speakers don't require a sealed enclosure for proper sound. |  8. Modify the factory kick...  8. Modify the factory kick panels to accommodate speaker grilles and to relocate the factory hood release. Focus on the driver side since it's the only piece that needs modification, . Fiberglass and Rage Gold are used to shape and relocate the button. (Remember to measure the opening for the speaker and retain the factory tabs because they can still be used.) |  9. Finally, simply attach...  9. Finally, simply attach grille mesh screen with two-part epoxy made by SEM. |
 10. Then use SEM factory color...  10. Then use SEM factory color texture paint to match the factory look. |  11. This is how it should...  11. This is how it should look finished... |  12. ...as if it came from...  12. ...as if it came from the factory. |