MALIBU Package!

[Dezimade]

Tray::: Has anyone ever used alternative materials for the package tray?
im considering making it my own
opposed to that tradition mesh. Sound like a kooky question but just wondering what you may have substituted. Thanks guys! Dez

 

[scoti]

Years ago I modded the package tray on my '93 5.0 S.S.P notchback Mustang. I flush mounted the speakers (larger 6x9's) & made a board that was covered in materials that tied into the rest of interior. It looked like it was just a covered tray w/no speakers & only had the 3rd brake light pedestal. It was very plain-Jane OE/cop car visually.

My previous 2 Malibu's just got 6x9's on a covered Masonite board but I'll likely do something similar as my Mustang in my current Malibu when I re-work the interior appearance.

 

[Dezimade]

Years ago I modded the package tray on my '93 5.0 S.S.P notchback Mustang. I flush mounted the speakers (larger 6x9's) & made a board that was covered in materials that tied into the rest of interior. It looked like it was just a covered tray w/no speakers & only had the 3rd brake light pedestal. It was very plain-Jane OE/cop car visually.

My previous 2 Malibu's just got 6x9's on a covered Masonite board but I'll likely do something similar as my Mustang in my current Malibu when I re-work the interior appearance.

Awesome I guess I’m looking for encouraging tales so I can get on this project. I like the Masonite, thanks man

 

[Ribbedroof]

Back in the 80s before the reproductions for everything couple of buddies and myself that all had Chevelles made package trays out of Masonite covered with carpet from area rugs from the discount store

 

[Sweet_Johnny]

There are many options including fiberglass shower panels from Lowe's, hardboard, MDF, etc.. Some of the local upholstery shops like to use ABS or PVC sheets cut and/or molded to fit. It's typically readily available from 1/8" to 3/4" and they seem to use a lot stuff around 3 mm thick. ABS flexes less but is also more brittle. It kinda boils down to what look you're after and your skill level. If you use the fiberglass panel you can paint it up real fancy but if you'll be covering things with foam and vinyl or carpet then your material choice comes down to weight and longevity. Regardless of your choice don't forget that the sun will super heat that area and can melt plastic. Don't try to use regular contact adhesive- go straight to 3M 08090.

 

[Dezimade]

There are many options including fiberglass shower panels from Lowe's, hardboard, MDF, etc.. Some of the local upholstery shops like to use ABS or PVC sheets cut and/or molded to fit. It's typically readily available from 1/8" to 3/4" and they seem to use a lot stuff around 3 mm thick. ABS flexes less but is also more brittle. It kinda boils down to what look you're after and your skill level. If you use the fiberglass panel you can paint it up real fancy but if you'll be covering things with foam and vinyl or carpet then your material choice comes down to weight and longevity. Regardless of your choice don't forget that the sun will super heat that area and can melt plastic. Don't try to use regular contact adhesive- go straight to 3M 08090.

Thanks for the 3m 08090 tip. 🧐

 

[scoti]

Awesome I guess I’m looking for encouraging tales so I can get on this project. I like the Masonite, thanks man

If I were doing it again today, I would look into thin plastic or similar material for the board. Masonite is still a fiber board so if there's ever extreme moisture/humidity, things can warp.

 

[Dezimade]

If I were doing it again today, I would look into thin plastic or similar material for the board. Masonite is still a fiber board so if there's ever extreme moisture/humidity, things can warp.

Yes. There is some neat plastic sheets at lows. Pricey. But none the less good for this application Thanks Scoti. Dez

 

[ck80]

Things to think about: the factory made em that way for a reason, mainly, vibration dampening and to muffle road noise amplified in the trunk area.

It's why everything else in the car - door panels, a/b-pillar, upper and lower rear interior, all made of plastic.... but not that.

Speakers vibrate, it's how you get sound. So if you put a stiff surface, onto a steel plate, holding speakers, you may notice the noise at certain sound levels and frequencies in your choice of music.

Just food for thought.

 

[Sweet_Johnny]

Sounds like if you use plastic you may want to put a layer of Dynamat/ Kill Mat in between that and the metal to stop vibration and echos. I'd definitely put it directly on the plastic and possibly not the metal shelf in case it needs removed but I've seen people put it on both.