A new fiberglass box.....

[randy8876]

So, I'd built a pair of FG boxes to hold JL 8W3's. But then I decided to go with Image Dynamics ID8v3's since I got a deal on them. The ID8's required slightly deeper boxes, so another pair of boxes were made. Then my house was broken into and all my stereo equipment was stolen, so I'm starting over.

Recently I picked up a pair of JL 10W6v2's. I still plan on mounting them in that small space behind the inner fender just outside the cargo organizer. To do this I have to cut (gasp!!) the plastic hatch panel.

And now for pictures.

First, this is kind of a rough idea of how I want the sub situated. Since the box will be larger and heavier than the ones I built before I don't want it to hang over the cargo bin, that way if I get a flat I can easily get to the spare.


I've cut the backside away and tried to keep my cuts with the curves of the panel.I've taped it up some and will finish all the prep stuff tomorrow.


Here it is with the MDF sheet behind it. This gives an idea of how much room I'll have around the grill. I'll cut the MDF to size tomorrow and I might see if I can mount it behind the panel. I'll probably surface mount the sub and eventually build a cover to give the appearance of it being flush mounted.



The passengers side has a little less room and looks like it will be more difficult to fit the sub.Worst case scenario I end up running just one sub. As far as my other 4 boxes, once I test them I'll probably put them all on ebay.

[randy8876]

I cute away a little too much plastic, but that's only if I mount the box completely behind the panel. I can also make a cover to give the appearance it being flush mounted and cover any gaps.


I've also made another mdf front piece that would mount completely in front of the plastic piece. Using it will require a bit more finesse, but will also get me a little more box volume.

[williamk10]

looks nice.

i am going to move my sub into the spare tire well sometime soon. Trunk space is important!

[randy8876]

It's not possible to mount it behind the plastic. So much space is lost that the box will be too small (at least for a 10W6).

So after a little more trimming I have a rough draft of the front piece. I'll trim, sand and glue it together tomorrow. On Wednesday I'll do all the fiberglassing and hopefully have a functional box.

[randy8876]

All taped up. Tomorrow I'll put down the first layer of fiberglass tomorrow. I should have this box completed by Wednesday evening.

[randy8876]

I laid the shell tonight. Here are 2 pictures to show the size of it. I know it looks like hell now, but tomorrow I have all day to lay additional layers and clean it up.
Here's the side:

Here's the front:

I'll keep the back and top open until the front is attached.

[Atx_Versa]

Looking good, can't wait to see the finished product...Have you finished the sound deadening as well???

[randy8876]

It's turned out to be a real PITA to build this box. The front MDF piece wasn't quite the right size and I made the mistake of trimming it and not measuring again. So, now I have a box that fits a 10w3, but not the 10W6. Luckily I bout too much fiberglass, resin and MDF so I have ample materials to start over. The W6 is so deep that it barely fits so any slight change in the placement of the front piece can make the magnet hit the fiberglass shell.

BTW. Sound deadening is done, except for the doors. It didn't make the difference I had expected, but it is a little quieter. I wouldn't use the Luxury Liner again. It is difficult to install due to the added thickness changing how the carpet lays. BUT... the doors will make a big difference. I'm just waiting to do those after I make a couple other changes.

[NODES]

looks nice.

i am going to move my sub into the spare tire well sometime soon. Trunk space is important!

I have mind sitting behind my seat, 10 incher. No one sits behind me anyways as I have the seat all the way back. Saves me the trunk space.

[randy8876]

Some updates.
I switched to using an MDF ring instead of the solid front. The solid piece completely kicked my a**.

Today I wrapped the front. Here's the box outside the car:


Here it is in the car:


I'm happy with the position of the sub, but the box sticks out about 1/8" further than I wanted. I might try heating the ABS plastic on the cargo bin to make it mold to the curve of the box once I get the box finished.

Tomorrow I'll bondo it and sand it.

[williamk10]

looks nice.

i am going to move my sub into the spare tire well sometime soon. Trunk space is important!

I have mind sitting behind my seat, 10 incher. No one sits behind me anyways as I have the seat all the way back. Saves me the trunk space.

Not worried about it getting stolen?

Nice work on the box, how does it sound?

[randy8876]

No sound yet. I won't mount the subs until both boxes are complete. It should sound good since it's built to JL specs, but I'll update when it's all together.

[NODES]

Not worried, I do have an alarm and heavy tint in the back(box and sub are all black as well). our cars are a hatch no stopping a thief from entering into the hatch area

Good work on the box, keep us updated.

[randy8876]

Did some bondo and sanding today. Also stuffed bondo around the edges and it makes a world of difference. I'll sand it more this week and start working on the passenger side again. But I'm happy with how it looks. I'll paint it around the start of November.

[randy8876]

Alright, I'm getting a lot closer to being done. I've wrapped the 2nd box and test fit it. The box is a different shape, so the sub is about 1/8" higher and 1/8" further out, but it looks alright. Hopefully this weekend they will both be complete and painted.

Anyway, here's a crappy picture from my phone.


This weekend I'll get some quality pictures.

[randy8876]

Got the final sanding done and painted it today. I'll mount the subs sometime next month. I still don't have my amp, so it's no rush.

Here are both in the trunk. The tape is still on them and the car is still apart, but it will be back to new this week.



Here is the passenger side. I got lucky and the hatch floor mat can fit under it.


Here is the drivers side. I had to relocate the light for the hatch, but I was stupid and didn't check to see it it would be blocked. I could still change it, but likely won't. Also I made it w/o the hatch mat in, and it won't fit on this side. I can get the mat hemmed for cheap, or buy a Nissan one that fits perfect.


Overall I'm happy with how they look and fit. Hopefully the sound will be good too. They are about .6 ft^3 each and I'll stuff them with poly fill.

[NODES]

you should wrap it in matte vinyl to match the matte plastic. But either way it looks good.