Building a custom sub box for my Versa..

[CrankyVersa]

All, i am working on a new sub box for the Versa out of fiberglass and MDF. I looked high and low for a custom box like a Stealthbox or a thunderform and had no luck at all , so i said screw it I will build my own. This will be a box for 1 10" sub and i will post pics and templates if you want to build your own. hell maybe this will be a prototype for a new box LOL!

[williamk10]

in for pics

[Codelicious]

I wish I was able to build custom things, but Idk how to use Fiberglass and all that.

My total goal in life is to get rid of my back seats and get a custom piece to fit over where the back rests are and build 2 holes for the subwoofers to fit in. It would look really cool, just don't know if I am capable of doing something that big.

[CrankyVersa]

Box plans have changed as of late. I bought a JL audio 12W0 V2 and am working on a box for it now. I got a good bit of work done today but still need to build my amp rack and such. I will be posting pics soonish

[Codelicious]

Box plans have changed as of late. I bought a JL audio 12W0 V2 and am working on a box for it now. I got a good bit of work done today but still need to build my amp rack and such. I will be posting pics soonish

Can't wait to see what it is gonna look like!

I'd like to get a piece of fiberglass or plastic to replace my back seats and have my subwoofers build into them along with my amp. It would be awesome!

[kartracer90]

Good choice in subs the 12w0 has be redone totally. It isnt quite as clean as a 12w1 nor will it handle a 500/1 like the 12w1 but it is definately a good solid hitting woofer that doesnt require alot of power.

[CrankyVersa]

Box is pretty much along the way other than filler and a TON of sanding and primer and paint to do. EQ rack was glassed tonight and i dtill have the amp rack to fabricate and glass to do. hang in there all it will be really nice when i get it all done. i am also going to try to color match it to the car but i have to see what paint will cost me

[Promise Land]

We'd love to have your project shown in the upcoming DIY tech section. Have you taken pics at each step?

[CrankyVersa]

I still need to build the amp rack yet, but i will only have pics of that from start to finish. let me see what i can come up with

[Atx_Versa]

Hows it coming along?

[CrankyVersa]

Been busy as all get out lately so work is progressing slowly I'm afraid. i should be able to get some work done on it this weekend hopfully sorry for the delays all

[randy8876]

Curious to see pictures also. I hope to build a box similar to the factory option one, but I want the sub to sit up higher.

[randy8876]

I've started building a fiberglass box today. It's molded up in the same place a factory sub would go, but the box extends up over the light for the hatch space. I might be able to put a 10" sub in it, but it's gonna be pretty close. I have a picture of the backside shell, but it looks kinda like hell right now. Over this weekend I'll get extra layers added and cut it down to the right size. I probably won't attach the speaker ring for another 10 days (have guests visiting from out of country).

But, some things I've learned.Wear at least 2 pairs of gloves. You can take of the sticky ones and still be protected from stray pieces of glass. Use chop mat.Cut all the mat to 6"x6" squares (the 4x4 ones were even easier to work with) prior to mixing up resin. Larger pieces have a tendency to not lay flat.If the resin starts to set up in you mixing container stop using it. When it's thick like jelly it's not worth the effort.Lay down a lot of plastic so nothing is uncovered. Keep the windows of your car open and use spare plastic to cover the area of the wet resin while it sets up. This keeps fumes away and avoids a foul smell in your car.

I taped up the entire area with 3 layers of blue painters tape. Then I used spray adhesive and attached aluminum foil. My first attempt the fiberglass mat kept sliding and everything turned to hell (that shell is in the dumpster). My second attempt I used fiberglass cloth and used spray adhesive to attach it to the foil. That kept it all in place and I used a paint brush to soak it all in resin. After it set up I carefully removed the shell and laid the reinforcing layers.

Keep in mind the spray glue method won't be for everyone. I have foil that doesn't want to come off the back side, but it's out of sight so I'm not concerned.

I can take a couple pictures tomorrow, but I may need help posting them.

[CrankyVersa]

You should be able to do a ten without any probs at all. yeah i would love to see pics!

[randy8876]

The 10" will be tight. I did some measurements, if it's flush mounted the mdf ring is almost as wide as the box. The face of the speaker needs to be 7.5" from the back, so it's gonna stick out a little.

Here is the shell without the cargo organizer in place:

Here it is with the bin in place:

If I can track down vinyl that looks the same is the plastic or maybe matching carpet that matches I'll cover it with that.

Hopefully the photos post.....

[CrankyVersa]

you can always use some vinyl dye if you cant find a exact match.

[randy8876]

How is your box coming along?

I've started working on mine again. I opted to go with a flush mount ring, although it might have been smarter to go with the surface mount.
When I'm all done I'll do it again on the other side and make a how to post. But in the mean time, if you do this I suggest routing the back side of the speaker ring prior to mounting i on the frame. That will allow some smoother curves. Also put something on the face of the mounting ring to keep stray resin from sticking to it. I didn't and I have some work to recover from that mistake.

Anyway, here's my most recent picture:


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[CrankyVersa]

I am actually doing mine inside the cargo organizer itself. Check the other thread Nice work on yours so far