Custom Sub Box and Amp Rack

[jfanaselle]

I've been working on this subwoofer box and amp rack for a few weeks now. It's taking forever because I only get to work on it a few hours a day after work, etc. The pic is terrible (sorry, all I had was my camera phone), but I'll get some better pics up here once I get a little further into the project and get my digital camera back. The box sits into the rear driver-side corner of the hatch area and then runs thin along the fender towards the front of the car to house the amp and a capacitor. This pic doesn't do it justice, but this thing is going to be sweet! I'll keep the thread updated as the project comes along. I'm off all weekend and I hope to have it mostly finished by Sunday evening.

[Joker69]

Looks pretty tight, how difficult is it to make a custom enclosure? Ild like to try something like that for my V Sedan.

[jfanaselle]

Thanks. It's not very difficult (as far as skill level required), but it's very time consuming and requires alot of patience. I'll be honest, this is probably the 6th fiberglass enclosure that I've built and it's the first one that I'm taking the time to do it right. There used to be a ton of nice articles about how to do it all over the web, but lately I've had a hard time finding articles for tips or advice. If you really want to give it a try, search the web for a few key words (use words like "how to" or "custom" along with "fiberglass" and "sub box" or "box" or "enclosure", etc.). You'll find a few articles that explain the really basic stuff, or there are some nice dvd's you can order from a few places too.Update on the box: after yesterday, I'm almost done applying body filler to it. I'm going to spend most of today sanding the heck out of it and installing my new front speakers.

[jfanaselle]

Here's a nice article. This design is very bais, but you can see the overall process and the steps required.

http://volvospeed.com/Mods/fib....html

[SPL Versa]

Lookin' good!

Is the box sealed or ported?

[CodeRed]

If you could write a how-to article that would score you a custom title!

[jfanaselle]

Lookin' good!

Is the box sealed or ported?

Thanks. It's sealed. It looks like there is a massive port on the top, but that's actually the hole where the capacitor will stick out.

If you could write a how-to article that would score you a custom title!

I got about half way into the project and realized that I should have been taking pics. I can do a write up, but I'll be missing a few pics from the first few steps. I guess I could try to mimick those steps again and get some pics. I've been getting pics now, and I'll try to put something together once the project is complete.

[Jemdawg]

You definitely need to take better pictures, pal. I assume you are aware of the reasons why you shouldn't use capacitors, right? Just upgrade the big three, it'll be much more efficient.

[jfanaselle]

Actually I've never heard of any issues with running a capacitor so please fill me in. I've run a cap in almost every setup I have ever had with no problems. As for the pics, better ones are on the way.

[jfanaselle]

And please enlighten me as to what "the big three" are that you are referring to.

[Jemdawg]

Upgrading the "big three' involves the reinforcment of three wires in the vehicle's essential electronic system. It requires adding new lines for each of the following: the alternator's positive to the battery's positive, battery negative to chassis, and engine ground to chassis.

The best guide can be found here: http://www.the12volt.com/insta...~PN~1

Rather than reiterating his well-worded guide, I figured I'd lead you straight to the source.

As for caps, take the time to read this:http://forum.realmofexcursion....17970

It's rather lengthy, but it has a thorough and comprehensive argument against the use of capacitors, and he explains how and why they are useless. If you are in doubt, try the experiments yourself.

[SPL Versa]

Upgrading the "big three' involves the reinforcment of three wires in the vehicle's essential electronic system. It requires adding new lines for each of the following: the alternator's positive to the battery's positive, battery negative to chassis, and engine ground to chassis.

The best guide can be found here: http://www.the12volt.com/insta...~PN~1

Rather than reiterating his well-worded guide, I figured I'd lead you straight to the source.

As for caps, take the time to read this:http://forum.realmofexcursion....17970

It's rather lengthy, but it has a thorough and comprehensive argument against the use of capacitors, and he explains how and why they are useless. If you are in doubt, try the experiments yourself.

^Ditto x58975423975

And if the big 3 is not enough, then start looking into better/more batteries.

[Rockhound]

And if the big 3 is not enough, then start looking into better/more batteries.

Actually, adding batteries will not help. A second battery will only increase the load on your alternator (another battery to charge) which negates the intended purpose...

[SPL Versa]

I see your point, but they still do help, wayyyyy more than a cap.

And also if you like to play your system when your car is off, considering the alt only functions when the car is on.

And even with a small alt, adding a second battery still helps, the alt might not be able to charge both batteries fully, but it still is an improvement.

Ex: My friend just added a second battery to his mustang, stock alt, and his voltage drastically improved.

[jfanaselle]

Here's an updated photo now of the project so far. It just needs a few more applications of body filler and then I'll seal up the seams inside and cover it with vinyl. I've been taking pics and I'm working on a write up, but it's going to be really difficult since I wasn't takings for the first half of the project or so.