FiberGlass Sub Enclosures

[Mark.Mann]

Hello all. Quick question on fiberglass. I am going to be building my first fiberglass sub enclosures in the corners of my 2013 Altima Coupe trunk. The question I have is and this comes from after reading tons of posts, forums, how to's ect. From what I have seen and read everyone is using mat as the preferred method of fiberglass. I did read on one how to that they use fiberglass cloth as their first layer, when forming in there trunk (sorry I don't have the link to that site). My question .... Is cloth ok to use as the first layer, or just go with mat for the whole thing? Thanks all.

[VTMike24]

When i did my custom enclosure in my other car I used fleece and resin as the "first layer". After that I used the mat because it was easy to pull apart and form around curves without causing wrinkles/bubbles.

[Mark.Mann]

Thanks VTMile24. I have read tons of stuff on fiberglass and how to form the first layer. Thanks this helps a bunch much appreciated.

[DJ_B_Easy]

You can use any kind of fabric to build the first layer, fleece is used often but I have used dining room chair upholstery fabric. You won't be able to build a first layer with mat alone in most cases because it wont hold up on it's own across large open spaces, it needs something to hold on to.
Once you have your first layer and shape as you want it, then go back in with the mat cut into small pieces and overlapped to build strength.

[Mark.Mann]

Thanks DJ B Easy, this is info they don't tell you when searching how to's. So i'm gathering after I have the corner areas all taped, plastic everywhere, and foil to help release the mold, Take the resin and fleece and get after it.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Well yes and no. You won't NEED fleece for the part that actually contacts the trunk, although you probably could use it. The fleece or fabric is mainly for making large smooth areas that will be highly visible.

Check out this write up since it is specific to what you are doing:

custom-fit-12in-fiberglass-subwoofer-bo ... ilit=fiber glass

Another tip: Try and get the resin as smooth as possible to minimize any sanding or cutting needed before body filler. It is a PITA to work with once it cures.

[Mark.Mann]

Sweet thanks man

[VTMike24]

Sorry, for some reason I was thinking first layer of the enclosure, not the the part that molds around the trunk. For the first layer around the trunk you can use the mat and resin. Apply directly onto the tape, foil, or whatever you used to line the trunk. I followed the exact same process as Easy.

[AlexN09]

Hey bud! I built my own sub enclosure a while back and it's still holding up strong and sounding quite nice. I built my entire enclosure out of woven fiberglass fabric. If you read my build thread, entitled "boom boom," I believe I said I used mat. But I must have been very confused as this was the first time if ever used fiberglass products. Since then I've made a few other projects and always used either a woven mat or a woven fabric.

[Mark.Mann]

AlexN09 and VTMike24 thanks guys. Ya all have been helpful.. This weekend is the big day gonna start on the whole project.

[AlexN09]

Check out my thread a little if you'd like!

post6370386.html?hilit=Boom%20boom#p6370386

I've even added a grill made specifically for the Type R 12" by alpine.

[Mark.Mann]

Sweet thanks man i'll read up on it. soon as i get the first on done i'll post some pics. doing one each side installing Rockford Fosgate 10's R2D4 Prime's along with a Rockford Fosgate Punch P40x2 amp

[AlexN09]

I'd recommend making some kind of jig so you can mirror the angles of each sub ring so they match.

[Mark.Mann]

yuppers

[DJ_B_Easy]

I'd recommend not using RF products...
...but to each their own.

Post pics along the way.

[Mark.Mann]

LOL man.. I've always had good luck with RF products and the fact i got a deal of a life time on the subs and amp i couldn't pass it up. Diff post pics along the way.

[DJ_B_Easy]

I've had them as well. Just not a fan anymore.

[Mark.Mann]

Hey all. Quick update on the status of my enclosures.

My daughter is getting married so that put this project on the back burner for now. I did get one layer the "shell" basically done and now its sitting in the garage lol. So for now this project will a when i get to it... hopefully soon I miss my music.