Custom Fiberglass Sub Box

[jforse]

i assume that's MDF that you used for the carpeted face?
how did you attach all that?
like, the fiberglass back to the MDF, and you said you actually cut out some of the factory plastic, so how did you mount the "box" to the vehicle?

i've been trying to wrap my head around an idea like this for almost 3 years now and i've been lacking the time and place to even start the project.

now that i have a new(er) jeep, i'm not wasting time and money on keeping the thing running, so this project can finally get started once i make it through the holiday season =P

my ultimate goal is one 12 on each side of the cargo area (spare is going outside)
and a raised "platform" across the floor with the amps flush mounted in that. so i really don't loose any cargo space, except like 3" height wise, and the bits around the wheel-wells. and depending on how much space in the deck that the amps take, maybe install some drawers that slide out the back to swap places between the component amp and the factory jack (i have the factory amp opposite the jack)....but im looking at 4 amps (2 sub, 1 component, factory to fire tweeters if i decide to bi-amp)

i know a lot about audio, cause i do live audio for a living (touring and some install), but since all my boxes are pre-built (JBL Vertec, L-Acoustics, Meyer, EAW, etc) i lack in knowledge when it comes to building the boxes....

12's will work if you build the box out to the edge of the wheelwells. I have my amp under the rear seat on the drivers side. It is a small guy though. Go with one four chan amp for your components, and one big mono for the subs. For that type of setup I would suggest an upgraded battery, and a hybid cap from Stinger.(10 farads). You should also use dynamat where ever possible. Run felt over all plastic overlapping joints. The damn XJs like to rattle.

 

[ZacSquatch]

you're going to have a hard time on the drivers side unless you relocate the gas filler neck, it is directly behind the plastic interior panel.

Who needs a gas filler neck? Gas is waaaay overated, use farts.

 

[KinesthesiaDrums]

you're going to have a hard time on the drivers side unless you relocate the gas filler neck, it is directly behind the plastic interior panel.

damn, i didn't even think of that >_<

12's will work if you build the box out to the edge of the wheelwells. I have my amp under the rear seat on the drivers side. It is a small guy though. Go with one four chan amp for your components, and one big mono for the subs. For that type of setup I would suggest an upgraded battery, and a hybid cap from Stinger.(10 farads). You should also use dynamat where ever possible. Run felt over all plastic overlapping joints. The damn XJs like to rattle.

i was planning on coming pretty close to the edge of the wheel wells anways....
definately a 4 ch. for the components, but if i bi-amp all four corners, that means 8 channels (highs + mids)... i don't want to have ANOTHER amp, so i'm more than likely NOT going to bi-amp....
i originally wanted to do 1 large mono amp.... but i changed my mind for 2 smaller monos since im gonna use 2 dual voice coil subs....which will still be a 2ohm load for each amp.
im already running a yellow-top, a second will be added and most defiantely a large cap and dynamat everywhere for this system, i pretty much already have everything felted tho =D
....i had a mean-green alt, 1 yellow-top and a cap in my old XJ pushing three 12s and that was more than enough power. but i don't really want to buy another mean-green, haha.
(btw- anyone want to buy a mean-green for a 1986-1990 xj? 4 months old! trade your stock + cash)

and im still really curious how your box halves were put together and mounted...???

 

[jforse]

damn, i didn't even think of that >_<



i was planning on coming pretty close to the edge of the wheel wells anways....
definately a 4 ch. for the components, but if i bi-amp all four corners, that means 8 channels (highs + mids)... i don't want to have ANOTHER amp, so i'm more than likely NOT going to bi-amp....
i originally wanted to do 1 large mono amp.... but i changed my mind for 2 smaller monos since im gonna use 2 dual voice coil subs....which will still be a 2ohm load for each amp.
im already running a yellow-top, a second will be added and most defiantely a large cap and dynamat everywhere for this system, i pretty much already have everything felted tho =D
....i had a mean-green alt, 1 yellow-top and a cap in my old XJ pushing three 12s and that was more than enough power. but i don't really want to buy another mean-green, haha.
(btw- anyone want to buy a mean-green for a 1986-1990 xj? 4 months old! trade your stock + cash)

and im still really curious how your box halves were put together and mounted...???

The front surface is MDF. The fiberglass pod is attached using body filler. There is a skim coat on the back of it as well. Gives some weight to it.

 

[KinesthesiaDrums]

thats what i figured...
so, did you just screw it to the factory side panel, or do something else with body filler?

 

[jforse]

thats what i figured...
so, did you just screw it to the factory side panel, or do something else with body filler?

Screws through the plastic panel with large washers into the wood.

 

[KinesthesiaDrums]

ahh...simple enough, haha.

well, when i get started on this i might start spamming you with PMs, haha.

appreciate it!!

 

[Russ Pottenger]

Jason,
Thanks for posting this thread, and sharing.
I'm a audio :dunce:, but trying to self educate.
Talked to the owner of Q-Logic, and is looking into a sub enclosure that might work for the XJ's.
With your permission I may call you at your work with some questions.

Thanks in advance,

Russ