DIY Stealth Subwoofer Alternative

[TwistedFocus]

Their web site makes it sound like the box is secured to the inner fender (metal) and then the plastic trim gets re-installed over it. Is this the case?

Yes, it screws into the metal bracing around the opening. Mine has three screws in it and it's solid. The only vibration I get is a little rattle from the outside fender when it's cranked way up higher than my usual listening volume. I didn't even notice it until I was walking around it setting my gain (can't hear it inside).

just because they recommended it doesn't mean its good.

Agreed, but after hearing it I agree with the guy at subthump. I'm no car audio competitor but it's one of the cleanest subs I've personally heard short of high end home theater subs, which isn't too surprising I guess since it appears HT is Dayton's "bread and butter".

Either way, you can likely use whatever you like. I see that they now have a spacer available so you can go with a little taller sub. Based on my past experience I likely would have chosen a JL on my own, but I'm totally happy with this one.

 

[RichP]

If those six screws are the mounting screws I might consider getting a hard circular object, steel, plastic, whatever and using longer screws and standoffs then going thru the cover. Leave maybe an inch or two between the speaker and the cover also paint it to match the interior tan..

 

[Kittrell]

The day someone makes something like that and actually recesses the sub so it sits flush covered with a grille, then I'll be impressed. I used to own a JL Vantage Box. That was a nice piece, and even it lacked this basic design element. Why would you make a box which places a sub in the cargo area and not include provisions to protect the woofer.................:dunno:

 

[NCjeepgirl83]

I think that looks great! Even better than my stealthbox...which is still sitting in my garage...but shhh!

 

[TwistedFocus]

If those six screws are the mounting screws I might consider getting a hard circular object, steel, plastic, whatever and using longer screws and standoffs then going thru the cover. Leave maybe an inch or two between the speaker and the cover also paint it to match the interior tan..

Yes, the Dayton sub is a six bolt pattern. That's good idea for a cover. I think I may just go with the 3 or 4 metal bar type. Most of my camping junk is in boxes, so I think that would be sufficient protection for me.

 

[roxj]

would you mind posting more pics of the box and the panel after it was cut?

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

I think I'm going to get one of these. I like that you can get it for an 8 or a 10. I don't need big bass, just a little more than my 6" speakers can handle.

I wonder if they could build it for a shallower sub that mounts to the backside.... then I wouldn't have to worry about it sticking out.

 

[TwistedFocus]

would you mind posting more pics of the box and the panel after it was cut?

Unfortunately, I had it out the other day and didn't think to take any. All I have is the one before pic and after install. I need to modify the lug I'm using to ground my amp to the seat belt bracket someday, so I'll try to remember to shoot some then. Luckily it doesn't take long to take that panel off anyway.

 

[RichP]

Yes, the Dayton sub is a six bolt pattern. That's good idea for a cover. I think I may just go with the 3 or 4 metal bar type. Most of my camping junk is in boxes, so I think that would be sufficient protection for me.

I would use ALL of them, be a PIA to have something slide off a stack of stuff and hit it sideways or from up top. Stronger the better, overkill every time..

 

[kujito]

Well, if you're so sure what is it? Sometimes people glass in the back and attach it creating a sealed enclosure while others just throw a board in there with a bit of sound deadening which isn't actually sealed.

Ya, what BIGSLVR said. I wasn't mocking you or Random's knowledge(defensive much?), both of those comments just sounded funny to me at the moment. It was a long afternoon of dodging traffic and lightning(not simultaneously). :scared:
At least my brakes work better than they feel.

 

[kujito]

What are you running for deck, amp, etc.?

 

[TwistedFocus]

I would use ALL of them, be a PIA to have something slide off a stack of stuff and hit it sideways or from up top. Stronger the better, overkill every time..

I decided to get one of these from some eBay store and run it vertically. It seems to be a bit wider than I'd like and I'm not sure it would fit horizontaly. I think for the type of stuff I'm packing around it will offer better coverage vertically anyway. It's cheap and looks fairly sturdy, although coverage is obviously somewhat limited compared to mesh.

What are you running for deck, amp, etc.?

I'm running a basic Sony deck, Pioneer 2-way 6.5" speakers front and rear, an old-school Phoenix Gold XS2300 under the rear seat and this sub.

 

[Mr_Random]

Ya, what BIGSLVR said. I wasn't mocking you or Random's knowledge(defensive much?), both of those comments just sounded funny to me at the moment. It was a long afternoon of dodging traffic and lightning(not simultaneously). :scared:
At least my brakes work better than they feel.

I DIDN"T DEFEND MYSELF! Haha, just kidding... It's fine, I understood after a little bit... hm... a nice 12" sub sounds good right now.... I'll just make some soup, oh well...

On topic: how is that guard gonna mount? Pics of a mock-up or actual installation?

 

[TwistedFocus]

On topic: how is that guard gonna mount? Pics of a mock-up or actual installation?

It just screws into the face of the box with 4 screws. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'll try to remember to snap some shots of it after the grille is on. No pics of it out b/c it didn't occur to me at the time.

 

[DanMan2k06]

After just having puntured a hole in my sub, I think I need to invest in one of those guards. I took a bumpy corner too fast and the box tipped over, right onto my jack which didn't hesitate to find it's way through the cone. Good thing there's another one laying around here.

Install looks great. How deep in the box? All the way back to the outter quarter panel?

 

[TwistedFocus]

How deep in the box? All the way back to the outter quarter panel?

Yeah, it's got to be close to the fender because it sits back in there pretty far. I'm they were trying to get as much airspace as possible. I figured I'd have to run a really short sub, but this ones probably pretty average length (~5") and it fits.

 

[besthaticouldo]

thats very cool...

maybe ill have to pick one up

 

[TwistedFocus]

The grille came today. I decided to run it at an angle because, for some reason, I think it looks better that way.

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

Ok, I ordered one of these on Sunday, should be here in a week. I'll be putting the JL 10W-1 I have in it.

Couple questions:

1. It comes with instructions on where to cut, where to screw it into the metal, etc, right?

2. What is this poly-fill stuff and what do I do with it?

3. Where are the connectors for the amp wire located at? Where did you mount your amp?

Thanks for posting up about this thing, it is exactly what I was looking for

 

[TwistedFocus]

1. I think so. Mine was the first one they made, but by the end of the day they had a nice blueprint and some basic instructions already roughed in. These guys are top notch, so I'm guessing the instructions will be included and complete.

2. Polyfil is like the stuff inside stuffed animals or couch cushions. It's like polyester cotton candy. You can get it just about anywhere that has fabrics and stuff (WalMart sells a huge bag for like $2). The idea is to artificially make it "act like a bigger box" by loosely filling it with this stuff. Something to do with slowing down or heating the air making the driver react as though the volume of the enclosure is greater.

3. The terminals are on the back lower portion of the enclosure. It's your standard spring loaded black/red terminals. My amp is under the rear seat on the driver's side. I ran 12 ga from the amp to the enclosure and even that fairly large wire tucks under the plastic trim on the passenger's side pretty well.

2-3 months later I have to say I'm still very glad I went this route. I'm pretty particular and it was definitely the best compromise for me. Not very much compromise really, because it barely takes up any room at all, especially useful room. Output is great too even though I'm probably a little under-amped for the 600w rms behemoth inside my enclosure. I'm sure you'll have good results.