subwoofer boxes
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 952
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From: Charlotte, NC
subwoofer boxes
I'm looking to get a couple of subs for my truck. I've seen pics of what other people have done, and now i have my own idea of pulling the jump seats out of my ranger and building some custom boxes, does anyone know how to build a custom box, are there any tutorials online, i mean, if I can learn what materials are needed, I can do it, I have watched a guy build them, I just can't remember the materials used, like, what the box is constructed of, what holds the box together, etc. thanks for any help.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 269
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From: Central Ohio
Actually particle board isn't very good. What you want is MDF, medium density fiberboard. And I have always used drywall screws and wood glue for holding a box together. Be sure to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the MDF when you install your screws. Since you are a beginner, I would advise sticking with a sealed box. It is critical to have everything just right as far as box size, etc., to get the most from your set-up.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
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From: California Desert
This guide helped me out quite a bit when I built mine:
http://www.termpro.com/articles/buildbox.html
http://www.termpro.com/articles/buildbox.html
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
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From: South Texas
If you've never done it, go slow and double measure every thing before you start cutting. 1/2" or 3/4" MDF will work and depending on the size/shape of the box, it may need some internal bracing. Remember, the box is going to be under pressure when the bass starts to hit, so it's better to have more screws and glue than not enough. There's some tips at www.jlaudio.com
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
thanks maticuno, that information really really helps, next question, where can I get some fiberboard at, is it available at places like Lowe's or Home Depot, or any hardware store like those? For the covering of the box, are there any recommendations, it's going in the back of my cab in the jumpseat areas once I remove the seats, and the interior is colored tan. thanks guys, been a big help already
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Yes, you can get 3/4 MDF at the normal home labyrinth. For what it's worth, before you build anything, take a look at what's out there already. Some places to start:
JL Audio "Stealthbox"
MTX (can't remember what they call it, crutchfield carries them)
Qlogic Qcustoms
Aside from those, check out www.supercrewsound.com . They have custom boxes for alot of trucks.
Even if you would still prefer to build your own to save the cost, the prebuilt customs will give you some ideas of what works where.
JL Audio "Stealthbox"
MTX (can't remember what they call it, crutchfield carries them)
Qlogic Qcustoms
Aside from those, check out www.supercrewsound.com . They have custom boxes for alot of trucks.
Even if you would still prefer to build your own to save the cost, the prebuilt customs will give you some ideas of what works where.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 67
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From: vancouver
hey fordtrucklover94 I just built a custom box for my 99 ranger and I actualy built it to go under the jumpseats so that they could still be used. It takes some cutting and fitting but it works great. the seats actualy cover most of the speaker as well when they are fliped down so it adds a little bit of security by hiding them. If you want to go that route I may be able to snap you some pictures and give you a little more advise on size etc. just let me know
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 31
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From: lexington nc
when i built a ralse floor in my 96 ranger to raise my jl power wedge above th hump in the floor i gd 3/4 Mdf from home depot it is usually close to the shelving Lowes did not carry it around here.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 513
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From: Zimmerman, MN
Hey fordtrucklover,
I based my box on one from ebay. It is downfiring. I snagged the image of the box, and then proceeded to build my own. Not very hard to do.
I went to store.yahoo.com/mobile-emotions/index.html to order the all the hardware and carpet.
I'll try to take some pics of it for you. I need to update my gallery anyway. The pics in the gallery are of my old setup, a JL Wedge. This is much cleaner with a custom box.
Steps to make the box:
Determine the amount of volume needed for the subs
I used www.the12volt.com/caraudio/boxcalcs.asp to do that. Handy calculators there to determine the volume
Pick up some MDF. I used 3/4 inch since I also have a 60 lb dog sitting on top of the enclosure. Also get some liquid nails to seal the box. Use that between the boards before screwing and after to seal all the seams inside the box. I went with screws every 10 to 12 inches. Overkill? Maybe, but my enclosure is not going to fall apart either.
Just need to tinker with the size to get it to fit your needs in the truck. I made mine as a wedge so that I can lean the seats back after they are pushed all the way back.
If you have questions, give a holler.
I based my box on one from ebay. It is downfiring. I snagged the image of the box, and then proceeded to build my own. Not very hard to do.
I went to store.yahoo.com/mobile-emotions/index.html to order the all the hardware and carpet.
I'll try to take some pics of it for you. I need to update my gallery anyway. The pics in the gallery are of my old setup, a JL Wedge. This is much cleaner with a custom box.
Steps to make the box:
Determine the amount of volume needed for the subs
I used www.the12volt.com/caraudio/boxcalcs.asp to do that. Handy calculators there to determine the volume
Pick up some MDF. I used 3/4 inch since I also have a 60 lb dog sitting on top of the enclosure. Also get some liquid nails to seal the box. Use that between the boards before screwing and after to seal all the seams inside the box. I went with screws every 10 to 12 inches. Overkill? Maybe, but my enclosure is not going to fall apart either.
Just need to tinker with the size to get it to fit your needs in the truck. I made mine as a wedge so that I can lean the seats back after they are pushed all the way back.
If you have questions, give a holler.
Last edited by rangerxlt02; Dec 6, 2004 at 02:46 PM.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
got another idea for it, not sure if the place is big enough or not, but this is just another idea, instead of completely removing the jumpseats, is there a way to build the box inside the area for the jumpseat, if i were to remove the back of the jumpseat, if possible, I have to go take another look at it to see if it could be done. That way I could have the added protection of folding the door up to cover it. Not sure I would go this route, but it's just an idea. Just sitting in the dorm room thinking of the possibilities.
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
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as far as the covering goes man, i get my carpet from a place called partsexpress.com, its very resonable price and its good stuff. i get the cabinet carpet, but i think they have tan in a diff kind of carpet, but it costs more. you might check it out, you would prolly only need about 2 yards of carpet, because it comes in 54" wide widths.
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by fordtrucklover94
got another idea for it, not sure if the place is big enough or not, but this is just another idea, instead of completely removing the jumpseats, is there a way to build the box inside the area for the jumpseat, if i were to remove the back of the jumpseat, if possible,.