Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum
Trans Am Information => Trans Am Tech => Electrical => Topic started by: skisix38off on February 22, 2010, 07:55:21 AM
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Can those that have made and installed their own sub boxes please post some pictures and go through how you got it all crammed in there?
I ordered my stereo stuff last week and so I will now need to start making my sub box for the trunk. I have a Kicker 10" that goes in the box, I'm also thinking that I am going to make the box house/mount the Kicker 6x9's to fire through the holes in the rear package tray. My thoughts are to have my box fit over the hump in the trunk floor and span the space between the wheel well and extend back to where the jack goes... Carpet it, mount my amp to it and it should look as nice as anything else I can think of...
Anyway, please post pictures if you have them as I would love to see what's been done and successful before!
Greg
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I hope this picture helps you out. I am not sure whose it is but he is on this site and I hope he chimes in.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25810-1/MLC_003631.jpg)
I love the way it turned out. Very nice and clean!
Here is another one I thought looked very nice.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/25812-1/DSC02615.jpg)
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WOW! I like that. It is nice and clean. I wonder what the sound quality is? I have two 12s that I am trying to figure out how to get in the trunk. I know how I can get them in there but wonder about getting the right airspace for the boxes. I don't plan on having much in my trunk as far as cargo anyway, other than emergency stuff.
James
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Looks nice. When I purchased my car this summer it had a flat felt board across the back with two amps and an equalizer on it while containing two subs driving into the back seat. It was all oldschool stuff but whoever did the installation did a very professional job. I threw it all away because it was junk.
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Thanks for the pictures! I am thinking about making the box fill in the space under the rear package tray and then looking like a wall from the trunk. I've been told to have the sub fire into the trunk( in contrast to having it fire directly into the back seat). So, on this false wall I'll have a 10" sub and the Kicker amp. That should leave a little room for other stuff to go along for the ride.
I was kind of hoping someone had made a box like I'm describing and would send me the plans.... No worries, I forge ahead and make my own plans.
Greg
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Thanks for the pictures! I am thinking about making the box fill in the space under the rear package tray and then looking like a wall from the trunk. I've been told to have the sub fire into the trunk( in contrast to having it fire directly into the back seat). So, on this false wall I'll have a 10" sub and the Kicker amp. That should leave a little room for other stuff to go along for the ride.
Greg
Thats exactly how mine is , and I dont have any pics. Besides, all you would see is the wall. I also finished the trunk floor in the same farbric as the box/wall.
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Has anyone seen the package tray that yearone sells? I've thought about just having one sub in the middle of the deck but I'm not sure how difficult it would be to build a proper enclosure to drop down below the deck or even if one would fit. Is that center section even designed for a sub?
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What I was going to do is install a bass tube in the trunk but it took up too much space.
For those with amps/subs in your trunk my only question is this: Where do you plan on putting your spare tire and tools?
I refuse to travel without either of those.
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Yeah. Where do you put the tools and spare tire. T-Tops too?
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Ttops can sit behind the rear seats on the floor, right?
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What spare tire setup is everyone running? Isn't the original setup very valuable and can't be reused once used the first time? I have the original setup for my car but I don't think that I would ever want to use it because the space saver isn't being reproduced to my knowledge.
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Stock tire here. A Sears Craftsman trolley jack as the Y88 didn't come with a bumper jack and I have no plans on ever risking it.
Plenty of room for a full sized spare if you use a 7" rim and a stock tire size.
I personally don't like relying on someone to bring the right spare tire out. I'd rather do it myself - personal preference.
T-tops usually go on the back seat when I'm showing the car or driving it somewhere. I do need to track down storage bags for mine at some point. Rest of the interior getting finished is a higher priority for me though.
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I have more than enough room for tools, cooler and both of my chairs. I dont have a spare tire, but DO have AAA.
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Subs and a new amp will be taking up my trunk but I don't have a spare tire. I also have AAA and I never really stray too far from home with the T/A
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I dont have a spare tire, but DO have AAA.
We know about those weekly meetings, but what is that under your shirt then? ??? ??? ???
(J/K -- couldn't pass that one up... ;) )
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i had a ta that at one time had a system in it when i removed the gas tank there were holes in it.....they screwed the box to the floor!! must not have reliezed the tank was under it
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Brain C- I want to have space in the trunk too. I plan to fit the sub box up under the rear pacakge tray but not come out as far as the picture with the two subs.
A requirement is that I be able to fit the t tops, a small spare, and my son's wakeboard back there. My ski fits with the tail with a towell on the console and the tip slides up to the back window. the kid rides in the front seat and the two golden's ride in the back( I cover the back seats with towells too). The TA is the perfect "lake" car and I wouldn't change that for the world. This way I get to combine a lot of my favorite things in the world- in no paticular order... My kid, skiing, my dogs, music and...(drum roll) the TA! Unfortunately for me, my wife has about 2200 hrs behind the wheel of a ski boat and she's burned out.....:(
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What I was thinking for a sub box was to come out as far as that raised lip in the trunk (closest to the backseat support) and go from wheel well to wheel well. I *think* a 8" sub would fit that way (possibly 2 if there's enough airspace for the enclosure).
Then the amp would go stacked on top of my current amp so I really wouldn't lose much trunk space.
This would allow me to keep the full sized spare, trolley jack, and tools I carry all in the trunk.
Haven't gotten past the planning stage though but I *think* this would work out best for my specific application and design requirements.
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What I was thinking for a sub box was to come out as far as that raised lip in the trunk (closest to the backseat support) and go from wheel well to wheel well. I *think* a 8" sub would fit that way (possibly 2 if there's enough airspace for the enclosure).
Then the amp would go stacked on top of my current amp so I really wouldn't lose much trunk space.
This would allow me to keep the full sized spare, trolley jack, and tools I carry all in the trunk.
Haven't gotten past the planning stage though but I *think* this would work out best for my specific application and design requirements.
I started to lay things out with cardboard this weekend and my "plans" go timmediately flushed. The opening of the trunk is where a lot of problems start and end. That opening is very small and to do anything from wheel well to wheel well( I was with ya there) would require you to assemble the box in the trunk... I will now build as small of a box that the sub needs and try to keep it on the driver side of the trunk and save space for a mini-spare on the other side.
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I was going to assemble it in the trunk if needed. Here's how I was going to tackle that particular portion...
Dowel pins, glue and some L brackets screwed to the various sides of the box. Could very easily be done that way.
Then I'd wrap the face of the box that you'd actually see in some nice carpetting color keyed to the carpet in the trunk. Or maybe camel tan....hadn't thought that far ahead.
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I was going to assemble it in the trunk if needed. Here's how I was going to tackle that particular portion...
Dowel pins, glue and some L brackets screwed to the various sides of the box. Could very easily be done that way.
Then I'd wrap the face of the box that you'd actually see in some nice carpetting color keyed to the carpet in the trunk. Or maybe camel tan....hadn't thought that far ahead.
That would do it! I deally, IMO, same color and nap and the trunk carpet to look like the traunk ends rights there....
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Yep. Or you could use biscuits if you have a biscuit joiner.
Any number of ways you could do it. If access to the sides/top were issues you could always use a 1"x1" piece glued into the corners and use t-nuts/bolts to hold things together.
Competition guys sometimes forgo the screws to hold things together BUT they are able to clamp the box securely using pipe clamps while the glue sets up.
Choice is totally yours as to how you build it in the trunk.
My own personal preference is that I wouldn't put anything in on either of the sides of the trunk that would inhibit me from changing lightbulbs. It's a pain enough already without having to fight with the sub/box as well.
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Here's mine, just have to clean up the final install. No problem with spare or tools. No problem with T-top's either. Sounds great.
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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That's a viable option. Looks pretty clean install wise - nice job.
How do you change the side marker and tail light bulbs? Pull the sub?
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Why not do fiberglass? It's so much easier and usually better results than trying to put together MDF box inside that tiny trunk. Here's a few pics of one I made for my work truck. Nice thing too is that you can tailor the size needed for the subs. Remember guys anyone can build an enclosure but only those that know what they are doing can make one with the correct volume of space needed for the subs AND car.
masked off area
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/002-1.jpg)
layers of resin only.
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/003-1.jpg)
Layers of resin with one layer of matting with front cover installed
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/014-1.jpg)
Back view of reinforcements
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/018.jpg)
picture with rubber coating inside to dampen unwanted vibrations
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/017.jpg)
completed tiny box installed
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/034.jpg)
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Looks good Poncho.
But with a few simple calculations you can figure out the airspace of your enclosure. It's usually easier to perform those calculations based on a box rather than a free shaped/formed back.
Just my own preference. Again, I have my own specific design criteria so what works for me may not be the best for anyone else.
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Nice Poncho, but I wouldn't say I have that skill set. Mine is a mock up, I've already calculated the space needed and will cut to fit with a carboard template the actual face then cover with black carpet, same as trunk. I should have it finished Saturday and will post up some more pics with the box out of the car and then in. Hopefully my other project doesn't get in the way. Changing out the heads. Uggggg
See..... http://www.78ta.com/smf/index.php?topic=15778.15
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Thanks guys. Actually its much easier to do fiberglass than what you may think. Google it on the net and you'll find tons of info on it. As far as sq/ft calculations with glass I mock it up with cardboard or thin panelling then I put a big bag inside it usually a trash bag then I fill that with either water or even foam peanuts. Then I empty that into containers with measurements on there then come up with the total volume that way.
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That looks really nice Ponchonutty! I've done trailer repairs and some other boat related work in fiberglass so I'm not scared of doing it that way. What I don't know how to do is lat glass upside down... But perhaps I could use the trunk and side walls of the trunk for a mold and then use a board for the top and glass over that.... It's an idea.
Greg
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How much would something like this generally cost?
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Are you asking about the cost of the sub enclosure? To make or to buy? To make it's probably no more than $50 by the time you buy the MDF, connectors, screws to hold the box together, glue, and carpet... To buy... That all depends on where you go but I think they can get up to $150....
I'm not sure this is what you are asking though....
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hmmm, I thought Poncho might just go ahead and make me a prototype......
Here are my requirements:
Driver Side, 10", blah blah blah.......just kidding. Will post up more pics this weekend.
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You would need to provide the mounting depth of the sub along with the airspace requirements for a custom enclosure to be built for you ;)
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How much would something like this generally cost?
Depends on the actual car and enclosure needed. Usually $500 on up.
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My cost to do my enclosure in my Jeep was about $100 for everything. Resin isn't cheap these days!!!
Here's some links to pics with painted and glass'd enclosure which I love to do. Obviously more money. Mine was built just for road noise and not for show especially since it's usually loaded down with tools.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=fiberglass+trunk+enclosure&gs_rfai=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=ekmhS4OZLYHcNsqV9M0M&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCQQsAQwAw
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Here is what I did last weekend. I'll finish it up and post the final pics in a few days. I will also put up the dimensions for each piece and what the volume size is. For the face board I took a large sheet of paper and taped it in. Then I traced around the edges to get a custom fit. This is part 1 and 2.
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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Here are 2 more. I got the carpet in today that matches the trunk.
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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Are you going to add a port?...I like this design....still leaves plenty of room in the trunk. Keep up the good work....can't wait to see the finished product!
Rick C.
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I used the sealed one without a port.
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Looking great! I can't wait to see the end result.
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Defend- That looks great! I would definetyle be interested in volumes and sizes... It looks like that just fits into the side and comes out to where the trunk drops down- that accurate?
I build mine to fit back under the rear shelf in the driver side and it lloks decent there but after all my measuring, I can't get my fisher t tops to lay down in there now....hmmmm. When I was designing it and putting it together I kept checking to see that the T's would lay down. I have all the wire run from the fron tto the back and now I just need to hook up the amp and I'll be done with this project!!!!
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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And the final product. I thought I has a picture of how it fits into the trunk but I can't find it. I will post that when I'm done. I hooked this up in my tahoe to satisfy my curiosity in how well it will work- pretty good! Can't wait to see how it works in the TA....
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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Nice work...Can't do mine till I weld some patches in the trunk floor...mid summer I think..
Rick c.
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Same issue here ski, wanted to be able to put the chair, cooler, and tops in the trunk while still kickin out good sounding "Miley Cyrus" LMAO. I should have it covered in the next day or so, and will post up how it all looks with a few inside shots of the trunk so you can see the box, amp, and wiring. Yes, I bet I mispelled her name, my daughter will point that out I'm sure.
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Here are 2 more. I got the carpet in today that matches the trunk.
you wanna make another one or two ?
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A member on here built mine for me. It is a type of bandpass box (can't remember the exact name) for two 12" subs. I have two 4" ports cut into the rear package tray of my T/A that will be incorporated into the box soon as I get it up and running. I will finally get to put his hard work to use hopefully this summer. The box fits great right behind the back seat and doesn't take up too much space.
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I got the whole system finished wiring last night. I test fit everythig and got everything hooked up to verify all was well- that doesn't happen frequently in my world. All was great and everything worked!!! Oh, and it sounds incredible!!! It's got a very smooth response and not too much mid range and a deep bass, like boils up from under the car kind of deep.
The amp is mounted and the sub in place and it kicks out more then enough bass( it seems silly of me to have been concerned now with the end result). I'm not pleased with all the wires for the amp and would like that to be dressed up a bit but I'm not excited about right now. I believe I will be changing sub boxs to something like what Defend did and then I'll mounnt the amp on the back seat....
I was beat by the time I got all this done so I didn't take pictures, I will in the next few days. I am really trying to have all this complete by the weekend as it's my son's 10th b day and he asked if we could take his friends around for TA rides.....
Greg
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Post up some pics guys, I want to see. I glued the face carpet on last night, and will stretch and staple in the morning (Saturday). I'll post up some more pics including the amp mount location which looks real good as well. You can make this box with a screw gun, circular saw, and jig saw. I'll post up the "How to" also. Hopefully this weekend. BTW, this is only my second sub box attempt. I failed miserably the first time, had to burn it......:(.......waited 3 years to try again. I just took my time and used heavy paper and cardboard to build the whole thing first, then cut the pieces of wood and put together. It really looks great, and should have been a factory option with free REO Speedwagon CD. Oh wait, I meant cassette tape......... ;D
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Great!...I've been wai
Post up some pics guys, I want to see. I glued the face carpet on last night, and will stretch and staple in the morning (Saturday). I'll post up some more pics including the amp mount location which looks real good as well. You can make this box with a screw gun, circular saw, and jig saw. I'll post up the "How to" also. Hopefully this weekend. BTW, this is only my second sub box attempt. I failed miserably the first time, had to burn it......:(.......waited 3 years to try again. I just took my time and used heavy paper and cardboard to build the whole thing first, then cut the pieces of wood and put together. It really looks great, and should have been a factory option with free REO Speedwagon CD. Oh wait, I meant cassette tape......... ;D
Great! I've been waiting to see the build so I can steal your idea! (lol)...I like the positioning of yours for maximizing trunk space..
Rick C.
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Sorry, honey do list is a mile long this weekend. Here are some pics. Covered the box with carpet (I ordered another trunk carpet and cut to fit box). Then I cut out the hole.
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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Next I test fit the box with the sub. I still have to do the write up and fit the carpet together so it looks clean and install the amp. I took a straight on shot so you could see it does not eat up much space.
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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Very nice! The box turned out great!
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A picture of my install... I still think I'm liking your Defend.... This takes up the best space in the trunk... But it works awesome!
[attachment deleted by admin over 90 days old]
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Not bad Greg. What size sub is that?
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Next I test fit the box with the sub. I still have to do the write up and fit the carpet together so it looks clean and install the amp. I took a straight on shot so you could see it does not eat up much space.
Excellent work..yep...that's the way I will go...thanks for sharing!
Rick C.
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Not bad Greg. What size sub is that?
10" kicker, maybe .75ft^3 internal volume- a little short of optimal and it fits the contour of the trunk pan on that side and extends to the back seat.
The amp is a Kicker 700.5 5 channel amp 4X75 and 1X240, super clean power. The 75X4 is a good plenty but the sub effect diminishes quickly when the car is running, and is unheard at hwy speeds with the tops off.... There's a lot of noise the sub competes with and a lot of low frequency noise. I haven't played with optimizing the settings yet so I don't know if I'll be able to get to the point where, with the tops off and on the hwy- I can hear/feel the sub and some bass.
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Hmm nice info to have.
With my setup, (2) 6x9's in the rear package tray, I can feel the bass going down the road with the tops out.
Did you sound deaden the car at all?
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Hmm nice info to have.
With my setup, (2) 6x9's in the rear package tray, I can feel the bass going down the road with the tops out.
Did you sound deaden the car at all?
I have two 6x9's in the rear package tray running on 75W and I can definitely hear them, there is sound insulation on the package tray and down the back seat into the seat well's. The bass is overwhelming when the car isn't running but as soon as I start it up and get going down the road, the effect diminishes quickly. I'm not complaning, I'm very happy about the turn out and I will be even happier when I optimize it!
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Greg,
Then I'd humbly suggest adding some sound deadening to the following:
Floors
Doors
Either side of the rear passenger area
Roof
I bet you get a lot less engine/road noise in the cabin when you do that much.
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Greg,
Then I'd humbly suggest adding some sound deadening to the following:
Floors
Doors
Either side of the rear passenger area
Roof
I bet you get a lot less engine/road noise in the cabin when you do that much.
Yassir! Those areas are on the list but, are 4-5 items down at this point. I'm slowly working my way through..... Just like everyone else on this board.
Greg
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Gotcha Greg.
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I think I have everything settled out now... Drove the TA to my lake last night without the tops on and it's about a 28 mile drive, all highway. No problems sensing the bass, I could hear it but more than hearing I could feel it through the seat bottom and back! Very enjoyable and just what I was looking for! The weather was mid 80's and calm winds and sunny, it was a great drive....
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ski - I had that same sub and let me tell you........when I switched over to the JL Audio 10W3V2 it blew my bolts off.......seriously. I didn't change one darn thing except to swap the sub and my bass went thru the roof. Picked up 2 used ones on sleezebay for half price.