Back seat 8" sub box (budget build) + mag lite mod

Hello folks!

A couple years ago I put a new head unit in my 2002 avy. I am not a music freak or audiophile, but I was was severely lacking bass in my music. So this summer I set out to do a very budget upgrade for my sound system. My goal was 2 new front door speakers, an amp, and a sub. The biggest thing was to have a sub box that did not interfere with the function of the mid gate.

I spent a lot of time looking at this thread (Jeff D Sub Box secrets revealed):
http://chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,62793.0.html

Here's what I ended up with:
- 2 6.5" coaxial Alpine SPE-6000 ($27 off ebay, including shipping)
- 1 Lanzar MAX8 8" sub 600 watt max (300 watt rms) ($27 Amazon)
- Kenwood Kac-8405 720-Watt 4/3/2-Channel Amplifier with Variable LPF/HPF ($114 Amazon)
- Cheap amp install kit ($12, Amazon)

I built a custom sub box for under the back seat. It's not the exact design of the jeff d box. It's similar, but backwards. I had planned to do the jeff d design, but when I got the Lanzar sub I realized everyone was using slim-mount subs, and mine would not fit.

Anyway, here's some pics:

Test fitting the pieces before gluing everything together. The white stuff underneath are corrugated plastic sheets, which I used for mock-ups. Its like an advanced form of cardboard.



Test fitting the sub. Note the two bolts in the back I used for terminals.



Blurry cell-phone pics




Closer view of the bolt terminals. I put two nuts on the outside of the box and wrapped the speaker wire around the bolt in between the nuts. Works out pretty good.


The second nut isn't on yet on the right terminal.


Everything glued together and sealed. I used titebond wood glue and clamped everything up overnight.


Used some silicone sealant for the box...and other stuff...pretty versatile.


Feast your eyes upon some wood glue!!!!


And the test fit:


I slide the box forward to gain room for the back seat to lay flat. When the back set is upright, I slide the box backwards to it does not stick out into the area where the passengers feet will be.




The seat does rest on the back part of the sub when its laid down, but its a non-issue.




Overall, everything sounds great. It's by no means going to win any sound awards, but it sounds good enough for my needs and MUCH better than the stock system. I actually bass now! It has a suprising punch for only one 8" sub. Plus I still get full function of the mid-gate.

I'm sure the box isn't a perfect sub box from an audio perspective, but hey it works for me. I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out, considering I don't do woodworking as a profession or hobby. I do plan on painting or carpeting the box sometime in the future.

I will post dimensions of the box when I get them draw up electronically, if anyone is interested.

EDIT: Here are the dimensions https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=CA5893A8F4DA9F2E!3009&authkey=!AJtbe_tqhCeqhVA

Also, originally I had bought a cheap $40 amp from Amazon. SSL F4.400. Had mixed reviews but I went ahead and bought it cause I was on a budget. Turned out to be a mistake. I had noise in the system when I first turned it on and spent three days trying to troubleshoot. Ended up spending the extra money to buy the Kenwood amp. Problem solved! Its a much better amp anyway, more power + variable filters. Sent the SSL back to Amazon for full refund 

Here's some more random pics, just for fun:

One more post while I'm at it 

Also did a 2 minute maglite mod. Instead of drilling new holes, I used the holes that are already on the inside of the saddlebag lids. The align quite nicely. Used some different screws I had lying around though, the threads at the tip of the stock screws were worn.

Love this mod, very cheap and easy. And functional! They are very strong clips, I've been driving around with them for about 2 weeks now. No problems. I live on gravel, country roads too and my flashlight hasn't moved.











Link to the maglite clips:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002N9ER/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Box looks good, what kind of wood is that?

Yes...Send Your Dims Of The Box.

AvyOwner23 said:

Box looks good, what kind of wood is that?

Click to expand...

Thanks, it's 1/2" OSB. I've read where many people recommend MDF, but this was what I had lying around.

AyyTrainn said:

Yes...Send Your Dims Of The Box.

Click to expand...

I'll try to get them up here this evening some time.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=CA5893A8F4DA9F2E!3009&authkey=!AJtbe_tqhCeqhVA

Here are the dimensions.

vicbush said:

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=CA5893A8F4DA9F2E!3009&authkey=!AJtbe_tqhCeqhVA
Here are the dimensions.

Click to expand...

Thanx VicBush!  Now, 2 Get The Wood.

Awesome. Been looking to do almost exactly this.  Never really wanted a system, just a little more oomph.  Thank so much for posting it!

vicbush said:

Thanks, it's 1/2" OSB. I've read where many people recommend MDF, but this was what I had lying around.

I'll try to get them up here this evening some time.

Click to expand...

How has the osb held up?

Yea OSB is not a great wood to be using because generally it doesn't hold up. Also looked like 5/8" was used and you really want to use 3/4". I have heard Marine grade plywood is decent and potentially standard plywood is decent as long as the box is structured well. 3/4" box won't flex nearly as much as a 5/8.

Also if you can put fiberfill in the box it will help with the sound quality. Fiberglass insulation will work too but fiberfill won't leave you scratchy.

Rodney