10" Custom Box DIY

[arizona-dave]

I did not rip the carpet out - the AV's carpet is actually a 5/16" thick rubberized mat...I only removed the padding underneath, which required me to remove the rear seats and lisft the carpet back.

As for the Pioneer - I held one in my hand, next to the kicker. It weight far less, and the diaphram was slightly smaller than the kicker...the backside of the pioneer is completely sealed except some small mesh-vents, and I just wasnt convinced there was enough open space to allow the air behind the woofer to move freely at high volumes.

I went with the kicker because of its specs and power handling - Its higher than Rockford and I think the Pioneer., plus the extra depth give it a bigger magnet...just a personal opinion for me.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing.

i am not looking forward to ripping out the carpet, even though i intend on keeping the av til she quits. i'm not up to date on quality of subs anymore, but just strictly looking at the manufacturer's numbers, i am interested in the pioneer TS-SW1001S4. any reason you didn't consider this one? it has a 3" mounting depth, which by the looks of things, might mean i could built a box similar with a lower profile, without removing carpet/padding.

as far as choosing a sub, i prefer a clean sound over loudness any day. i wish i kept myself up to date over the last 6 or 7 years. things certainly change fast when you're not paying attention!

 

[arizona-dave]

Yeah, Ive also noticed the Bass is significantly different with XM vs CD vs the Ipod/Aux inputs.

On XM I need more bass boost, on a CD I have to turn the Bass all the way down.

Did you go with Fosgates in your ruck and Boat or Kicker? (confused)

Ive got Alpine Type 'R' in my boat - Its the best Subwoofer Ive ever owned....but its 8-1/2" deep, and thats just a tad bit big for the AV (haha)

Dave,

   I love the kicker brand, I used there 6.5 seperates and regular 6.5's in my truck and boat.  Great clean sound!!!.  As far as subs go I'm sure kicker makes good stuff, I went with the Fosgates because I got a deal on one and it sounded so good in my boat so I figured what the heck.  Turns out they work excellent in the A/V.  They grap very low and never get muddy.

Just ordered another MTX Amplifier JH202,  I have one on the boat and I love it because it's a strong AMP and it has an RJ-11 remote that lets you put the base level where you need it.  I find with I-pod stuff, the signal levels are all over the place, and it's hard to just leave the AMP gain in a medium setting.  Besides I like to have an extra Amp lying around...LOL

Ed

 

[iamten7]

i am not looking forward to ripping out the carpet, even though i intend on keeping the av til she quits. i'm not up to date on quality of subs anymore, but just strictly looking at the manufacturer's numbers, i am interested in the pioneer TS-SW1001S4. any reason you didn't consider this one? it has a 3" mounting depth, which by the looks of things, might mean i could built a box similar with a lower profile, without removing carpet/padding.

as far as choosing a sub, i prefer a clean sound over loudness any day. i wish i kept myself up to date over the last 6 or 7 years. things certainly change fast when you're not paying attention!

I went with two of the 8" Poineers wich is the smaller version of the TS-SW1001S4 that you are looking at. I am completely happy with them. I also used the original box design by Jeff D for them. I wasn't looking to rock my neighbors car out just give me a little thump i was missing hence my decision to go with the smaller 8"ers. good luck.

 

[arizona-dave]

Cool...so you dont think that screen mesh on the back restricts the Pioneer's ability to move in/out to create the Bass?

That was my concern...but, as Ive said from the beginning, I really wanted to 10" so I could get lower frequencies than I would expect to get from 8's, or 6's....and Im getting great Low-end Bass....which is what I was looking for.

I even would have gobe with a 12", but there just isnt any room for that due to the seat frame tubes.

Clean Low-End Bass, and full-funtion mid-gate are the name of the game.

I went with two of the 8" Poineers wich is the smaller version of the TS-SW1001S4 that you are looking at. I am completely happy with them. I also used the original box design by Jeff D for them. I wasn't looking to rock my neighbors car out just give me a little thump i was missing hence my decision to go with the smaller 8"ers. good luck.

 

[kwistofoo]

i think the pioneer will be the direction i'll go.. with an alpine pdx amp. i am going to use 3/4" mdf on the sides, 1/2" for the top and bottom (only so i can use up the material i already have sitting here!) i'll be reinforcing the 1/2 side pretty well to keep it stiff.  using 1/2" will also allow me to either keep an even lower profile or allow for slightly more airspace. after christmas i'll be starting on the boxes, so we'll see how i make out with cardboard first.

dave: did you install a 2nd battery to power your subs, or are you still running on one?

 

[highvelocity]

Did you go with Fosgates in your ruck and Boat or Kicker? (confused)

I used all KICKER 6.5 speakers inside doors on the truck and batons in the boat. (Seperates in Front) 

Using Fosgates for all subs, they are very effiicient and never get muddy when pushed hard. 

I have to say adding the (4 channel Alpine F300 to the KICKER's really woke them up, high's and mids are awesome.  I should have done it from

day one, to anyone using stock power for inside speakers, forget it. 

 

[arizona-dave]

Just 1 battery.

I have an Optima 8-cell Battery, and I used 2-gage power-wire connected directly to the battery block inside the engine compartment next to the alternator/

On my boat I ran 2 batteries for a long time, because I push my Alpine Type-R is pushing 500 RMS...last year I did only 1 battery in the boat, and was surprised to see absolutely no difference.

So...Ive decided unless Im pushing well over 500 watts RMS, an additional battery isnt necessary at all...now...if I was pushing 4 12's, or over 1000 watts, Id put in the extra battery, but for 2 8's or 1 10", I just dont think it will do anything - ohms law and the calcs confirm this.

i think the pioneer will be the direction i'll go.. with an alpine pdx amp. i am going to use 3/4" mdf on the sides, 1/2" for the top and bottom (only so i can use up the material i already have sitting here!) i'll be reinforcing the 1/2 side pretty well to keep it stiff.  using 1/2" will also allow me to either keep an even lower profile or allow for slightly more airspace. after christmas i'll be starting on the boxes, so we'll see how i make out with cardboard first.

dave: did you install a 2nd battery to power your subs, or are you still running on one?

 

[arizona-dave]

Gotchya! Thanks.

Im going to be adding an aftermarket Amp for the door speakers here soon.

When you took out the stock door speakers in your AV, where they crappy paper ones, or were they the poly cone speakers?

I was surprised when I took out my 4.5" factory "Sub Woofer" in the center console to see the speaker itself (other than the fact its to small to be a subwoofer) was of very good quality.

Ive seen several other threads where people say to do an aftermarket Amp before swapping out the factory speakers...just curious to hear your opinion.

Thanks!

Did you go with Fosgates in your ruck and Boat or Kicker? (confused)

I used all KICKER 6.5 speakers inside doors on the truck and batons in the boat. (Seperates in Front)   

Using Fosgates for all subs, they are very effiicient and never get muddy when pushed hard. 

I have to say adding the (4 channel Alpine F300 to the KICKER's really woke them up, high's and mids are awesome.  I should have done it from

day one, to anyone using stock power for inside speakers, forget it. 

 

[highvelocity]

Dave,

    I would go with a big NO on that one.  Especially if they're not Bose.      I did try to amp my factory fronts, it didn't work.  Very bad distortion.  I did however leave the stock tweeter in...hahaha

Hey, Merry Christmas to you and yours out west there!!!!!

  Ed

 

[arizona-dave]

I have the Bose Speakers/system. I would be replacing the door speakers with Infinity Kappas or Alpine Type R's.

What I was saying, is that several people in other threads have tried replacing just the door speakers, and not the Bose amp, and its a waste of time...the Amp is more critical than the door speakers, but of course matching a system is the goal.

Will let everyone know what I end up doing....in the mean time, Im enjoying the subwoofer I installed...I even turned down the gain a little bit more...on CD's it was overbearing....now its just at the sweet-spot.

Dave,

    I would go with a big NO on that one.  Especially if they're not Bose.      I did try to amp my factory fronts, it didn't work.  Very bad distortion.  I did however leave the stock tweeter in...hahaha

Hey, Merry Christmas to you and yours out west there!!!!!

  Ed

 

[highvelocity]

Dave,
   
Yeah, the base can be overbearing, that's why I ordered that MTX AMP w/remote base knob.  I have it set-up on the boat that way too and it works great.!!!

Also, a fact about MTX Amps, they are great AMPs, but they feel very light and cheap.  The reason they are so light is because they use a cooling fan instead of heat sinks which are generaly heavy.  I push 2 tens on the boat with the same JH202 with no problem.

I would think the Bose setup is an all or none type senario. 

 

[arizona-dave]

Got mine all EQ'd now...and Im liking it. I wish I had the Knob.

I installed an Alpine 4-channel Amp for qll the Door speakers, and bypassed the Bose amp for everything except the Subwoofer signal.

Man what a difference...check out my thread on the Aftermarket Amp install:
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,116502.msg1811803.html#msg1811803

Dave,
   
Yeah, the base can be overbearing, that's why I ordered that MTX AMP w/remote base knob.  I have it set-up on the boat that way too and it works great.!!!

Also, a fact about MTX Amps, they are great AMPs, but they feel very light and cheap.  The reason they are so light is because they use a cooling fan instead of heat sinks which are generaly heavy.  I push 2 tens on the boat with the same JH202 with no problem.

I would think the Bose setup is an all or none type senario. 

 

[derksens]

Ok All - Here is The basic design.

I didnt put dims on it, because quite honestly I am building this thing to fit with literally 1/8" clearance sides and under the frame, and my hunch is that the seat frames, and clearances will be slightly different for each truck.

I really dont know how this type of odd box shape will impact the Air volume inside the Box. Ive calced the volume to roughly 0.81-0.82 cuft - the surface area is roughly 466 sqin (I.D.) and the average height is just over 3" (I.D.).

The Volume of air of a sealed box type for a Kicker CVT 10" is 0.8 cuft....so this box mets Kickers specs. I honestly dont think I could squeeze any more volume from this box design without making even more notches, which Im not gunna do.

I will post updated pics if the russian lets me work on this thing tonight. I obviously had nothign to do as work but draw this thing on cad.

Dave - I'd love it if you would provide the dimensions anyway - if you have it in CAD and it is easy.  I am just about to take on a replica of this project (have new HU and door speakers on the way...)  I found these Polk Components at Sonic and the deal is wicked:  http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9109_Polk+Audio+db6501+.html  In Canada this speaker series is more than double the price.  I have a 10" sub on the shelf along with a stack of amps that I have been meaning to get to.  My goal is great sound and not DBs.

My head unit choice was a JVC R900 - it has bluetooth, a very good Ipod dock, plenty of preouts and enough power to run the speakers while I build this sub box.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17639_JVC+KD-R900.html

I will update the group on my progress and results for those interested.

Thanks!

derksens (Scott)

 

[arizona-dave]

26-1/2 inches wide. 24-3/4" Deep (front to back)
Drivers-Side: 5-1/5" Total Height at front down to 3-1/4" Total Height at Midline of Box, 3-1/4 total hieght until 6" from back of Box then 5-1/4" total Height at back of Box.
Middle Area: is 1-1/4" more Shallow than Drivers-Side - This is for the Hump in middle of truck is approx 1-1/8".

Check out my PDF I posted:
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,115804.msg1800962.html#msg1800962

Im trying to find this on my 'puter - I think I may have moved the folder...the front Dims are 11-1/4" Wide at drivers side front face, then a 6-1/2" gap, then 8-1/2" on the front face under the center seat. If you go back to some of those posts I have some other dims where the seat belt buckles need to go down. The back of the Box gets progressively narrower, its 6-1/2" Wide under the drivers side rear, and 8" wide under the pass side rear.

The notches are a pain in the A$$ - Big Time.

I built 2 boxes - thie first box didnt fit, and thats the one I have Cad dims on - the notches wouldnt allow the seat to fold down properly, so I built the 2nd box as a design-build using overall Dims, and then custom fitting each piece.

Dave - I'd love it if you would provide the dimensions anyway - if you have it in CAD and it is easy.  I am just about to take on a replica of this project (have new HU and door speakers on the way...)  I found these Polk Components at Sonic and the deal is wicked:  http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9109_Polk+Audio+db6501+.html  In Canada this speaker series is more than double the price.  I have a 10" sub on the shelf along with a stack of amps that I have been meaning to get to.  My goal is great sound and not DBs.

My head unit choice was a JVC R900 - it has bluetooth, a very good Ipod dock, plenty of preouts and enough power to run the speakers while I build this sub box.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17639_JVC+KD-R900.html

I will update the group on my progress and results for those interested.

Thanks!

derksens (Scott)

 

[derksens]

Thanks so much Dave.  I think I have enough to go make some sawdust

Cheers!

 

[arizona-dave]

No Prob - Make sure to post Pics...even of the stuff that doesnt fit hehe LOL

Thanks so much Dave.  I think I have enough to go make some sawdust

Cheers!

 

[Blueduck4860]

Arizona Dave could you please email me the Picture of factory bose wire harness that you connected the inline high/low converter to. I can't see any pictures in the forum. I am 99% sure I know which one it is but I love to see a picture of it first. If you could email it to Blueduck4860@yahoo.com I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[arizona-dave]

If you post at least 20 times to this forum you will be able to see the pics.

Arizona Dave could you please email me the Picture of factory bose wire harness that you connected the inline high/low converter to. I can't see any pictures in the forum. I am 99% sure I know which one it is but I love to see a picture of it first. If you could email it to Blueduck4860@yahoo.com I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[arizona-dave]

Thank you it was WAY Too much work   

If I did it again I would probably make the box 1 inch less-wide, so I didnt have to cut the ends off of hte bolts on the seat frame...its not a big deal but its more work.

I would also consider getting more challow Pioneer, as it will work in a smaller box and according to people sound just as good....I cant say for sure.

My Kicker gets deep lows...it doesnt sound like one of those small truck boxes that we all had behind the seats in our mini trucks, it sounds like a real tuned subwoofer, and it handles mega power. I dont know if the Pioneer or rockford will handle the power Im pushing thru thie Kicker.

Ive also hear good things about Polk Subs.

Looking fowward to hearing back from you

Thanks for sharing all your work here dave. I've been wanting some bass since I got the truck and have been researching options, but I like your design best out of all that i've seen. and of COURSE it is also the one that requires the most work    but I will always go to extremes to make sure something is done right. I'll get on my own variation of your setup and share some pics 

 

[I CHNGE]

alright, closely examined the situation and have become massively discouraged. when folded down, the seat touches the carpet in most places and there isn't enough room for my balled fist in other places. I was really hoping to keep all the functionality of the midgate. I'll keep exploring

The '02 rear seats ARE different...

You WANT this one...

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,104744.msg1655492.html#msg1655492

 

[arizona-dave]

Thats a pretty sweet set-up also. I love how these forums really help everyone find/discuss the things were looking for....and wehn we cant find it, we make it....hehe

The '02 rear seats ARE different...

You WANT this one...

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,104744.msg1655492.html#msg1655492

 

[arizona-dave]

So, Im washing my Boat on Sunday, listening to my Boat system. Its got a single 10" Sealed 0.83cuft Alpine Type 'R' subwoofer. Im listening to the same tunes I listen to in my AV. I notice how DEEP and low sounding the Bass is. I take the CD and pop it in my GS300, which has Dual Rockford 12's. Same DEEP bass.

Now, Ive said before my custom 10" Sub in the AV sound good. But ive been switcing cars every few days, and Ive decided these Shallow mount subs just plain sound different than Full-Depth Subs. They just dont get that Deep LOW Low sound, there's a "Boominess" to them.

So...I take the 10" Sub from my Boat, and it fits behind the Front Pass Seat and the Rear Pass Seat snug. Hook it up, and disconnect the Custom Sub I have.        Holy Crap what a difference. Its night & day. No Boominess whatsoever, deep, clear perfect Bass, without changing the Gain or anything from the Amp.

Im leaving it in for driving around town, and basically my custom under-seat box will be used for road trips. I tried running both, and honestly there was barely any extra volume from having both hooked up at the same time, plus I could still hear the boominess from the shallow mount.

For anyone who is interested in what I mean by Low Deep Bass, Listen to Godsmacks First CD, Track 8, from Minute 2:30 to 3:15...they hit a really Low really Hard note several times I can fell it but not hear it with the Shallow Mount. With the Alipne Type 'R' I can really feel it, and really hear it.

AWESOME!!!!

 

[arizona-dave]

I drove my Lexus GS300 to Rocky Point last weekend. My Dual 12" Rockfords in it sound SO MUCH deeper than even the Alpine Type R in the AV....I may decide to build a Box for the Mid-Gate which is removable. Leave my custom box where it is, and then have a Box in the midgate that I can remove if I want to get Plywood or go camping.

I think what I dont like is having the Subwoofer in the Cabin. If I do this, I will start a new thread and take pics.

 

[tmac_13]

You think one could do this with a 12" sub? i am getting a rockford 12" punch sub. and I would like to keep my midgate functional.. any ideas?

 

[arizona-dave]

I tried, there isnt enough room due to the Seat Frame.

If you used 1/4" MDF board you might get it to work, but that wouldnt be a good idea :-(

You think one could do this with a 12" sub? i am getting a rockford 12" punch sub. and I would like to keep my midgate functional.. any ideas?