custom fiberglass box question
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=37414
Printed Date: May 27, 2024 at 3:08 PM
Topic: custom fiberglass box question
Posted By: gtown installer
Subject: custom fiberglass box question
Date Posted: August 15, 2004 at 4:52 AM
I have done fiberglass trunks in the past but every time I have done them I used either an mdf box surrounded by fiberglass or half fiberglass and half mdf boxes. Im currently designing a custom trunk for a customer and I want to make a sub box out of just fiberglass. How many layers of fiberglass would any of you fellow installers use to ensure stability and sound quality? Thanks ya'll for the input! ------------- gangstaville installer
Replies:
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: August 15, 2004 at 10:17 AM
Not really a good idea. Usually when you use fiberglass there are curves and curves give fiberglass strength. If you are going to make any long flat sections with fiberglass then it is going to take more fiberglass then normal. Also it depends on how large the box will be as to how many layers it will take. If you are doing then entire box in fiberglass then I would probably recommend at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick if not more.
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Posted By: destin
Date Posted: August 15, 2004 at 1:32 PM
Depends on the sub they say, and how many curves, but most people say 8 or 9 right? That'll make a nice tough box capable of taking much abuse without damage.
Posted By: vdubmk4
Date Posted: August 15, 2004 at 9:29 PM
Is there a reason it needs to be completely fiberglass ? ------------- Fortune: You will continue to take chances, and be glad you did.
Posted By: HottAccord
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 9:56 AM
I'd recommend using wood too for any long flat surfaces for a few reasons. One is that you want the flatter parts to be strong and not flex, and 2nd..why bother using up so much fiberlgass on a flat surface if wood is cheaper, and stronger. I mean you're gonna use a lot of fiberglass on flat surfaces to try and get it thick enough to be as strong as wood. I'm gonna use wood on my next project...
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Im a fiberglass whore!!
Posted By: CarAudioHelp
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 3:50 PM
Layers depend on many factors. Enclosure size, power the woofer will be driven with, amount of curves in the enclosure, thickness of wrapping cloth, weight of the mat being used...
Just keep adding layers until the box passes the push test. If you can push on the box and it flexes, you need more layers. Probably not the answer you're looking for but it's the best I can give you without knowing the other information.
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Posted By: vdubmk4
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 11:44 PM
Hey HottAccord, whered you get ur interior done ? I agree with the push test its nifty, if your box can't hold up to ur thumb has it gunna hold up to all that pressure. ------------- Fortune: You will continue to take chances, and be glad you did.
Posted By: dangerranger96
Date Posted: August 17, 2004 at 8:26 PM
stand on it if it flexes at all do more glass
Posted By: vdubmk4
Date Posted: August 17, 2004 at 10:01 PM
haha, what happens if you stand on and the damn thing falls to peices, that always sucks. I recommend some other tests before that. Also i have a question, do ported boxes need to be as sturdy as sealed boxes since they don't have to withstand the high pressures ?
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Fortune: You will continue to take chances, and be glad you did.
Posted By: dangerranger96
Date Posted: August 18, 2004 at 11:20 AM
if they flex, they will distort, so yes they need to be as sturdy as sealed boxes, unless you want to either fry a couple amps or puke a bunch of subs. Don't put all of your weight at once on the box before you make sure it won't flex, gradually put weight on one foot until your other foot isn't touching the ground.
Posted By: CarAudioHelp
Date Posted: August 18, 2004 at 1:44 PM
Just don't stand on it. Use your thumb. It will generate more pressure (Force/Area) than your body weight on your foot. And it's a lot safer.
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Posted By: defective
Date Posted: August 18, 2004 at 2:31 PM
ok....to test strength, theres a simple test you can do. First find a ladder that is at least 8 feet high and then get your hands on a 10 pin bowling ball, 11lb. should be more than enough....................................... I got an idea...... build it as strong as possible. Why build it half way, when in a year or two JL might release some crazy sub that can flip your head inside out. When i build an enclosure, i don't ever have to worry about this petty strength testing crap. If you cant afford to do fiberglass RIGHT, buy a pre-fab. not trying to be a dick or anything, but seriously, you shouldn't have to test. You should be able to tell by looking at a box whether it is gonna crack or not. Especially if your making it for a customer. Do you want to risk a customer coming back because your custom install failed?...................... -------------
Posted By: promodeepcycle
Date Posted: August 19, 2004 at 2:04 PM
this is a full fiberglass trunk.. but we still did the "bottom" of the box in mdf kinda give you some ideas.. https://fresnoracing.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=3056 ------------- dont be a pet monkey ..use your dmm
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