Solid Fiberglass enclosure, pros/cons

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=42853
Printed Date: July 07, 2025 at 2:36 AM

Topic: Solid Fiberglass enclosure, pros/cons

Posted By: bassplayer24_7
Subject: Solid Fiberglass enclosure, pros/cons
Date Posted: November 12, 2004 at 7:23 PM

I have a 2000 ford ranger ext cab and i would like to make a mold of the rear and build a box from the mold. I have been told a few different things about a solid fiberglass enclosure vs. using MDF. Just looking for some opinions. Thanks

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(2) 12" JL W3V3
(1) 6" JL W0
Phoenix Gold Octane R 8.0:1
Phoenix Gold Octane R 2.0:1
Phoenix Gold Octane R 5.0:4
Clarion Crossover
JVC Head Unit

Replies:

Posted By: dxav
Date Posted: November 12, 2004 at 7:47 PM

I have been working on a full fiberglass enclosure for an IS300. 2 Separate chambers for a 10" in each. If I had known what I know now, it would have been made much different.
To maximize the trunk space, we made the enclosure out of solid 'glass. The subs are JLs and we had to make ports for optimum SPL. There were several flat sides we could have made using MDF. The boxes don't sound good at all, but we saved it by sealing them up.
Any flat portions of a box should be made of MDF (3/4" preferably). This makes the box easier to make, and light.

Hope this helps.
DXAV

Posted By: HottAccord
Date Posted: November 13, 2004 at 8:14 AM

Yeah if you have some long flat parts, your best bet is to use 3/4 MDF cause 1. - Its gonna take a lot of glass to make that flat part thick & strong (fiberglass is stronger on curves) and 2 - it's gonna be a little more expensive because obviously you're gonna be using way more layers of fiberglass. posted_image

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Im a fiberglass whore!!

Posted By: bassplayer24_7
Date Posted: November 13, 2004 at 4:15 PM

Alright, I'll use MDF for the back and bottom of the box. thanks, that helps a lot.

-------------
(2) 12" JL W3V3
(1) 6" JL W0
Phoenix Gold Octane R 8.0:1
Phoenix Gold Octane R 2.0:1
Phoenix Gold Octane R 5.0:4
Clarion Crossover
JVC Head Unit