I have a couple of quick questions regarding the layout of subs and an amp in my trunk. My trunk is only 40” wide where I want to mount everything – my 32” long box and 12” wide amp. My current plan is to attach a piece of wood to my trunk floor and mount the amp in the very middle. Then, I am going to add a second shelf above the first and put the speaker box (with 2 10” subs) on that top shelf. This will accomplish everything I want – make the amp secure, leave future space for more amps and make the box itself easily removable. I was even thinking of dressing up the lower shelf with some neon lights. My questions are:
1) If I build this shelf system, what is a safe distance to leave between the top of the amp and a second shelf? Will this shelf restrict too much air flow, and if so, can I just mount a cooling fan to help out?
2) With the subs sitting up on a 2nd shelf, am I going to introduce a rattle of any kind? Obviously, I will make sure that the 2nd shelf is nice and sturdy, both it and the box will be carpeted and I was even thinking of attaching the box to the shelf with some brackets or something. However, I’m worried that when the bass hits, it might vibrate too much.
I have a couple of quick questions regarding the layout of subs and an amp in my trunk. My trunk is only 40” wide where I want to mount everything – my 32” long box and 12” wide amp. My current plan is to attach a piece of wood to my trunk floor and mount the amp in the very middle. Then, I am going to add a second shelf above the first and put the speaker box (with 2 10” subs) on that top shelf. This will accomplish everything I want – make the amp secure, leave future space for more amps and make the box itself easily removable. I was even thinking of dressing up the lower shelf with some neon lights. My questions are:
1) If I build this shelf system, what is a safe distance to leave between the top of the amp and a second shelf? Will this shelf restrict too much air flow, and if so, can I just mount a cooling fan to help out?
2) With the subs sitting up on a 2nd shelf, am I going to introduce a rattle of any kind? Obviously, I will make sure that the 2nd shelf is nice and sturdy, both it and the box will be carpeted and I was even thinking of attaching the box to the shelf with some brackets or something. However, I’m worried that when the bass hits, it might vibrate too much.
mfronczak wrote:
With the subs sitting up on a 2nd shelf, am I going to introduce a rattle of any kind? Obviously, I will make sure that the 2nd shelf is nice and sturdy, both it and the box will be carpeted and I was even thinking of attaching the box to the shelf with some brackets or something. However, I’m worried that when the bass hits, it might vibrate too much.
I really like that idea... it sounds like it would look neato.
Okay, a few thoughts on that..
1)I don't know any hard or fast rules here, just personnal experience.. that is bolting your box directly to the car greatly contributes to that car stereo feeling of "bassing"... something I really relish. Personnally, I'd be hesitant to built subs up like that.
2)I do however REALLY like the mental image I'm getting of your install plan... however as you say, building up a shelf like that would take judicious use of MDF ... perhaps it might be easier to built a second shelf up for your amps instead of the subs?
3)When building your shelves, use 3/4" MDF for the entire project, shelves, box and all. Bolt the the bottom shelf to the car. When you cut your MDF, measure twice and cut once... make sure all the pieces fit together *well* and use Liquid Nail in between all the joints.
Certainly *attach* your box to the shelf.. big brakets and deck screws..!
Aside from my own minor reservations about removing the box from contact with the frame of the car, the install plan should work quite well.
Good luck.
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"I'm finished!" - Daniel Plainview
I'd say he would be fine with having it lifted off the floor of the trunk as long as it is sufficienty held down and such. It might affect the sound a bit but I don't have enough experience to say anything about that.
Concerning the air space, you shouldn't need too much, you have to consider, how much air flow goes through your trunk space currently? The ceiling height over it isn't going to need much really since there is no huge current of air flow moving through it. The only time that it'd matter is if you put fans pushing a lot of air for an amp that likes to get hot. I'd say you should be fine with a 2" clearance and if it is getting warm, fan it. :)
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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm