| diy Subwoofer Enclosure lead Photo
If you have been an avid reader of Truckin' magazine and have attended custom-truck shows, then you have seen wild audio-sound systems, with insane subwoofer enclosures. These enclosures are a multi-purpose component of the sound systems package because they need to sound as good as they look. Exotic subwoofer enclosures must be designed with the correct internal shape and volume to meet the subwoofers requirements. High-end enclosures are wrapped in cloth, then bathed in resin, cured, sanded, covered with body filler, and sanded smooth. The enclosure is then given a couple coats of sealer and a color basecoat. If it is to be painted, the enclosure is given time to cure, then color-sanded and cleared, buffed, and finally polished. All of this can cost mega bucks.
We thought it would be cool to show you how to build a simple, inexpensive sub enclosure, which was comprised of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), without a fiberglass-resin wrap. This enclosure was designed to fit between a pair of bucket seats, while acting as a center console or armrest that will house one 10-inch-diameter subwoofer.
Danny Hentges, a talented audio-sound design engineer at 3rd Element Designs in Ontario, California, guided us along while he constructed an inexpensive MDF subwoofer center console without using fiberglass.
| diy Subwoofer Enclosure install Complete
Danny slid behind the wheel and tried out the center console armrest. It's a natural feel. Too cool.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Time Spent Working 5 hours Degree of Difficulty Intermediate Tools Needed: A circular skill saw, a table saw (optional), a router w/ assorted bits, a jigsaw, a nail gun (optional), a drill motor, and a claw hammer MATERIALS USED Quantity Description Price 1 4x8 Sheet MDF (medium density fiberboard) $24.00 1 bottle Elmer's wood glue $5.49 1 box 1 1/2-inch long brads (small nails) $6.19 1 box 1-inch long brads $5.75 2 yards cotton/polyester material (wrap) $10.35 1 quart fiberglass resin $14.95 1 pint body filler or wood filler $4.35 1 28"x12"x2" dense foam $6.49 2 yards imitation suede $16.95 1 can 3M general trim adhesive spray $3.95 2 cans wood primer spray paint ($4.15 ea.) $8.30 2 cans wood semi-gloss spray paint $4.15 1 can wood semi-gloss spray sealer $4.15 Total Cost: $115.07
