Sub in the Tailgate

[89Vette]

They may also still make "free-air" subs that don't require a sealed/vented cabinet. If not, I've considering a similar idea but wondered about encasing bolting a flat piece of wood over the entire wheel to and let the whole hatch be the cabinet.

To line up the hole and the speaker, mount the box w/o the hole, install the cover, and drill thru both to get a center hole. If too late for that, cut out a smaller hole (maybe 2" smaller), look inside, and guage which direction you might need to shift to get perfect alignment.

I used a saber saw when cutting Navistar's. Then finish with a semi-round smooth file. When cutting plastic with a saber saw, move briskly. If you go too slow, the plastic get's hotter and "re-fuses" after the cut.

"re-fuze"???? (sp?)

[ojmagg]

ojmagg,

A quick search on google would be your best friend. I was able to find enough info to get you started as many have done this. The major difference would be space and ours being vertical.

Right, if you look at my picture of the glass insert, you'll see I did get this started...I was looking for personal input from users that had experience building these sort of projects on the VX...that being said, I do like your fiberglass idea to replace the MDF. The only thing that would worry me would be the glass-on-plastic rattle. Think that's why some people use 1/2" MDF w speaker carpet. Guess I could carpet the glass...or spray rubber...something to insulate vibration.

89Vette...I do remember the "free-air" subs...I have the trunk Dynomated...but, I think I'm going w the "sealed box" style setup...thanks for the hints on cutting the plastic.

[tom4bren]

They may also still make "free-air" subs that don't require a sealed/vented cabinet. If not, I've considering a similar idea but wondered about encasing bolting a flat piece of wood over the entire wheel to and let the whole hatch be the cabinet.

To line up the hole and the speaker, mount the box w/o the hole, install the cover, and drill thru both to get a center hole. If too late for that, cut out a smaller hole (maybe 2" smaller), look inside, and guage which direction you might need to shift to get perfect alignment.

I used a saber saw when cutting Navistar's. Then finish with a semi-round smooth file. When cutting plastic with a saber saw, move briskly. If you go too slow, the plastic get's hotter and "re-fuses" after the cut.

"re-fuze"???? (sp?)

Re-fuse - Ya got it right the first time.

Also use a variable speed saw at a very low setting. It'll take longer to make the cut but the plastice won't get as hot & re-fuse (or refuse to let go when cut is complete).

[pbkid]

Most of these types of builds are a combination of glass and MDF. Most build as much as possible from the MDF because its more sturdy and makes for easier mounting of the box itself, the sub to the box and any kind of grill. If you decide to glass all of it, make sure to at least give yourself an MDF ring where the sub will be cut in, or your sub will never mount to an entire glass box.

Hint, build yourself a wood 'frame', then glass the spaces in the frame.