MDF stealth enclosure

**UKRAMAIR** · 09-16-2008, 09:37 AM

Hi,

I want to mount a 10" sub in the drivers side cubby hole.

Shipping costs and duty mean importing a custom made F body stealth box is Very expensive.

I have never built a sub box before, but I am a competent woodworker.
My lack of fiberglassing skills makes me want to construct a box from MDF.

Have you got any pointers or a write up? I know it should be airtight, so do I need to seal up the joins with something special?

How do I fix it in place to stop it moving around when I'm driving?

How do I attach the carpet, glue / staples??

Any tips / pointers are appreciated
Many thanks,
Paul.

**GULLETT17** · 09-16-2008, 09:56 AM

i just used 3/4" osb (i think partical board or actual plywood would have been a better choice), screwed it together with drywall screws, and sealed it up with kitty hair, but im sure you could just use some kind of caulking.
as for it stayin in place, i never did anything for this. the lip of the inside quarter plastic trim holds it in place just fine.
as for carpet, i got it at the local stereo store and just glued it on.
the one tip i have for ya, is to fill the box with polyfil. it helps prevent distortion.

**UKRAMAIR** · 09-16-2008, 10:29 AM

Hi,

Thank you for your reply.

as for it stayin in place, i never did anything for this. the lip of the inside quarter plastic trim holds it in place just fine.

I did wonder if that might work.

Not herd anything about caulking, is that like silcone for the joins?
Do you mean I should fill the screw holes with polyfil?

I just read a good write up for two 12"s, and noticed the terminal that goes through the box. Could you divulge more info on what I need to do please?

Many thanks,
Paul.

**GULLETT17** · 09-16-2008, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by UKRAMAIR

Not herd anything about caulking, is that like silcone for the joins?

yeah just silcone the joints

Originally Posted by UKRAMAIR

Do you mean I should fill the screw holes with polyfil?

polyfil is like the stuffing out of a stuffed animal. you would fill the whole box full before place your sub in it.

Originally Posted by UKRAMAIR

I just read a good write up for two 12"s, and noticed the terminal that goes through the box. Could you divulge more info on what I need to do please?

i didnt get very fancy here. my speaker wire goes from the speaker through a caulked hole in the box directly to my amp. i would just ask at your local stereo store what they have available

**UKRAMAIR** · 09-16-2008, 11:32 AM

Great, thanks for helping out a newbee.

Much appreciated

**GULLETT17** · 09-16-2008, 11:41 AM

no prob

**02WS6dream** · 09-16-2008, 11:41 AM

yah--speaker terminals can be purchased for cheap from the stereo store. cut a hole in the box to place the terminal cup in, and screw in into place.

**GULLETT17** · 09-16-2008, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by 02WS6dream

yah--speaker terminals can be purchased for cheap from the stereo store. cut a hole in the box to place the terminal cup in, and screw in into place.

**bigrondownhiller** · 09-16-2008, 02:28 PM

Make sure you predrill all of your holes for the screws and use course thread screws. Any caulk or slicone will work. Just seal up the seams after it is put together. For the carpet spray adhesive works good for the visible part, I staple the edges where you won't see it to help hold it in place.

**UKRAMAIR** · 09-16-2008, 03:22 PM

Great, thanks for the advise.

**GULLETT17** · 09-16-2008, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by bigrondownhiller

Make sure you predrill all of your holes for the screws and use course thread screws. Any caulk or slicone will work. Just seal up the seams after it is put together. For the carpet spray adhesive works good for the visible part, I staple the edges where you won't see it to help hold it in place.

**wenn_du_weinst** · 09-25-2008, 06:25 PM

just make sure your cuts are straight and use elmers wood glue it bonds the to pieces of wood together (if you use mdf) I have run 3500 watts in to a box that was just glued and never broke anything

**blkSS98** · 09-26-2008, 03:26 PM

[QUOTE=UKRAMAIR;1639589]I just read a good write up for two 12"s, and noticed the terminal that goes through the box. Could you divulge more info on what I need to do please?[QUOTE]

Umm...
I probably sound like a dumbass here but...
That sounds like you want 2 12's now? 12's aren't to stealthy.

**UKRAMAIR** · 09-27-2008, 08:19 AM

Yes, I worded that badly, sorry.

I ment to say, I have seen a build up of a box for 2 12" subs, and I guess the same construction process (Glue, chalk, lap, thickness of timber etc) will apply to my 1 10" stealth box.

Sorry for the confusion, I think I am a bit more aware of what I should be doing now.

**9t8z28** · 09-30-2008, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by GULLETT17

i just used 3/4" osb (i think partical board or actual plywood would have been a better choice), screwed it together with drywall screws, and sealed it up with kitty hair, but im sure you could just use some kind of caulking.
as for it stayin in place, i never did anything for this. the lip of the inside quarter plastic trim holds it in place just fine.
as for carpet, i got it at the local stereo store and just glued it on.
the one tip i have for ya, is to fill the box with polyfil. it helps prevent distortion.

Partical board is better than plywood. Plywood will vibrates and sound like crap.