Quote:
Originally Posted by TitaniumTT
When you put that box on the fiberglass, was it a chemical bond as well when you did it? was the box wetted out first? How did the whole thing hold up? Have any pics? Sounds like a great idea for my 'vert build.... thanks for the idea!!  |
I did most all of the fiberglass work in a few days. It's been a few years since I did it so my recall isn't perfect. The fiberglass was still wet when I put the wooden frame on the top. I painted it just thick enough so it was hard enough to remove without altering the mold. I didn't bother sanding the plastic bag off till it was just about done. Most all of the layering was done when it was still tacky and semi wet. I was doing it in the summer so I'd do a few layers and set it in the sun to bake a little. Then come back and do more.
The biggest problem was getting an even coat all around it. Once I got the bag off the bottom I found weak points that I needed to build up. So in the end some of it was done semi-wet and the touching up was done once it was hardened. The areas I paid the most attention to was at the top where the frame met the contoured fiberglass. I really built up fiberglass up and over wooden frame from the inside and up over the rectangular frame. Then I sanded it down so that the top could make a good fit with the frame. I used a disturbing amount of caulk/sealant between the rectangular frame and the top to make sure there weren't any air leaks. I also cut an area of the fiberglass for a speaker terminal.
It turned out ugly but very very functional. I never had looks in mind when I was making it. It was all going to be hidden under the rear deck anyway so appearance wasn't even a factor for me. I never covered the top in vinyl, carpet or fabric.
One thing to keep in mind though. This is my second box I've made for that same location. I originally made a box for a JL 10" sub and it was a poor choice. JL subs..um..W3 and up are great subs but that was a poor location for them. You are limited with how much airspace you can give them. Also the pressure from the speaker was rattling all that flimsy molding where the top folds down.
Later I scored a Boston Pro 8"...after much looking. I specifically was looking for that one for it's reputation. I've always loved Boston Pro speakers and the 8" is well known for needing minimal volume for great sound. IIRC it only needs .5 cubic feet of volume in a sealed box. The tighter sound of an 8" sub works much better under the rear deck. That's all IMHO. I personally hate subs that rattle the car. I'd much rather hear a tight, accurate bass than try to peal the pavement with SPL and shitty unbalanced music that is so bass heavy the other sounds from the music are muted in comparison.
Getting back to the box. I've had zero issues with it since it was completed. I'll post up some pics of it tomorrow or over the weekend.