Fibreglass Enclosure

[Eds mp5]

Allright, this may be a little strange, but ive been researching a little on fibreglass enclosures for stereo boxes and such, It looks rather simple, and i think i could do it. Im just having a little trouble figuring out the process in fibreglassing? has anyone worked with fibreglass before? Anyone know who i can ask? I figure it's just like professional paper mashee! Anyhelp would be greatly appreciated (its my next project!http://toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[rox]

do you know how to calculate the enclosure space and shape, and how to calibrate it for the speaker's specs that you get??? i know there were a bunch of formulas, but i don't have them anymore...

but if u're really picky about sound, i would let a professional do it... get an enclosure by a reputable manufacturer, I can recommend RF. Might not look as funky, but the sound quality is definitely better.

Rockford Fosgate (http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/)

[Eds mp5]

I know if you go to the Blaupunkt website you can download a program that calculates all that stuff depending on what type of box you want to create. and tells you how and where to position your speakers... it is pretty cool.
www.blaupunkt.com

[MP5Navy]

Hey Ed, do the fibreglass yourself. You can goto the library and get a manual on how to work with the stuff. It's not hard, just messy and takes a bit of time. Buying an enclosure will cost you $600 so you can save some cash. Oh and if you and I decide to make one together, we can use the same mould. Who knows maybe we can be marketing our custom sub enclosure internationally! LOL Let me talk to my friends as they have done a lot of fibreglass work and see what he thinks about how we should design it. BTW you thinking 1 or two subs? Stealth or show?

[Eds mp5]

From allt he info i got and looking at the pics in this issue of Performance auto and sound it doesn't look that hard, i just really need to know the process. Im thinking something somewhat fancy. The design is the cool part i find. some nice curve angles and stuff like that. Once i get the gist of it it shouldn't be too hard. As for working together that would be cool to, if you can get some info on the process and products that would be good, and then design and such is up to our imagination. I think im going to get another sub or maybe two more small ones, i don't know if ui have the power with my amps though and don't want to splurg for a new one. So we will have to see. I was also thinking of making a hole for the spare tire (or rim) But ihave to get the rims first. Just really snooping for info at the moment. Its a little cold to work in the garage.

[Protege5 Kid]

Ed also take into account that some speakers sound better inclosed and some sound better free-air.....find out what condition your speakers work best under.

NICK

[P5 2 NV]

You can make the box out of cardboard first and then cover it with fiberglass. It's not hard at all. http://toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[MP5Navy]

Instead of cardboard it is better to use chicken wire. It moulds easily to the contours.

Designing a masterpiece is the hard part.

[taxmasta]

fiberglass IS easy.... jsut like newspaper and glue...
chicken wire IS a good idea.....

BUT. if u want your subs to push DB's u need medium denisty fiber board aka MDF

it is very important that u build the box to YOUR EXACT SPEAKER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! never listen to someone who tells you that ANY sub will work in this box..... because it will change the way it responds EXTREAMLY

12 will hit deeper....
but 10's will hit FASTER

subs move air, and air will follow the path of least resistence, so if u have a week ass fiberglass box..... it will break to bits lol

start by building the proper enclouser with 3/4 mdf wood
then shape the fiberglass with any curves u want or mould it right to the cars trunk

[P5 2 NV]

well put Tax

[p5crazy]

TAX = JEDI MASTER!

http://toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[feedb4ck]

Dude's like motherfukin MacGyver man...
no no, dude's better than motherfukin MacGyver.....

(reference to Tax)

[taxmasta]

http://www.sounddomain.com/member_....&page=8 (http://www.sounddomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=207769&page=8)



coolest thing i ever saw !

[WeeBieP5]

very nice box. very nice setup. cant wait to see what its gonna look like when its all done.

[bigwoofer]

Its almost done, probably end of may. I am posting updates every couple of days. The brushed aluminum is in now, and the lid to the amp rack is taking shape...

[p5crazy]

whoa...nice work...PLEASE keep the pics coming.

[nicholas13]

Ed did you ever get to this , as you know i too am think/doing some of this stuff in my own trunk, yes I have sedan.... but fiberglass is easy to work with, just use a well ventilated room unless you wanted that effect.
Anyway those 2 12's will sound nice in whatever they are in... I am looking into Alpine typr r 10's what do you think


Nick

[Eds mp5]

Yes this will be on the Winter cold period. I have a few other things im going to try and get done for the unleashing of the power beast in the spring! (hahah power beast... yeah right!http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif But i will be starting this in a few weeks time. i have to finish the body kit first then the trunk is next.

As for the speakers... im not really the best person to ask i think mostof the time peopl can't tell the difference anyway and if you like it then go for it besides. From out side the car all you hear is rattling anyway!

Ed

[KingKong]

Ed...when you start, let me know...I want to help...I was reading alot about it over the Net cuz I wanted to do it my self...Since you'll be tackling it first, I'll just tag along and get some experience http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KurtMP3]

Can you add me to that list ED? Id like to learn a little from you as well before i go try this yourself...also would i be an ass for asking if you could scan that article you had from PAS Mag about doing it? So we could see it?

[MP5Navy]

Ed = Big Bird = James Bond. doesn't do any of his own mods. His mods are completed in complete secrecy and are conducted by a gentleman by the letter Q.....

[cruisinblackp5]

ahh Money Penny.

[KDawgONE]

Well, I am the man with fibrglass in my veins (and boy does it itch)!

Working with fibreglass IS an easy process, trust me.
Go to Crappy Tire and buy the BIG can of MARINE FIBREGLASS RESIN. Its in a blue can with a boat on it. Buy a FAT paint brush too. Make sure you mix the hardener and the resin properly in the proper ratios (on the can).
Make sure you have your PROPER dimension specs (from a website or an audio installer) for the subs. Its very important that if they are inverted (aka VOLCANO) that you dont have their waves crossing eachother as this will cause a push-pull effect causing each sub to cancel the other out.
As far as actually building the enclosure, "BOX" it out first. By this I mean build an outline of it out of balsa wood, weld it out of metal (kinda heavy) or whatever.
Next, take an old bed sheet (or tshirt if its REALLY small) and strecth it over the frame. Staple gun it the frame. Drop your subs LOOSLEY into place.
At this point, mix your resin as it will set quickly.
*side note: the next step is actually easier to do IN your trunk but can be done outside also*
Now, coat everything in the resin. Make sure you get it completly saturated (Try not to get any on your subs). Allow resin to dry (6hrs or more to be safe).
Once dry, the sheet material should be hard but still plyable. Take your subs out. You will likely need ATLEAST another coat of resin now as the first layer will have just soaked into the sheet. I would do a total of 3 layers tho.
Using a dremmel tool, cut out your speaker/amp/neon openings.
Next step is sanding. Thsi proccess is VERY long because it should be done by hand. Start by sanding the enclosure with a 200 grit sand paper just so the surface is "roughed up" a little. Wipe clean.
Priming comes next. If you can avoid a laquer-based primer (ie. a hig build primer), it will work best. Evenly prime your enclosure and let dry overnight.
*if need, you can repeat the above step again if needed*
Once dry, lightly "speckle" your box with a dark spray bomb. This will help you recognize where you have and havent sanded. Yup, more sanding. Use a 320 this time. Wipe clean when smooth!
For the painting part, use a gun if you have access or know someone who does. You can use Krylon tho if you have no air gun. Thin, light, multiple coats is the secrete. Do probably three coats and let dry for 24hrs.
Time for clear coating. You can use an air gun or a can of clear coat. Again, light, thin, even, multiple coats. Allow each coat to become tacky before applying the next coat. Let dry overnight.
Wet sand any runs you may have and the polish it with either an orbital polisher or by hand.
Now add your subs ect. and enjoy.

How do I know this? Just look inside my car next time you see it. Ive helped do complete interiors and trunks before.
PM if you have any more Q's...

[KurtMP3]

http://www.lowridereuroweb.com/tech/0112lre_basstech/

also of interest if anyone wants to see how it looks through the steps

[KingKong]

I have an idea about doing some fiberglassing for my car...I need to know what I need to buy and where? Can someone let me know?

[KDawgONE]

It tells you what you need in my walkthourgh!!! (3 replys up)

[MP5Navy]

Hey Chris.... I think you missed out on laying fiberglass mat.... Don't think you can build a stiff enclosure with resin and cloth only. You do need fiberglass mat.

[Eds mp5]

KK go to Crappy tire and buy the fibreglass kit, it has instructions and everything. you can see what works and what doesn't and go from there.

I need a bigger garage. so many plans, so little space.

Ed

[Bumblebee(Word!)]

hey ed, i have loads of stuff that i checked on the internet...

i'm really interested in doing some fiberglass work also, start with some small projects, and then work to the larger, more complicated ones...

let me know if you want to check this out together....

my father's a mechanic, just retired, so he's got all his tools in the garage, everything that anyone would need to do any kind of work, i even have spring compressors, but that's another thread all together... plus if i don't have the tool, then my neighbour will most likely have it...

[KingKong]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Bumblebee(Word!) @ Nov. 20 2002,10:01)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">hey ed, i have loads of stuff that i checked on the internet...

i'm really interested in doing some fiberglass work also, start with some small projects, and then work to the larger, more complicated ones...

let me know if you want to check this out together....

my father's a mechanic, just retired, so he's got all his tools in the garage, everything that anyone would need to do any kind of work, i even have spring compressors, but that's another thread all together... plus if i don't have the tool, then my neighbour will most likely have it...[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Bumblebee(Word!http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif: Have you done any Fiberglassing b4? Maybe we can both have fun and work on my idea for my car...I'll be the guinea pig!

[Eds mp5]

hey, set it up perhaps over the christmas holiday break when most people are not working. Id love to hear your idea pm me if you want some feed back.

Ed

[Bumblebee(Word!)]

i haven't worked on fiberglass before, but my mechanical aptitude is pretty good...

just let me know when, probably better for next month, we can start some projects and then see how it goes from there... i'm totally interested in doing this, as some variety in the club for the interior would be nice to see... heck, if we're good at it, then we can do some outside work, but i won't get ahead of myself...

[KDawgONE]

You dont nessesarly need the fg matting (AKA cats hair) as most of the durabilty comes from the &quot;frame&quot; aspect. Ive done this so I know what works. You can use the FGmat as it WILL make it stronger, but you dont NEED it...unless your fabbing a bumper!
I will have some FG interior pannels to show at our next meet...

[bigwoofer]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (taxmasta @ April 15 2002,8:18)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">fiberglass IS easy....  jsut like newspaper and glue...
chicken wire IS a good idea.....

BUT. if u want your subs to push DB's u need medium denisty fiber board aka MDF

it is very important that u build the box to YOUR EXACT SPEAKER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  never listen to someone who tells you that ANY sub will work in this box..... because it will change the way it responds EXTREAMLY

12 will hit deeper....
but 10's will hit FASTER

subs move air, and air will follow the path of least resistence, so if u have a week ass fiberglass box..... it will break to bits lol

start by building the proper enclouser with 3/4 mdf wood
then shape the fiberglass with any curves u want or mould it right to the cars trunk[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
The only thing I diagree with is building the box first, then fiberglassing to get shape.  You are adding alot of extra size to your enclosure doing it this way. And trust me, my box is hella sturdy. There is zero flex there.

[rox]

there's a company called GoPlastics, they do plastic moulds, if you got a kick ass design for the enclosure, and want to do a bunch of them to sell, that's the way to go...
keep in mind though, it's so not worth it for a short run...