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Center console as single Subwoofer box?

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Old 05-29-2011, 11:27 PM
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Center console as single Subwoofer box?

Obviously not the stock console. Maybe just the front half stock, then the compartment portion fabbed into a wooden subwoofer box with the speaker aimed directly backwards? Should give good reflection distance for the sound waves to travel for you ears, right? Should be able to extend it another 8" (or more) backwards for more air box size if needed. Maybe still have the arm rest pad hinged, but only a really small pocket underneath for stuff like the locking lug nut key, or similar small items.

Anybody ever thought of doing this?
Old 05-29-2011, 11:58 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

Interesting. Most applications like that have the woofer aimed at the deck (down). It might be a challenge, depending on the woofer size and selection, getting the required air space. I had some fun with my 89 coming up with, and sealing off, the required .5cf air space in each sail panel for a pair of 8" Kenwood woofers (takes more air space than you think).
Old 05-30-2011, 11:57 AM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

I did the same thing with my jeep when I had it and I wasn't really impressed with it, I would rather have it aimed down. I'm not sure what kind of response you'll get but let me know I'll be interested to hear it!
Old 05-30-2011, 12:12 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

Not sure what your saying as far as 'aimed down'. You mean firing at the roof? Or the exposed magnet/reverse mount style? I was talking about it being aimed backwards, no exposed magnet, to reflect off the rear glass, for the extra space for increased distance for the wavelength.

Obviously only about a max 10" sub could be used, without the back of the console getting overly fat, but I'm not the kinda guy that wants 3000 watts & 2 15" subs & massive bass anyways.
Old 05-30-2011, 01:24 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

I think they are saying inverted (reverse mounted).

Overall the project shouldn't be too hard to do. If you check out google I'm sure there are some good ideas on there. Most of the custom fab shows I've seen on TV use wood they cut and contour for the lips (sides) for the console. From there you could decide if you want to do a wooden box or fiberglass.

That being said the hardest part with fiberglass would probably be taping stuff up so the resin doesn't want to leak as you'd probably have to do it with the carpet in to get a good shape with fiberglass. You could keep it to 2-3 layers of fiberglass for the box and just bondo milkshake it for additional strength. Nice thing would be be pretty light still. My 18" box that takes up the whole hatch only weighs in at 95 lbs without subs.

A wooden box could also be done you'd just have to make some miter cuts to get it to fit nice around the trans tunnel.

Last edited by fireturd350; 05-30-2011 at 01:29 PM.
Old 05-30-2011, 02:10 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

Oh. I certainly want an invert mounted sub, magnet sticking out. That just adds to it taking up room. Good for show stuff, I suppose, but building for function you wouldn't want it taking up even more room, except that would increase enclosure room, but not by enough to really matter.

I'd build out of MDF (zero fiberglass experience here) and just skin it with 1/16" or 1/8" material to cover an gaps between the box & carpet/seats/etc.

I have a spare 10" Kicker just sitting around, supposed to sell it but the buyer never even showed up at the meeting place. It was still in my car & watching Trick My Truck (they did this) got me to wondering about the 10" subwoofer laying in my car.

I just snagged a couple pics, looks like you could add 13" & I do see a possible issue. No more folding the rear seat backs forward, with a full length console. I use my car as a Daily Driver and regularly need the extra carrying space so losing the rear seat folding function is not an option for me.
Attached Thumbnails Center console as single Subwoofer box?-p5300013.jpg   Center console as single Subwoofer box?-p5300015.jpg  
Old 05-30-2011, 03:05 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

Originally Posted by BlackenedBird
Not sure what your saying as far as 'aimed down'. You mean firing at the roof? Or the exposed magnet/reverse mount style? I was talking about it being aimed backwards, no exposed magnet, to reflect off the rear glass, for the extra space for increased distance for the wavelength.

Obviously only about a max 10" sub could be used, without the back of the console getting overly fat, but I'm not the kinda guy that wants 3000 watts & 2 15" subs & massive bass anyways.
I had my sub aimed down in the center at the floor. Makes a nice vibration, still sounds clean. Then I custom built a console over it and it turned out good.
Old 05-30-2011, 08:46 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

After reading this i started thinking. I have a little 6 inch midbass speaker thats meant to be in a dash. Do you think i should mount it in the console? Same spot as where you guys are talking
Old 05-31-2011, 03:53 AM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

Originally Posted by BlackenedBird
Obviously not the stock console. Maybe just the front half stock, then the compartment portion fabbed into a wooden subwoofer box with the speaker aimed directly backwards? Should give good reflection distance for the sound waves to travel for you ears, right? Should be able to extend it another 8" (or more) backwards for more air box size if needed. Maybe still have the arm rest pad hinged, but only a really small pocket underneath for stuff like the locking lug nut key, or similar small items.

Anybody ever thought of doing this?
What about taking out the 6x9's in the back, and fiberglassing over to fit 8's in each side, sealed? I think that has more potential and could have a cool look. You could even throw some 6 inch subs in as well, although 8's would look beefy.


you could try a sundown e8 sub, beefy little guy for the money 80$ I believe it is.

Old 05-31-2011, 10:28 AM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

I've seen the 6x9s replaced by sub or even multiple speakers, like 5.25 & a tweeter, but I have Alpine 6x9s & am in no hurry to replace those or do the custom fabbing x2 to replace those.

Since I have the single 10" Kicker, the idea was born out of something to use the speaker for.

But then I realized that the speaker is a Freeair, so obviously no good for this application. So if I wanted to continue the build idea, it would have to be with a new speaker.
Old 05-31-2011, 12:13 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

may have some better luck with a shallow mount sub, give you a bit more clearance. there's not a ton of unused space in our consoles, so you may have to build things up a bit to get the right amount of air space for whichever sub you decide to go with. I was eyeballing a couple of these to replace my 6x9s:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=264-895
Old 05-31-2011, 04:30 PM
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Re: Center console as single Subwoofer box?

Originally Posted by 1ADan
I was eyeballing a couple of these to replace my 6x9s:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=264-895
I've hard some good reviews on those, they'll probably do pretty well there. I have a set of the Kenwood KFC-XW800F 8" woofers in place of the 6X9s. The fun part was sealing off the required .5cf of air space for each woofer. Epanding foam works great, and lots of Dyna-Matt or equivalent.


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