1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

Has anyone modified the factory 6x9 sail panel enclosure to fit an 8 inch subwoofer?

Just curious if this can be done with still being able to reinstall the factory unmodified sail panel cover....

Al Hasse

I have something like that in the planning stages now for my 89 RS. First step is to harden the fiber "enclosures" with resin and make them airtight, then maybe an MDF faceplate to mount the sub into. If I'm lucky, I may even fit a shallow mount 10" in there.

This would be the enclosure, mine are pretty fragile, but I have one nearly glassed up and ready to mount a facia to.

Kandied91z

iTrader: (7)

that would be very tricky, you'll need a definate shallow depth sub similar to pioneer or another company. i have a 6.5 and had to redo everything just on the magnet size of that my 8" definately would not work. i'm running kicker ss components though. i'm sure someone has exact measurements needed to work with.

fadetoblack

The only problem with your idea is that stock fiberglass piece usually has to bend and contort to fit back into the sail panel.

However, if you are able to get it back into place with it being rigid, this woofer should work:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...llow/TS-SW841D

The website states that it could work in a free-air application. So, you may not even need that fiberglass piece; just make sure the front mounting plate you make is a tight seal to the rear of the woofer.

I doubt the factory cover would be able to be used.

In order for the factory cover to be used, you would probably have to go with these:

http://www.kicker.com/06/tech-suppor...0k01%20web.pdf

The Project

iTrader: (6)

If you do a search, there is a thread with pics of this done.

I used to run 8" Soundstream subs in the sail panel area and with the factory covers. I had dynamat behind the sub but no box (freeair).

You'll need to cut (trim) part of the plastic panel and make sure your sub is as far down the speaker opening as possible. You can run shallow mount subs but you don't have to.

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

I've done a few searches and have looked through many posts. I have yet to see pics of this done. If you have a pic, please post it here.

Thanks

The Project

iTrader: (6)

Here is a pic of a 8" in the sail panel


and here is a pic of a 10" sub in the sail panel

DarrensCamaro

iTrader: (6)

Now thats sick and some serious bass lovers right there!

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

The Project - Thank you for the pics!!

I take it that removal of the insulated cardboard stuff is necessary?

With that stuff removed, could I run an 8 with a full size magnet?

Did you dynamat behind the speaker inside the hole?

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

Also, to people with subs in the sail panel........ how does it hit?

Is it decent enough bass to not need a box with subs in the rear?

The Project

iTrader: (6)

You're very welcome. Glad to help.

Yes it was for me.

Yes you can. Just have know the mounting depth of the sub and measure.

Yes I did. It makes a big difference.

I used my 8" for mid bass more than a sub. It hit hard and made the outside metal move. You could run 8's or 10's as free air subs and not have to worry about a sub in the trunk area. While it won't hit as hard as a sub box....it should do the trick(just turn up the gains on the amp).

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

How much did the metal move? That kinda worries me!

Also, if I use the sail panel area as subs only, would the 4x6 's up front be enough treble (highs) to sound decent?



Right now, I'm running a Sony head unit with USB port on the face and IPOD cable (on backside). It's a pretty nice head unit for the $$..... It's powering polk audio XM-3 6x9's and 4x6 separates.

The plan is to go with base model JL Audio 8 inch subs with a small 4 channel amp w/built in x-over powering the 8's and 4x6's, but I dont know how it will sound with getting rid of the rear mids/highs?

The Project

iTrader: (6)

I mean the sail panel on the outside vibrates with the bass. The metal does not stretch or distort.

Going with 8"s is a good choice. Go to www.woofersetc.com. Look at the 4x6 plate speakers (polk, Pioneer, etc). There are some very good choices. I rather do this than a 4x6 oval speaker.

With a good plate speaker in the front, you should be fine.

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

Cool!

The polk 4x6's I have in the dash are plates (separate woofer/tweeter). I just didn't know if I would need more mids/highs in the back due to all the extra bass and the removal of the 6x9's in that area.

The Project

iTrader: (6)

For bass....your 8" will deliver more bass than the 6x9

If you want better mid/high, I would personally go with a 5 1/4" or 6 1/2" tweeter combo in the kick panel. However, you will need to build a custom kick panel or a q panel ($300). A good choice is the Pioneer Premier...
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=6598
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=6599

They sound nice, received positive reviews on several car audio forums and can't beat the price.

Have you thought about a shallow mount 10" in the sail panel?? Just a thought..............

1bad91Z

iTrader: (1)

Yea, I thought about a 10 in the sail panel, but I don't want to cut that much of the factory metal. Also, I'm afraid that if I go bigger than an 8 there, it would be too much bass and it would drown out the what little treble I'd had from the 4x6's.

Slayze

iTrader: (1)

Gonna try putting 8" shallow mounts in soon. What have people done as far as the vent at the door jams?