my car is still broken, should get it back tomorrow, but I'm wondering if my box is gonna sound any good. I'm still concerned about it's structural integrity and whatnot, being that it's 1/2"mdf. If I use 3/4" MDF to make the side w/ the sub mounted in it, how thick would the rest of the box need to be to be as strong as 3/4" MDF? Right now my box is 1.0 cu. ft, +/- 1%, i'd like to be able to get closer to a true 1.0 cu. ft w/ the sub mounted, I'm more like .91 right now, and there is some wasted space I couldn't match with wood, but I think w/ fiberglass I'd be able to make a much better fit. What am I looking at for supplies(costwise, and actual materials.)? Thanks.

Anthony

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previous ride: 87 Camaro LT
350, A4.Comp Cams 268H, Edelbrock Preformer intake, Hedman Headers and y-pipe, gutted cat, No AIR/smog pump. 14x3" Open element K&N, Q-jet w/ D hanger and DA rods, adjusted AV spring tension and quick can.

Current ride: 1992 Camaro RS, K&N, Flowmaster, 305, T5, Black, T-tops, 76k miles.

 

Fiberglass should only need to be 1/8"-1/4" thick to be structurally sound. Just be sure to use the proper materials.

Use chopped strand mat for the buildup and then layer 2 layers of woven cloth for final strength. Layer the last 2 layers of cloth at 45 degree angles from each other so that the weave carries in all directions for greatest strength.

Hope that helps

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Carl
CarAudio Resources

 

is there anyway to "free form" the fiberglass? or will I need a mold? if so, what should I use to make the mold? Can you get the supplies at a lowes/home depot? Also, how do you crossover between the wood and fiberglass. I plan to use 3/4" MDF for the speaker plate, and fiberglass for the rest of the "shell". How should I go about connecting the two? Thanks a lot.

Anthony

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previous ride: 87 Camaro LT
350, A4.Comp Cams 268H, Edelbrock Preformer intake, Hedman Headers and y-pipe, gutted cat, No AIR/smog pump. 14x3" Open element K&N, Q-jet w/ D hanger and DA rods, adjusted AV spring tension and quick can.

Current ride: 1992 Camaro RS, K&N, Flowmaster, 305, T5, Black, T-tops, 76k miles.

 

when I refer to free form with fiberglass, I mean basically creating a wood frame in the rough shape I want and using fleece or the like to stretch and create curves and such. Then just fiberglass over the fleece and add a few layers of matt or cloth. Fleece on it's own isn't strong when fiberglassed.

As far as joining glass and wood, just fiberglass and matt or cloth right up over the wood and it will bond fine. If you need a more accurate joint, you can always rabbit a groove in the wood and staple the cloth into the groove and glass that in. Fiberglass and MDF bond wonderfully with no problem.

If you are glassing up to an MDF speaker ring, be sure to secure the glass to the outside edges or bottom edge. Do not glass over the top of the ring where the speaker will mount. Once you glass over that, it is very difficult to get a perfectly smooth seat for the speaker to seal well.

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Carl
CarAudio Resources

[This message has been edited by GndPrx (edited July 02, 2001).]