Building My Own Stealth Sub Box

[boardgeneration]

I'm only about half way done and not even sure how it will sound.
I really don't feel like spending $135 on a Subthump, or close to $600 for the JL stealthbox. Figured I would spend $20 and build my own.
I started by removing the driver side hatch carpet.


measured up and cut the face and top and dry fit it.



than the back.


Still need to figure out the front against the seat, seal the seams, cut the hole for the sub, and I think I'm going to just fiberglass the depth to fit snug against the inside since there are too many angles to try cutting.
I'll post the pics I take tomorrow of the final half and give measurements if anyone wants them since I couldn't find any elsewhere.
Comments and input welcome, but go easy if you think it's stupid.

[Sponsor]

[BLRich1]

Looks nice. What sub are you putting in there?

[boardgeneration]

I got a 12" autotek meanmachine.
It was cheap but it sounded good in my old box. I'm not trying to blow my hatch glass out by any means.
It's got a mounting debts of 5.5" so I might adjust the depth of the box to give more hatch space. It only sticks out past the opening by about 4-5".

[MotorcityJAX]

How did you measure the air space that the sub needs with all of the different angles of the car? How are you sealing the box completely if the back is open to the sheet metal of the rear wheel well?

[BLRich1]

he said he was going to use fiberglass on the back edge. as far as the volume goes, it will be difficult but you can get a "close enough measurement"

[MotorcityJAX]

Originally Posted by BLRich1

he said he was going to use fiberglass on the back edge. as far as the volume goes, it will be difficult but you can get a "close enough measurement"

Ahhhh, I can't see those comments on the picture, but I have been having problems all night, my bad for asking something that he posted, I was just curious from only being able to see pics on how the volume was going to be determined. Definitely need to post some pics of the finished product. I always like to see how custom boxes turn out

[boardgeneration]

Like I said, I'm not sure how it will sound.
I plan on making a fiberglass mold against the body panel and attaching it to the mdf making sure it is sealed.
The sub only needs 1 cubic ft of air space. I'm hoping I can figure that out after fabricating the mold against the side panel.
I'm thinking of sound deadening the side panel before making the mold so nothing vibrates.

[boardgeneration]

^ lol no worries!
This is my first attempt at a custom box.
Also my first hatchback as well.
Now that I'm not 16 anymore I'm not looking to take up total trunk space with subs in a simple square box like back in the day.
I know most stealth boxes work best with 10" or smaller but subthump makes one for a 12 so why can't I do it for $100 cheaper!!

[MotorcityJAX]

Originally Posted by boardgeneration

^ lol no worries!
This is my first attempt at a custom box.
Also my first hatchback as well.
Now that I'm not 16 anymore I'm not looking to take up total trunk space with subs in a simple square box like back in the day.
I know most stealth boxes work best with 10" or smaller but subthump makes one for a 12 so why can't I do it for $100 cheaper!!

I agree, and I always have more fun building my own anyway, this is on my project list for my '12 but probably not for awhile, I have some other things that need to get done first.

[boardgeneration]

If this works out and sounds good as well, I'll duplicate it and put one up for sale. I bought a 4x4 3/4 mdf and only used half the sheet with nearly no waste. The cost will be in the labor and fiberglass. guess I'll see when it's done.