Securing custom box to vehicle

[kenstewart]

I'm going to build my own box and amp racks for two subs and two amps to go behind the seat of my Explorer Sport Trac. What's the recommended method for securing the box ... screw into the back panel (metal) of the cab? I've seen some say velcro (or glue ... don't want to do that) but will it be strong enough? I do want to be able to remove it when necessary.

[kenstewart]

Lot of people looking but not responding :) I really don't want to drill into the vehicle, so was wondering if some strong, wide-banded velcro would work. My idea is to screw the bottom part of the enclosure into a panel, but then secure the top part of the enclosure to the back via velcro or other similar method. The back seat would then fold to conceal everything but I don't want it to vibrate and mess w/the sound.

[CrBoy]

I think the weight of the MDF box + subs + amps should be enough to keep the box in place...

[neomagus00]

way wrong... is the weight of your body enough to keep you in place around a tight corner? hardly... you definitely need a securing system of some kind, but short of putting a couple bolts through the enclosure into the sheet metal, i don't know of any ways to do this...

[CrBoy]

that's a bad comparison Neo, if you were 2ft wide, 1.5ft tall (and 10-15 in depth, like a box), 150 lbs & carpeted all around you will barely move in a car... as long as the floor inside the car is also carpeted.

But I see where you're coming from...

[neomagus00]

hardly... maybe if you drive like my grandma, but if you drive like me, nothing short of hardened steel will keep a box in place... pull a full lateral g and tell me your box didn't move, then i might believe you...

[kenstewart]

I actually finished the box and didn't have to screw it in. Measured carefully and with the sound deadening material and vinyl, it fits very snug. Took some pics at dusk so they're not the greatest yet, but here it is anyway. This is my first time building an enclosure but it's done and my IDs sound incredible so guess I did ok. Still need to tune it with current Polks, then retune when I get my new components.

[neomagus00]

looks like good stuff, nicely done!

[kenstewart]

Thanks neo :)

[1996blackmax]

Looks nice :).

I would secure that box down with some bolts/screws as Neo stated. You never know what can happen in an accident, and a box is not something you want flying around in your cabin. A person's skull is not as strong as you might think when subjected to a strong blow.....

[kenstewart]

It's behind the rear seats of an Explorer Sport Trac, meaning it has nowhere to go in case of an accident since it sits very tight behind the seats. The seats were down for the photos.

[1996blackmax]

I know, but I would still bolt them down. That's just me though, I like to be on the safe side :). Another thing is that if anyone tried to permanently borrow your gear, it would be harder for them to do it without asking....

[neomagus00]

I know, but I would still bolt them down. That's just me though, I like to be on the safe side :). Another thing is that if anyone tried to permanently borrow your gear, it would be harder for them to do it without asking....

ken - i didn't comment on the lack of a secure connection because i saw how wedged-in the box was, but this is another very good reason to do so...

[kenstewart]

Agree, valid point there.

[ridered300trx]

I too have a Sport Trac and would like to do that same thing. Is there any way you could send the plans to me?

[kenstewart]

Sure I can ridered, but will have to wait until the weekend since I'm out of town and have the plans on another computer. Just to clarify what you said, you want to do a dual enclosure and the amp setup like mine? Need to know what subs you have and I'll plug them into Probox to check the volume you need for your subs. Real quick dimensions for the sub enclosure is: 36" wide, top depth 3.5", bottom depth 7". Used 3/4" MDF.

[ridered300trx]

I have 1 MB Quart PWE 252 I have an Alpine MRD-M605 on the way. Whenever you get a chance to send plans is fine im not in a big hurry but I would like to finish it as soon as possible.

[kenstewart]

Hmmm, just a thought but you might want to ask some of these guys about mixing subs. I don't know for sure, but a lot of forums I've been on suggest it's bad to mix different subs. Either way, I'll check out specs for you but do check on this site and others like caraudio and elitecaraudio to be sure before you mix them.

[98thumpin]

great job nice install and good looking box. my friend has his subox welded to the bed of his truck aint noone gonna steal it

[neomagus00]

the mrd-m605 is an amp :p

[kenstewart]

LOL, thanks neo ... haha, I just automatically "assumed" ... shouldn't have done that. :)

[Zorac]

looks good!! i used velcro to secure my sub box, its behind a seat and not in a spot where it would fly into my head if i were to crash! :P

[98thumpin]

true but your back might hurt alittle bit more though

[scornful]

In my Silverado I glued a 1/2" panel of MDF to my back wall with silicone. Then mounted everything to it. I haven't had any issues since installing it 6 years ago....

[pancho681]

Just FYI guys

I started using these really cool threaded inserts I got from a company called McMaster Carr. They are basically threaded rivets that work really well. I think the commercial name is nutserts.

All you do is drill a hole anywhere you need to screw something down(hehe I said screw!) Install the the nutsert with the insert tool and viola you can now mount your baseboard to it

Hope this helps

[scornful]

Just FYI guys

I started using these really cool threaded inserts I got from a company called McMaster Carr. They are basically threaded rivets that work really well. I think the commercial name is nutserts.

All you do is drill a hole anywhere you need to screw something down(hehe I said screw!) Install the the nutsert with the insert tool and viola you can now mount your baseboard to it

Hope this helps

McMaster is a great company. I buy from them weekly. McMaster
There are knock-offs, but Penn Engineering makes high quality studs. PEM

[shafe]

Nice installation, Ken. (I'd put a "thumbs-up" emoticon here, if I could locate one!)

[Deadof_knight]

I like to secure mine for one reason, Theft and accidents nylock nuts thru the floor or walls using obscure places for the fasteners, also stuff like locking the seat so it wont tilt forward or say up if its quad cab if they cant get to it they cant get it. Just mho though....oh yes looks very clean nicely done