HowTo: MDF woofer box for WRX wagon spare tire well. Lots of pics & dimensions, enjoy

unparent · 01-31-2010, 10:52 PM

A couple years ago I decided it was time to make a box for my '06 WRX wagon. My requirements were for it to be completely stealth, lose no trunk space, use no false floor, and to retain the spare tire. Decided on a box that will fit in the spare tire I know the Duffman box was an option, but I thought it would be pretty easy and fun to do it myself. My system design was focused on SQ, so I went with an Elemental Designs SQ10 shallow mount woofer. Some people love them, some hate them, but I have been really happy with it. Much stronger bass than I expected.

I am a 3D artist by trade, so I took some measurements from the trunk and spare tire so I could model the box in Maya. This really allowed me to get the most of the space, calculate the internal volume, and test dimensions and clearances beforehand. When I posted the pics a while ago, I got a lot of emails and PM's about how it was made, will I make one for you, and do you have dimensions. This weekend I finally compiled the dimensions into a presentable form, so if you want to build one, this should be all you need. Good luck.

What it looks like: (link to gallery)

Some exploded views: (exploded video)

The dimensions: (roughly .39 cu.ft.)

No idea if anyone will use these, but all the info is there. Enjoy and good luck...

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

hookedontronics · 01-31-2010, 11:50 PM

why the tapered internal volume? I make these and sell them and i use the same size rings all the way down (except for the first two rings down from the floor), and i'm only getting .625 cubic feet while keeping the spare tire. Is .39 cu. ft spec'd for that sub? Seems pretty small...

ROFLBOXER · 02-01-2010, 12:31 AM

Woah. Holy Tiny box volume. Sweet design.

boostdog · 02-01-2010, 07:20 AM

great job man! looks really good.

BryanH · 02-01-2010, 08:08 AM

I just got a new one from Duffman and it is bigger than that internally. You are giving up a BUNCH of internal volume if you would take a leap and just try fiberglass. Plus it would be a bit lighter.

I appreciate the effort and the creativity but for a spare tire box to work effectively you really do need to try something other than wood.

boostdog · 02-01-2010, 10:00 AM

yes but if it works and he's happy with the way it sounds/looks/weight what does that matter.

how much was your duffman box? willing to bet he has alot less in an enclosure that you do.

unparent · 02-01-2010, 10:57 AM

Yeah its really small, but fits the subs requirements almost perfectly. Sure its not going to fit a normal size 10", but that wasn't the intent of the design. If the goal was a full size sub, Duffman is most likely the best way to go, or to glass it up yourself. I didn't have the tools or experience to do glass, and didn't feel like spending the money to learn. Plus wood is cheap and easy. It seems to be holding up quite well with with about 280watts.

SQ10 Subwoofer Volume Requirements:
Sealed (small) = .25 cu.ft.
Sealed (ideal) = .3 cu.ft.
Sealed (large) = .5 cu.ft.

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=106

boostdog · 02-01-2010, 11:39 AM

you need to post this up here

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1614517

ibhknl · 02-01-2010, 10:17 PM

Good stuff, thanks for the contribution.

BryanH · 02-02-2010, 09:10 AM

Hi!

Even when I was making my own spare tire enclosures good quality fiberglass costs more than MDF....so yeah it is more. I just bought this one because it is cold as a hell here and I don't feel like freezing my ass off to make one right now.

FWIW, based on some quick math the -3db down of your box should be about 62 hz. Not too shabby for such a shallow mount woofer. Combine that with a bit of stuffing and the cabin gain and it should sound lovely.

You may want to buy some ratcheting straps and anchor that thing in there. You don't want it becoming a projectile in the event of a crash. I understand you think it is heavy and not going anywhere....get back to me after a major crash.

FunkRider · 02-02-2010, 12:22 PM

Couldn't you use a flat 45 degree router bit on the 90 degree corners to gain some more volume without sacrificing strength?

boostdog · 02-02-2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkRider

Couldn't you use a flat 45 degree router bit on the 90 degree corners to gain some more volume without sacrificing strength?

now that's a great idea and cheap / easy to do....hmmmmm

REVNU · 02-02-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkRider

Couldn't you use a flat 45 degree router bit on the 90 degree corners to gain some more volume without sacrificing strength?

I don't think he's after more volume. According to the volume requirements he posted for his particular sub he's doing pretty well the way it is.

If he were using a sub that required more volume that would be a good idea though.

azer408 · 02-03-2010, 07:17 AM

I wonder if this will work in my GC

scoobynewbie1 · 02-03-2010, 07:33 AM

That looks really sweet, but where do you keep the spare tire??

hookedontronics · 02-03-2010, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoobynewbie1

That looks really sweet, but where do you keep the spare tire??

READ, the spare tire is under it

BryanH · 02-03-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azer408

I wonder if this will work in my GC

Actually, it will work but you will have to end up likely having to make a whole new false floor. Which really isn't all that hard...it just takes some time and effort. Something that is much easier when it isn't snowing and freezing.

hookedontronics · 02-05-2010, 02:39 PM

^^I'm actually working on one but it's only going to be available for 8" woofers

T_Racer69 · 05-15-2012, 06:38 PM

First off, sorry to drudge up an old thread. I love this and can't thank you enough for taking the time to laout the elements to build it.

I have one question that I can't get my head around. It shows the bottom plate, the 3/4" spacer, then the 1/4" mounting plate. It seems that the mounting plate would not have any support and sag in the middle. Is is support to go below the spacer ring or am I missing something?

Thanks again, this is my model now for my wagon.

TRavis

ibhknl · 05-15-2012, 09:57 PM

Screw and glue the top plate to the mounting plate. You could also glue/screw sound 3/4" spacers between the mounting plate and bottom plate, but don't use too much as this pace is used as part of the enclosure. One or both of these techniques should take the flex out of the mounting plate.

Side note, what woofer do you plan to use?

T_Racer69 · 05-16-2012, 09:56 AM

Ahh, that makes sense. I was looking at the SQ10, but they are backordered 90-120 days. I may just go ahead and order it, and use the time to save for the amps and such.

Travis

01-31-2010, 10:52 PM	#1
unparent Scooby Newbie Member#: 124821 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: los angeles Vehicle: 2006 wrx wagon silvery	HowTo: MDF woofer box for WRX wagon spare tire well. Lots of pics & dimensions, enjoy A couple years ago I decided it was time to make a box for my '06 WRX wagon. My requirements were for it to be completely stealth, lose no trunk space, use no false floor, and to retain the spare tire. Decided on a box that will fit in the spare tire I know the Duffman box was an option, but I thought it would be pretty easy and fun to do it myself. My system design was focused on SQ, so I went with an Elemental Designs SQ10 shallow mount woofer. Some people love them, some hate them, but I have been really happy with it. Much stronger bass than I expected. I am a 3D artist by trade, so I took some measurements from the trunk and spare tire so I could model the box in Maya. This really allowed me to get the most of the space, calculate the internal volume, and test dimensions and clearances beforehand. When I posted the pics a while ago, I got a lot of emails and PM's about how it was made, will I make one for you, and do you have dimensions. This weekend I finally compiled the dimensions into a presentable form, so if you want to build one, this should be all you need. Good luck. What it looks like: (link to gallery) Some exploded views: (exploded video) The dimensions: (roughly .39 cu.ft.) No idea if anyone will use these, but all the info is there. Enjoy and good luck... * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by unparent; 01-31-2010 at 10:54 PM. Reason: forgot to fill out the title, doh...

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01-31-2010, 11:50 PM	#2
hookedontronics Scooby Specialist Member#: 216078 Join Date: Jul 2009 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Glenville, NY Vehicle: 2005 Legacy GT L	why the tapered internal volume? I make these and sell them and i use the same size rings all the way down (except for the first two rings down from the floor), and i'm only getting .625 cubic feet while keeping the spare tire. Is .39 cu. ft spec'd for that sub? Seems pretty small...

02-01-2010, 12:31 AM	#3
ROFLBOXER Scooby Specialist Member#: 188503 Join Date: Sep 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA Vehicle: 2003 Built EJ257 WRX 2.5xtr+W2A IC	Woah. Holy Tiny box volume. Sweet design.

02-01-2010, 07:20 AM	#4
boostdog Scooby Specialist Member#: 149752 Join Date: May 2007 Location: NW Arkansas Vehicle: 07 wrx tr rr tuned stg2 12.8@105mph	great job man! looks really good.

02-01-2010, 08:08 AM	#5
BryanH Scooby Guru Member#: 993 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: nova	I just got a new one from Duffman and it is bigger than that internally. You are giving up a BUNCH of internal volume if you would take a leap and just try fiberglass. Plus it would be a bit lighter. I appreciate the effort and the creativity but for a spare tire box to work effectively you really do need to try something other than wood.

02-01-2010, 10:00 AM	#6
boostdog Scooby Specialist Member#: 149752 Join Date: May 2007 Location: NW Arkansas Vehicle: 07 wrx tr rr tuned stg2 12.8@105mph	yes but if it works and he's happy with the way it sounds/looks/weight what does that matter. how much was your duffman box? willing to bet he has alot less in an enclosure that you do.

02-01-2010, 10:57 AM	#7
unparent Scooby Newbie Member#: 124821 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: los angeles Vehicle: 2006 wrx wagon silvery	Yeah its really small, but fits the subs requirements almost perfectly. Sure its not going to fit a normal size 10", but that wasn't the intent of the design. If the goal was a full size sub, Duffman is most likely the best way to go, or to glass it up yourself. I didn't have the tools or experience to do glass, and didn't feel like spending the money to learn. Plus wood is cheap and easy. It seems to be holding up quite well with with about 280watts. SQ10 Subwoofer Volume Requirements: Sealed (small) = .25 cu.ft. Sealed (ideal) = .3 cu.ft. Sealed (large) = .5 cu.ft. http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=106

02-01-2010, 11:39 AM	#8
boostdog Scooby Specialist Member#: 149752 Join Date: May 2007 Location: NW Arkansas Vehicle: 07 wrx tr rr tuned stg2 12.8@105mph	you need to post this up here http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1614517

02-01-2010, 10:17 PM	#9
ibhknl Scooby Newbie Member#: 177790 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: College Station, Tx Vehicle: 2000 Subaru Legacy Green	Good stuff, thanks for the contribution.

02-02-2010, 09:10 AM	#10
BryanH Scooby Guru Member#: 993 Join Date: Feb 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: nova	Hi! Even when I was making my own spare tire enclosures good quality fiberglass costs more than MDF....so yeah it is more. I just bought this one because it is cold as a hell here and I don't feel like freezing my ass off to make one right now. FWIW, based on some quick math the -3db down of your box should be about 62 hz. Not too shabby for such a shallow mount woofer. Combine that with a bit of stuffing and the cabin gain and it should sound lovely. You may want to buy some ratcheting straps and anchor that thing in there. You don't want it becoming a projectile in the event of a crash. I understand you think it is heavy and not going anywhere....get back to me after a major crash.

02-02-2010, 12:22 PM	#11
FunkRider Scooby Specialist Member#: 195055 Join Date: Nov 2008 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Southern Ontario Vehicle: 2002 WRX PSM	Couldn't you use a flat 45 degree router bit on the 90 degree corners to gain some more volume without sacrificing strength?

02-03-2010, 07:17 AM	#14
azer408 Scooby Newbie Member#: 194303 Join Date: Nov 2008 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Sacramento/Davis, CA Vehicle: 2006 Stage 2 WRX CGM	I wonder if this will work in my GC

02-03-2010, 07:33 AM	#15
scoobynewbie1 Scooby Newbie Member#: 150406 Join Date: Jun 2007 Chapter/Region: South East Location: charlotte, nc Vehicle: 2006 wrx cgm	That looks really sweet, but where do you keep the spare tire??

02-05-2010, 02:39 PM	#18
hookedontronics Scooby Specialist Member#: 216078 Join Date: Jul 2009 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Glenville, NY Vehicle: 2005 Legacy GT L	^^I'm actually working on one but it's only going to be available for 8" woofers

05-15-2012, 06:38 PM	#19
T_Racer69 Scooby Specialist Member#: 188079 Join Date: Aug 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Brunswick, GA Vehicle: 2003 Stg 2 Bug Wagon Sonic Yellow	First off, sorry to drudge up an old thread. I love this and can't thank you enough for taking the time to laout the elements to build it. I have one question that I can't get my head around. It shows the bottom plate, the 3/4" spacer, then the 1/4" mounting plate. It seems that the mounting plate would not have any support and sag in the middle. Is is support to go below the spacer ring or am I missing something? Thanks again, this is my model now for my wagon. TRavis

05-15-2012, 09:57 PM	#20
ibhknl Scooby Newbie Member#: 177790 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: College Station, Tx Vehicle: 2000 Subaru Legacy Green	Screw and glue the top plate to the mounting plate. You could also glue/screw sound 3/4" spacers between the mounting plate and bottom plate, but don't use too much as this pace is used as part of the enclosure. One or both of these techniques should take the flex out of the mounting plate. Side note, what woofer do you plan to use?

05-16-2012, 09:56 AM	#21
T_Racer69 Scooby Specialist Member#: 188079 Join Date: Aug 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Brunswick, GA Vehicle: 2003 Stg 2 Bug Wagon Sonic Yellow	Ahh, that makes sense. I was looking at the SQ10, but they are backordered 90-120 days. I may just go ahead and order it, and use the time to save for the amps and such. Travis