Built and Finished my own stealthbox, with pics!

Finally after viewing many projects by other members, I took alot of things into consideration. I did not want to cut any trim panels, wanted it to look stock, all panels fit perfectly and utilize as much space as I could. I started off wanting to use a Boston Acoustics G2 10" subwoofer, problem was I needed 6 3/8" mounting depth plus a 1/2" space for VC vent. So that speaker and idea was thrown. After consideration for fitting a 10" with no alterations to the trim, I had to choose a 8" sub. Now I could have fit a 10", I just would have had to trim around the rear factory box cover with grill. Where it has those pain in the butt snaps that hold it in place. If I would have done that a 10" would fit perfect, so you could do it if you wanted. The box is .4 cuft of airspace. A good hard hitting 8" this is perfect for. I chose a MA Audio MA800XL since it is a 4ohm DVC with 400watts RMS/800 Max, and 4.8in mounting depth. 200oz magnet,dual spider and more. They sound good and thats some performance for an 8!
Cut it, built it, sealed it, beyond secured it, covered it, mounted it and VOILA. It is done and looks perfect to me. Now to figure out where to mount the amp?! Tell me what you think!!

http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b207/JChrisMarion/Explorer/

Very nice job.

how does it sound? I would try to mount the amp behind the big trim panel, but I guess it depends on the size of the amp and cooling considerations.

Have you considered stuffing that box with insulation to fool the speaker into thinking there is more airspace?

very nice...ive been kicking around the idea of doing this in my 92

Thats pretty sweet. I was also looking the other day and founrd that there aren't too many options that 10" that will fit the space with the right air space.

Nice looking install

That's hot!

Thanks guys, I am glad you like it. I hoped to hear good things!! BTW, all this was done with a skill saw and a jig saw. A table saw and a router would have been awesome,but I dont think I am gonna buy em just for a speaker box. If you would like the dimensions for this, let me know.

I dont know how it sounds yet, still waiting on the speaker and amp. The amp is 2.3"H/10"L/8.5W, so I dont think its gonna fit behind either panel. I was thinking under the passenger rear seat, dimensions are there just dont want it to get kicked/stepped on.

About the 10's, there are a few 10's that will fit in this box. An AudioBahn AW1000N High Excursion(900rms),Polk Momo, Rockford Stg 3 (800rms). Since the depths is what I am limited too. I would have gotten the AudioBahn or the Punch stg3, but I wasnt going to pay $200 for a 10. And the fact that she drives this to work daily.I drive farther, car is better mpg.

If my memory serves me correct, I think 1 pound of polyfill equals 1 cuft . (correct me if I am wrong) I plan on putting just a half pound in it since MA said to have the perfect sealed inclosure be .83 cuft for the best sound and spl for this 8". There are alot of 8 inch subs to choose from, a handful of REALLY nice subs. If I could have fit a Boston Acoustics G5 or a JL 8w7 in there it would have been awesome. Just depth of box is too much.
Once I get the speaker and amp delivered, I will post pics and how good it sounds. I just want good, clean bass. Not a rolling SPL machine, I like my usable space.

there is a bit more room behind that panel then you may think, especially after you remove the factory amp(s)

Yeah you went through all that & didn't get a 10 in there & didn't use the space up the wheel well like the JL box does. If your happy that's what counts. It does look nice. I would have just bit the bullet & found the JL box on Ebay. I saw several the last month. But props for DIY.

I went to the local junkyard and got a factory box for 15 bucks. I used my dremel and made the opening big enough for an 8" sub. Also drilled a port and used PVC pipe for the tuning tube. Also got the factory cover so it looks factory. I'm so getto

i did the same thing but used the factory cover too. similar box but then used velcro to hook the cover on instead of using those pita clips.

I've got the JL 10" box, still not installed. I wanted the JL 1200e amp for it, but $130 has put me off for the moment. The JL piece uses a grill made of steel(covered in holes) with a material simply glued onto it. It covers the entire opening I gather.

Good work guys,

Wish I could fit my RE x..'s back there good install. Job well done.

Please dont take this the wrong way, I am not attacking your opinion. But your right, I didnt remove everything behind there. I left the factory main amp in place,cut the plastic where it ends so it can still be mounted. You must not have understood that I could and still can put a 10 in. I can make a replica of this box and put in a 10 if I would like, but if the JL box hides the speaker BEHIND the panel, you are not putting in a good speaker. The depth is to small.No optimal 10 is going to fit with less than 5 inchs of depth. If you remove your panel or already know what it looks like, my box uses every sqaure inch that starts at the REAR of the main amp. As soon as that amps geometric shape ends, the box begins. Believe me when I say that the box was drawn up and designed to accomodate all it could and each piece was put in individually to see what needed to be modified. Hell, the decision was made by my woman too. Either we can trim this panel and I can put a 10 in there, or we leave it untouched and use an 8. She chose the 8 too. Cut up interiors look like crap.

It was not a pain. I spent $20 on this in materials (includes 2 sheets of 2x4 MDF, liquid nails, screws, 3M Yellow Spray and carpet) and probably 5 hours of work. So if I weigh the odds of $200+ dollars on a pre-built box that isnt made how I want, or $20 + 5 hours I will choose this route. I didnt want, either way, for the little panel with grill to go back on. Cause damnit the speaker I buy is gonna look good too and your gonna see it!! Funny thing is that this speaker hole is perfectly in line with the factory mesh grill.

From JL :
"This Stealthbox® is definitely heard but not seen. It installs behind the factory trim panels, and a supplied kit converts the factory pocket into a sturdy, cloth-covered steel mesh grille that protects the woofer from loose cargo. Behind this grille lurks the awesome power of a 10-inch subwoofer capable of handling up to 150 WATTS OF CONTINOUS POWER. "

And this is why I didnt buy one. Why the hassle for 150 watts? Give me a DVC, wattage and lube to go with that Stealthbox and then maybe! Same goes for the MTX box, it can only accomodate a few subs because of its depth. For the record, I asked crutchfield what they thought about the two boxs. Their opinions were that 'for the average person this is sufficient, its still hidden, cargo space is still there and a good sound. For others they scrap the factory stereo and have multiple subs installed in the cargo area. And then there are others who want both. Awesome sound yet still hidden like me. These box's cannot accomodate speakers for that criteria.' I believe he said the dimensions for the MTX box was wider by .7 inchs than mine, BUT the depth was just at 4 inchs or so.

I am gonna take pictures of my AWD Talon and show you how I did it. I think it turned out well myself. I will post up the link in a bit.

Good job once again on the install. I think there might have been some slight misunderstanding of how much space was actually in the box, and the fact that the 8 in. hole could be cut out to fit a 10. I think the post you just listed explained a little better for those hard headed folks. No worries. Your truck.

http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b207/JChrisMarion/Talon Box/

Here is pics of my Talon's setup. I did not want to cut any trim, remove my water squirter tank and pumps (which is located in the hatch well) and a goofy box taking up space. The false bottom is hinged so I can lift either side to get to wires if need be. The rear amp rack is built to house a Kicker ZR460, the front rack house's a Kicker ZR1000. Both racks are fiberglass. As you can see the front rack curves at the bottom sides to accomodate the body seam going across and fits flush under the strut bar. What you cant see is when I fold the seats down, built into the rack at an angle is the Stinger distribution blocks and fuses. Top of rack and sides are flush with the rear seats, but looks awesome when you fold em down. Cant get a good picture, too dark in the garage. An optima will reside in the left corner and the box is made to exact specs for a Kicker SoloBaric L7. Its actually a small box on bottom and a large one on top.
Remember I still have a circular water tank that holds 2 gallons of water for front and rear wipers. Only awds have deeper hatchs since fwd's have the large tank under the trunk/hatch area like most cars. I have dual saddle bag tanks beside my driveshaft. I like the false bottom effect, makes it look cleaner and still looks like you have alot of space. Compared to your traditional box just tossed in there. All in all I think it looks good too! Now just to actually install it all since the wiring is all there. This took me 2 days to accomplish.

If you cant tell by both of these vehicles, I go to great lengths NOT to cut facrtory panels. Once the hole or cut is there, its there untill you replace it. I like the fact that at any time I can remove all the stereo components and make it factory again with no problems or holes anywhere.

And this is why I didnt buy one. Why the hassle for 150 watts? Give me a DVC, wattage and lube to go with that Stealthbox and then maybe! Same goes for the MTX box, it can only accomodate a few subs because of its depth. For the record, I asked crutchfield what they thought about the two boxs. Their opinions were that 'for the average person this is sufficient, its still hidden, cargo space is still there and a good sound. For others they scrap the factory stereo and have multiple subs installed in the cargo area. And then there are others who want both. Awesome sound yet still hidden like me. These box's cannot accomodate speakers for that criteria.' I believe he said the dimensions for the MTX box was wider by .7 inchs than mine, BUT the depth was just at 4 inchs or so.

Click to expand...

Maybe I should take a trip to lakeland & show you how my JL sounds
Trust me it sounds fine with the 10" JL sub & 200 watts RMS of clean power.

However I can see where your coming from. That's why I said if you like it that's what matters.

Nice box. I was wondering if you could post up the dimentions or PM them to me. I've been looking to do this for some time. Thanks

Explorer5.0 said:

Nice box. I was wondering if you could post up the dimentions or PM them to me. I've been looking to do this for some time. Thanks

Click to expand...

What he said ^^

Very nice job on the build and install.

I was considering this for my system, but I went with the old 12" MTX sub boxes from my dead Talon ('91 AWD) I've got loads of bass, but I miss my trunk space!