Making a fold down amp/sub wall

[Blindstack]

What's up all?

I am interested if anyone has done this yet. Been searching for a month and haven't found any good info. I want to build a fold/flip down wall in the back seat area. I thought gutting the seatback to use as the frame, but I can't find any pics of how it's looks without the padding/cover on. Other option is to have tabs that slide around the top post so the seat can close.

2nd option is less likely since I'm still limited to 15"x40" openning to the trunk. I already have a pioneer shallow mount 10 and a sounstream amp. I was looking to add a second 10 and still flip I all down for cargo needs.

Anyone have input data or pics to help me out?

[soundman98]

why do you need to keep the amp on the seatback as well? there's tons of places to stash amps in this car...

i did seriously look into building subwoofers into the seat back. enough that i bought a replacement seatback, and 2 of these subwoofers.

the airspace requirements of 2 of them are approximately that of the trunk space.

i gave up when i figured out that the seatback is about 1.5" thick, and the subwoofers were 3.5". i wanted the design to maintain all available trunk space, but also to maintain the flat loading surface of the seatback. when i figured out that was unattainable, i bought a image dynamics fiberglass box instead.

[Blindstack]

Originally Posted by soundman98

why do you need to keep the amp on the seatback as well? there's tons of places to stash amps in this car...

i did seriously look into building subwoofers into the seat back. enough that i bought a replacement seatback, and 2 of these subwoofers.

the airspace requirements of 2 of them are approximately that of the trunk space.

i gave up when i figured out that the seatback is about 1.5" thick, and the subwoofers were 3.5". i wanted the design to maintain all available trunk space, but also to maintain the flat loading surface of the seatback. when i figured out that was unattainable, i bought a image dynamics fiberglass box instead.

I looked at other options for placement. Under the rear deck being one. That still restrickcts the overall opening when the seat are down. What I'm thinking is building 4" in front of the seatback as opposed to behind. As long as there's frame or stop infront when folded, I should still have a near flat floor from the trunk through.

[sharpsicle]

The trunkspace on these cars is limited to say the least as it is, so if you want to add some bass without losing it your best option is likely the spare-tire sub design. Anything that 'folds down' is going to be in the way. You don't have much height to start with, and you'll likely be taking up at least a third of it with whatever folds down.

That being said, you need to really figure out the airspace requirements of the subs you want. 'Slim subs' doesn't mean they'll fit anywhere, they typically just use slim but longer boxes to satisfy the requirements. This would be good for custom fiberglass enclosures on the left and right side of the trunk, letting you maintain the center for use. Then again, that's not going to fold anywhere, it's going to be installed, so a much different approach. It also wouldn't satisfy the airspace 10's need behind them without sticking into the loading area a bit, so you'd probably be downsizing.

Soundman's experience is a true testament to the fitment issues you'll have. Bear in mind he was going to use the whole trunk as his enclosure rather than trying to fit another one, and still it was going to be in the way. 10's are no easy ask in these cars, they need air.

Mock up what you have in mind with cardboard, see how it functions, check if it gets you the airspace you need for the subs, and go from there. It will give you a 10000% better idea of what you're going to get without costing any money or destroying anything.

[soundman98]

yep. most 10's are happiest with around 1.0 cu.ft. each, most 12's are happiest with 1.5-3.0 cu.ft.

but some of it comes down to the bass quality that you want. i need to feel the bass. messed up breathing, mirror rattling, bass. if i can't feel it, there's no reason to spend money on it.

if you don't need that kind of bass, it opens up a ton of options.

i have one of these in my ranger, because there's even less space to stash gear than there is in this car.

https://www.woofersetc.com/soundstre...amplifier.html

by my standards, it's horrible. it makes bass, but i've had to eq it a dozen different ways, and if i turn it up to even half the level i keep the sub in the car, it goes flatulent. if a normal sub is the equivalent of snapping people with a wet towel, this sub is the equivalent of snapping people with a paper bag-- all the same physical effort is there, but there's very little to show for it.

[Blindstack]

The pioneer shallow mount subs need less than .5 cu. I have one in a box already. I am planning to build infront of the back panel instead of building it backing into the trunk. I'm removing all the cushion and replacing with the box and amp rack. The lower seats will be removed and changed to storage. Of course, I'll make sure they allow for the seats to fold.