Convertible Box? No way! Lets chat.

[IminDiegoTriick]

This thread excites me

[clayparkley]

OK time for a bad update: This build WILL NOT fit power tops.

I will, in the future, be making a power top version. The notches that will be necessary to make this happen are just too complex. You power top guys WILL get tended too, but I need a model for it, one committed to a full install.

Sorry, guys.

Luke

You'll be making one in near future right? :)
Then meanwhile, I want to at least put premium sound speakers since you said they're the best with out the sub.
Where should I be checking to find one? How do I know if mine is premium or not? If I don't have any luck finding one, which speaker do you recommend(under $200/pair) while I wait for you to come up with a box for power vert.? thanks~

[Bearmw]

What is it that makes the power top models more difficult? Is it simply less space due to top motor? If a top is swapped to a manual one is it then the same difficulty as a vert that is an original manual top?

[g.ruff561]

For the right bass setup, I would not mind swapping from power to manual. Thats how important having good quality bass is to me. My power top is in-op anyway. Just a matter of tying back the existing wires. IJS................................

[DRTSRFR]

:(

[StereoInstaller1]

OK people here are some details.

You MUST cut the wall of your trunk. Don't even think about, here is why:



The outlined triangles are what needs to be cut out. I say track down someone with a plasma cutter, that is what I will do with this one. I will listen to it first.

Here is where the woofers overlap the holes. As you can see, this is pathetic, terrible blockage...but the best we can do right now. Shitty compromise, but this needs to get done.

Here is the face of the box, obviously unupholstered (this is not even glued in yet BTW) and no gasket:



So, as far as the box itself, turns out we really NEED 1.5 cubic feet on the sealed side. The chamber is 1.35 cubic feet, we will tune that with 2 4" ports, pics shortly.

What this means is that the box comes nearly to the edge of the top storage area:







More to come soon. I am only building a total of 5 of these right now, and 1 is going to be in this car. I am thinking we will be looking at finish options, whether or not you want fully upholstered, the optional amp rack, etc. This can dress up VERY nicely, I have a couple of ideas...

As far as performance goes, on computer this thing should do a solid 135db, or close to it. In car...well, lets hope. The numbers are excellent so far, but the proof is in the hearing.

[StereoInstaller1]

What the hell, two hours and no responses?

I guess you guys don't want these after all...well good, because we only have four available.

[clayparkley]

Luke, I want one really bad, but mine is power top. So does that mean this won't fit?
Then I guess I could wait until you make one.
But I still want to make it sound better till you come up with the box, so can you help me where to find those premium sound speakers or any other speakers you want to suggest under $200/pair?

[Hey-U]

How much $$ installed?

[robrez]

I like it alot.

[StereoInstaller1]

How much $$ installed?

Well, do you really wanna drive down here? It is not that bad, really...plus the drive home will rock!

Lets talk via email: stereoinstaller1 AT gmail DOT com

Luke, I want one really bad, but mine is power top. So does that mean this won't fit?
Then I guess I could wait until you make one.
But I still want to make it sound better till you come up with the box, so can you help me where to find those premium sound speakers or any other speakers you want to suggest under $200/pair?

No, no way. If you were converted to manual, you could take out all the excess nonsense under the rear, then it would fit.

Yesterday, I listened to this car which was all stock, then I listened to a buddies car I did a while ago. His was stock PS speakers, an alpine deck and a 50X4 amp.

The buddies car was still miserable, hardly even tolerable to my ears, but WAY better than the stock. There just isn't much you can do, these cars are miserable...as you already knew. If your stock speakers are in OK condition, add an amp FIRST! See if you can find a MBQuart 60.4, or better still, grab one of those Jensen Power 5500s...I LOVE that amp! In one of the amp racks that is pure sex.

The power top version will happen, but not all that soon. I NEEED a model!

I think you guys might just as well convert to manual, I swear.


Oh yeah: there are only gonna be 4 of these on this run. How about $225 shipped (add $10 for east coast) with a hunk of carpet included so you can either build a nice panel or upholster the back of the box. No template though, but there will be an amp rack later, if you want a show-stopping look.

If you want fully upholstered, add $75...then you can just cut your underside cover and slip it in for a decent look. It would look the same if you just wrapped the back of the box with the carpet I am including though...so really, it is a waste, but it is your money, right?

BTW, the woofer choice is the Kicker Comp series 8". They offer SVC 4 ohm and DVC 4 ohm/coil, both will work equally well with the box, just choose which one makes the most sense with your amp.

There are several online retailers selling them. I pay about $50 fr the SVC and about $60 for the DVC. Use that as a reference point, you should not need to pay much more than that. I have no intention of selling them, I am leaning on a buddy to get the ones I am using here.

Tomorrow, you will see the port setup, and what you will have to do to install your port kit. Dynamat may end up being part of this install too...WHY did BMW make this car such a pain in the ass!

Luke

[IminDiegoTriick]

this thread gets even more exciting :)

[StereoInstaller1]

Should make music tomorrow.

If it is as good as it looks on paper, we are all good.

Think 400 to 600 watts RMS, max. If you have a subsonic filter, you could maybe push it to 700ish RMS, but that is really pushing it. Buy your woofers locally if you can, make sure to get a good exchange/extended warranty plan if you listen to rap/hip hop/electronica loud.

[Bearmw]

Nice

[StereoInstaller1]

OK, just heard it...this is gonna work.