How to Create Custom-Shaped Enclosures for Car Audio Systems

To give your car the kind of sound that you most enjoy, you often must think inside the box. The speakers you plan to use for your custom audio system often come in boxes that are not made for use in a car, so you should prepare to get a little creative. Follow some of these tips to create your own speaker enclosures.

Things You'll Need

• Composite boards
• Speakers
• Wood glue
• Measuring tape
• Polymer filler
• Screwdriver
• Saw
• 1.5-inch drywall screws

Instructions

1. Use composite wood boards such as MDF or high-density particleboard to make the box for your custom audio system. It is more durable than real wood and is easily available at home improvement stores. Purchase half-inch to one-inch thickness for better sound and a heavier box.

2. Measure the spaces in your vehicle that will hold each speaker. Remember to place the boxes in places where you can easily run the wires and hide them after installation.

3. Cut your board to size, leaving about a quarter-inch overlap over the speaker so that it will not fall out of the hole. Use wood glue and drywall screws so that you do not crack the board when putting the sides on it.

4. Fill any open spaces with some polymer filler because sound will evaporate through unsealed spaces. The box is an important piece of the total sound of your car audio system.

5. Place a fine mesh or grate over the speaker to protect it from cracking. Place the box in the space and run the wires before securing it firmly. Test the audio system before you put in the final screws.