How to Build a Subwoofer Box for a 1989 Camaro
Make your 1989 Camaro's trunk work for you by building and installing a subwoofer box in the trunk. The unique constraints of the trunk in the '89 Camaro mean that the easiest and most cost-effective way to put a subwoofer in the trunk is to build a custom subwoofer box. Many of the commercial models are for two speakers, which takes up too much of the already limited truck space. Create a removable box for your trunk and you'll have a little cargo room when you need it and thumping bass when you don't.
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Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper
- Subwoofer
- 3/4inch MDF
- Jigsaw
- Drill with several bits
- Various screws
- Wood glue
- Silicon caulk
- Velcro
- Fabric glue
Instructions
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1
Measure the dimensions of the trunk, focusing on the area where you would like to mount the sub box. With the unusual shape of the trunk, it is best to mount either as close to the rear of the car as possible, or tucked into one side or the other.
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2
Measure the depth and diameter of the subwoofer. Add 2 inches to the depth to calculate the minimum box depth, and then add 2 inches to the diameter of the subwoofer to calculate the minimum height and width.
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3
Calculate the internal volume of the box by subtracting two times the width of the MDF from each dimension, and then multiply the length by the width by the height. Compare this value to the recommended volume of box for the subwoofer you have purchased. Adjust the size of the box to the right volume and the right size by adjusting one dimension at a time until you have a box that will fit in the space you measured and is the correct volume for the speaker.
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4
Cut the MDF into pieces for each side using the jigsaw. Cut two pieces for the front of the box where the subwoofer will be mounted.
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5
Draw the outline of the speaker on both the front pieces and use the drill to make a hole in the material that needs to be removed. Use the hole to get the jigsaw into the center and then cut out the large hole for the subwoofer using the jigsaw.
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Draw the outline of the terminal cap on the back piece and use the same technique as above to make a hole for the terminal cap. Note that you may not want to put the terminal cap on the back panel if the back panel will be against the side of the trunk. If this is the case, mount the terminal cap on either the side or the top.
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7
Assemble the box by securing the sides together with wood glue and screws. Screw the larger sides into the edge of the smaller sides. Once the glue has dried, use the silicon caulk to seal the inside of all joints.
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8
Place the subwoofer and terminal cap in place and mark their mounting points with a pencil. Use the drill and a small drill bit to make pilot holes for the screws. Place the terminal cap in place and secure it with screws.
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9
Wire the inside of the terminal cap to the back of the subwoofer. Put the subwoofer in its place and secure it with screws.
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10
Place the subwoofer box in your desired position to check it fits. If you have any trouble, then you may be able to use sandpaper to shave off a little, or you may have to remeasure the box. However, if you measured accurately at the beginning, then you should be in excellent shape.
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11
Place two long strips of 2-inch Velcro along the longest sides of the subwoofer box. Place corresponding strips in the trunk of the Camaro using fabric glue to secure them to the carpet.
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12
Run wires from the head unit or the amplifier to the rear of the subwoofer box and attach them to the terminal cap. Exact instructions will vary depending on the model and location of the amplifier and head unit. Place the subwoofer on the Velcro to secure it in place.
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Tips & Warnings
Test the speaker before permanently mounting it.
Allow glue and caulk to dry fully before putting them under any stress.
Wait for the fabric glue to dry before driving the car, otherwise you could find the glue will not hold the subwoofer box in the trunk of your Camaro and it will roll around while cornering.
References
- Photo Credit woofer image by Renato Francia from Fotolia.com
