DIY: Car Subwoofer Enclosure
Subwoofer enclosures are a necessity when installing a subwoofer in a vehicle's custom stereo system. These enclosures provide a mounting space and protection for your subwoofer, and they also enhance the overall sound reproduction quality. While there are many prebuilt subwoofer enclosures on the market, building your own subwoofer enclosure not only allows more control over the sound quality, look and size of the enclosure, but it is also more cost-effective than a prebuilt enclosure.
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Things You'll Need
- Subwoofer
- Speaker terminal cup
- 5 to 10 inches of speaker wire
- Particleboard
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
Instructions
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1
Measure each dimension of the subwoofer, including the depth, length and width. These measurements will provide the basis for the dimensions of the enclosure.
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2
Multiply the measurements taken from the subwoofer's dimension by at least two. For example, a subwoofer that is 16 inches by 16 inches by 5 inches would need an enclosure of at least 32 inches by 32 inches by 10 inches. The size of your enclosure will impact the overall sound quality --- most notably the bass --- of your subwoofer.
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3
Sketch the multiplied measurements onto your particleboard to create the front, back, sides, top and bottom. Once you have the sections sketched out, cut the particleboard into individual sections. After you have cut the sections, dry-fit the pieces together to make sure the enclosure will look the way you want it to.
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4
Cut a circular hole in the front section that's equivalent to the diameter of the subwoofer's cone. Do not cut the hole to the full width of the subwoofer, or the subwoofer will not mount properly.
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5
Cut a circular hole in one of the side sections or in the back section. The size of this hole will depend on the space needed to mount your speaker terminal cup. Mount the speaker terminal cup in the hole. Attach the speaker wire to the inside of the terminal cup.
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6
Screw the side sections onto the front and back section. Once you've finished, attach the top and bottom sections to these sections with screws. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to each section before you screw them together; this provides a stronger hold and creates a sturdier enclosure.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply a fabric cover to the outside of the enclosure for a more professional look.
