How to Build a Fiberglass Enclosure
Fiberglass is a strong and lightweight material that you can use to create an enclosure for a subwoofer to put in your vehicle. To do this, you will need to create a form for the enclosure. The form is needed to apply resin and matting for the fiberglass. You can find the materials for the project at a local hardware or home improvement store. You also need the subwoofer to place in the enclosure.
Things You'll Need
- Sheet of 1/2-inch MDF (medium density fiberboard)
- Tape measure
- Table saw
- Wood glue
- Finish nails
- Nail gun
- Subwoofer
- Pencil
- Power drill
- Jigsaw
- Sandpaper
- Cloth
- Spray adhesive
- Fleece fabric
- Utility knife
- Staple gun
- Fiberglass resin
- Small roller
- Fiberglass matting
- Auto body filler
- Paint brush
- Dust mask
Instructions
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1
Measure pieces of 1/2-inch MDF for the enclosure with the tape measure, and cut them to the required size with the table saw.
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2
Apply wood glue to the edges and assemble the pieces to form a box. Secure the pieces together with finish nails, using the nail gun.
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3
Place the subwoofer face down on the top of the box. Draw an outline around the subwooofer with the pencil. Drill a hole on the inside edge of the outline with the power drill. Insert the blade of a jigsaw in the hole and cut around the outline.
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4
Sand any rough edges on the enclosure with the sandpaper. Clean any wood dust by wiping it with a damp cloth.
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5
Apply spray adhesive to the outside of the enclosure. Place the fleece fabric over the box and cut around the hole with the utility knife. Fold the fleece and staple it to the bottom of the enclosure using the staple gun.
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6
Mix the fiberglass resin, then apply the first coat over the fleece. Apply the resin using a small roller until you see a shine.
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7
Soak the fiberglass matting in the resin and lay three to four layers over the enclosure and allow it to dry for at least an hour. Repeat this step to apply a total of six to eight layers of matting. Sand the hardened fiberglass smooth with the sandpaper.
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8
Mix auto body filler and the fiberglass resin. Apply the mixture to the enclosure with the paint brush to fill in any cracks. Allow the mixture to dry and then sand with the sandpaper.
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Tips & Warnings
Roll out any air bubbles in the resin with the roller.
Wear a dust mask and clothing that covers your skin when sanding the fiberglass.
