Custom Sub Boxes

It's pretty tough to get two sub boxes in a Mustang trunk, and still have room to carry groceries. Since the car is a daily driver, I wanted as much space in the trunk as possible. I decided to install the battery box underneath the package tray, right in the middle of the trunk, and have it flanked by the two subwoofers. The height in this area was just about 11", making it difficult (but not impossible) to install 10" subs.

The first thing I did was design the trunk layout in CATIA (3D cad software). I designed the boxes to have about 1/2" clearance on the top and sides. I was also able to design in just the right amount of internal volume for the subs I chose.

After getting the design right, I printed up some templates of each panel, then traced them onto 3/4" MDF. I cut the panels a little large, then started the process of measure, cut, measure, cut, until I had each box constructed.

After cutting both boxes, they were assembled with Liquid Nails and 2 1/2" screws. They were then carpeted with charcoal carpet. The insides were stuffed with 1/2 lb of polyfil. There is some debate about whether this helps the sound any, but it definately doesn't hurt to use it, so I did.

The boxes are bolted to the floor of the trunk from the inside of the box. This way a thief would have to remove the sub's 8 screws (which I used security screws that require a special key) instead of just pulling the box out and running.

The completed trunk looks very clean, and still has room for groceries.

If you'd like to build boxes like mine, here are the outside dimensions of the drivers side box.  The passenger side box is a mirror image.

Last Update: 06/06/2003