Help me build an amp rack!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,242
Likes: 8
Help me build an amp rack!
I'd like to build an amp rack for my new custom stereo. Can you help? Ok, here are the facts:
1. It will have 2 amps; JL 250/1 and 300/2
2. It will have 2 crossovers - one for each side of the front speakers (2 way speakers)
3. It is going to go under the convertible top
4. The car is an '05 Corvette convertible
5. I'd like to have a carpeted top and front; I can leave the back (front of the car) open, as it will be invisible from the trunk and from the passenger compartment.
So, my questions are, how do I build this? Do I use MDF? Do I need a bottom, or just lay it on the carpet? I imagine I should place MDF on the carpet, build walls, build a top, and cut out holes in the top for the amps to show through.
If so, how do I mount the sides? L-brakcets? How thick should the MDF pieces be? Do I need to screw the bottom into the frame of the car?
How do I construct this so I can open it if I need to access the amps?
Finally, do I need a fan? Or, if it is open in back (the part facing the interior passenger component, which can't be seen anyway, is a fan unnecessary?
Lots of questions - thanks!!!
1. It will have 2 amps; JL 250/1 and 300/2
2. It will have 2 crossovers - one for each side of the front speakers (2 way speakers)
3. It is going to go under the convertible top
4. The car is an '05 Corvette convertible
5. I'd like to have a carpeted top and front; I can leave the back (front of the car) open, as it will be invisible from the trunk and from the passenger compartment.
So, my questions are, how do I build this? Do I use MDF? Do I need a bottom, or just lay it on the carpet? I imagine I should place MDF on the carpet, build walls, build a top, and cut out holes in the top for the amps to show through.
If so, how do I mount the sides? L-brakcets? How thick should the MDF pieces be? Do I need to screw the bottom into the frame of the car?
How do I construct this so I can open it if I need to access the amps?
Finally, do I need a fan? Or, if it is open in back (the part facing the interior passenger component, which can't be seen anyway, is a fan unnecessary?
Lots of questions - thanks!!!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,242
Likes: 8
Also, I read an awesome amp rack article, but had a few questions:
How do I mound the facade / trim plate on the base of the amp rack? In other words, how do I get it, say 1 inch above the rack, and secure it to the rack? Do I use dowels or something? Small wood blocks that get nailed to the rack and that the facade nails on to?
Also, how do I get exposure to the wiring once this in place?
How do I mound the facade / trim plate on the base of the amp rack? In other words, how do I get it, say 1 inch above the rack, and secure it to the rack? Do I use dowels or something? Small wood blocks that get nailed to the rack and that the facade nails on to?
Also, how do I get exposure to the wiring once this in place?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
Originally Posted by cmb13
Do I use MDF?
Originally Posted by cmb13
Do I need a bottom, or just lay it on the carpet?
Originally Posted by cmb13
I imagine I should place MDF on the carpet, build walls, build a top, and cut out holes in the top for the amps to show through.
If so, how do I mount the sides? L-brakcets? How thick should the MDF pieces be?
If so, how do I mount the sides? L-brakcets? How thick should the MDF pieces be?
i'd say use at least 1/2" if not 3/4" mdf drill and screw the boards together. the sides arent going to be very high so the screws and the other sides will be enough for support
Originally Posted by cmb13
Do I need to screw the bottom into the frame of the car?
Originally Posted by cmb13
How do I construct this so I can open it if I need to access the amps?
Originally Posted by cmb13
Finally, do I need a fan? Or, if it is open in back (the part facing the interior passenger component, which can't be seen anyway, is a fan unnecessary?
Lots of questions - thanks!!!
Lots of questions - thanks!!!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,242
Likes: 8
Thanks for the assistance. I'm short on vertical space, so I may go 1/2 inch. Someone mentioned using plywood - why is MDF better?
Also, you mentioned making the inner walls 1/2 inch shorter. Can you help me out here? What do you mean by inner and outer walls?
Thanks again!
Also, you mentioned making the inner walls 1/2 inch shorter. Can you help me out here? What do you mean by inner and outer walls?
Thanks again!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
instead of using a router use tow pieces of wood back to back. one being shorter then the other (vertically) this will give you a 'shelf' or 'step' that the facade will rest on. if you aren't set on going with the facade look, check out my install and you could mimic that with out having to worry about the height issues as much.
aslo, i guess you could use 1/8 birch plywood as your base as well, it's just not as easy to screw into, you'll need to bolt everything down.
aslo, i guess you could use 1/8 birch plywood as your base as well, it's just not as easy to screw into, you'll need to bolt everything down.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
