In my C5 convertible I was thinking of doing a new amp rack.

Right now I have one amp sort of resting in there on a piece of wood with black carpeting on it, but in considering adding a second amp I would like to make something more fancy than that since there would now be two amps and a power distribution block. It will definitely need to be taller, but I want it to be able to stand on its own instead of just leaning like I have it now.


current state

I'm wondering if anyone else has done this before and if they could share photos. I'm just looking for inspiration.

Someone else on the forum was kind enough to supply the measurements of the interior of the cubby - 11" x 6 1/4" x 5 1/4".

 

You might consider selling your existing amp and getting one with more channels. If that's a 4-channel you have now, lots of companies make 5 and 6 channel amps. Some of them are quite small and very powerful. For example, the Rockford Fosgate Power 1000 tests out at over 1,000 watts RMS and occupies a space smaller than what you have now. With a 5-channel, you get 4 channels to power front and rear and keep fader capabilities, while driving sub(s) with the 5th channel in a mono configuration. A single amp would simplify the install with less wiring (no distribution blocks). I considered mounting my amp/processors in the trunk-well flat at the bottom since the well slopes inward and would hold the rack in place. Wiring could be hidden underneath the panel and run under the carpet. Ultimately I ended up doing something else with a sub enclosure as a partition under the rear window with amp/processors mounted in the center. 8" JL W3 woofers, RF amp and crossovers in the center behind removable vented panel, all leather wrapped.


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I went with a 4 channel amp used in 3 channel mode, ran a set of components and bridged other 2 channels for a sub (mounted in the partition box) then mounted (epoxy) a board to the wall behind the passenger seat.

 

I'm running 5-channel amp: 4 channels bridged to 2 channels to run door components, 5th channel is mono channel to run subs. No B-pillar speakers.

 

I went with a 5 channel Kenwood amp. I built a amp rack for the back trunk and mounted the amp to it. Was able to run all new wires and power for it cleanly.

 

I have not seen a 5 channel amp that fits properly in the cubby. The Rockford Fosgate, for example, is 16.5 x 10.3. The Alpine amps I have in mind are 13 x 9 (the 4 channel I have already) and 10 x 10 (mono) respectively. Remember mine is a convertible. I can't mount amps where the top is. I do not want to mount behind the seat because I park with the top down sometimes. And I can't put them into the middle well because there's a sub box in there already. So the cubby is what I thought the best option was.

I built a prototype of the amp rack using some scrap plywood. I'll use MDF with black automotive carpet on the final product but I didn't have any MDF on hand. I've seen someone who builds these with PVC but I am not sure I understand why. Separate thread I guess.

So the base piece is the size of the bottom of the cubby, that's to weigh things down so everything stays in place while the car is moving. I'm not going to screw it down into anything, just let the weight keep it still in the cubby. If I run into issues I can always double the MDF on the base piece. Then there are two pieces mounted vertically to that which are tall enough to have the one amp on one piece and the distribution block and the other amp on the other piece. I would take pictures and share, but the prototype didn't come out right, I have to redo it so the amps fit. Also I was orienting the amps facing left (in the right side cubby) - the 7 1/2 inch width of the pieces wasn't wide enough, I need 10 inches, so they need to face rear. I'll share photos when this is done.

With the above said, I have not purchased the second amp yet, so I'm still open to suggestions. I will keep looking for other 5 channel amps just in case I find one that would work. I agree with simpler wiring and a simpler amp rack to build.

 

I have a vert also. I mounted my 5 channel kenwood amp right behind the waterfall. No issues folding the roof down.

 

I think hes worried about someone swiping it if they see it while its parked with the top down.

 

In my case it is covered by the top. Can't see it when the top is down. Also since I have the window valet it is easy enough to put the windows up and lock the car.

 

Rockford Fosgate TM1000X5 (in the "Power" series)
5-channel, 1,000 watts rms
(1.6” x 4.3” x 12.0”
comes in black or silver
it's mounted behind that small panel with my 2 crossovers in the pic above

 

You're right, I'm paranoid about some jerk coming and cutting the wires and ripping it out.

That said, if I did change to a 5 channel and mount behind the waterfall, what do you mount it to? I pulled the carpet up and I couldn't tell what would be safe to screw it down. I would maybe still want a panel with carpet on it so I can put zip ties down and make it neat.

I can't see the photo referred to in the last post but I think that would help.

 

I cut a piece of MDF and glued it down under the carpet. I then screwed down the amp to the MDF.

 

It was the photo in my earlier post. Probably not overall what you are looking for for your vert, but this was to try to show the small space the amp occupies. Behind that small center panel on mine is the RF amp and 2 crossovers. Between the 3 devices, they have a footprint of less than a square foot, but I don't remember the exact measurements. Screwing the amp rack to the carpet is a good idea, may not be as secure as bolting to the floor but it will generally keep it all in one place. Regarding security, I don't park anywhere in public without covering my speakers/amps with something, towel, etc.

 

The space behind the seats is the gas tank..do not screw into that...just glue mdf to it..or anywhere and screw into that..threaded inserts are best as you can remove the screw many times if needed and provides a stronger attachment than wood screws..
Check out carfab videos on youtube.

 

Just remember..if you get into a crash..what is not bolted down will be travelling at the speed...you where travelling...

 

So the amp is underneath the carpet now? I'm assuming there's no overheating risk? Or did you cut the carpet in that area?

I am liking this idea of 5 channel although I does mean I have to reroute wires and run a new ground or at least a longer one. I'm connected to the FM antenna ground that you access behind the right most tail light at the moment. There must be a better location to use when the amp isn't in the back of the car.

Someone also suggested threaded inserts which I was definitely planning to use, also ferrules. And I could use shorter RCA cables too. The amp wiring kit I used when I first installed all of this 5 years ago came with 17 foot long cables. I would imagine behind the teardrop, one could go with 6 footers.

Definitely been watching a bunch of car audio install videos lately.

 

He means ..glue the mdf under the carpet..then screw the amp down to it ..the amp is on top of the carpet..
Its so you dont ever screw into the car and possibly puncture something like the gas tank

 

Gotcha. I was curious if he put the amp directly on the MDF which means underneath the carpet. Sounded like a bad idea to me. Screwing through the carpet is definitely easier than cutting it away.

BTW, the Rockford R600X5 amp is a really great deal on Amazon right now.

 

Right one piece of mdf is glued under the carpet. I then screwed another piece of mdf over the one under the carpet ( 2nd piece on top of carpet) then screwed the amp to that so it is more secure. I cannot up load pics from my phone so will post a little later

 

No that's cool, I get it now. If you remember what sort of glue you used, that would help, but I'm sure I can research that. Wood to fiberglass shouldn't be hard to figure out.

For a more professional look, I can put some black automotive carpet on the MDF that the amp gets mounted to, as in my original photo. I used spray adhesive last time and I'm sure I still have some left. I have lot of extra carpet left.