Project Boom Console V2.0

This is a build thread for a custom center console sub box to go into my 99 1st gen.
I started this project after acquiring some 4runner leather seats and realized that my old subwoofer console was too wide to work with them. See pictures of that at the end of this post.

I had the idea to start with a 4runner center console and build a sub box inside of it. My goal here is to make a factory looking console that will function as sub box. After doing research on the different center consoles (both in the 1st gen tacoma and 3rd gen 4runner), I decided to go with a 99-02 4runner console since it was the largest. I actually found one in a 00 at an Austin junkyard for $20 that just happened to not have rear AC. This was perfect because it would be another hole I didn't have to cover. It also has an ash tray and fold out cup holder. I really wanted to keep the cup holder, but it would take up too much space inside the box. I decided to leave the ash tray and use it for some outlets in the future.
Here it is mounted in my truck after removing the interior, ebrake rubber, cubby hole parts, etc. I will have to figure out a bracket for the rear since my truck doesn't have any treaded holes for it. I'll most likely use the rear seat mounting holes.


I knew that I would need to also get a relatively shallow mount 8" woofer. My old console was 9" wide to fit a rather powerful 10" woofer. I wanted something of the same power range to use the same amp. I came across the Sundown Audio SD-3 8" which ticked all the boxes. I would be able to inset this woofer into the console so that it would be flush and install a flush grill over top. This is possible with this sub because it has an underhung (flipped) surround. It also does not have a rear vent, so I can get it as close as possible to the opposite wall of the console.


I got a MDF mounting ring online and cut a hole on the passenger side (there's more room because of the Ebrake).


Then glued the mdf ring using JBweld. This is mostly just to hold it in place so I can start fiberglassing. I also taped the exterior of the box to keep any resin off of it.


Used carboard to block out holes from the inside. After I took this picture I decided to just glue the top directly to the box. The top with the armrest actually has a little compartment, so it can still open, just not to the original larger storage area.


The I started fiberglassing using 1.5oz mat and polyester resin. My goal is to get 4-5 layers. I left the bottom open to make it easier in the beginning. In hindsight, I should have filled in the areas above the ring since it's impossible to see.



Then I taped a piece of cardboard on from the inside and set it about 1/4" in. I added fiberglass to this to start building it up. I was able to pull most of the cardboard out after the fiberglass had cured. The rear is inset more because that part straddles the transmission tunnel. I will also install a terminal cup there, so I wanted it to be a little off the floor.


That's where I'm at so far.

Things left to do:
Trim off extra fiberglass
Make rear mounting bracket
Test fit sub and add mounting holes
Install terminal cup

Later:
Make covers for ebrake hole and cubby hole
Glue cup holder "door" back on


Here is Project Boom Console V1.0 just to show you
It's currently for sale here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/center-console-sub-box.635872/

 

Reserved

 

Sweet! That box is coming out pretty awesome so far

 

Looks awesome!
Do you plan on adding a grille over the woofer cone?

If it were me i'd be worried about damaging the speaker being that close to the seat.

 

I do plan on putting a grille on it, but I had my old sub without a grille for years and never hit anything on it.

I will most likely have to custom make a grille since I can't find one that is just flat. They all seem to bulge out to accomodate the xMax of most subs. The SD-3 wont go bulge out very far because of the underhung design.

 

Gotcha.

I'm sure some sort of perf would do the trick. Curious to see the turnout!

Where do you have the amp mounted for it?

Nice job on the fiberglass too. Seems like a cool skill to know.

 

It's on the back wall. I may relocate it under the seat in the future so I can fold that rear seat up again.


Fiberglass isn't really that hard to work with. It's basically papier mâché, just more toxic.

 

Did a test fit after work today and it looks good.


Here’s a picture that shows the clearance by the sub

 

Nice.
This is something I should look into doing. Losing the console space is a lot better than losing cabin space.

 

Painted the mounting ring and exposed fiberglass black. I mostly did this because I am using resin without wax, so it will remain tacky unless it is top coated.

 

I decided to install the speaker terminal on the front because it would interfere with the mounting bracket on the bottom. I put it where the stock cubby would be since there really isn’t enough depth to put switches there in the future. I will make a cover for this spot, but that will make it easy to access if I need to disconnect the wires without unmounting the box.



I also didn’t realize I built up the front wall so thick. It’s just about 3/8”. It’s not a bad thing, just makes it heavier overall.

 

I had a powered sub in my first gen where you have your amp mounted. I just removed that left rear seat completely since no one ever sat back there.

 

I still have people sit there at random times. I have a toolbox mounted on the passenger side too, but I guess I could move that whole setup to the driver side and it would make one complete unobstructed seat on the passenger.
I put the tool box on the passenger side to try to offset some of the taco lean.

I also couldn't fit the amp under the seat before when I had RSX seats. Now that I have the 4runner seats, there is a lot more room down there. So many possibilities!

 

I have the same sub and tried mounting it there. Although it rattled all the plastic and trim all over the place and drove me crazy.

 

Mine did at first as well so I put some backer rod in between the sub and the plastic. That got rid of any rattling.

 

I finished up the rear mounting bracket last night. I had originally planned to attach it to the rear seat bolts, but since the transmission tunnel does not have vertical walls, I'd never be able to get it unmounted without removing the seats.
I went through a couple of different ideas, but I ended up drilling out the square holes on the top of the seat brackets (used for the plastic covers) and installing 6mm nutserts. I can now bolt the mounting bracket directly to this without having to unbolt the seats.
Here’s a picture of how the bracket attaches at the back



Here's a shot of the bracket on the bottom of the box. I just used some #12 short screws and put some JB weld in the holes before putting it together. I don't plan to ever take this off. The bracket is 1/8"x2" aluminum.
I though about fiberglassing this bracket into the box, but then I would need to mold everything to the transmission tunnel. I really didn't want my truck smelling like fiberglass for weeks, so this was my alternative.

 

I mounted it and fired it up tonight. I turned the gain up on my amp thinking I would need to now that I’m running at 4ohms, but I actually started getting some distortion. First impression is that it is just as loud as my old 10” in a bigger box.

 

Super sick dude

 

Damn! That came out awesome! I like the idea of mounting it to the seat brackets. Very creative.

 

Looks great man! I bet that thing thumps real good