New speakers/sub/amp and the spacial dilemma... a JBL story

If I need to get back in there for any reason, the raammat is pretty easy to cut and pull up. Then I can just make a new panel to replace. I initially thought about fabbing panels out of alu and bolting them in, but got lazy.

The factory amp does a fair amount of signal processing and the LOC is needed to "sum" the signal and provide a low level input (rca) to the new amp. If you take the amp out, the HU stops working. I'm sure someone else could explain that better.

 

I see - didn't realize you were keeping the factory HU.

 

Post #2 updated.

 

Decided to elevate the JBL amp instead of the LOC. This way, the LOC lays flat on the board and the RCAs will have a direct unobstructed route to the Arc amp. Came across www.speedymetals.com and ordered some aluminum 6061 angle to use as brackets/risers (1/4" x 3" x 3" cut in 1 3/8" lengths). Alu was only $5 but shipping was $16 .

 

Made some progress today with a front door,


Painted the baffles,


And took delivery of some important parts.


Today was a good day. Now for my reward.

 

Is that grey top layer the ensolite? I've only put in the butyl w/foil layer so far. Haven't had the chance to research what sound proofing I want to use. Let us know how it works out!

 

Yep. That's the ensolite. It helps decouple acoustical energy from resonating other parts of the door.

 

I think I'm going with this...

$130 TMS Mass Loaded Vinyl, Soundproofing Material - 1Lb, MLV Acoustic Sound Barrier, 4' X 10' - 1/8" Thick (40 Square Feet)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JHE1P6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A32XLVYTIGK4CP

Supposedly one of the few types of non recycled MLV

 

Dude, order straight from TM...save yourself some coin.

https://www.tmsoundproofing.com/Mass-Loaded-Vinyl-1-pound-40-feet.html

Yes, one of the few virgin suppliers...good stuff...very easy to work with.

 

That is some serious matting. I wouldnt mind laying that down on the floor once I'm done with everything else.

 

Started dampening the driver door and ended up short on material. If you plane on going 100% coverage, the RAAMmat door package is not enough. Be sure to pick up a couple more sheets; this should also leave enough scrap to add to the back of the door panels.

Pic of the double layer (8"x8") and ensolite behind the speaker (recommended).


Tip: before removing the vapor barrier, make outlines of the spots that require extra attention, then use as a template. I was using saran wrap before I realized to just do it this way.
This is for cutting out a patch panel for one of the access holes.

 

Made some good progress the last couple days. Both rear doors are done and wired.

Perfect fit. Marv's the man!


#magneticallychallenged


Nice 'n tight.

 

Sound dampening complete. On to wiring.


These tweeter brackets are a PITA. bent one of the mounting arms trying to loosen the bolts that hold the tweet to the adapter. Not to mention tearing up my hand in the process. Bent it back best i could, still a little tweaked.


These are press fit into Marv's adapter, then go back on the original bracket.


Also poked around in all the little nooks and crannies searching for a good location for the crossovers. No luck in finding some clever little spot, so just going to mount under the front seats with some velcro.

 

Beautiful rainy day today, here in the emerald city. So time to show some love to the amp rack. Got my alu angle for fabbing brackets. Just need to run to the hardware store for some, umm... hardware.
Heres the idea. Now there will be room for running the RCAs to the amp.

 

I really like how this turned out! The brackets will be secured to the board with T-nuts on the backside.

 

Test fitting and fine tuning the board.


Backside, had to violate the corners a bit to get the T-nuts in since the new amp is a little too wide.

Edit: I have never worked with MDF before, just carving out these little nut caves made a huge mess. I feel for anyone with allergies that works with this on a regular basis.

 

Coming along nicely Denk. Loving the detail in this one.

 

Thanks, this has been a fun project so far and puts all my skills to the test.

 

I stand corrected. Look like the crossovers will fit behind the kick panels. At least on the driver side. Nice n snug. Tomorrow I'll investigate the passenger side.


Oooh... sexy.

 

Annnd it fits on the other side as well.


All the doors finished now. Still have to run the power wire from the engine bay, finish carpeting the amp rack and sub enclosure, them make all the connections. I can finally see the light!