Custom subwoofer enclosure for 04 and 05 Prius

[viffer_pilot]

Hello all,

I had this all typed up and then dumped it accidentally so here's the short version. I have spent a good portion of today making molds of the driver and passenger cubbies in the back of my 05. I am planning on making enclosures for 8" subs which I will power off a mono amp.

I have considered using my molds to make casts that I can use to make replicas of my boxes. My question is, would there be enough interest in an enclosure of this type to make the initial investment worth while? I figure that I can produce the enclosures for about $150-$175 each. The final cost will depend on how much time it takes me to actually complete mine. It may be lower if I can find supplies at a lower cost than Home Depot. I would ship the enclosures in a ready to finish condition so that the purchaser could finish it to their tastes. By ready to finish I mean smoothed and bondo'd. It may not be ready to paint on arrival but it would be pretty close. Let me know if there is interest in a product like this.

Thanks,
Jeff
05 Millenium Silver pkg 5

[charliep]

Hi,
I would be interested. I would probably put rug material on it to match the interior.

Charlie

[DanH]

I would be quite interested. It sounds like this would be the best way to add some bottom end to the sound without going over the top.

Do you have any pictures of what you have done so far?

[FireEngineer]

Count me in! What make of 8 inch sub are you considering (enclosure volume).

[naterprius]

Please count me in. I can give you more than just a "passing interest." I will commit to buying one right now.

Nate

[viffer_pilot]

I have not calculated the volume yet. So far all I have is the interior mold which came out pretty good. I need to reinforce the inside of the enclosure and then determine the final shape. I'm considering the sony P5 (I think) because it goes up to about .5 ft3. Crutchfield also has a really good special on the Punch 8". The reality is that I'm not competing the system, I just want to improve the low end. It doesn't have to be a great sub. We listen to country and rock mostly.

If I make the box flush with the side panel I think it will be too large but I can always put something in the box to take up air volume. I think it will look better if it's flush.

The only pictures I have are of the molds in the pockets and the back of the car taped up. I will be taking pictures of the molds tomorrow (my digi cam battery is dead). Tomorrow I will reinforce the mold and determine the cut location. I don't want to make the speaker ring until I have the speaker because I would like to flush mount it.

I made molds for both sides but only intend to use one since I think two would be too much. Does anyone have a preference on which side they prefer. If everyone wants the same side I will make two molds of the same side (if I can). If they come out well I will put one of the prototypes up for sale.

This is all just a plan. I have never done fiberglass before so I may discover that I suck so don't write a check yet. Anyway, thanks for the interest. I'll figure out how to make the casts and do that tomorrow before I trim the molds.

Jeff
05 Millenium silver pkg 5

[NiMHpwr]

I am interested in one for the passenger side. Post a pic when it is finished.

Thanks, Justin

[naterprius]

The passenger side is a much better choice because there is a storage compartment on the driver's side and (I believe) the fuel filler is on the driver's side so the passenger side offers more volume.

Nate

[viffer_pilot]

I agree that the passenger side is larger and impeding access to the storage on the driver side is a consideration but I think that the passenger side pocket may be a bit large for and 8" woofer. A 10" will fit in there and the size is almost perfect. The opening is about 11". The approximate volume on the passenger side is close to about .6 ft3 (I think). The driver's should be perfect for an 8". I am making the casting of the driver's side first since it is smaller and therefore cheaper to do over if my first attempt is a failure. Remember, the boxes are small and light. They would be easy to remove if attached with velco. I for one do not plan on cutting into my car. The only holes I can bring myself to make will be screw holes in the plastic over the spare tire to hold the amp.

I also do not know how many I will be able to make over the winter because it is not possible to work the fiberglass when it gets much below 60 degrees F. I'm sure I'll be able to make them but I can't guarantee deliver by Christmas :wink:

Thanks,
Jeff

First tank 400 miles 8.85 gallons = 45.2 MPG actual and indicated :mrgreen:

[naterprius]

Jeff, are you planning on porting the enclosure?

I still would MUCH prefer an enclosure on the passenger side. I believe most folks doing XM are locating the module on the driver's side, so it will get a little tight with wiring under there. Also, there are body exhaust vents on the driver's side, and the flaps need to be free to flap without wiring being in the way. A member here has done the passenger side with the 8 inch and is quite happy with it.

If the size on the passenger side is too big, you could always scale it down and leave a gap on the back side of the enclosure

I would LOVE a 10" in the Prius if it could be done and sound like my Polk system at home...

Nate