Custom Boxes

Well, anyone know how to build one?

"P11GT" will be more than happy to help you design a box.

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http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t10084.html

know anyone with "clear" boxes?

I dont know anyone personally, but I've seen a few. they look pretty cool, but I dunno if they are as functional as the traditional boxes.

how much do you think they roll in at?

Originally posted by BIGbungy
how much do you think they roll in at?

I think they are made out of plexi-glass, so whatever it costs to buyt he material. making it should be the same way.

plexi glass is relatively cheap, and i can use pvc glue to seal the joints
this cant be that hard, do you have any tutorials?

Nah, I don't have any specifics, but I would think you'd need more than PVC glue to secure the box. I don't know if the PVC glue would hold up with all the shakin. The one I saw had 3 JL Audio 12's in it.

no the glue is just to secure the joints, im also going to apply aluminum corner flaps and secure those with rivets
definetly not slacking on the construction, i know how much noise pumps outta those

What subs were you planning on running? The plexi box would look tight with the aluminum corners.

3 15" hccp orion comps. sounds good?

Damn, 3 15's. you love your bass, huh?

NO NO NO. A proper plexiglass box will cost BIG money. At least an inch thick, and with rounded corners will cost even more. I had a Plexi top on my MDF box. To give you an idea, to have a box with just a plexi top and the rest MDF it would cost approx. $500. An all plexi box would bring out the vaseline. Again, that is if you want it scratchless and rounded corners. The big thing is to make sure you don't crack it when you drill or the whole piece is junk. Remember, with plexi boxes you have to recess for the top of the screw and make the screw holes which isn't hard with a recessing drill bit, but again, don't crack it.

its alright if i crack it, i have a sheet of 1 1/2" 10' X 10' shatterproof plexi glass. I checked up with autocoustics who said this was fine. Do you have any reccomendations for proper assembly? (remember, this sheet is huge, i could make a full clear box if i really wanted to)

Proper assembly.......HMMMMM. Lots of patience and most of all, take your time. Lots of screws (not overdoing, just enough to be secure). I recommend getting the edges rolled (not weak rolled edge, I'm talkin' a serious one), it looks much cleaner. Good luck. Also, do you have the proper tools to cut this plexi up.

yea table wet saws and plastic sheet cutters, they are in a shop

your outcome all depends on you, take your time when doing the cuts or any drilling. plexi i suppose will be hard to do. i just recently finished my custom MDF box, it was pretty easy cause P11GT (Kevin) help me through it one step of the way to the next. :D just wait for him to answer this thread and he can design a good box for you. the building part is up to you, if you have the right materials, go for it. :eek:

Plexi boxes cost loot! And all the ones I have see look phat as ish , but end up soundin' like ish:(

If you like the plexi look-- get/make a GOOD custom box w/ plexi windows! Make sure you follow the specs of your speakers!

Peace!
f-bomb!:smoker2:

Plexiglass is some what a challange to work with. I used to do protoype stuff, real simple things, in a machine shop for a while. You can cut it with a regular circular saw/hand saw/milling machine. The trick is to keep from scratching up the rest of the piece, and most plexi comes coated on both sides with a paper adhesive combo. You have to be careful not to melt the plexi if your using power tools, and always over cut the piece, you can sand or file to the right size.

To finish the cuts, you have to sand them down progressively with wet/dry sand paper and polish them by hand (not recommended) or with a slow speed buffer (drill) and appropriate polishing compound. Or, you can flame polish with a clean burning fuel like butane or propane. Trust me, this is tough and you can ruin plastic easy. The concept is to "melt" the roughness smooth, but dont try it with a rough cut piece.

Connecting plexi is a whole other story, If you plan on using screws you have to pre-drill everything properly, and dont overtighten them or you will crack/break the piece. Best bet is to drill and tap and use real machine screws, not wood screws

Another option is someing like PVC cement but its a special solvent that acts very quick and finishes clear. I forget what the stuff is called but it smells similar to acetone. The way you use this is to get all your joints as close fitting as possible clamp the snot out of them and just let the solvent seep into the joint thru capilary action. One bad thing about this stuff is there is NO room for error. Any excess will drip and mark/ruin your part. And once the piece is joined there is no turning back.

If you plan to try this, do your homework, its tough...good luck tho.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Dont use pop rivets, it stresses the platic too much and may crack/break