Home made fiberglass box

MrGraphics · 01-21-2011, 01:57 AM

This is the first time I've ever done fiberglass. I thought what the heck, how hard could it be. I already had the sub, so all in all this box cost me about $70 and a weeks worth of time (on and off of course).

Instead of tons of layered fiberglass, I used BaltekMat to get it thick and strong quickly. An MDF front was used, but a full sheet of BaltekMat secures the back to the front. I need to get better matching carpet, but all in all it turned out not so shabby. It's being driven by the Kenwood XR-5S, which fits in the stock amp position (under the sub.) Totally stealth and sounds amazing.

Other audio upgrades include earthquake subs, and MB Quartz components all around.

Boxtyp3 · 01-21-2011, 03:13 AM

Not bad at all!

ignote · 01-21-2011, 04:07 PM

Good job!

Kamal · 01-21-2011, 08:19 PM

looks like you did a fantastic job... I've been meaning to make my own fiberglass box but now I'll have to wait until the weather warms up.

What type of resin did you use? Did you make it to a certain volume? Also, is it just pressure fitted into the car or did you somehow bolt it in?

texasmojo · 01-22-2011, 08:32 AM

Good job indeed.

MrGraphics · 01-28-2011, 03:39 AM

I just used regular polyester resin. Its pressure fitted in. No bolting. The round corner by the top of the fender - that actually presses against the lining of the trunk lid - so the trunk itself keeps it in place. I've taken extremely hard turns and it doesn't move at all.

Kamal · 01-29-2011, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGraphics

I just used regular polyester resin.

Brand? I've used the 3M Bondo resin before and it sucks.. really thick and goopy. I've been told that the "good stuff" applies nice and thin.

1on135_deal · 01-29-2011, 01:39 AM

sick

MrGraphics · 01-31-2011, 12:55 AM

I used 3M brand from Home Depot, but it wasn't sub-branded as Bondo. It was a little thick, but not bad. The amount of catalyst you add will really determine ho quickly you need to work with it. If you want thinner, go with Tap Plastics brand. http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=9& You can get the Baltek from them too.

01-21-2011, 01:57 AM	#1
MrGraphics New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2009 128i Sport Package Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	Home made fiberglass box This is the first time I've ever done fiberglass. I thought what the heck, how hard could it be. I already had the sub, so all in all this box cost me about $70 and a weeks worth of time (on and off of course). Instead of tons of layered fiberglass, I used BaltekMat to get it thick and strong quickly. An MDF front was used, but a full sheet of BaltekMat secures the back to the front. I need to get better matching carpet, but all in all it turned out not so shabby. It's being driven by the Kenwood XR-5S, which fits in the stock amp position (under the sub.) Totally stealth and sounds amazing. Other audio upgrades include earthquake subs, and MB Quartz components all around. Attached Images
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01-21-2011, 03:13 AM	#2
Boxtyp3 Major 80 Rep 1,351 Posts Drives: 2015 F32 MG Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 F32 435 [0.00] 2002 E46 cp [0.00] 2010 E82 135i [0.00] 2013 E92 335i [0.00]	Not bad at all!
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01-21-2011, 04:07 PM	#3
ignote Private First Class 26 Rep 130 Posts Drives: 2011 135i DCT Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Good job!
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01-21-2011, 08:19 PM	#4
Kamal Indian Stig 29 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: '03 540i M, '11 Ducati M796 Join Date: May 2008 Location: StL/CoMO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [7.56] 2011 BMW 328i [8.00]	looks like you did a fantastic job... I've been meaning to make my own fiberglass box but now I'll have to wait until the weather warms up. What type of resin did you use? Did you make it to a certain volume? Also, is it just pressure fitted into the car or did you somehow bolt it in?
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01-22-2011, 08:32 AM	#5
texasmojo Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2008 128i automatic Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: DFW Texas, USA iTrader: (0)	Good job indeed. __________________
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01-28-2011, 03:39 AM	#6
MrGraphics New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2009 128i Sport Package Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	I just used regular polyester resin. Its pressure fitted in. No bolting. The round corner by the top of the fender - that actually presses against the lining of the trunk lid - so the trunk itself keeps it in place. I've taken extremely hard turns and it doesn't move at all.
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01-29-2011, 01:39 AM	#8
1on135_deal First Lieutenant 20 Rep 347 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	sick
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01-31-2011, 12:55 AM	#9
MrGraphics New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2009 128i Sport Package Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	I used 3M brand from Home Depot, but it wasn't sub-branded as Bondo. It was a little thick, but not bad. The amount of catalyst you add will really determine ho quickly you need to work with it. If you want thinner, go with Tap Plastics brand. http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=9& You can get the Baltek from them too.
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