Built My own StealthBox

[ChipG]

I have a new 07 with the stock H/U and had a bunch of gear left from my trade-in. So I built a baby Stealth box for a JL8w0 that I had in a Tacoma. I was able to find the perfect vinyl color to match the 4Runner interior.
I have a couple of questions regarding installing this box.
I would like to tie it down with out drilling holes so can the cargo knobs be removed to be used as a mounting location ? Also,
I am going to be putting this system together a piece at a time and would like to install the sub and amp with the stock HU for now. What is the best way to hook up the amp to the stock HU?

 

[4RNR4BB]

Really the only way to hook up an amp to a stock head unit for cheap is a high low converter. Splice one of the rear speaker wires to the high low converter. On the other side is female RCA plug that you connect the RCA to the amp. It sounds okay but there are better (more expensive) ways of doing it.

Rockford Fosgate 360

JL Audio Clean Sweep

Matt

 

[GYoter]

Here is how i strapped mine down at first. It was just a couple little bungees. But i didnt feel it was on there strong enough. So I also ended up putting one around the entire box from the little plastic hook by the wheel well storage to the knob for the cargo net. The knob ended up rippping out so I put an eyelet bolt into it. It works out great because i can remove the box if i need to. I can post pics later of the hook and bungee around the entire thing later, i dont have them at the moment. In the first pic you can see the little silver hook i had on the knob before it ripped off.

I am just running a line level converter from a scion unit. Sounds and works great. Eventually i may go to a aftermarket HU and components but, like you, i am doing it(slowly) part at a time.

 

[ChipG]

More Permanent Mount

Thanks for the replys. I'm thinking I'll just break down and get a new HU, that way I can run the sub from a line level out and the speakers off the HU for a while. If I get a decent enough HU, I can use the internal cross overs to split the frequencies.

Looking at the Alpine 9857

Also, the box I built is a bit smaller than yours so I can open and close all the compartments except the one behind it. And the luggage cover and package shelf are not affected.


ChipG

 

[nserpa9248]

9857 is an awesome radio.

Had the 9856 before, worked great, the remote, better display, and better equalizer is deff worth the price diff..

 

[rugger bugger]

what did u use for shematics for the box..i have a 94...and obviously the aftermarket audio world doesnt cater to older SUVs...so i wanna get rid of my big bulky dual box and split up my subs onto either side...did u just measure?...what material did u use for the box under the vinyl?...

 

[ChipG]

Box Construction

I built the box with 3/4" MDF & cardboard for the templates.
Basically, I cut out a pattern for the front pannel and then cut the
MDF test fitting it until it was just right. Then, with the front panel in place, Held with tape, I cut cardboard patterns for the sides, bottom etc, tracing them against the solid front panel. As I cut a side from the MDF, I would test fit it with the front and then attatch the two together and move to the next side.
After I had all the sides attatched, I took the box out of the car and traced the back, cut it out and attatched it. The only thing left is to cut the hole.
Sorry I dont have construction photos.

ChipG

 

[kickinasphalt]

Re: More Permanent Mount

Thanks for the replys. I'm thinking I'll just break down and get a new HU, that way I can run the sub from a line level out and the speakers off the HU for a while. If I get a decent enough HU, I can use the internal cross overs to split the frequencies.

Looking at the Alpine 9857

Also, the box I built is a bit smaller than yours so I can open and close all the compartments except the one behind it. And the luggage cover and package shelf are not affected.


ChipG

I highly recommend the 9857. I just installed mine last weekend with the Sirius adapter and iPod cable from Alpine.

 

[hatedon]

ChipG, got pics of your install? We need to see the finished install. At least I do.

 

[ChipG]

Psude Stealth Box install

I'll get some pics up tonight, can' t do it from work.

 

[ChipG]

Here's a pic of the baby sub

One for the road

 

[ChipG]

Pic that shows the mounts

Its a little easier to see the mounting

 

[hatedon]

Looks great. Smart mounts, too! Thanks

 

[TRBenj]

That looks terrific- very nicely integrated. Do you have any more pics of the mounts? Unless Im missing something, all I see is the one. I assume its solidly secured?

 

[Jeep to Yota]

Did you install the 9857 as well? How is that? Any pics? I am thinking of going the same route, so just wondering how you like it.

 

[ChipG]

Mounts

The mounts for the sub box are at the top center, aluminum at the existing cargo knob hole and at the bottom rear, where the D-ring was. I didn't want to cut or drill any new holes for the mounts. It is solid, no rattles or shakes.

On the reciever, I will get a pic up tonight. The Alpine 9857 is very nice, it does take some getting used to as far as the sequence of controlls. Like finding a specific song on the Ipod.

For the Alpine mount, I did not use the metal sleeve but rather the 4 screw holes on the sides. this gave me better adjustment on the depth of the faceplate. I did not like the Plastic mounting kit from Crutchfield. Not their fault, I just dont like plastic.

 

[ChipG]

Alpine H/U Picture

Here is the H/U in the dash, Not a very good shot. I'm not too crazy about the pocket below, what are you going to put in there?

 

[4runnerPA]

Custom box being made.

I am getting a custom box built for my 10" sub, that will be built into the right side storage area. It will not block the outlet in the rear and will still allow the double decker system to work.

I asked my guy to keep the mold as I am sure their might be other folks who would be interested. he is charging me $300 for the box which I didn't think was a bad deal for it.

I will post pics in about week when it is installed.

 

[atomic punk]

Re: Alpine H/U Picture

Here is the H/U in the dash, Not a very good shot. I'm not too crazy about the pocket below, what are you going to put in there?

I put my wallet and Razor phone in there. Fits perfectly.

 

[Dubert]

hey chipg, how does your sub enclosure sound? that's a pretty small box, but one of the best damn lookin' ones i've ever seen! i was looking into doing the exact same thing. same sub size and roughly same box size. i'm amazed that you made one that clean fitting with all mdf and no fiberglass. sorry, i'm ranting. i just think you did a great job on that!