Lenny Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Started out with a plan to install one of these custom fit 10"sub enclosures See link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-Mk2-Custom-Fit-MDF-10-Sub-Box-Subwoofer-Enclosure-Bass-/360623710681?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item53f6d921d9 There worth every penny very well built and perfect fit, Only problem was where to fit the AMP to drive the 10" sub within the enclosure, I've created two ideas both of similar design, I will now explain: After fitting the custom sub enclosure i measured the gap between the enclosure and back of rear seat: Measures 35mm free space :) I then measured the gap between the wheel arch and the back of rear seat when closed, Measures 15mm :) So i then purchased a sheet of 9mm MDF Folded down the rear seats and measured the length between the wheel arches Measures 1045mm :) I then cut the sheet to the correct width to fit inside the arches 1045mm An additional cut out is required along the bottom to allow the seat bracket sit in to the MDF panel Next i cut two slips measuring 25mm wide and 405mm long, The height of the main sheet has also been cut down to 405mm so as not to obstruct the seat retaining brackets These fit in between the wheel arches and the back of the rear seat as saw in images aswell as providing mounting surface for the 1045mm sheet: Now since there's 35mm depth available I added an extra slip of 9mm mdf around the three sides of the 1045mm sheet, Resulting in a triple layer edge and internal cavity of 18mm between the back of rear seat and the main sheet of MDF The internal cavity is purposly designed to house the relevant cables required for the amp or amps, The plan is to surface mount the amp inside the boot on the 9mm sheet, Drill corresponding holes for cables to pass through the sheet in to the amp at required locations this minimising the visibility of cables, Once completely marked out and drilled, The sheet will be wrapped in carpet matching that of the boot interior resulting in a professional finish with no visible cables. I chose to create a full width panel as my install involves installing two amps here's my specific plan: Purchased some paint to seal the MDF aswell as providing a rough surface for bonding the carpet. Sprayed two coats on the rear and one on the front Later Acquired some EvoStik Aerosol glue adhesive and a roll of AutoLeads acoustic carpet. There's plenty of carpet in one roll capable of covering two panels I cut the carpet to generous size, Sprayed glue on to carpet and panel then pressed both together; smoothing out the wrinkles Now fitted to the car the carpet is a perfect match to the existing factory finish ready for mounting amp while keeping cables hidden inside the cavity. Prior to fitting amplifier to the panel I purchased some aluminium bushings to use as washers Creating a gap between the amplifier and carpet for air to circulate cooling the amplifier Sat amplifier face down on inside of panel to mark out the corresponding holes Drilled out markings Amplifier now mounted in position with all cables terminated at the rear of the panel Mono amplifier, 1 fared capacitor and 10" sub enclosure added. Still enough space for a buggy 👍 Thanks for viewing and hope this helps 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted November 9, 2014 Author Share Posted November 9, 2014 Other Guides may be of interest: Guide to Fitting Genuine focus Mk2.5 ZetecS rear Diffuser Click Here Guide to Fitting Genuine focus Mk2.5 ZetecS Front Lip spoiler Click Here Guide To Activating Single & Multi Door Unlock on yor Ford Click Here Guide To Spraying Rear View Mirror Click Here Guide To Changing Lower Front Grill On Mk2.5 Focus Click Here Guide to Fitting Custom Built Climate Controls on Focus Click Here Guide to Fitting New Ford Mist Type Jets on all Models Click Here Guide to wiper Blade Change Focus Mk2 Mk2.5 Click Here Guide To De-Wiper Rear Of Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here Guide To Fitting Boot Door Umbrella Holder Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here Guide Tow Strap style boot handle Ford Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here The Ultimate Rear Seat Protection Click Here Guide to Fitting additional Boot Light Click Here Guide to Fitting additional 12v Socket in Boot of Focus Click Here Guide to Converting Rear Fog Light To Clear Click Here Guide Fitting Mud Flaps to ST, RS & ZetecS FocusClick Here The Ultimate Reverse Bulb Click Here Guide To Fitting Second Reverse Light Ford Focus Mk2.5 Click Here Guide To Fitting ST Gauge Pod To Focus Dash Click Here Guide to Fitting Auto Dimmer Unit to Gauges or DRL's Click Here Guide to Fitting Footwell Lighting In Your Ford Click Here Guide to Induction Filter Upgrade in Your Ford Click Here Guide to Fitting Custom Bonnet Dampers Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here Guide to fitting Ford puddle lights Focus 05-12 Click Here Guide to Fitting Genuine focus RS LED tail lights Mk2.5 Click Here Guide to Fitting Aftermarket headunit focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here Guide To fitting 10" HD Flip Down Monitor Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here Custom 10" Sub enclosure & Amp panel Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5Click Here Guide Installing Reverse Camera Focus Mk2.5 2008 - 2011Click Here Fitting Dual Camera DVR System Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5Click Here Full ZetecS Kit Fitted to Mk2.5 Focus Click Here Custom Laser Cut Interior Parts For Your Ford Click Here Guide To Storing Vehicle For Long Periods Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted November 23, 2014 Author Share Posted November 23, 2014 Small Update may be of interest: I've had this item in my watch list for the past week thought id give it a mention on here too, Its basically three led's in one, And monitors the voltage of your car battery, Its remains green until voltage drops below 12.0V then it turns yellow until voltage drops below 11.5V Then it turns red for anything lower. Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-LED-Battery-monitor-IDEAL-WITH-HEATED-HAND-GRIPS-DONT-DRAIN-YOUR-BATTERY-E/201208629820?_trksid=p2047675.c100012.m1985&_trkparms=aid%3D444000%26algo%3DSOI.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28111%26meid%3D600ef176b0c44f0cafea8c644d7e5608%26pid%3D100012%26prg%3D11472%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D191393771437 I had considered purchasing one and fitting to the ST gauge pod bottom centre between the two gauges, Since ill be fitting two amps to th3 car in spring, there will be a heavy drain on the battery; if listening to the stereo with the engine off, So having this warning indicator visible on the dash would in theory give early warning of battery drain, leaving enough time to start th3 engine saving the occupants from becoming immobilised due to a drained battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 1, 2015 Author Share Posted January 1, 2015 When building this Cavity panel i created two as i accumulated enough excess materials on everything purchased, So if you're planning to fit a Custom 10" sub enclosure and would like one of these carpeted panels to house your amp/amp's PM me through the forum. Shipping will be £14.79 via DPD I'm open to offers above that price; what you reckon it's worth. Save over £40 on materials by purchasing this one already built. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salsheikh Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 Looking good Lenny. Keep up the good work :D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 1, 2015 Author Share Posted January 1, 2015 Looking good Lenny. Keep up the good work :D Thanks Sal good to see you back on the forum and commenting again mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salsheikh Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Lenny forgot to say that I made an mdf enclosure for the amp to sit on the opposite side of the sub and I still haven't finished the project that I started last summer....wife's giving me grief as I type this! (she's sat right next to me - oops!) I'll try and take some pics 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 Lenny forgot to say that I made an mdf enclosure for the amp to sit on the opposite side of the sub and I still haven't finished the project that I started last summer....wife's giving me grief as I type this! (she's sat right next to me - oops!) I'll try and take some pics Keep making her cups of tea mate, Then when she's eventually gone toilet there's your chance to send pictures of the amp mounting :) Im fitting a JL audio XD300/1 mono, It's only the size of my hand so im mounting it under the panel on opposite side of the sub, XD400/4 channel full range amp will be fitted on the panel. It all helps to hide the cables aswell :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salsheikh Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Its sitting in the garage under piles of stuff. Ive got a 0 awg gauge wiring kit that i was planning on installing and using a power block to feed of it. Ive even got another 12" sub and box combo.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 10, 2015 Author Share Posted January 10, 2015 Its sitting in the garage under piles of stuff. Ive got a 0 awg gauge wiring kit that i was planning on installing and using a power block to feed of it. Ive even got another 12" sub and box combo.... Sounds good mate, Look forward to seeing it fitted when you get the time. If i was buying amp wiring kit again id go for this one from Rockfordfosgate Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201188028634 Has 0AWG from battery to a distribution box in the boot where it splits off in to two lengths of 4AWG to power two amps. Works out alot cheaper than buying three separate Vibe wiring kits aswell and thats even with taking in to consideration the customs import tax fee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 19mm plastic rings for inserting to relevant holes drilled into the MDF panel corresponding to inputs on the amp Anyways they arrived today :) The have a break in the circle but this closes tight when inserted to a 19mm hole. Link to Supplier: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291261359852 I'm using them to protect cables from rubbing off the MDF when there fitted to the amp. The cables will fit through these individually, 1 x for power feed, 1 x for negative feed, 1 x for front audio feeds, 1 x for rear audio feeds, All of those will remain permanently connected to the amp as there terminated with plugs at rear of panel, The only cable which needs to pass through when removing the panel is the RCA feed, Sadly these 19mm are too small for the RCA's I still highly recommend the 19mm for all other cables, just need a bigger one for RCA cable Such as these 25mm from same supplier: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291252227872 19mm and 25mm Hole-saw bits can be purchased surprisingly cheap from this seller in china aswell: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191420988854?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D191420988854%26_rdc%3D1 Goo enough to use once or twice for drilling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invisible Man Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 I know this is an old thread, but seemed the right place for it. I've designed an enclosure for the sub similar to the one in your boot, but I can't work out how I'm going to get it to stay upright....how did yours secure to the car? Cheers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted November 30, 2015 Author Share Posted November 30, 2015 I've designed an enclosure for the sub similar to the one in your boot, but I can't work out how I'm going to get it to stay upright....how did yours secure to the car? CheersThe Amplifier panel fills the gap between the sub enclosure and the rear of the seat; The pressure of the upper rear seat closed on the amplifier panel presses against the sub enclosure holding it in position without the need to secure anything to the body work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salsheikh Posted December 2, 2015 Share Posted December 2, 2015 I know this is an old thread, but seemed the right place for it. I've designed an enclosure for the sub similar to the one in your boot, but I can't work out how I'm going to get it to stay upright....how did yours secure to the car? Cheers Hi Gary I thought I'd already posted on here... anyways, i used a t-piece bracket and bent one of the arms upwards so that it slots into one of the holes in the shelf supports. here's a pic or two of mine 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invisible Man Posted December 2, 2015 Share Posted December 2, 2015 Good idea. Cheers mate 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulo Queirós Posted December 29, 2015 Share Posted December 29, 2015 Hello, can i conect sub line from the original radio? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted December 29, 2015 Author Share Posted December 29, 2015 Hello, can i connect sub line from the original radio?Hi Paulo,👍If you are asking; "can i connect sub without the use of a mono amplifier" This is possible but could damage the sub speaker as it will be receiving full range sounds which it is not designed to produce. also it won't really give good audio results, subs have quite large magnets requiring the use of a mono amplifier to really get it moving. If the question is; "can I connect RCA cable from factory headunit to amplifier" Then the answer is yes you will need a high to low level RCA adapter link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181018976985 It splices in to both left & right front speaker cable outputs at rear of headunit and provides RCA socket connection for cable to plug in and feed the mono amplifier any sound below 50hz passes through to amplifier while all high range gets filtered. if using this method I highly recommend fitting a wired volume control to the amplifier to enable adjustment of bass volume, Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JL-Audio-HD-RLC-Bass-Level-Controller-for-JL-Amplifiers-/181967030584?hash=item2a5e148938:g:g8cAAOSwhkRWdXmo Factory headunits which don't have RCA outputs as standard; Won't have a menu to adjust volume for RCA ouput which is why you would require a separate volume control for the amplifier as linked above. ultimately for comfort of use and optimal control I highly recommend fitting an aftermarket headunit which has RCA outputs built in as this will have built in options for sub volume in accordance with rest of the Speakers without tweaking any additional knobs 🔈🔉🔊 see guide to changing headunit to aftermarket here: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/63689-guide-fitting-aftermarket-headunit-mk25-focus-2008-2011/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loonytaz Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 Hi lenny did anyone buy your stealth amp build i have tried pm you but wont allow it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 6, 2016 Author Share Posted January 6, 2016 Hi lenny did anyone buy your stealth amp build i have tried pm you but wont allow itHi mate, Sorry to say it's been sold shortly after creating the guide. I've disabled PM feature on my profile as i prefer to answer questions on open forum where it can be viewed by others as questions recieved are generally guide related; Responding on open forum saves me repeating. also im not on the forum as much as i used to be, but my email address is displayed on my signature section below posts feel free to contact anytime 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HUS541N Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 On 12/29/2015 at 2:37 AM, Lenny said: Hi Paulo,👍 If you are asking; "can i connect sub without the use of a mono amplifier" This is possible but could damage the sub speaker as it will be receiving full range sounds which it is not designed to produce. also it won't really give good audio results, subs have quite large magnets requiring the use of a mono amplifier to really get it moving. If the question is; "can I connect RCA cable from factory headunit to amplifier" Then the answer is yes you will need a high to low level RCA adapter link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181018976985 It splices in to both left & right front speaker cable outputs at rear of headunit and provides RCA socket connection for cable to plug in and feed the mono amplifier any sound below 50hz passes through to amplifier while all high range gets filtered. if using this method I highly recommend fitting a wired volume control to the amplifier to enable adjustment of bass volume, Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JL-Audio-HD-RLC-Bass-Level-Controller-for-JL-Amplifiers-/181967030584?hash=item2a5e148938:g:g8cAAOSwhkRWdXmo Factory headunits which don't have RCA outputs as standard; Won't have a menu to adjust volume for RCA ouput which is why you would require a separate volume control for the amplifier as linked above. ultimately for comfort of use and optimal control I highly recommend fitting an aftermarket headunit which has RCA outputs built in as this will have built in options for sub volume in accordance with rest of the speakers without tweaking any additional knobs 🔈🔉🔊 see guide to changing headunit to aftermarket here: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/63689-guide-fitting-aftermarket-headunit-mk25-focus-2008-2011/ hi lenny, A newbie here just wanted to know i have two subs n a mono amp (with bass controller). can you recommend me a good rca converter cable. all the post i saw was just for one sub. also what is the pros n cons on having a rca converter to factory system. thanks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salsheikh Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 10 hours ago, HUS541N said: hi lenny, A newbie here just wanted to know i have two subs n a mono amp (with bass controller). can you recommend me a good rca converter cable. all the post i saw was just for one sub. also what is the pros n cons on having a rca converter to factory system. thanks Hi Hussain how many inputs does your amp have? even if it has 2 you should be able to run both the subs off the amp using only 1 rca input. The RCA converter can be purchased from halfrauds i think or on eBay for under a tenner. Here's one for a fiver! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Speaker-to-RCA-converter-High-to-Low-line-level-cable-lead-convertor-CTLOC15-/261278260940?hash=item3cd565decc:g:LoIAAOSw-jhUExk5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 13 hours ago, HUS541N said: hi lenny, A newbie here just wanted to know i have two subs n a mono amp (with bass controller). can you recommend me a good rca converter cable. all the post i saw was just for one sub. also what is the pros n cons on having a rca converter to factory system. thanks Hi, Most mono amplifiers have two speaker outputs so you should be able to run both subs from the same amplifier without any problem, however the power from the amplifier will be shared among both subs for example; if you're amplifier is 500w then each sub will get 250w maximum. the benefits or pros of a rca converter in a factory system is that; it provides you with an RCA socket to plug an amplifier in to as factory headunits don't have any outputs for amplifiers. the cons or downside of not fitting an RCA convertor is; without fitting one it will be generally impossible to fit an additional amplifier to a factory headunit because it won't have any RCA outputs as standard. here's a link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261475667252 You won't need one of your amplifier has the alternative option of plugging in a "high level input" I prefer to fit an aftermarket headunit when using amplifiers because the volume is all controlled by the headunit instead of using a second volume for the amplifier. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HUS541N Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 On 1/3/2017 at 9:22 AM, salsheikh said: Hi Hussain how many inputs does your amp have? even if it has 2 you should be able to run both the subs off the amp using only 1 rca input. The RCA converter can be purchased from halfrauds i think or on ebay for under a tenner. Here's one for a fiver! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Speaker-to-RCA-converter-High-to-Low-line-level-cable-lead-convertor-CTLOC15-/261278260940?hash=item3cd565decc:g:LoIAAOSw-jhUExk5 2 channel amp. its the pioneer gm-d9601 running two pioneer ts-w3003d4. thanks for the help mate. thinking just to put my old pioneer stereo on. wouldve got a screen but gonna save for the kits for my car lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HUS541N Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 On 1/3/2017 at 9:45 AM, Lenny said: Hi, Most mono amplifiers have two speaker outputs so you should be able to run both subs from the same amplifier without any problem, however the power from the amplifier will be shared among both subs for example; if you're amplifier is 500w then each sub will get 250w maximum. the benefits or pros of a rca converter in a factory system is that; it provides you with an RCA socket to plug an amplifier in to as factory headunits don't have any outputs for amplifiers. the cons or downside of not fitting an RCA convertor is; without fitting one it will be generally impossible to fit an additional amplifier to a factory headunit because it won't have any RCA outputs as standard. here's a link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261475667252 You won't need one of your amplifier has the alternative option of plugging in a "high level input" I prefer to fit an aftermarket headunit when using amplifiers because the volume is all controlled by the headunit instead of using a second volume for the amplifier. hi lenny, think gonna stick to a aftermarket headunit rather the rca business. that way i could could control the treble n bass on the car speaker n jus have the bass coming from the sub. also can you direct me to where i could get a front bumper lip or front diffuser for my focus. Thanks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted January 6, 2017 Author Share Posted January 6, 2017 11 hours ago, HUS541N said: hi lenny, think gonna stick to a aftermarket headunit rather the rca business. that way i could could control the treble n bass on the car speaker n jus have the bass coming from the sub. also can you direct me to where i could get a front bumper lip or front diffuser for my focus. Thanks An aftermarket headunit is the better option in my opinion aswell, as there is no need for a second volume controller connected to the amplifier if using an aftermarket headunit. for a front lip see my guide here: Guide to Fitting Genuine focus Mk2.5 ZetecS Front Lip spoiler Click Here By keeping everything categorised makes it easier for others to follow in the future, I'll respond to that thread with a link later today you may also like: Guide to Fitting Genuine focus Mk2.5 ZetecS rear Diffuser Click Here Full ZetecS Kit Fitted to Mk2.5 Focus Click Here Guide to Fitting Aftermarket headunit focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here Guide To fitting 10" HD Flip Down Monitor Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here Guide Installing Reverse Camera Focus Mk2.5 2008 - 2011Click Here Guide Fitting Dual Camera DVR System Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5Click Here Full list of my guides can be found here: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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