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Guide: Fitting Custom Amp & Sub Enclosure Mk2 Mk2.5 Focus 2005-2011


Lenny
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Started out with a plan to install one of these custom fit 10"sub enclosures

IMG_20141025_114618_zpsisgpur52.jpg

IMAG1894_zpsqvxfrddi.jpg

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:

IMG_20141025_114651_zps0qj8j9x_edit_1414

IMG_20141026_134446_zpsajes26mp.jpg

Measures 35mm free space :)

I then measured the gap between the wheel arch and the back of rear seat when closed,

IMG_20141012_182723_zpsuetkwwoo.jpg

Measures 15mm :)

So i then purchased a sheet of 9mm MDF

IMG_20141018_175710_zpswyzodf1_edit_1413

Folded down the rear seats and measured the length between the wheel arches

IMG_20141012_094926_zpsdoxq74z_edit_1413

Measures 1045mm :)

I then cut the sheet to the correct width to fit inside the arches 1045mm

IMG_20141014_154458_zpsseqecvvs.jpg

An additional cut out is required along the bottom to allow the seat bracket sit in to the MDF panel

IMG_20141014_162342_zpsdscfxaeh.jpg

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

IMG_20141012_183635_zps8hjmoqo_edit_1413

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:

IMG_20141014_165629_zpsrlsvvkry.jpg

IMG_20141012_094926_zpsdoxq74z_edit_1413

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

IMG_20141014_175215_zpsrh669dsg.jpg

IMG_20141105_124110_zps9ictj3s5.jpg

IMG_20141105_124137_zpsblskj0no.jpg

IMG_20141105_124055_zpsbtwnoyb4.jpg

IMG_20141105_124046_zps5veiiazs.jpg

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:

IMG_20141014_154458_zpshcuj4drm.jpg

P_zpsxdngrij1.jpg

Purchased some paint to seal the MDF aswell as providing a rough surface for bonding the carpet.

IMG_20141229_141609_zps8u3zgo8_edit_1419

Sprayed two coats on the rear and one on the front

IMG_20141230_144704_zpsbdm3cp2_edit_1419

IMG_20141230_145212_zpsebphnoza.jpg

Later Acquired some EvoStik Aerosol glue adhesive and a roll of AutoLeads acoustic carpet.

IMG_20150101_122022_zpszix0ply9.jpg

There's plenty of carpet in one roll capable of covering two panels

IMG_20150101_123323_zpsywowxc7n.jpg

IMG_20150101_123525_zps3pv9bsop.jpg

I cut the carpet to generous size,

Sprayed glue on to carpet and panel then pressed both together; smoothing out the wrinkles

IMG_20150101_123855_zpszpgf0s3p.jpg

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.

IMG_20150101_132320_zpsjzklfhty.jpg

IMG_20150101_132306_zpsazousu0m.jpg

IMG_20150101_132254_zpsnrz7j2hi.jpg

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

IMG_20150210_090433_zpsdyjzbda6_edit_142

IMG_20150223_155531_zpsa90p9n3f_edit_142

Sat amplifier face down on inside of panel to mark out the corresponding holes

IMG_20150216_095735_zpspullqzwf.jpg

Drilled out markings

IMG_20150216_100511_zps9z9pxjso.jpg

Amplifier now mounted in position with all cables terminated at the rear of the panel

IMG_20150223_173100_zps1yqxzssb_edit_142

IMG_20150223_173016_zpsg4haspng_edit_142

IMG_20150218_145827_zpsog3xdmzc.jpg

IMG_20150223_173434_zpscgjb2hix.jpg

IMG_20150223_173445_zpsftjetjwk.jpg

IMG_20150223_173404_zps4apkbny6.jpg

Mono amplifier, 1 fared capacitor and 10" sub enclosure added.

IMG_20150419_183526_zpsipbs9b0n.jpg

IMG_20150419_183447_zpsdrz1haf5.jpg

IMG_20150331_103547_zpsnm86nrxk.jpg

Still enough space for a buggy 👍

IMG_20150326_083041_zps4dj0qpsk.jpg

Thanks for viewing and hope this helps

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  • 2 weeks later...

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.

_35_zpsypv1ztjk.jpg

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.

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  • 1 month later...

IMG_20150101_142733_zpsbbjgcck_edit_1420

IMG_20150101_185108_zps1cxrqti_edit_1420

IMG_20150101_185042_zpsmpj0lkl_edit_1420

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.

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Looking good Lenny. Keep up the good work :D

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Looking good Lenny. Keep up the good work :D

Thanks Sal good to see you back on the forum and commenting again mate.

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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

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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 :)

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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....

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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.

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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

IMG_20150112_160822_zpsq4pvngs_edit_1421

IMG_20150112_160757_zpsmlvnpkk_edit_1421

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.

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  • 10 months later...

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

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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

The Amplifier panel fills the gap between the sub enclosure and the rear of the seat;

IMG_20141025_114651_zps0qj8j9x_edit_1414

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.

IMG_20150419_183526_zpsipbs9b0n.jpg

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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

20151202_080607_zpsjo6uh3uk.jpg

20151202_080624_zpsqmfjyhfb.jpg

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  • 4 weeks later...

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.

hi-low-level-line-converter-1_zpsfrs7gld

post-36756-0-92821200-1446136831_zpspwrm

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

_35_zpsyu7ypd2m.jpg

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/

IMG_20150419_175749_zpsubuefa6q.jpg

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Hi lenny did anyone buy your stealth amp build i have tried pm you but wont allow it

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Hi lenny did anyone buy your stealth amp build i have tried pm you but wont allow it

Hi 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 👍

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  • 11 months later...
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.

hi-low-level-line-converter-1_zpsfrs7gld

post-36756-0-92821200-1446136831_zpspwrm

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

_35_zpsyu7ypd2m.jpg

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/

IMG_20150419_175749_zpsubuefa6q.jpg

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

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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 

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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: 

 

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