12" subs on the rear deck?

April 11, 2005, 07:49:43 PM

Has anybody here evr heard of or tried to mount 10's or 12's on or under the rear deck?
I'm thinkin' of maybe getting away from the 300 pound bandpass box I've got now, and put my trunk support rods back in.
Had to take em out so I could use the box, and have a spare tire-(even if it's the little doughnut spare)
I know I'll have to cut some on the deck, but would it be strong enough to hold up the two 12" speakers I have (Swiss Audio, weighs about 30 pounds apiece)

Re: 12" subs on the rear deck?

Reply #1 – April 11, 2005, 08:45:35 PM

I've done this to a few Fox and MN12 Cars.

The current install in my 95' Tbird:

2 12" Elemental Designs E12o's

It takes quite a bit of time and patience to do this, but really is worth the results.

The support bars will have to stay out, as they will cause clearance issues with the subs.

You will have to re-enforce the rear deck with MDF. No other way about it. I chose to build my complete enclosure into the rear deck itself.

I.E. :

I've found it best to cut a square section of the rear deck out for each sub, as things work a lot easier in the long run.

Basically, you can then build your complete enclosure, slide it under the rear deck, install the rings around the outside of the subs for a flush mount look, then fiberglass/bondo the enclosure and the rear deck together. (Lot's of sanding...... :( )

It's also necessary to fabricate a bracket for the bottom of the enclosures that will secure them to the car itself. I used a 4" strip of angled steel on the front and the back of each enclosure and secured it to the floor with machine screws. (Keep in mind that your fuel tank is below the area that you are working on when drilling)

Your OEM rear deck cover will work well for final upholstery, just cut the necessary holes in it to allow the subs to fit through. If you are h*ll bent on using another type of upholstery to finish the rear deck with, then use the OEM deck as your pattern and just cut slightly larger, as you can always trim later if needed.

Thicker material seems to work best in this area....

A few things....

* If you are not mechanically inclined to at least an experienced degree, I wouldn't recommend this. A simple wrong cut could have dire consequences for your rear window and trunk. Whatever you remove, you need to add back in one way or another.

In other words, if you can't change your own oil and do modest engine repairs/upgrades, this probably isn't for you.

Keeping it safe, I'd not cut into the rear deck where the metal meets the window, the rear seat back, or the sides anywhere close to the seatbelts.

To give you a better idea:

** Measure 100 times. Cut once. Still, you can always cut more out, it's a little more difficult to replace what shouldn't have been cut.

*** The rear deck itself should not support any of the weight of the subs - leave that to the enclosure. The enclosure of MDF along with the fiberglass/bondo becomes the rear deck support as one whole unit.

**** Plan on keeping this setup for an extended period of time. Doing something this extreme is not worth the time or money if it is only going to be temporary.

***** Gloves and Eye Protection are a must.

Finally - You will need to apply some sound deadening to the rear deck, enclosure, roof, and side panels. They WILL rattle if you do not.

The end results are completely worth the time and work, just realize, that's exactly what it will take to get it done as well.

Re: 12" subs on the rear deck?

Reply #2 – April 11, 2005, 10:23:19 PM

Nice install man,but is the sound any better than having them in the trunk?
I wouldn't really think for all that work that it would be that much better,would it?

Re: 12" subs on the rear deck?

Reply #3 – April 12, 2005, 12:00:05 AM

I've measured a consistant 3db increase in response over the past 4 years with this type of install.

Personally, I prefer this type of install. Call it mental expectation or what you may, but I honestly think it sounds better than subs in the trunk. (From an accuracy standpoint) Most of the people that auditioned my system at several car shows last year also mentioned a seemingly "more defined and clear" low end. So obviously I am not the only one hearing a difference.

Then the obvious "wow" factor comes into place as people's eyes widen when they see two 12" subwoofers IN the rear deck. :)

I believe that there are definate advantages to this type of setup, however, like other things, it's probably not for everyone. Those that choose to do it, will understand. :)

Re: 12" subs on the rear deck?

Reply #4 – April 12, 2005, 01:15:21 AM

I got 2 12" behind the seat and 2 10" on the rear deck. No Box I just sealed the truck of the car from the interior. Works great just wish my amp was working. I'll post some pics soon.

Re: 12" subs on the rear deck?

Reply #5 – April 15, 2005, 01:52:59 PM

hell of a setup Zane, looks great.