How can I use the sheet metal in the car for an enclosure? I want to baffle off the section behind my wheel well and use the air space as my enclosure. However, that means sheet metal flex will be part of my enclosure. How do I strengthen that?
Just straight sound deadening?
Fiber-glass?
Other suggestions for reinforcing the sheet metal?

 

IMO fiberglass would be the best bet

 

dynamat makes a material called tac mat, it is kind of a thin foam, and the military uses it in fighter jets, its perfect for your application, along with fibreglass, to make a strong resonance free enclosure.

 

How do you make fiberglass molds of the inside of a car? I've seen how to make molds by stretching fleece over MDF, but how would I get glass to take the shape of my car? I can't stretch fleece because then I wouldn't be able to follow the concave curves of the body.

 

Have you seen how a spare tire well fiberglass box is made? Very similar. Tape off the metal with masking tape so the fiberglass doesn't stick to it. Then just lay on the fiberglass right over top. You can also put a layer of aluminum foil down if you wish for added security. For vertical services, or overhanging surfaces hot glue a dry piece of fiberglass mat to the area and then resin it. Spray glue won't work because the resin releases the glue but hot glue works fine. Once the first layer is hardened, then add some more on.

 

So, with some hot glue and fiberglass mat, I can basically build the box right in my car? Then when all of the layers are done, I can just give it a pull and the hot glue should let go?

What is an ideal temp to work in? (It's currently -2 and I have no garage, so I'm guessing I can't do this until spring time).

 

^^^ It will take long if I do it in the car, or if I do it in -2 weather. I know it will take long when it is cold, so I don't plan on doing it soon. Are there problems with glassing in the car itself?

 

You can use a hair dryer to heat your glass/resin... that will do the trick...

If you ask me though.. fiberglassing a baffle down and just dynamating the inside of the well might be good enough....

This would depend on the setup, though... if you are adding a high power 15 and 2kw of power, it might not be a bad idea... In which case, I think you would make the best enclosure glassing directly to the metal.... this will most certainly be better then having a removable tub, IMO....

[ December 14, 2004, 03:48 PM: Message edited by: Haunz ]

 

I'm thinking more like 15/2 with 0.2kw of power. I want to jam it into a small cubby hole in the back of my wagon.