Shallow Sub and Amp Hidden in Hatchback

[estoybob]

Hello All,

I wanted to share the install I got done this weekend.

Got the enclosed 10" Pioneer shallow sub TSSWX2502 wired up with a Boss Audio 1100M Riot Monoblock.

Nothing that special with this audio system - it is loud enough, and tastefully rounds out the factory audio setup. What is special, however, is the way this sub and box fit in the Sonic Hatch. The floor fits flush over the box, leaving regular storage fully available, and totally hiding it from anyone looking into the car!

Cheers,

Bob

 

[BoomerD]

nice setup!

Mind if I ask what is cost you, and which amb/sub you used?

I wouldn't mind doing something similar to mine.

 

[estoybob]

Ya definitely, and thanks!

I got the sub on a great deal from Amazon (canada). It was about $130 with the enclosure. Amp was $90, wiring $40, and the lineout converter for the factory radio was $50.

Installation was done by an audio shop for $160 - could have figured it out myself, but wanted everything done professionally for peace of mind.

So all up cost, installed was about $500. Sub and Amp model are in the original post! Hit me up if other questions

 

[carsNskis]

I did a similar build, love the location.
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20361

I just flipped my sub to up firing, now I have all new resonance to deal with!

 

[diazmjd]

@estoybob I'm curious - What kind of sound difference are you getting having the sub facing up vs down? I'm wondering if the flimsy trunk liner is dampening and stealing some sound from you. If you're "hollow" at all in sound you can try adding some cheap poly-fill inside the box (don't stuff too much as you don't want it interfering with the sub). Let me know! I'm looking to do similar soon. Thanks.

 

[carsNskis]

I'm curious - What kind of sound difference are you getting having the sub facing up vs down? I'm wondering if the flimsy trunk liner is dampening and stealing some sound from you. If you're "hollow" at all in sound you can try adding some cheap poly-fill inside the box (don't stuff too much as you don't want it interfering with the sub). Let me know! I'm looking to do similar soon. Thanks.

I'm not using the flimsy stock liner, review the link I posted to see what I did.

When I flipped the sub I cut more from the mount board but it's still rigid. There's foam under the board (on top of the sheet metal) deadening vibrations. The new resonance is from the sub direction. The roof and sides now vibrate because of the sub waves.

The down firing was very muffled (too sealed up), and the resonance I was dealing with was in the spare tire well. I used some dynamat to reduce. Now I think the side walls under the plastic trim will need some too

 

[diazmjd]

I'm not using the flimsy stock liner, review the link I posted to see what I did.

When I flipped the sub I cut more from the mount board but it's still rigid. There's foam under the board (on top of the sheet metal) deadening vibrations. The new resonance is from the sub direction. The roof and sides now vibrate because of the sub waves.

The down firing was very muffled (too sealed up), and the resonance I was dealing with was in the spare tire well. I used some dynamat to reduce. Now I think the side walls under the plastic trim will need some too

Haha, I never even saw your post I was talking to OP!! Great link and work, man. That's a cool read thanks for sharing it.

 

[estoybob]

I did a similar build, love the location.
Removable sub install, 2014 Sonic RS Hatch - Chevy Sonic Owners Forum

I just flipped my sub to up firing, now I have all new resonance to deal with!

It is almost as if it was meant to be. I used to have a huge 15" Crossfire sub in a ported box, but this puts out plenty of bass while still being able to take advantage of storage space.

Very cool build you've got - a bit more intensive than my simple set up.

 

[estoybob]

@estoybob I'm curious - What kind of sound difference are you getting having the sub facing up vs down? I'm wondering if the flimsy trunk liner is dampening and stealing some sound from you. If you're "hollow" at all in sound you can try adding some cheap poly-fill inside the box (don't stuff too much as you don't want it interfering with the sub). Let me know! I'm looking to do similar soon. Thanks.

Pioneer suggests downwards mount for this sub actually. I can't say I tried it with an upwards mount, but don't believe it would make a difference. I might have to try it tomorrow... will update if I do.


Here's a stock image of the sub... It doesn't fit flush with the trunk liner which is why I wouldn't see any reason to mount it upwards. (Reaching back to my highschool science lessons on waves)

But yeah... definitely not hollow to my ears. Would recommend a similar setup for sure!

 

[carsNskis]

That's the sub I was considering first, I ended up with the JL only because of a great deal locally.

I've been happy enough with the sub addition I haven't done anything more!

 

[Italianjoe1]

Subbed for info. I've been doing stereo upgrades on my other cars, the sonic might get hit next lol.

 

[carsNskis]

Subbed for info. I've been doing stereo upgrades on my other cars, the sonic might get hit next lol.

subbed [emoji23]

 

[Thesd45]

I have the same Pioneer 10" sub, paired with a Kenwood 300W amp I had laying around.

I found having it sit on the stock "floor" above the spare it had a hollow echo sound to it. I tried it both down firing and up firing. After seeing carNskis' thread on his install it inspired me.

I had some 1/2 OSB leftover from a project around the house, so I got some black automotive carpet and made a new floor.

It hits much harder now, and doesn't have any hollow echo sound to it. Also allowed me to use the mounting brackets and bolt the sub and the amp in place, and stealing the idea from carNskis I added gate handles from the hardware store so it all pulls out in one shot to access the spare and jack. With the sub mounted this way I still have room on the right for jumper cables, a first aid kit, and such.

This picture is an in process, I wrapped the whole thing in carpet, both sides, leaving the top have about 2 inches overhanging loose so that it goes all the way to the Sonic's plastic trim.

 

[carsNskis]

Nice work man! I deff think the biggest sound variable for your sub is the floor. Your setup takes the flimsy stock piece out of the equation and still maintains accessibility.

I'm glad I could inspire moar bass in this world

 

[estoybob]

I have the same Pioneer 10" sub, paired with a Kenwood 300W amp I had laying around.

I found having it sit on the stock "floor" above the spare it had a hollow echo sound to it. I tried it both down firing and up firing. After seeing carNskis' thread on his install it inspired me.

I had some 1/2 OSB leftover from a project around the house, so I got some black automotive carpet and made a new floor.

It hits much harder now, and doesn't have any hollow echo sound to it. Also allowed me to use the mounting brackets and bolt the sub and the amp in place, and stealing the idea from carNskis I added gate handles from the hardware store so it all pulls out in one shot to access the spare and jack. With the sub mounted this way I still have room on the right for jumper cables, a first aid kit, and such.

This picture is an in process, I wrapped the whole thing in carpet, both sides, leaving the top have about 2 inches overhanging loose so that it goes all the way to the Sonic's plastic trim.

That's brilliant. I wish i had the skills and tools to do something like that done! Do you leave it uncovered like that or add the cover? I've noticed the fit is a bit too perfect with the sub box and the cover so that it does rattle a bit if sitting flush.

 

[Thesd45]

That's brilliant. I wish i had the skills and tools to do something like that done! Do you leave it uncovered like that or add the cover? I've noticed the fit is a bit too perfect with the sub box and the cover so that it does rattle a bit if sitting flush.

I have the upper cargo floor installed so I still have a place for grocery bags and such. When I made the new floor I reduced the dimensions by about an inch, so it's sitting on the metal around the spare tire, and not being supported by the plastic side trim like the stock floor. This also lowered the floor by about a half and inch, so there is about a 1/2 inch space between the top of the sub box and the cargo floor. I haven't noticed any vibrations or rattle from the back.

It really wasn't that hard, just traced the stock floor on the OSB, reduced the overall dimensions by about and inch in every direction, did a horrible job cutting it with a jig saw, and then covered up the bad saw job with the carpet using spray adhesive. The carpet hides A LOT! Plus it's all hidden in the back so no one every sees it anyway.