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Old 06-07-2008   #1 (Post Link)
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Beginning New Spider Install -

Ive decided to replace the Stereo in my Spider currently it has a Bose install with Blue & Me . I am planning to install a double DIN DVD Player head uniit, Blue Tooth Hands free, new speakers 2 x 10" subs and Amps.

So far just stripped down the boot area and investigated possibilities for cable runs etc..

See Photos Below ..

Boot liners stripped out ...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0419.jpg

Bose amp in stock location ....

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0418.jpg

Tiny little amp ...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0421.jpg

View from inside hood area with inspection hatch open you can see all the way into the boot !!

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0426.jpg

Option 1..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0432.jpg

Option 2 ...

With sub other side and amp in middle..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0429.jpg

First job will be Sub box this weeek ..

More to follow ..
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Old 07-07-2008   #2 (Post Link)
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Re: Begenning New Spider Install -

will be an interesting challenge.

tell me:
*is the boot completely sealed off from the cabin? it's hard enough getting decently loud subbass inside a convertible, let alone one with a sealed-off boot!
*what are your plans to access the space saver?

of your options, i would go with number 2. i would expect more of a 'cabin gain' effect (acoustic boost) of the subbass with the subs firing this way directly into 'a corner'.

would you consider ditching the space saver in favour of a puncture kit, and utilising the spare wheel well for part of the sub enclosure?


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Old 07-07-2008   #3 (Post Link)
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Re: Begenning New Spider Install -

Originally Posted by shiny_car View Post
will be an interesting challenge.

tell me:
*is the boot completely sealed off from the cabin? it's hard enough getting decently loud subbass inside a convertible, let alone one with a sealed-off boot!
*what are your plans to access the space saver?

of your options, i would go with number 2. i would expect more of a 'cabin gain' effect (acoustic boost) of the subbass with the subs firing this way directly into 'a corner'.

would you consider ditching the space saver in favour of a puncture kit, and utilising the spare wheel well for part of the sub enclosure?


In answer ..

"*is the boot completely sealed off from the cabin? it's hard enough getting decently loud subbass inside a convertible, let alone one with a sealed-off boot"

Mostly yes I suspect there are air gaps through under the Hood area that seemto go down to the Sills, all the panels seem to be thin cardboard stuff , ive considrered using tubes to feed the base through to the rear speakers and loose those ( there 3" ones ) although I suspect space wont let me do that .


"what are your plans to access the space saver?"

Not sure yet may make it as a sub box, or put the other amp, cross overs / power blocks etc.. in there However my subs can be used in a very small air capacity so i do have a few options ..

Watch this space..

Steve
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Old 13-07-2008   #4 (Post Link)
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Re: Begenning New Spider Install -

Slight change of plan, decided to use the rear storage box`s in the cabin to house two 8"subs (one each side).

First job is to pull one out to make a copy that I can build upon it more easily as making fibre glass stick to plastic is not the easiest job in the world ..

Original glove box ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0455.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0456.jpg

Masked up..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0457.jpg

First layer of Fibre glass..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0461.jpg

Alot of cursing later its finally released and I have a copy of the storage bin I can work on and build up..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0463.jpg

Ive run out of resin now , so will continue on a few days ..

Steve
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Old 14-07-2008   #5 (Post Link)
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Re: Begenning New Spider Install -

good start. though most people would fibreglass into the hole in the car rather than around the original bin. doing 'into the hole' would maximise the available space in case there's a bit of a gap around the bin. but no big deal!

what subbies will you use? perhaps some image dynamics, or sticking with JL audio?

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Old 14-07-2008   #6 (Post Link)
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Re: Begenning New Spider Install -

Your right I did consider glassing into the car, but for my 1st attempt with Fiberglass I though I would keep well clear ( and judging by the mess I made Im glad I did ! )

Subs are yet undecided , maybe JL been looking at some Vibe ones as well, I am planning to measure the total capacity of the box once its done , and match the sub to that

Not seen Image Dynamics so thats another thing for my list to investigate !

Steve
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Old 14-07-2008   #7 (Post Link)
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Re: Begenning New Spider Install -

Digital Designs is another brand, designed and mostly made in the US. basic looks, but built to be tough and handle high power and go loudly. check the DD1508.

DDAudio Digital Designs Speakers Made in the USA

from ID, check the iD8v3.

Image Dynamics USA - Products - Idv.3

both of these are quite high quality, and you could simply use ONE sub, backed by a good amount of power (JL 500/1 would be ample).

hopefully the is sufficient space above the box to mount the sub 'inverted' (magnet out), to maximise the internal volume of the subbox.

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Old 23-07-2008   #8 (Post Link)
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Re: Begenning New Spider Install -

Bit more movement on this, got some more fiberglass so built a second layer of glass on the box.

Got my first sub, Vibe Space 8, 300w RMS 900w peak .

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0480.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0481.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0482.jpg

Also been stripping out the back of the car, very complicated ended up removing waaay more than i needed to, ( but at least I know how it all goes together now ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0478.jpg

You can see the Bose sub in the middle ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0477.jpg

Anyone for roll over hoops !

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0479.jpg

Rear bin assembly

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0483.jpg

Lid removed..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0484.jpg

Nowall this is out I can get on with a lid for the new sub box and installing the speaker..

Steve
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Old 24-07-2008   #9 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

good work!

those Vibe's look pretty chunky. they should be good if they sound as good as they look (presumably the case!).

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Old 30-07-2008   #10 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

More Progress.

Box is complete, and top cover built , now needs filling and making nice etc..

Had to space the sub up a bit as well so it would fit !!


http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0486.jpg

Steve
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Old 01-08-2008   #11 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

looks allright. perhaps 'build up' the top of the box smoothly with the mdf spacer holding the sub. use some bog/filler, or first use some stretchy cloth over the top.

in case you don't know what i mean, same principles as this:
*'frame work': http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/.../314774041.jpg
*cover with stretchy cloth then paint with resin: http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/.../317457568.jpg

dried resin will form a decently hard shell. if you want it much stronger, add fibreglass matting.

*bog and sand (will require several cycles of bog-sand): http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/.../318915276.jpg

then you end up with a nice smooth shape, ready to trim or paint. if painting, you'll need a higher quality/level of finish (flawless smoothness). but i figure you'll probably use vinyl to match the rest of the trims?

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Old 01-08-2008   #12 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

Am considering that other option is to recut the top spacer and use a router to create a bevelled edge on the ring, Whatevers happens is happening this weekend !!
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Old 02-08-2008   #13 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

how will you trim it? if using vinyl, then the 'smoothest' contour is easiest to cover.

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Old 06-08-2008   #14 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

Been shopping a bit, sub box is still in progress,

Head unit ... JVC AVX810

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0497.jpg

Detachable Double DIN

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0493.jpg

Front Attached ..
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0494.jpg

CAN Bus and Steering Wheel interface..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0491.jpg

Head unit and Interface wiring .. This all needs to fit in the dash some how !!

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0495.jpg

Also been playing around with Amp locations ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0490.jpg

Steve
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Old 07-08-2008   #15 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

that's a neat location for the amp. you could build a trim piece with an 'opening' to show it off (for ventilation, don't seal it off unless fan-cooled).

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Old 11-08-2008   #16 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

More progress.

Head unit it and connected..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0505.jpg

DVD Player as part od head unit ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0510.jpg

Also replaced front speakers,

Bose 6.5" standard equipment ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0515.jpg

New Boston s60
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0513.jpg

Installed using autoleads Vauxall Astra / Corsa Pods and small MDF Adapter ring ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0503.jpg

I decided to intercept the speaker wiring at the BOSE amp in the boot to save cutting wires in fiddily places under the dash etc..

The top 4 wires are ones destined for the door speakers ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0502.jpg

Steve
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Old 12-08-2008   #17 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

the headunit looks great.

some good progress again.

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Old 13-08-2008   #18 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

Hi,

When you installed the front speakers did you install the crossovers in the dash under where the tweeters are? I've not looked under there yet but assume that this would be a good place for them.

Thanks,

muso
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Old 13-08-2008   #19 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

Hiya,

Crossovers are in the boot, near the amps, there should be room under the dash in the glove box area above it quite a lot of wasted space there.

It is a bit of a pain getting the glove box out , let me know if you need some hints..

Steve
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Old 15-08-2008   #20 (Post Link)
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Re: Beginning New Spider Install -

More progress rearspeakers ..

Went shopping got some of these mighty 3.5" JL rears ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0516.jpg

Compared to stock rear , note difference in magnet size ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0518.jpg

Tight fit into car, I insulated the metalwork with plastic tape, and the speaker terminals got the same treatment to avoid any shorts, I also used cable ties to ensure nothing gets in the way of the roof mechanisim ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0520.jpg

With the roof down you can see how tight it is in there ..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...l/DSCN0519.jpg

Steve
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