DIY Network

Nissan 300ZX: Motorized Subwoofer Enclosure and Amp Rack Andrew Totolos outfits a classic Z-car with a Batmobile-style compartment for a subwoofer and amp. A mechanical actuator drops the audio components out of sight when not in use. From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-404

(Continued from page 3)

Andrew positions the actuator arm that will raise and lower the amp and speaker rack.

The sub box and amp rack have been built, and now it's time for Andrew to add the lifting mechanism to the rack. He'll install a linear actuator that will, at the whim of the driver, lift the rack up out of its home in the trunk.

Materials and tools used in this phase of the project:

circular saw
jigsaw
chisel
drill and drill bits
medium-density fiberboard
wood glue
brad nailer

advertisement

	Figure V
	Figure W
	Figure X
	Figure Y

Sub Box: Installing the Linear Actuator

To add the actuator, Andrew begins by cutting out the center of the box.

• First Andrew measures and marks a section that's wide enough on top to accommodate the actuator, and continues to mark the cut lines down the front of the box (figure V).

• Andrew uses a circular saw to make straight cuts across the top of the box (figure W).

• He then uses a jigsaw to continue the cuts down the front of the box without cutting into the bottom (figure X).

• After all cuts are made, Andrew uses a chisel to break the center section loose (figure Y) and pulls the section out (figure Z).

• Now there are two sub-chambers instead of one, and Andrew will need to seal them back up using blocks of MDF cut to size.

• After the channel is cut out, Andrew mounts the actuator bracket at the back of the box.

• With the assembly complet, he takes the setup back to the car for a test fit.

• Andrew drills a couple of speaker wire holes in some small pieces of medium-density fiberboard.

• Andrew attaches them to the box using wood glue. For extra assurance, he locks them in with brad nails on all four sides.
  

  Figure Z

  The actuator arm

  
  

  
  
  
  

  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

  
  
  

  RELATED PROJECTS: Installing a Subwoofer Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Prep Work Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Box Panels Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Glue-Up and Amp-Wiring Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Completion Stereo Upgrade: Subwoofer, Amp and Custom Amp-Cover Scion XB Stereo Upgrade: Amp, Subwoofer and Enclosures Scion XB Stereo Upgrade: Amp, Subwoofer and Enclosures Scion XB Stereo Upgrade: Speaker Pods and Mounting Bar '65 Mustang: Digital Dash Conversion and Stereo Upgrade WEB-EXTRA: A Tricked Out Glossary of Terms WEB-VIDEO EXTRA: Tricked Out 100s Online Video Archive

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Nissan 300ZX: Motorized Subwoofer Enclosure and Amp Rack