Arm rest and subwoofer enclosure combo

[dixy2k]

I thought of this combo by browsing some enclosures made by Q-Logic/Q-forms and this forum for ideas for an arm rest.
Initially I wanted to custom make a subwoofer enclosure in the space behind the passenger's seat (trapeze shape), but I didn't like the idea of having the bass "locked up" in there. I think it would be greatly muffled.

I designed this "beauty" instead. Now all you engineers out there, I am not one of you. Nor do I have great computer or drawing abilities, but I think you will all get the idea.
I am also considering outsourcing the work to someone with more experience in woodwork than I have. I found a guy on ebay that builds all kinds of shapes for subwoofer boxes by request. (I'll post that link later, maybe there will be a group discount if more of us would be interested in this concept.

My design does not alter anything in the car and could be easily removed.
It would simply fit inside the wooden box between the seats with a possible location for an amplifier under either seat.

I designed it to be a downfire type of subwoofer, but it could also be made to fire toward the rear end of the car (but it would be visible, thus beating the purpose of having a hidden subwoofer).

There are plenty of options for a 6.5" subwoofer with prices varying from $30 to $300 (or more).
I found JL Audio 6W3v3-4 that I like as far as specs go and would fit this shape according to the sub's requirement for air volume inside the box.

My box would have 0.17 cuft of volume inside.
The interior volume could be enlarged a bit to fit other subwoofers with a larger air volume requirement by changing the height of the bottom piece of the box (lower for more volume and higher for less volume inside the box).
Of course it could also be lined with special subwoofer/speaker foam or other material to accommodate other requirements for different speakers in respect to volume (I know it does not increase the interior volume, but in stead it would slow down the sound wave, so the box acts as if it were larger...).

On top of it there could be some padding coverd by interior color matching vinyl or leather.
 
 

[dixy2k]

I considered 3/4" MDF in my calculation.

There is some room left between the armrest/subwoofer and ashtray where a figure 8 cutout could be made acting as cup holders, or just plain straght for cellphones  etc.


here's the linked I mentioned above:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Built-Speaker-Box-4-ur-perfect-fit-Subwoofer-Sub_W0QQitemZ290298802387QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item290298802387&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

[Dash808]

That's an interesting idea.  I didn't even know JL made a 6" sub.   Just looking at their website it's a good looking speaker, and all their products are quality.
I just question the location and personally I'm not a fan of speakers & subs around that area.  And since it's an armrest your arm will be constantly be getting a massage. 

If it were me, I would go with sound quality and concealment which would lead me to either the trunk or under the rear shelf.   You could run two of those 6's or a couple 8w3's.  There should be enough space if you removed the two lids and built your box to occupy both spaces.  A single sealed box would probably work best.  You would want it to look just as it does now.  Same shape and form as the lids that way it is not noticeable.  If you had to raise it up an inch or two to accommodate for depth it still wouldn't be too noticeable as long as the top is formed to fit.  Also it would still be easily removable with the hard top off, the enclosure could lift straight up and out.

I think you would be happier with the sound quality coming from the back than coming from under your right arm.   It would be a little more work but probably worth it. 

My 2% of 2cents worth.

[dixy2k]

I think the vibration would be minimal if the top of the armrest has some padding (some sort of a sponge covered with matching interior vinyl).

Regarding your idea, wouldn't it be necessary to build an actual box, not just the lids to cover those to areas behind the seats? The lids would not really be air tight, right?

I would do it with two original lids, so I can keep mine intact for originality in case I decide against speakers in that location at some point in the future.

[Dash808]

Yes what I was suggesting was to build a sealed box that would fit down in both compartments.  I wouldn't use the original lids for the top either, but if you made it right and bought some carpeting to match the interior, it would be hardly noticeable without looking closely.
The hardest part of the whole thing would be building the box to the specs required by JL. 
Another option is to have a decent stereo shop build the box.  That would probably run a couple hundred $.    But it shouldn't be too difficult. 

[JimVillers]

This is not that new of an idea.  I bought a 190SL that had been in storage for many years and it had an armrest speaker enclosure.  It was the first that I had seen and it was for an old mono radio.

[dixy2k]

The always resourceful Jim.
Thanks.

I wouldn't really do it that way with the speaker directed at me or the passenger. Looks promising.

[norton]

You could try one of these  http://www.madisound.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=8288
or the nexr size up.

[dixy2k]

WOW!

It looks very interesting, but I can't imagine now what kind of box requires.
As far as size goes, I think it fir perfectly between the seats.

[xcashewx]

i have 2, 12inch subs behind my seats and there was no cutting etc.. I kept the orginal lids. and the subs face up and towards the occupants, really makes some intense bass with the hardtop on.

 just measure the dimesions and have a shop (or youself) build a box for the back, and your good to go. drop in and can be taken out whenever
mount you amp on the box right between the 2 seats  and you'll have a clean looking setup. thats my .2cents

 and btw i originally tried "concealing" the subs under the lids to make it not visible, and lets just say i thought i had a rattlesnake in my car.

our cars are suprisingly really sound proof, at full volume nothing rattles in the inside or outside, except that license plate of course

[Dash808]

A Pagoda with 2, 12s... Nice.  You're probably the only one out there.  Good that it doesn't vibrate like most cars. 

[justken2u]

I'm about to put two 10" subs in the back of a FrankenBenz I'm building ... check it out under the R&D forum under the thread on a wiper motor for a 230SL. Get ready for the sparks to fly on that board!!