Today, I finally had the courage and time to finally begin making the mounting plates for my 6.5 coaxials that I wanted to install in the front doors.

Tracing from the plastic Bose pods was kinda hard since they dont sit flat, so I had to kind of eyeball my traces.
I finally cut the MDF using a Rotozip (this is the best tool out there unless you have a woodshop garage to work in).

Then I made the 5" hole for the speaker. I did a test fit and it fits perfectly without the door glass touching it.

My question is whether or not I should apply some Thompson's water seal to the backside (where the magnet of the speaker protudes) of the MDF to prevent it from warping from moisture. Or should I apply some fiberglass or should I apply Bondo?

Is it necessary to reinforce the MDF with these stuff.
BTW, where can I buy fiberglass or Bondo?

 

You can get bondo or fiberglass at any auto parts store and I'm pretty sure home depot has alot of fiberglass stuff.

what I would be concernd about would be water getting on the speaker, the bose setup is protected by the plastic housing, are you useing foam or plastic pods for the speakers? if you didnt know you can get then from some car stores or order them from crutfield. If you just want to water proof the mdf you can prime and paint it.

If you let the speakers run free air they will produce more bass, but if you have a sub its better for the coaxils to be in pods. they will handle more power if they are in pods and the sound should be tighter.

I plan to fabricate pods this summer and will be running some really hi-end stuff (Focal)

 

I am running my 6.5 coaxials free-air because that is what the Infinity tech guy told me would be best. I asked him about putting them in an enclosure, and he said no.

As far as protecting them from water, I built a helmet out of an empty margarine container, still keeping them free-air.

Do I really have to reinforce the MDF with fiberglass or Bondo? Which one and why.

Thanks.