Not sure about everyone else's set up. But my little Kicker 8" operating in free air just wasn't doing it for me...even after eliminating 90-95% of the rear deck rattle. So, I figured I had two options. First, try some kind of enclosure design. Second, remove the rear sub and simply have a box built and installed in the trunk...mayb upgrade to a single 10" sub or something.

Well, the second idea would cost money I didn't want to spend. The first idea would save money, take only my time, and worst case scenario....what I do won't work and I move forward with idea two of illiminating the sub from the rear deck.

Here is essentially what I came up with.



Secured the "bucket" from up top after fabricating a custom lip for the bucket. Just as part of the fitment trial, I used thick styrofoam to fill in the gaps found on the underneath (trunk side) of the rear deck. I then used rubber padded metal tape to help seal the top of the bucket and illiminate any potential rattle (which there is non I can tell).

Sub sounds MUCH deeper, better controlled, less rattle all around, and the sub is actually much louder with the windows both up and when down. One big issue I had when the sub was free air....was that when I rolled my windows down, I couldn't hear it....the "enclosure" the free air sub was working under changed and so the sound just vanished.

Now, the windows down, the sub is still very loud and noticeable audibly...not simply by the shaking of the rear view mirror. Very pleased with the end result.

Anyone else do somethign similar or with better results? My only concern is that I did not properly measure the size of the enclosure to keep with the recommended size/volume recommended by Kicker. I will assume that regardless of the enclosure, it is close to their recommendation and HAS to be better for the sub then flopping around free air.

 

sweet... any more pics?

 

you should paint it. Good thinking, personally i think it'll get in the way, but, i guess it takes less space than a sub box.

 

Here's a couple more images. The first image I showed from the original post makes it look like it's really enormous in the trunk....but it's not. It's actually several inches from the floor and naturally is bolted right beneath the sub. So, knowing where the sub is, it actually sits back a good bit and is not so intrusive. Overall, it has been an experiment....so if it gets bumped or pulled loose by things getting thrown into the trunk....then I want to see if that happens. The kids have no direction to "watch out" for it...I want to know if it's going to be a problem. So far, it's not been. Son has an enormous Karate bag and I leave my net up in the back so he has to throw it behind the net...toward the Franken-bucket. So, the jury is still out on whether this is going to save me space and be reliable for everyday family use.





These images give you a better perspective in size. It's basically a 10" sewage drain pipe about 1/4" thick. I used 1" thick plastic shelving boards for the bottom and to make the adaptors around the top. I put a little bit of polyester stuffing in it....probably not enough...so I may add some more later. Sealed it up with wood glue.

I've played lots of different music before and after the set up. Everything from Flyleaf, Tom Petty, System of a Down, Katey Perry, Avril Lavign, Eminem, Coolio, Pink, Alanis Morrisette and many more (I have a big jump drive connected to my stereo)! All sound remarkably clearer and more controlled.....no more "fluttering" from the free air.

I don't know about painting it.....somehow it just seems wrong. It's a sewage pipe...makeshift bass tube.....just doesn't seem like it should be "pretty."

 

You can't name it "Franken-Bucket" and then paint it. You just can't.

 

That's what I'm saying. Might attach two big bolts on opposite sides at the bottom....(joking!).