Subwoofer enclosures; LAST CALL

[Shadowman]

Well my install is complete. So much for waiting until after Christmas and spending the day shopping...

A couple thoughts on the installation for those that haven't tackled it yet.

1. I was able to unwrap the stereo wires and extend them the required extra length WITHOUT removing the center console. I just undid the Torx screws and lifted it up. I stuck a rolled up towel under it just in back of the shifter and there was enough room to modify the wiring from the passenger side. Since I did not remove the center console I did not have to remove or struggle with the e-brake bezel either.

2. Instead of painting, I used a piece of black heat shrink tubing around the blue wire where it comes out of the new speaker housing. Worked like a champ.

3. Order the electrical connectors discussed above. It makes for a cleaner install IMHO.

I am really pleased with the way everything came out. I truly does look like a factory install. I know I've said it before, but thanks again Ash, Shadowman and ACRJoe. :thumbsup

I am glad to hear all went smoothly

Were did painting come up? I wrap the exposed wire with a cloth braided wire wrap similar to OEM; calling ACRJoe dod you paint yours?. I would not suggest painting the exposed wire to convert it from blue to black. There is only a very small section on both ends that will remain exposed however "by all means" cover it.

As for the John and the leather he used to cover his panels; no I have not seen pictures yet however I am sure it looks great. Personal touches such as these are what make the finished project yours and yet regardless the gross completed project will be more the same than different and to a person I expect you to be very happy.

As for the electrical connectors; I too agree with this consideration as I incorporated them into my final subwoofer enclosure as well.

IMO; at the end of the day it is all in the detail work.
Takes care

Shadowman

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

...
Were did painting come up? I wraped the exposed wire with a cloth braided wire wrap similar to OEM...

MAD IN NC and JCE-GT painted their blue wires black. I was going that route too until I thought of the heat shrink. I like your cloth braided idea best I think.

You are right about the "details". I have got to find a way to get a CF wrap on the front of my OEM no Mac upper console. :wink

 

[STORMCAT]

Chris,
Be patient , I maybe able to help with the small CF covers?? We can talk next week...I'd like to see your final install...off to Iowa tomorrow. B

 

[ViperJoe]

Were did painting come up? I wraped the exposed wire with a cloth braided wire wrap similar to OEM; calling ACRJoe did you paint yours?

No, I used black shrink wrap; looks OEM wonderful.

 

[ViperJoe]

I was able to unwrap the stereo wires and extend them the required extra length WITHOUT removing the center console. I just undid the Torx screws and lifted it up. I stuck a rolled up towel under it just in back of the shifter and there was enough room to modify the wiring from the passenger side. Since I did not remove the center console I did not have to remove or struggle with the e-brake bezel either.

That's a great shortcut which I attempted initially but found that I just couldn't operate in such a confined space. The e-brake bezel is a major PITA so if anyone can take advantage of this shortcut by all means do it.

 

[Shadowman]

No, I used black shrink wrap; looks OEM wonderful.

This was a wonderful finishing touch.

All the best

Shadowman

 

[JCE-GT]

Clearing up the Painting Issue.

MAD IN NC and JCE-GT painted their blue wires black. I was going that route too until I thought of the heat shrink. I like your cloth braided idea best I think.

To clear up the subject on "painting" of the new sub-enclose lead wire, I guess I was somehat misleading to have referenced "painting", as I actually used a Molecubond Color Refinisher. If you aren't familiar with the product, log onto www.bryndana.com and check out their site. The product is applied as a paint would be, but the difference is that it forms a molecular bond with the material it is applied to. When I sprayed the blue lead wire, it took no more than 30 seconds before the piece could be handled, and no matter how the wire is twisted or contorted, the black color remains. Nothing against heat shrink tubing, but this molecubond stuff is nothing short of incredible. OE approved by Ford by the way, so it seemed appropriate. I did promise to send Shadowman some pictures of my conversion and think now that I have a few days of for the Holidays I will actually post them to this thread. I just have to take them first. Sorry for the delay, but things have been quite hectic at work lately (year end and all - I'm sure you understand)

FloridaChris - it was good to hear that you got the terminals and connectors
to complete your conversion.

I'll try to post some pictures of my conversion no later than mid-week.

JCE-GT

 

[PHXGT]

Not sure I understand why the wires need to be "painted". Is it so they will be hidden or blend in to something?

 

[Shadowman]

Not sure I understand why the wires need to be "painted". Is it so they will be hidden or blend in to something?

It is because at both the subwoofer and the amp end there are a few inches of the wire exposed and the color of the shielding on the wire that Ash installed is blue; this is why

As for the spray coating "thumbs up" I had never heard of it and now soon I will have some in my laboratory

Thank you

Shadowman

 

[JCE-GT]

Promised Subwoofer Relocation Pictures

I hope these pictures and this post make it on the Forum this time, as it's my third attempt. Posting these pictures is turning out to be a whole lot more difficult than the subwoofer relocation process itself.

The first picture (Passenger Side) shows the great work of Shadowman and Ash where the Subwoofer Enclosure does not interfere with the recline and aft travel of the passenger seat. I modified the canvas storage bags, and decided to keep the original pockets as well as the elastic netting. This seemed to allow me more versatility in the future for what ever storage needs might arise. I also replaced the original filler panel with the recommended aluminum sheet. I used a 0.063" (6061-T6) material and covered it with leather. The leather has a nearly identical grain to what was already in the car, and even though the picures don't show it, really matches perfectly.

The second picture (Driver's Side) sans storage bag shows off the leather covered aluminum sheet, as well as the relocated Amplifier where the lower mouting tabs were not modified. The panels and leather were slit to accomodate the lower moutning tabs in their original configuration and 2 "L" brackets were riveted to the back side of the panel for the amps attachment. A 1" high density foam was utilized on the back side of both panels.

The third picture shows a 6mm riv-nut. These riv-nuts were used fon the panels for all storage bag retainer buttons as well as the amplifier mounting.

All in all, the project was fun and rewarding. It truly is an improvement to have the sub out of the normal conversation path, and it's great to be able to see the supercharger pulley turning!
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1677&stc=1&d=1167249795

JCE-GT
2006 #0187 - Tungsten / Silver Stripes

 

[ViperJoe]

All in all, the project was fun and rewarding. It truly is an improvement to have the sub out of the normal conversation path, and it's great to be able to see the supercharger pulley turning!

JCE-GT
2006 #0187 - Tungsten / Silver Stripes

Very nice!!!

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

JCE-GT:

Your install looks great. I wonder how many others have finished the install so far?

How about posting here when you are done.

So far (I think):

Shadowman
ACRJoe
MAD IN NC
FL Chris
JCE-GT
Cyclenirvana

Did I leave anyone out?

 

[SteveA]

JCE-GT:

Your install looks great. I wonder how many others have finished the install so far?

How about posting here when you are done.

So far (I think):

Shadowman
ACRJoe
MAD IN NC
FL Chris
JCE-GT

Did I leave anyone out?

I don't have mine back from MMP getting a pipe, coil overs, short shift, coil covers, Accufab TB, inlet stiffner and a few other items:thumbsup .
I've bought all the parts and can't wait to remove the Alpine that was installed when the Mac sub was removed. I convinced myself that it sounded ok but in fact it sucked.
I am very pleased this option cam up.:thumbsup
Thanks again!

 

[Cyclenirvana]

Big Mac Free

Well, a friend of mine (a fellow Ferrari Club member) and I removed the Big Mac this weekend. The subwoofer was never something that I completely disliked and I could have lived with it...but now that it is gone, I ain't ever going back, baby!! Like having a girlfriend who treated you ok, but you did know what being treated great was like until you dumped her and found someone else. :banana I am still waiting on the Ford Upper console replacement cover. The stereo sounds fantastic as the subwoofer is now appropriately located...when turned way up it will rock the passenger seat.
Shadowman and ACRJoe thank you!!! your directions were fantastic. We used .063 aluminum and covered them with a black vinyl that closely matches the leather. We double checked all measurements and found virtually all spot on...the distance between the child safety seat holes was slightly longer (about 1/8"). So my advice is double check all the measurements, as there may be subtle differences. We also attached the ground wire to the inside bolt that attached the aluminum panel, not the amp.
Here are some pics of the process.

 

[Cyclenirvana]

Big Mac Free pics

More pics of the removal.

 

[Shadowman]

Thank you for the update, your experience, and the pictures. You did a great job of completing the conversion.

I understand what you mean by initially being able to live with the OEM subwoofer location however I also understand the feeling once the conversion was completed. There is no looking back; or in this case now you can and enjoy the view of the SC'er and the engine bay.

Thanks again

Shadowman

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

More pics of the removal.

Another use for a bicycle helmet! Looks like you didn't completely pull the center console either.

 

[Cyclenirvana]

Yeah, the bike helmet (my friend's daughter) came in handy...we just used it like the "block of wood" to hold it open while we moved and connected all the wires. I also should tell of you that I am no great mechanically-inclined individual...more like mechanically-challenged. This is not a difficult conversion just a little tedious in places. I love seeing the supercharger spinning!

 

[fjpikul]

You had some big cahones to wear a metal watchband while doing this.

 

[B O N Y]

You had some big cahones to wear a metal watchband while doing this.

Interesting comment Frank, sharp eye'd guy that you are; when THE GT GUYS tore apart my car to install the shifter kit they covered various parts with that special blue tape, I notice they covered their belt buckles with the same tape and noticed they were not wearing watches.... If course they work on a flat rate.:lol