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General => Car audio => Topic started by: eightyeightmph on 27 January 2009, 20:00

Title: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 27 January 2009, 20:00
So after upgrading from my Sony H/U to the Alpine CDE 9881R

(http://www.maxpower.co.uk/images/alpine9881.jpg)

I've got this Alpine V-Power MRP-T130 (2x90W) Amp;

(http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/al/alpine-mrp-t130-2-1.jpg)

and an Alpine Type D 12" Sub, in a standard box;

(http://i22.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/29/08/ba02_1.JPG)

It's time to put it altogether :)

My question is, how do I fix the sub box in the boot? Ultimately I'll do a custom sub box but havn't got the time or £££ at the moment.

I've placed the box in the boot & the angle isn't the same as the back seat, I was hoping to use velcro to keep it in place but don't think velcro will hold on just the boot mat carpet!?

Any suggestions?

Also is it ok to attach the amp to the sub box or is there a better place for it?

Thanks! :afro:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: sharpie on 27 January 2009, 20:16
velcro it down in the boot - that way, if you happen to crash, it will continue through the rear seats into the middle of your back.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: LazyLunatic on 27 January 2009, 20:26
velcro works a treat m8, just stick lengths of "hoop" together and stick like 4/5 strips on the bottom of the box and then should stop the box from rolling around. does for me!

amp - screw into back of seats behind where the sub is going.

LL ;)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 27 January 2009, 20:35
velcro it down in the boot - that way, if you happen to crash, it will continue through the rear seats into the middle of your back.

Aww thanks for your concern dude, I think it would have to be going some to go through the back seat though! ;)

You don't seem to know a great deal, you always boohoo other peoples suggestions but don't seem to have any of your own? :afro:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 27 January 2009, 20:36
velcro works a treat m8, just stick lengths of "hoop" together and stick like 4/5 strips on the bottom of the box and then should stop the box from rolling around. does for me!

amp - screw into back of seats behind where the sub is going.

LL ;)

Was thinking of doing the whole of the base but not sure, might fabricate a strap off some sort to anchor it just to be on the safe side.

Amp on the back seat should be ok, any reason why it can't go on the sub box though? :huh:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: sharpie on 27 January 2009, 20:49
Aww thanks for your concern dude, I think it would have to be going some to go through the back seat though! ;)
there was an episode of fifth gear in the last season where cars were crash tested with stuff in the boot. even bags of shopping went flying through the rear seats into the cabin. a box of tools/ a sub would definitely do some damage.

You don't seem to know a great deal, you always boohoo other peoples suggestions but don't seem to have any of your own? :afro:
here's my suggestion: don't put a heavy sub in an already heavy car.

Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: LazyLunatic on 27 January 2009, 20:58
f*** that i got 2!!! you gotta have the mega bass of the go!!!!

you could cover the base, would be make sense. i dnt even think i got much at all on my double box, and it dont move.

it doesnt help that the boot floor isnt flat though.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 27 January 2009, 21:13
You don't seem to know a great deal, you always boohoo other peoples suggestions but don't seem to have any of your own? :afro:
here's my suggestion: don't put a heavy sub in an already heavy car.



Damn, I should of said 'useful suggestions'  :rolleyes:

I can't help but laugh at everything you say, you seriously expect anyone to take advice of a gay guy who drives an MGF!  :grin:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: LazyLunatic on 27 January 2009, 21:15
You don't seem to know a great deal, you always boohoo other peoples suggestions but don't seem to have any of your own? :afro:
here's my suggestion: don't put a heavy sub in an already heavy car.



Damn, I should of said 'useful suggestions'  :rolleyes:

I can't help but laugh at everything you say, you seriously expect anyone to take advice of a gay guy who drives an MGF!  :grin:

who drives an mgf!?!?!?!? PMSL!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: sharpie on 27 January 2009, 21:15
it's no secret i drive an mgf. at the end of the day - when i crash, i won't have bits of audio equipment crushing me.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: LazyLunatic on 27 January 2009, 21:23
it's no secret i drive an mgf. at the end of the day - when i crash, i won't have bits of audio equipment crushing me.

i'd wish i had audio equipment in the back of my car crushing me if i was in an accident in a mgf. wouldnt want to be seen alive in one of them :D
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: sharpie on 27 January 2009, 21:24
it's no secret i drive an mgf. at the end of the day - when i crash, i won't have bits of audio equipment crushing me.

i'd wish i had audio equipment in the back of my car crushing me if i was in an accident in a mgf. wouldnt want to be seen alive in one of them :D

horses for courses - although i do look great in anything.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: sharpie on 27 January 2009, 21:37
looks good to me

(http://file048a.bebo.com/16/large/2009/01/27/10/366520313a9964546185l.jpg)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 27 January 2009, 21:56
looks good to me


...yea...because it's dark! ;)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 28 January 2009, 08:02
I got mine velcroed down with the amp on the top of the sub box, hasn't moved and I'm using minimal velcro. :)

I lik you will be doing something custom, in the summer I'm gonna fibreglass the spare wheel well and do something so the sub goes in there, and the amp to the right of the boot, in such a way that the whole boot can still be used :)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Dec on 28 January 2009, 08:21
My sub moves about on roundabouts and ive got a couple of strips of velcro on the bottom :undecided:

Stupid boot floor isnt flat :sad:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: DarnPB on 28 January 2009, 19:46
it's no secret i drive an mgf. at the end of the day - when i crash, i won't have bits of audio equipment crushing me.

Oh! Thats a shame!


If you have a three door, you can fit the amp, if its small enough, into the rear side panel, then just run the cables from there. Then you will only see the sub in the boot and that is easily removed in case you lay the car up for some reason. Then nothing is seen.
You would need to insulate the connections well though, in case of a side impact which could ground out the battery.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 28 January 2009, 20:20
5 Door unfortunately, thanks though! :)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: DarnPB on 28 January 2009, 20:26
5 Door unfortunately, thanks though! :)

I don't know the MKIII well at all, but there may be room behind the side wall carpet in the boot for the amp to accomplish something similar. Just a suggestion. I just think that exposing an amplifier with a high amp cable attached to it is a little risky, especially in the boot where, me especially, there may be a toolbox rattling around.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: LazyLunatic on 28 January 2009, 20:35
Stupid boot floor isnt flat :sad:

i hear you brother!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: troublestarter on 28 January 2009, 20:58
here are a couple of pics of a mk3 i did for one of my customers
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e112/KRY37/mk3%20install/DSC00029.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e112/KRY37/mk3%20install/DSC00027.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e112/KRY37/mk3%20install/DSC00025.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e112/KRY37/mk3%20install/DSC00024.jpg)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: LazyLunatic on 28 January 2009, 21:32
^ thats pretty awesome m8! ^

wud like to have something like that in my boot, dnt use the space really, use back seats for luggage.

alpine ftw!
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 29 January 2009, 09:51
5 Door unfortunately, thanks though! :)

I don't know the MKIII well at all, but there may be room behind the side wall carpet in the boot for the amp to accomplish something similar. Just a suggestion. I just think that exposing an amplifier with a high amp cable attached to it is a little risky, especially in the boot where, me especially, there may be a toolbox rattling around.

That's what I'm getting at, I use my boot almost daily, will have a look at the Amp going in the side pocket, that's a good idea! :)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: shepgti on 02 February 2009, 11:55
that install will weigh a tonne but if your not botherd about that then whip out the mdf!!
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: shakeyjake on 02 February 2009, 12:18
i got some 5mm mdf, traced around the boot carpet cut it to shape and it wedges in between the sides of the boot. trimmed it in black felt and screwed the sub to that, and screwed the amp to the back of the sub still have alot of boot space :smiley:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 03 February 2009, 00:15
Ok, the amp finally arrived today so it's all systems go for tomorrow.

Just a quick question, what size fuse should go in the power lead from the battery to the amp? The amp already has a 20A fuse in it, so Im guessing the same? :huh:

Going to see what the velcro is like, if it holds then I'll just put a cable on the box to fix it to the body in the boot somewhere. :afro:

If it doesn't hold then I'll look at something else, perhaps an MDF false floor under the carpet or something - still working it out.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 03 February 2009, 10:48
Looking at other amp wiring kits, 30A seems to be the norm so I'll go with that.

Off to get some velcro now so keep you posted!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: boneybradley on 03 February 2009, 10:52
30amp fuse and a false floor is best.. get to b&q and but some mdf (£7ish). It will make getting to the spare much easier (otherwise you mught need to remove the sub to get at the spare!)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 03 February 2009, 10:56
30amp fuse and a false floor is best.. get to b&q and but some mdf (£7ish). It will make getting to the spare much easier (otherwise you mught need to remove the sub to get at the spare!)

That's sort of the plan with having it 'temporary' installed, want to be able to drop the amp & sub out when I need to use the boot.

Will try the velcro first as that would be ideal & see how it goes. :)

Thanks for confirming the fuse too! :afro:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 03 February 2009, 11:00
I use velcro for mine, and I've found is I need to get to the spare wheel (where the widow make is lol) I can push my sub back at a slant by moving the back seats forward. However in the summer, I do intend on doing some sort of boot build. Originally was going to fill the spare wheel well with fibreglass and put the sub in the, but think what I'll do now is used the left and right hand sides instead, with sub and amp in each.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 03 February 2009, 11:41
That's the plan Shady, play with fibreglass in the summer!  :grin:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: T_J_G on 03 February 2009, 11:42
I'm using the side and installnig a sub there but this is in a mk4.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 03 February 2009, 11:50
We should meet up 88 and fibreglass together :P
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: boneybradley on 03 February 2009, 11:53
We should meet up 88 and fibreglass together :P

You should practice building a proper boot build and send me the results when it looks good!  :wink:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 03 February 2009, 11:55
We should meet up 88 and fibreglass together :P

You should practice building a proper boot build and send me the results when it looks good!  :wink:

And why's that? LOL! If I'm honest, I've never done anything in that kind of area before, but I'll have alot of time free during the summer as my Uni course will be finished :) at least for the summer lol! So I can't imagine it's to hard to make a build, just a but time consuming, but the results are a clean and tidy boot install, and if I intend on changing my car in October, I can just transfer everything over to the new Golf :)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Josho on 03 February 2009, 13:42
if I intend on changing my car in October

 :shocked:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 03 February 2009, 13:46
if I intend on changing my car in October

 :shocked:

To an 8V or 16V LOL!
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 03 February 2009, 17:21
We should meet up 88 and fibreglass together :P

Hell yea dude! I'm not unfamiliar with fibre glass either so should be good to go, but for now;

(http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m12/eightyeightmph/photo-3.jpg)

Aside from a small hitch with a blown 30A fuse (Cpt. Numbnuts not disconnecting his battery! :rolleyes:)

All is well, it's better than I had thought to be honest! :D

Both Sub (in box) & Amp were eBay bargains, the wiring (proper amp kit) came from a wrecked MK3 in the scrappy & the only things I bought new were the 30A fuses & 'Heavy Duty' Velcro tape. :afro:

The velcro holds a treat, will stick with it until I change things round in the future.

Thanks all! :D
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 03 February 2009, 20:32
I know bugger all about fibreglass, but if you wanted, you could make two shells from the fibreglass to make it easier when I come over ;)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: JC on 03 February 2009, 20:41
going down the self fibreglass and mdf route mesen this weekend  :laugh:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 03 February 2009, 21:36
going down the self fibreglass and mdf route mesen this weekend  :laugh:

Cool! Keep us posted & let us know how it turns out (any tips! :afro:)!

Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: markc123 on 04 February 2009, 22:48
Re the fuses - I always fuse at the battery end with whatever the fuse value is on the amp....

Get my MK3 tomo so should put the wiring in at least this weekend. Got 2x10" in current car, but that might kill the boot space in the golf, so 1x10 seems a decent compromise.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Dec on 04 February 2009, 23:11
Put about a million strips of velcro on the bottom of my sub earlier to try and hold it in place :laugh:

Might just buy loads and loads of it and put strips the whole way along the bottom! Might be overkill really and make it a mission to take out :laugh:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: markc123 on 05 February 2009, 12:44
I usually take the boot carpet out and use it for a template for a piece of MDF or chipboard. Screw the sub to that and it'll stay put. I had to cut the install out of my saxo after i got rear ended by a coach - seeing that the sub stayed put (while the chassis bent) http://www.mcroston.co.uk/images/saxobroke.jpg (http://www.mcroston.co.uk/images/saxobroke.jpg) convinced me to stick with this.

Of course if the sub is close to or touching the rear seats then its safe enough anyway.
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Dec on 05 February 2009, 13:37
One down, hundreds more to go.. :laugh:
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: LazyLunatic on 05 February 2009, 20:12
im going to do a boot build at some point, but i got a lot more to think about first :laugh:

when i do it, im going to fibreglass the left and right sides and build a false floor. i will keep my subs in the double box. and build the build around it. subs sounds good already and i dont want to mess around with the box volumes, so thats why im not going to put them in the sides. not sure what the sound would be, as the bass wouldnt be going in the right direction ??

the pics posted on page 3 are kinda like what i want to do. still gives you boot space (i dont use the boot anyway) and looks really tidy.

LL ;)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: boneybradley on 05 February 2009, 22:29
I need to use my boot...so I'm going to build a box which gives me plenty of space (just need to think of some idea's first)
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: Dec on 06 February 2009, 07:53
Its a mission to get into my boot so I dont really use it tbh. Will be when I drive to surrey tomorrow but only bother on long trips!
Title: Re: Installing sub & amp into a MK3 - suggestions?
Post by: ToRo on 06 February 2009, 08:43
My missus dad works in fibreglass, so I'll be asking him to draw up a mould for me, one either side of the boot and amp in the middle with access to spare wheel still though :)