The problem with mounting it in the spare tire area is the odd dimensions. You would have to make a completely custom enclosure, and would almost have to fiberglass it in place (which gets REALLY messy!). I also dont know how good it would sound, as the vent from the trunk to the cabin behind the passenger seat would be sealed off by the enclosure.

It would almost be easier to re-inforce the bottom of the convertible tray, recess mount a sub in there, and form a custom fiberglass box around it.

John

 

Very true!

But the vent from the trunk to the cabin behind the driver seat would not be obstructed so that could help some, no?

That is a great idea! Or maybe even fabricate something more solid and less resonant to replace the tray and do double duty as part of an enclosure.

It seems that any attempt to use the spare tire shelf has major pitfalls and involves lots of effort without a clear payoff.

 

True, but you are effectively cutting your communicating airspace in half. Granted with a sub it is not as important (especially if X-over is set to 80htz or less).

I will probably end up trying the tray thing in a few months. Gotta save up $, as I am entering Grad school in the spring.

I think that as long as you recess the sub the thickness of the trims, and provide a hefty grill, it probably will not affect top folding that much. But that will require some good measuring first!

John

 

Go to page 13 of the "Stereo Install Pictures Here" pasted at the top of the electronics forum to see my tire well sub setup.