Auto tuba, can I use my own woofers? Size of box? carpet?...

[carblekin]

I've been thinking about building a tuba subwoofer, but to be honest I'm still a tad bit skeptical. I'd like to start by making an auto sub for my van, basically a center console similar to the one pictured on the 'auto sub' page (cheaper, smaller project, and I have most of the materials already):



I already have a bunch of drivers, all 6.5" alpine subs, from the center console of the Honda Element. I'd really like to use 1, preferably 2 or more in a center console. It would be installed in my Pontiac Montana (1999) and I'd be adding a mount for my 11" netbook as well so I can use it for movies, MP3s and GPS . It'll be great for traveling to gigs when I DJ for weddings this summer (which is why I'm thinking of a tuba sub). I first have to figure out if I can use my own drivers though, and if I can, what size (approximately) I'd need for different numbers of drivers.

I'd also like to figure out how to carpet my box like the one pictured if possible. The indented lettering is pretty cool, I'd like to attempt to do that with mine.

Thanks!

[bzb]

If there's one thing I've learned from here, it's stick with the plans. The suggested driver for the AT is $35, not exactly a dealbreaker for most people.

We are not assimilated into this thinking (I'm relatively new here) and we're not paid to endorse these. Bill certainly doesn't have any magic Kool Aid, and even if he did, I'd bet he pick some nasty flavor like Orange or something Sticking to the plans just makes your decisions far easier, and the results are spectacular. The only real reasons to deviate from the plans are if the drivers/parts aren't available to you... or you absolutely know what you're doing. In the second case, you probably wouldn't need to ask any questions here, and would be designing your own speakers.

As far as the box goes, it's just a box. Add on whatever you want to it. If you want the little shelf on top like Mr. Webbers, just add an inch and a half to the vertical dimension of all the side panels. That's actually a modified version of the AT, called the Tall Auto Tuba (TAT). Just make sure it all fits where you want it to. I believe the dimensions of that box are somewhere around 20"x20", with the minimum width being around 12".

The recessed letters are just a jig with a router. I'm betting Nimrod made his own, but there are sign making kits available in woodworking shops.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/202014 ... gnPro.aspx

As far carpeting, you can't carpet it and do the letters... unless you have x-ray vision.

[RubiconProSound]

I've been thinking about building a tuba subwoofer, but to be honest I'm still a tad bit skeptical. I'd like to start by making an auto sub for my van, basically a center console similar to the one pictured ...

First off, welcome to the forum
There's no need to be skeptical, I've built the Autotuba in the normal format as well as the tall format (also known as the TAT, like the one in the picture) and they both work great. The AT is a great project to cut your teeth on.

I already have a bunch of drivers, all 6.5" alpine subs, from the center console of the Honda Element... I'd really like to use 1, preferably 2 or more in a center console... I first have to figure out if I can use my own drivers though, and if I can, what size (approximately) I'd need for different numbers of drivers.

The first rule of "Fitz" club is to stick to the plans. Use the recommended drivers and don't deviate from the plans. (unless the deviations are outside of the horn path and driver enslosure...) Any deviation from either will not give the desired results. Fork out the $35 for MCM woofer and build it to the plans and you won't be disappointed. Save the Alpine 6.5's for another project.