question on building a subwoofer box

[RangerFabWorks]

ok, so im getting a 89 probe gt turbo, and i wanna put a system in it. im going with 2 12'' kicker subs. im going to build the box myself out of 3/4 mdf. with 2.0 cf for each sub.

my question is, and dont laugh. the last box i build i used automotive filler to smooth out the seams, and to give the mdf a coat so the paint didnt look so rough. well that was a PITA to do.

so can you use interior spackle on mdf, sand it, and prime it with a good auto primer. then coat it with bedliner?

i realize spackle can crack, but the box will be stationary, and im only talking a skim coat to smooth out the porus mdf.

will spackle atleast stick to the mdf?

thanks

 

[Slim]

Porous? I've never seen mdf that was porous on the face. Maybe on the ends when you cut it. Is that what you're talking about?

Regardless, by spackle do you mean what's used on drywall to fill the seams? If so then yes, it'll stick to mdf. Might help to scuff the mdf first to help remove any impurities (grease from hands and such).

 

[tylork92]

if your going to use bedliner, i recommend tht textured spray paint instead, then i would just use some cheapo body filler or wood filler. just make sure you countersink your screws and use wood filler or autobody filler and smooth it up and spray..doesnt have to be perfect as your paint will be textured.

 

[v8nick]

I am a drywall finisher by trade. If you are going to use mud to fill the seams I would recommend quick set compound. You can get it at Lowes. It comes in 5, 20, 45, and 90 minute set times. Regular mud takes quite a while to dry and it will crack. I would not use the 5 minute mud I would suggest the 20 or 45. It wouldn't be a bad idea either to use some self adhesive fiberglass drywall tape to cover the seams and then coat it with the mud. Make sure you get the easy sand type too, if not you won't sand any inperfections out. Oh and automotive filler is what most audio shops use to shape boxes with.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

Porous? I've never seen mdf that was porous on the face. Maybe on the ends when you cut it. Is that what you're talking about?

Regardless, by spackle do you mean what's used on drywall to fill the seams? If so then yes, it'll stick to mdf. Might help to scuff the mdf first to help remove any impurities (grease from hands and such).

by porus, i mean when you paint it. it sucks the paint right in, so the finish is rough.

yes i mean drywall spackle. and i plan on cleaning everything before hand. thanks

 

[RangerFabWorks]

I am a drywall finisher by trade. If you are going to use mud to fill the seams I would recommend quick set compound. You can get it at Lowes. It comes in 5, 20, 45, and 90 minute set times. Regular mud takes quite a while to dry and it will crack. I would not use the 5 minute mud I would suggest the 20 or 45. It wouldn't be a bad idea either to use some self adhesive fiberglass drywall tape to cover the seams and then coat it with the mud. Make sure you get the easy sand type too, if not you won't sand any inperfections out. Oh and automotive filler is what most audio shops use to shape boxes with.

yes i know. im an autobody man by trade. but sanding bondo takes alot of work to make it look good.

i was just thinking spackle or compound because of how easy it sands, and how fast you can work with it.

i think ill give it a try.

 

[Pistons23]

i beleive the bedlinder will cover/hide any imperfections since its so thick. id just countersink the screws. then mix some wood glue with some mdf dust to cover screw holes.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

i beleive the bedlinder will cover/hide any imperfections since its so thick. id just countersink the screws. then mix some wood glue with some mdf dust to cover screw holes.

it doesnt. i tried. maybe it was the kind i used. maybe its cause i sprayed it and didnt roll it. i dunno.

ill figure something out when the time comes.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

I just decided to carpet the box. after watching crutchfields video on how to carpet a box. and walmart having the carpet for $5.00 a roll. im gonna go that route.

the gray carpet will match my interior of my 89 probe gt perfectly. and add to the resale value of it.

thanks for all the replies.