Plexiglass window installation help?

[evermaxx]

So the idea has been in the air for awhile.

I want to do a plexi glass window above my slot port on my new box. Is there any cons to this? And any pictures on how to attach it to the box? I know I see a lot of people using bolts to attach it. Thanks for any help guys.

[dubtuner98284]

Do you have access to a table saw and a router? I know it sounds like a weird request but it will tell me how best to help you. Also, getting Plexiglas that that is thick enough to not flex like mad can get very expensive.

[evermaxx]

Yeah I have both. And I know the cost lol.

[dubtuner98284]

The way I do it is to build a lip for the plexiglass to sit on that is attached to the inside of the box. You want tne lip to be at least 1 inch so the plexi has a good meaty seat to be attached to. Use a router to clean up the edges unless you plan on making a trim ring to hide the fasteners. I use threaded insert for a 1/4-20 machine screw (lowes calls them Wood Insert Lock Nuts If you have a smartphone take in a pic to your local hardware store so they don't get confused) and phillips drive flat headed machine screws so I can countersink the heads and have a flush and more finished looking box. The best way I have found to attach the lip is by clearance drilling and countersinking the box and screwing into the raw MDF so that it pulls the lip tight. Use sufficient wood glue and if you still don't trust the lip, fiberglass it to the box on the hidden edge. If you are feeling really tricky, this would be the time to dado an edge of the plexi to insert 5050 SMD LEDs (not steve meade design leds) Take a look here for some ideas http://www.amazon.com/Strip-light-Waterproof-Flexible-Light/dp/B005EHHLD8. Most draw so little current that you can get away with tapping your amp remote lead for turn on. Just make sure to use an inline fuse when tapping the amp remote to avoid a short. There are other ways to wire them too. Remotes and such.

At this point you should decide on an interior color for your box since its now visible. White is a good color if you are planning on using leds to light up the interior. It reflects the led color you use and shows off less imperfections than a darker color.

I use Frost King white foam rubber weather stripping to seal my box. Its easy to get and matches the color your lip should be. Looks clean when installed too.

Whatever you do, don't waste money getting plexi frosted if you want a logo on it. Get a vinyl sticker made with opaque vinyl. It will look like you spent the big bucks on etching, and you can change it if you change subwoofer brand or cars without buying a new sheet of plexi.

Major thing to remember, your plexi needs to be as thick as you box is.

[evermaxx]

Okay, so should that wall be double baffled? and i've heard alot..but what size plexi should you use?

[SlamminBeats]

if it were me, i would do 2 layer wood .75 each, then buy .75 plexi and attach it to the other .75 mdf layer so you piece is still 1.5 thick.

one piece of wood has a cutout the size of the plexi window, the other has a cutout slightlty smaller than the window so it can be screwed in.

Depending on where you attach the plexi will dtermine if the front of back piece of .75 has the large or smaller cutout.

its confusing to type out.

[evermaxx]

Lol, got any pics? I learn better by seeing it anyways.

Thanks guys.

I plan to do it above my slot port.

box is subs up port back.

[omg_spoon]

The acrylic wont be quiet 3/4s it'll be a couple thousands small. Just fyi. I took this right now on a peice we have. Its plexiglas g. This is with masking on. So id expect .7 out a random sheet. I don't know if this affects anything. Just general info that plastic comes real small. Worse than wood.

[evermaxx]

So exactly how could I attach it?

[dubtuner98284]

Post a pic of your box and where you want to put the plexi