fiestaturbo.com

[phils_wicked]

MDF Spacers (possible sticky??)

This gets asked quite often, so heres how I like to make them. MDF (medium density fibre) is nasty stuff, dont inhale the MDF dust. Wear a mask and do this outside where possible.

Ok.....

MDF can be used to make a spacer to fit aftermarket speakers without spending £10 on a pair of universal plastic jobbies.By making your own spacers you can adjust the mouthing depth, speaker angle and fit. MDF is available at all main DIY stores in varying thicknesses. You will only need 2sqft for two speakers (approx) so look for an off cut if this is all you need. I personaly perefer 12-18mm for my spacers, but thinner works well for most speakers.

This small guide will not tell you how to remove the old speakers, or how to take the interior door trim off. Just take your time and think before giving something a good hard yank.

This is a general guide; some instructions may vary depending upon the year and model of vehicle.

When making pairs of these, it is possible to clamp two sheets of MDF together to make a pair of spacers in one go. Although time saving it’s also means you can knacker two sheets of MDF at once, it’s your choice.



Step 1

Remove the interior door trim (carefully).

You should now be able to see the original speaker, held in with four large screws.

Remove the screws and put them somewhere safe. The speaker can now be pulled away from the door, there may be some "sticktion" holding it in place.

Disconnect the small yellow plug from the speaker.


Step 2

Now for the MDF!

Using the old speaker, trace its outline onto the MDF sheet. You should end up with an odd looking hexagon type shape.

Cut out the shape using a jigsaw or equivalent.

This will allow you to fit your new speakers flush to the door.


Step 3

Hold the hexagon shape up the door and check the fit; it may need trimming down or re-cutting.

Once a good fit has been found, use the old speaker to mark the original mounting screw holes onto the MDF.

It’s a good idea to make a pilot hole now and double check the fit.


Step 4

Time to mark out the new speaker hole in the MDF! Many speakers come with a template for the new speaker, if so; use it to mark out the hole onto the MDF.

If you do not have a template.........improvise. The mounting hole dimensions should be written on the packaging. Alternatively, measure the diameter of the speaker from the edges of the speaker basket. (NOT the speaker mounting lugs!)


Step 5

Cut it out. Try to be as accurate as you can or you may find that a lot of sanding and filing needs to be done.

Now check that the new speaker sits in the hole flush to the MDF. If it won’t, file and sand as appropriate.


Step6

With the speaker sitting flush in the MDF, mark the mounting points with a pencil and make a pilot hole.

You have now made a spacer! Make a brew, light a ciggie and feel manly


Fitting

1) Screw the MDF to the door; you may need longer screws depending on the thickness of the MDF.

2) Pull the speaker cable through the hole and wire up the new speaker.

3) Sit the speaker in the hole and fix it to the MDF using screws

4) Check everything works

5) Make sure all of the screws are tight


Job done

If there is some unevenness between the MDF and the door, or the MDF and the speaker; use a bead of mastic to give a good seal.


Conclusion

Although it may sound tricky, it’s actually very easy to do. Using MDF to make these spacers means an exact fit rather than making do with a universal plastic spacer.

Once you are confident making these, you can go further. The MDF can be shaped to angle the speakers upwards and toward the listening position. This can help to increase the front stereo image. Should funds allow, it’s a good idea to deaden the door panel using Brown Bread, Dynamat, flashing tape etc. This combined with the solid MDF speaker mounting will help to increase midrange punch and clarity and help smooth the bass extension.

This is a general guide, I know people have their own views and methods of construction which is fine, however this guide should hopefully help those who simply need a starting point.

These spacers can be made for most cars. Although the shapes, depths etc may differ the idea remains. Just take your time, think and have a go!

Phil

[Rhinopower]

very nice all it needs is a few piccies!

[phils_wicked]

I havent got any pics at the mo, next time i make a set ill take pics and update the guide.

Thanks for the comment

[Phil Si]

Moved to guides (brownies lol )

[Richbk]

Hey thanks, great guide!

I made some MDF spacers:

Sorry about the large image!
My other one doesn't have the nasty grey duck tape on it!

My page here - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gillian.jeffrey/cars.htm
shows how I made them.

Now my problem is that when I try and fit the trim back on, it won't fit because the speaker sticks out too far and im only using 6mm MDF!

I've got a MK3 fiesta so have you got any ideas?

Thanks

Ric

[Phil Si]

While these are all well and good... An easy option is to use the adapters from halfords for a few quid.. they have the correct screw size/bolts so it is like factory... Just a thought.

[Richbk]

Whilst that is true it all depends on the person and their budget. I prefer to do things myself and decided to try making one before buying some adapters. I've lost nothing through the process of making them and I even enjoyed making them.

Like I said, depends on the person but I may have to buy adapters from halfords as I have a feeling it's going to be too much hassle to change the ones I've made.

Ric

[phils_wicked]

Tis true, you can just go buy some plastic jobbies for £10. However they are deffo not a garanteed fit for every speaker, and MDF can be "tweaked" depending on how creative you're feeling.

Rich, I had no problems when I made some for my old mk3, where is the mdf catching?

[Richbk]

It was catching on the bottom and pulling the door panel outwards. However I went and bought the plastic speaker adapters and they seem to do the same thing to a certain extent.

Ric

Btw, if u want some more pics to use in ur tut, theres sum on my site of how i did it.