[Ronin]

I originally posted some of this in Audio/Video Mods, but I figured it deserves its own thread here.

I wanted a very strong false floor at close-to-stock height to hide my sub and amp.

The frame is anchored to the factory bolt holes.

The lids are made from MDF sheeting and feature recessed hinges.

Here it is open. I still have easy access to my amp controls. FYI, sub is held in place with L-brackets which are affixed to the floor. Amp is simply screwed down.

Hidden storage compartments! I wanted their lid to swing the other way, but it wasn't practical due to the lid's overhang, which is necessary for complete coverage of the cargo area.

Here it is all covered. The untrained eye would be unlikely to distinguish it from stock.

I'm still toying with the idea of painting it. Does anybody have any experience painting MDF? I've heard some people say it can be a real pain to get good results...

 

[US MARINER 1]

Not bad!

 

[ltlredscape]

Really, Really nice!!!
I wonder how heavy it is though...i was thinking of making something for mine (not for amps but for a bigger storage compartment which mine dosent have) but i didnt want it to be very heavy.

 

[goldash03]

Looks very nice!Good job! :thumb:

 

[jonas1022]

Very nice job! :thumb: :thumb:

Painting MDF? I think you have to seal it with something first. To keep the paint from soaking into the material. Just ask the paint guy at Home Depot, Lowe's or the paint store. Maybe check it out online with a search? The answer might be right at your fingertips.

 

[Ronin]

Really, Really nice!!!
I wonder how heavy it is though...i was thinking of making something for mine (not for amps but for a bigger storage compartment which mine dosent have) but i didnt want it to be very heavy.

Thanks! It's not terribly heavy. I'd estimate the whole setup (not counting audio gear) weighs perhaps a little over 30 pounds. I'm not sure about the exact weight of the stock plastic "tub" which it replaced, but overall I'd consider this project a negligible weight gain. Unless of course you're trying to shave fractions of seconds off your quarter mile times or something. Then every pound counts.

 

[ltlredscape]

Thanks, But i was thinking more in the fuel mileage department than 1/4 mile lol! Since mine isnt known to get excellent mileage (16 city/HWY 20) same as ltl'reds previous owners got.
What kind of wood did u make the lid out of? Plywood or hardboard?

 

[Ronin]

Thanks, But i was thinking more in the fuel mileage department than 1/4 mile lol! Since mine isnt known to get excellent mileage (16 city/HWY 20) same as ltl'reds previous owners got.
What kind of wood did u make the lid out of? Plywood or hardboard?

The lid is made of MDF. ("Medium Density Fiberboard") Strong stuff, and popular for speaker cabinet applications.

 

[stone]

Congratulations Ronin!. :thumb: :bump:

 

[hermie]

hmmm!
an excellent modification, i will be doing this to my new escape.
could not figure out why ford put a steel cover over this area if it is not a hybrid with battery packs.

i will be using maple board joined together with biscuits and marine glue instead of MDF.

 

[great_escape]

Oooo lala.. I like this a lot! My amp is hidden but my sub is just chillin in the back taking up precious cargo space...I hope to do this to mine too...mad props on hidden floor, awesome wheels, and black bull bar...lookin to do the same to mine! Good taste :thumb:

 

[Highspl]

Looks good, but doesn't it make noise when the bass hits? I would think having the "lid" over the top of it like that would rattle

 

[Ronin]

Looks good, but doesn't it make noise when the bass hits? I would think having the "lid" over the top of it like that would rattle

Nope; if you look closely, you can see that I've added felt tabs along the contact points to prevent this. Even without them, I don't think it would be all that bad given the heft and precision of the lid.

 

[rayner601]

Painting MDF is tricky... I have used regular grey primer then go with a top coat. Do not sand the mdf or it will look like poo. I had some cabinet doors and one had a bad spot on it. I sanded the MDF then primered the whole door. The spot with the sanding looked like a matte finish by the time I got the top coat on it. I ended up remaking the door.

 

[jdjrferg4]

Best way to paint MDF http://tinyurl.com/3nbm37k

 

[jbone2470]

Maybe drill few air holes and put some kind of mesh so nothing gets in there like dirt or whatever, then u got good air flow, maybe better sound since theres holes sound can travel out of, just a thought, maybe not too estetically to look at but looks like u have good skills,also it looks great, MDF is the snizzle, great stuff, but prime it or seal it then paint it to help preserve...great job :rockon:

 

[Ronin]

Wow, thanks to all for the continued positive feedback and the info about painting MDF! I'd like to get around to painting it soon; maybe when it cools off a little in my area. Heat index is breaking 100 degrees LOL. (Actually I like it hot, but not for doing these kinds of projects!)

 

[jbone2470]

Your Welcome, I love it when people take pictures of their mods and not just tell us about what they did...Soo once again Great job :clap: eace:

 

[jdjrferg4]

Can you post your dimensions and board sizes? I would love a building plan if you have one!!!
If I did it completely on my own....well it would probably cost 5x more than it should! :cuss:

 

[Ronin]

Can you post your dimensions and board sizes? I would love a building plan if you have one!!!
If I did it completely on my own....well it would probably cost 5x more than it should! :cuss:

Unfortunately this mod began life as a rudimentary sketch. It was then built on-the-fly, loosely adhering to said sketch. There was a lot of altering and "persuading" pieces to fit. It really is best if you make your own measurements. But the "frame" is made of 2x3-inch planks. The "lid" was cut from a solid sheet of MDF. You have some flexibility regarding the thickness of the lid. I suggest using a sheet that is at least half an inch thick. You could go less than that if you want to be closer to stock height, but you'd be giving up a lot of strength.

Also, it sounds funny, but I advise you to literally TRACE your stock cargo mat onto the sheet as a template for cutting the lid. (Worked for me!)