Damn IE. Having spent 20 minutes typing the message, it decided to perform an illegal operation as I clicked on the post message.

Oh well, here goes a second time

Decided to have a go installing my sub and creating a false floor. All the amps and cabling can be hidden under the boot floor which is raised on supports.

First, I removed the "D" shaped thin board which covers the spare wheel well and then rolled back the boot carpet over the folded down rear seats. I then cut to size a bit of chipboard which covered the boot.

I then fold back the carpet onto the chipboard. This provides the new base onto which all the bits can be screwed onto.

I then placed sub, and screwed it down to the chipboard with a couple of large "L" brackets. I did this for two reasons:

1) In the event of a crash, the last thing I'd want to worry about is a 25kg sub and box flying through the cabin

2) It'll make Mr Pikey's theft attempt a lot more difficult if everything's screwed in tightly

The sub won't go against the rear right wheel arch because of the chassis. As you fold the rear seats down, the corners of the opening are rounded off and protrude into the boot. That's why there's a 4-5cm gap between the sub and the wheel arch. But I did find a use for it which is explained a little later.

I then laid out the 2 amps (one for the front components and another for the sub), power distribution block and sub where I wanted them.

Once all those bits were in place, it was time to build the struts for the new floor. I used some pine timber joists, cut into appropriate lenghts to create a grid-like platform.

I cut a grove in the support next to the sub to pass the cable under.

Then came the trickiest bit: cuting the new MDF floor. The boot has pretty much a "rectangle" cross-section. But at the back, by the boot hatch, it's all curvey. Numerous jigsaw cuttings and filing attempts later produced a nice bit of MDF which gives a snug fit around the boot.

I had some acoustic carpet left over from a previous install. Although quite pricey, it is nicely colour coded to the rest of the boot lining. It's also rather stetchy which is great for giving a nice flat bit of carpet without any bumps.

I think you're supposed to have some aerosol glue which makes the carpet stick to MDF. Of course, I'd forgotten to buy some, so carpet duct tape had to do. And boy did it do well

Once on, you're not gonna unstick any carpet easily with this gooey tape

So after several hours of measuring, cuting, cursing (oh yes, lots of that!) measuring a second time, cuting a second tinme then praying you haven't cut too much off, I have the result I was after:

Oh, that little slot to the right of the sub I mentioned earlier? Well, a little socket set fits in rather nicely.

All in all, I'm rather chuffed with myself. It's not perfect and there is the odd gap or two, but for a first attempt, I think it's rather good. At least I can have two amps and a sub in the boot and still be able to throw in the odd bit of luggage

Oh, apologies for all the typos. It's getting late...

Excellent

I should really do something with mine to reclaim some boot space:

Nice, very neat.

One question though, do you have any fans/vents for the amps?

They will get very hot working in the inclosed space under that MDF. Maplins do cheap cooling fans, put on it at one end going one way, then one at the other going in reverse, this will circulate the air underneath and keep the amps happy.

Looks very neat Xavier. I'm impressed!

As Ross has mentioned though. Needs some sort of cooling. Amps can run very hot indeed!

As much as I don't get the whole in-car banging bass thing, that is a nice installation

Dave.

Cheers

Regarding the heat, they're not running particularly warm, and so I don't think I need any. I will keep an eye on them though.

As much as I don't get the whole in-car banging bass thing, that is a nice installation

Who said anything about banging bass?

It's a "SQ" install, not a SPL one

The sub isn't overly loud. You can't even really tell it's there, it merges in very nicely with the fronts.

Can't wait to get my rainbows installed now

Just shows how much I know about ICE - nothing! You haven't got blacked out windows and one of those back-to-front baseball caps (where do you buy them from anyway? ) have you?

Just joking mate, if I was going have this stuff installed, I'd want it done like yours.

Dave.

Very nice looking Xavier - INDEED! - couple of questions - I was worried about amp venting too as my instructions insisted I mount mine vertically to increase airflow, which is why I bolted it to the side of the boot. If they don't run hot (which mine never has anyway) I guess it's not a problem)

Also, how easy is it for you to get your spare wheel out now? :P Seems to me you'd need a power screwdriver to get access to it.

It deffo looks neater than mine but then I just want the ability to remove my sub whenever I want and also don't have to worry about pikeys.

Very good, nice job, and the step by step photos will help others, well done.

yes that looks funky. Here is a piccy of mine, ive got no boot space now

That looks really professional, Xavier, and well done with the detailed fitting instructions.

Nice one X !

Quality install Xavier! And quality kit too

Now what do you charge for an Ocatvia?

Great work Xavier,

Is there still access to the spare wheel if you need it?

I guess the new chipboard boot floor panel can be lifted out entirely. However the sub etc must be heavy.

Well done Xavier. Nice and clean.

When i get round to do my boot install (whenever that is) i'll probably place th sub in the spare wheel bay and have a couple of cans of tyre weld handy if i get a flat.

When i get round to do my boot install (whenever that is) i'll probably place th sub in the spare wheel bay and have a couple of cans of tyre weld handy if i get a flat.

John,

One thing to bear in mind is that if you have a puncture it can not be repaired if you have used tyre weld.

John' date='

One thing to bear in mind is that if you have a puncture it can not be repaired if you have used tyre weld.[/quote']

You phone the AA

You find now that some of the car manufacturers are doing tyre weld. Clio 172 cup and now 182. You don't even get room for a spare wheel never mid a spare. Also I think the new Accord you get a option for tyre weld instead of a spare.

Felicitations Xavier!!

Nice job mate, be well interested to hear how it sounds. My mega install is I think about to get underway.

Will be posting pics as we progress over the coming months

Good to see pics as well. By the way can you PM me with the details on the acoustic carpet, how much, where you got it from as well.

Cheers

Andre

Hi Andre. Sorry, I completely forgot to answer your q :(

Carpet is bought from any ICE dealer. Not cheap though - about

What are Rainbow Vanadium's? I've never heard of rainbow. Do they fit nice in the front doors? Got any Pics?

thats really great,i have been thinking of doing something myself,but i am all thumbs,the pics will really help my instructions also tell me to mount the amps vertically,so i dont really know whether i should

hmmmmmmmm,its a mess in my boot though,and the sub isnt fixed,i was worried about drilling into the petrol tank!

I have these which are the 2way Profi Vanadiums in 6.5inch size.

Check out http://english.rainbow-audio.de/home/

Dan, if the weather's half decent this weekend, I'll take off my door cards yet again to take some pics, just for you :p

Also, the other thing you have to bear in mind with component speakers is they need crossover boxes (unless you run them active but that requires expensive head unit / processing box). I fit the rainbow crossover boxes in the doors too. Pics will reveal all

Sounds good Xavier. Can't wait to hear how good it all sounds now!

Cheers TF. It will be much appreciated

I was also looking at the Rainbows and best of luck the UK supplier is round the corner from my house what a bonus.

I'm going to stick with the stock headunit as I like it's bland blend in with the dashboard 'why bother nicking me' styling. However, I think I'd need an AMP to drive the Rainbows.