False Boot Floor
I truly did not want to cut or alter the Mini. I tried to fit the amps under the seats but it was too close for comfort. The tops would have rubbed the metal cross seat braces. On occasion I have had the third person in the Mini. With the passenger seat forward that would have exposed the amp to foot traffic (not the best scenario). I also tried behind the rear side panels but to keep the HK amp that left only one side to fit both amps (not an option). I even thought about a different amp with (8) channels. That was too large for the side panel. I chose to build a false boot floor after seeing others do such nice jobs.
I wanted a nice fit but with air flow. I wanted to hide the wires. I also wanted my existing sub woofer enclosure to fit (I actually sawed off some of the edges of the sub box and re-carpeted the box) (came out nice).
How high does it sit above the boot floor? I measured the amp height, then gave myself a little room for air and wires.
What is the floor's shape? I imagine if you have a mat for the boot your in good shape. Use the mat as a guide (remember that the false floor has to be slightly bigger than the mat because your higher up and the side slant outwards). Myself I had to make a poster board template. After several cuts and placing the template over the amps with magazines on top for spacers, I ended up with a good template. I used 3/8 inch plywood. Cut with a jigsaw and sanded smooth with slightly rounded corners. Trial fit the piece multiple times to be sure it's OK. Also, allow for the thickness of whatever your covering the wood with. An absolute tight fit is not necessary. I also wanted to be able to lift the floor out, so cutting hand areas doubled as air holes.
Riser posts were 1/2 in x 1/2 in wood screwed on with counter sunk screws from the top. Mark there placement with the amps laying on the board and center wiring routes visualized. Felt tips were also added to the bottom of the posts for cushioning. Remember to consider the felt cushions if height is critical.
You can buy the floor covering at most install stores. It color matches quite nice. Buy a small can of contact cement (formica adhesive will do). Do the flat main section first then the edges and corners. Avoid getting the cement on visible areas of the floor as it will look bad later. Do this operation in a non windy location where drips might not matter. Keep your fingers clean. Touching the covering with cement fingers will hack the job. Notching the corners will help. Let dry overnight.
Flip the floor over and start attach the amps.
I used two (2) splitter power blocks. One for the 12 volt incoming feeding the two amps and one for the dual grounds to a single ground point.
Wire guides that could open/close helped hold the wires together. Remember they would eventually end up hanging upside down.
Post installation I have felt the floor for heat and have found none. If you do have heat a small 12 volt fan could help. I do believe others have had to do this.
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New Amp Note Ground / Power Splitters |
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Floor Build Note:pre fit floor allowing for the covering - avoid rubbing |
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Floor Build Note:leg height allow for air but not too tall - legs have felt pads |
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Floor Build Note:notches for air and lifting handles |
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Old Amp see the one that failed |
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Floor Build Note:leg placement - to allow amps to attach |
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Finished Floor |