Anyone mount amps behind rear seat back?
07-18-2009, 12:53 PM
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Anyone mount amps behind rear seat back? Tried a search but didn't come up with anything. Has anyone mounted an aftermarket amp behind their rear seat? I bought the car with the amps mounted in the rear seat location a few years back and am going to throw a rear seat back in it. I was thinking about moving them but would like to keep them where they are for a stealth install. I am thinking about cutting a notch out of the seat back but wasn't sure how comfortable the seats would be with half of the foam cut out. I would keep the seat back down most of the time so airflow wouldn't be a problem. Here are a few pics of the car as it sits right now.
07-18-2009, 03:35 PM
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Im pretty sure with that setup you have there, if you were to put seats over it, it would definitely overheat fast. If you want comfort get some memory foam. That stuff in thinner qualities is still more comfortable that thicker stock seat foam.
07-18-2009, 05:21 PM
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I would have the seat back folded down most of the time anyway. I only drive the car a few miles every few months if I'm lucky and it is usually just me in the car. I would like to take my wife and son for a short cruise every now and then.
07-19-2009, 11:03 AM
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You can do this.
-Use efficient amps, like Class D - yes, full range class D amps exist, usually ICEpower, and also some Tripath ("Class T"). Eclipse, Alpine, Pioneer and others have them.
-Get amps with no fans
-Cut the carpet and thermally couple the amps straight to the car sheet metal. You will need a relatively flat mounting surface, and I'd consider using thermal interface material from a company like Bergquist. (You could use thermal grease like you use for computer processors, but it's messy)
-Don't puncture the gas tank if you use screws. I don't know how much clearance there is, but on the top of the rear deck, clearance is low.
-Don't use ridiculously overpowered subwoofer amps
You won't need the seat to be down at all.
-Use efficient amps, like Class D - yes, full range class D amps exist, usually ICEpower, and also some Tripath ("Class T"). Eclipse, Alpine, Pioneer and others have them.
-Get amps with no fans
-Cut the carpet and thermally couple the amps straight to the car sheet metal. You will need a relatively flat mounting surface, and I'd consider using thermal interface material from a company like Bergquist. (You could use thermal grease like you use for computer processors, but it's messy)
-Don't puncture the gas tank if you use screws. I don't know how much clearance there is, but on the top of the rear deck, clearance is low.
-Don't use ridiculously overpowered subwoofer amps
You won't need the seat to be down at all.
07-19-2009, 10:10 PM
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There was one guy who posted pictures, no idea where they are though.. I will hunt more later. But what he did was mounted the amp and subs back there, and built a box that resembled the seat back, and put the seat fabric right over it without the foam. Looked like they were real seats, and shouldn't cause too much heat since the fabric is breathable.
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07-20-2009, 08:41 PM
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Did some thinking and measuring on the amps and decided I would have to take out way to much foam to be remotely comfortable. I pulled the amps and mounted the seats up and decided to throw the amps on the back deck. Now I just need to get some time to hook the amps back up.
07-21-2009, 03:17 PM
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07-21-2009, 06:23 PM
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Another thing to consider for people who have not purchased amps yet is that most newer models have a MUCH smaller foot print then older models like the ones pictured. One of the new Infinity 5-channel amps I currently have is only 14" x 7" x 1 3/4". For a 5-channel that is pretty small. There 800watt monoblock is the same size as well. Alot of the other audio companies have also been doing this making hiding amps alot easier while still maintaining good power levels.
07-21-2009, 10:38 PM
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Have the back seats in and the amps halfway mounted up and wired. Here are a few mock up and teaser pics. Still need to finish hooking up one amp and put the panels back together.
07-24-2009, 12:17 AM
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look at my cardomain page, copy the address from my siggy and there is a page dedicated to my sound system set up. you can get some ideas if you'd like. I made a custom box for the back deck and it looks super nice.