SpudRacer
03-29-2007, 09:22 PM
I made the mistake of ordering the MOPAR Add-A-Trunk for my Rubi (which has the factory Subwoofer) before I found out the two are totally incompatible. Once I installed the Add-A-Trunk (by removing the subwoofer), I knew it had to stay and the subwoofer had to find a new home.
After eyeballing several possible locations, I selected the passenger wheelwell between the rollbar and the rear seat as the best location.
To remove the subwoofer, simply undo the three nuts, then disconnect the connector and off it comes. I couldn't find a way to remove the original mounting studs, so I used a Dremel cutting wheel to shave them off at the base.
Next, I pulled up the carpeting which is very easy to do. Then you have to remove the outside passenger plastic wheelwell liner simply by grabbing and yanking it out. Do NOT do this when it's cold or the plastic tabs may break.
Once you gain access to both sides of the metal wheelwell, decide where you want to mount the subwoofer. I recommend as close to the tub as possible and as far rearward as possible. To prep the subwoofer, remove the bracket attached to the underside of the subwoofer and use a Dremel cutting wheel to CAREFULLY and SLOWLY grind off the top mounting tab of the subwoofer. A fine grit sandpaper will smooth it out once you get it pretty smooth with the grinder.
To mark the locations to drill into the wheelwell, I used some wheelbearing grease on the three mounting tabs where the mounting bracket was installed, then carefully lower it in place until you have three grease spots. This is where you drill.
I used the same mounting screws to temporarily mount the subwoofer. I then got a 10" black shelving bracket from ACE Hardware, and bent/cut it to fit, then mounted it to the wheelwell to support the front of the subwoofer.
Once everything was lined up and the subwoofer was securely mounted, I removed it again and installed the carpeting. Using a utility knife, I cut a slit for the forward mounting bracket and pulled the carpeting into place. I then applied silicone to the drilled holes, and permanently mounted the subwoofer.
Lastly, I cut all four wires to the subwoofer and soldered in an extra 8" of 16g wire, then covered the connections with shrink wrap.
Once done, I reinstalled the Add-A-Trunk, and marvelled at a beautiful alternative to settling for one or the other. Yes Charlie Brown, you CAN have your cake and eat it too!!
Please see the following photos. http://my.project-jk.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=113
Tom
Bryson City, NC
After eyeballing several possible locations, I selected the passenger wheelwell between the rollbar and the rear seat as the best location.
To remove the subwoofer, simply undo the three nuts, then disconnect the connector and off it comes. I couldn't find a way to remove the original mounting studs, so I used a Dremel cutting wheel to shave them off at the base.
Next, I pulled up the carpeting which is very easy to do. Then you have to remove the outside passenger plastic wheelwell liner simply by grabbing and yanking it out. Do NOT do this when it's cold or the plastic tabs may break.
Once you gain access to both sides of the metal wheelwell, decide where you want to mount the subwoofer. I recommend as close to the tub as possible and as far rearward as possible. To prep the subwoofer, remove the bracket attached to the underside of the subwoofer and use a Dremel cutting wheel to CAREFULLY and SLOWLY grind off the top mounting tab of the subwoofer. A fine grit sandpaper will smooth it out once you get it pretty smooth with the grinder.
To mark the locations to drill into the wheelwell, I used some wheelbearing grease on the three mounting tabs where the mounting bracket was installed, then carefully lower it in place until you have three grease spots. This is where you drill.
I used the same mounting screws to temporarily mount the subwoofer. I then got a 10" black shelving bracket from ACE Hardware, and bent/cut it to fit, then mounted it to the wheelwell to support the front of the subwoofer.
Once everything was lined up and the subwoofer was securely mounted, I removed it again and installed the carpeting. Using a utility knife, I cut a slit for the forward mounting bracket and pulled the carpeting into place. I then applied silicone to the drilled holes, and permanently mounted the subwoofer.
Lastly, I cut all four wires to the subwoofer and soldered in an extra 8" of 16g wire, then covered the connections with shrink wrap.
Once done, I reinstalled the Add-A-Trunk, and marvelled at a beautiful alternative to settling for one or the other. Yes Charlie Brown, you CAN have your cake and eat it too!!
Please see the following photos. http://my.project-jk.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=113
Tom
Bryson City, NC