I need help regarding building a sub enclosure

[Boar-Ral]

I started building a sub/component enclosure for under the second row seats.* I wanted to save as much space as possible, so I went with 1/2" MDF and #8 screws.* Unfortunately, the MDF is splitting when I try to screw the sides onto the base.* I considered pre-drilling the holes or using wood glue instead.* Does anyone with experience working with this stuff have any recommendations?* I can go with 3/4" MDF for the sides if it comes to that.* The base is fine as 1/2".* I am just trying to keep things as small as possible.* If anyone has any recommendations, I would love to hear them.* Thanks!

[tomp]

Use HDF and not cheap Home Depot MDF!

[Boar-Ral]

Use HDF and not cheap Home Depot MDF!
D'oh.* I don't even know what HDF is.* This is the first time I have undertaken a project like this, because I wanted to keep myself busy and not rely on others.* Seems I'm doing the same, just online instead of in person.* Does HDF look the same?* I don't think I've seen anything else like MDF in the stores I've been to.

[GLBLWARMR]

Use 1"x1" pine pieces as an internal frame and you came screw the sides, base and top into those pieces. This will keep the wood from splitting. Then just carpet the whole thing.

[Boar-Ral]

For reference or for anyone interested, this is what I have come up with so far:

http://www.boarral.com/cafcna/thumbs/base1a.jpg (http://www.boarral.com/cafcna/base1b.jpg)

http://www.boarral.com/cafcna/thumbs/clearance1a.jpg (http://www.boarral.com/cafcna/clearance1b.jpg)

I have had to trim a bit more on the left side because the one seat bracket angles towards the passenger side, but there is still enough room for one or two of the slim subwoofers from Pioneer or Earthquake, as well as amplifiers and switching equipment.* The seats fold down most of the way, but are angled slightly.* It is not much of a problem, though.* If I just had a subwoofer and an amplifier, I could keep it low enough for the seats to fold fully, but I have too much to fit that way.

[Boar-Ral]

Use 1"x1" pine pieces as an internal frame and you came screw the sides, base and top into those pieces. This will keep the wood from splitting. Then just carpet the whole thing.
That is something that I never would have thought of.* Hmm.* What are your thoughs on the steel L-brackets?* Those would work too, I imagine.* I think I even have a box of them somewhere.* Thanks for the idea!

[Sombra]

How did it turn out? Got Pics.

GAS

[Boar-Ral]

How did it turn out? Got Pics.

GAS
I am making slow progress due to the weather turning colder. (No garage, and I was working outside.) I am meeting more local Hummer owners though, and maybe I can borrow some garage space one weekend. I'll rummage for some pictures I took with a couple updates, but nothing major.

[Sombra]

Do you have a CD Changer under the 2nd row seats?

GAS

[Boar-Ral]

Do you have a CD Changer under the 2nd row seats?

GAS
Not exactly. I have a Kenwood Music Keg that will be installed beneath the second row seats. Head units see it as a Kenwood CD changer, using a protocol converter, as necessary.

[ASTAR]

When I built a box, I used 3/4" MDF and it was fine. No splitting as long as I stayed pretty well in the center.