3 Amps & DSP Amplifier Rack? LET'S BUILD! Tricks for planning & mounting

When building an amplifier rack for a car audio build there are important things we need to make sure we do to determine the proper layout. How can we plan a layout for our custom amp rack? Where should we mount the amplifiers and DSP and how should we plan for our wiring? What tools are needed to do this properly? Let's take a look!
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Car Audio Fabrication - Master Car Audio - Design, Build, Install

[@stephendverner]

Everything you do is so planned out and implemented perfectly. Inspires me to aim higher with my builds.

[@miscemail2901]

Love the RivNut tool! One Amazon review mentioned disassembly and replacing the poor quality grease with better grease and it made a night and day difference in the performance.

[@adamortega914]

Looking forward to the wiring video. Always clean and appreciate the rivets than just using self tapping screws🙌🏽

[@eblkheart]

I did something like this for my 2019 Dodge Challenger. However, I didn't foresee the issue with the seats folding back into place. They wouldn't lock. I mounted the amps on to a plastic panel, similar to yours, on the back seat facing the trunk. But with the error of the placement, I had to redo the placement, and after a series of tries, I nailed it. It's been sitting comfy for nearly a year now. The only thing I didn't do was round out the corner and edges, but since it's hidden, unless I show it, It works. I'll be interested in seeing how you do the wiring. That was interesting for me. I did only use one block for both + and - with everything attached to my amp and DSP. I also added a simple digital volt meter to the block in case I had an issue with voltage, which after a year, I'm good. If you're interested in seeing how I did mine, I'll send it to your CAF fb page. I love watching these and my install was a inspiration came from you on your videos. Thank you!

[@Carlosm02tx]

I wanted to do this in my current project but I think I’ll go a different route because of the same issue plus the fact it’ll go up and down a lot

[@DADDYCOKE2012]

I did the exact same thing I thought I nailed it and soon as I went to slam the seat shut, I snapped off a pair of RCA’s going into one of the amps , Looks like a lot of space until you actually close the seats 😂

[@jimodell99]

One suggestion. Unless the video is deceiving on how close it really is and IF there is enough space between the back of the rear seats and the amp rack components, I would suggest some stanchions that will thread into the rivet nuts that would have a female thread on the other end for the machined screws you used to mount the rack. The amp rack looks to be very close to those two vents. If it was spaced out even a quarter inch, I think that would have been better. There is a reason the material over the vent was as far away as it was. Just a thought.

[@davidscruggs4941]

Dude! Thank you, thank you! I've enjoyed all your videos. Recently, I got bored with the same old projects I have been building in my workshop. Now I'm getting into all this "CARAUDIOFAB" Thanks!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

That's awesome, what have you been building?

[@davidscruggs4941]

@@CarAudioFabrication Amp rack and large sub box for my 2017 JK.

[@christiandshatto7765]

Nice added touch with rounding the Sintra/abs/blown pvc amp rack corners- I never thought of that on mine👍🏼

[@paulgood2218]

Great video. Perfect timing I'm going be attempting my own amp rock install in near future !!

[@zero2three1]

Excellent guide! And the fact that you touched up the hole...

[@denniswalker1640]

Sweet amp rack Mark, looking foward to the build 👌

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for tuning in 👍

[@steveo3947]

Super clean and professional as always!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you!

[@D.Feenstra]

Great video again, just what i need for my new setup!

[@anthonymyers-35]

Awesome Mark, looks fantastic 👌

[@suthtokcraew1227]

can't wait a next step to see your wiring running n management ☑️

[@bradysimpson]

Oh, man. Lookin sweet, Mark. As always, super excited about the next vid. Love amp rack wiring vids.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Definitely keep an eye out, wiring video will be here soon! Thanks for stopping in.

[@jessewoodworth3888]

Hello from New Orleans!!! I just wanted to take the tme to say Thankyou Soooo much for doing this video but also tell you totally f***ing ROCK dude!!! I now feel have enough confidence to try doing something like this... So I Am now in the process of building my own amp wall rack just like yours here rightnow for my own f150 bc it will save myself from paying my local shop 350$ to build it!!! Also with the xtra $$ am now saving Thinkin I can put it towards buying more audio gear for this fun new build in my truck!! BTW I subscribed now too!!! Anyway gonna get back to working on this amp wall....If I have any questions about wiring and mounting part would you mind if I ask U for your Professional help or few tips & advice??

[@dcole808]

Always great & helpful info..

[@joshuam.6404]

Subscribed! Excellent how to and tips.

[@johnalenwork53]

Thanks for the awesome video my friend!!!

[@markfama70]

Mark your videos and the detailed explanation of everything you do are fantastic. I am in the process of re-doing my set up in my '07 Z06 to something similar to what you have done in this F150. I had completed a head unit, sub amp and 4 channel amp and 2 x 10 sub box build and install with your help 2 summers ago. Now I am adding another amp and JL TWK88 DSP this summer...going 3 way active with Focal K2 power mid bass 6.5s and tweets, and AudioFrog GB40 mid range up front. Same number of components and using the same install gear you use from KnuKonceptz for wire and blocks. You have inspired me to spend more time working on my audio in the car than actually driving it, haha, as my wife likes to point out. I thank you for your enthusiasm and attention to process. Your work looks phenomenal and I'm sure it sounds even better. I can only hope I get mine to be half as good. I have been teaching high school for almost 30 years, so I have the experience to say that you are a master teacher. I wish you continued success and happiness!!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for the kind words! And thanks for being a teacher, we need more people passionate about teaching the next generation

[@MrIzxndahouse]

That was pretty thorough and a great compliment. Nice to see. Great video and very detailed. Two thumbs up!

[@vd1170]

Very clean execution. bravo

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Proper planning is key. Thank you!

[@Pinkielover]

I believe the soundproofing is there because it has a rear power window... That's my guess Never seen that truck before Also those vents are for Air pressure so when your airbags go off it Works properly.. also if you Block that vent when you roll down your windows about an inch and you put on your defroster it will whistle...lol All cars have that in their trunk area for pressure equalization.. i Learned this by blocking those vents, I have one on either side.. In my car in the trunk hidden behind trim.. Me I replaced the vent flaps With something a little more Weight silicon sheets ,about a millimeter thick Because the original ones are rubber and they open and close with just a breeze even with your windows closed.. The newer flaps help with the sound proofing in the car but still work Like it's meant to be.. It just seals better

[@TheFlyingHernie]

Love the video, it's completely inspired me. I'm at the stage mounting the 1/4" HDPE to the back of my trunk. What size Rivnuts did you use? I was thinking 10-24, but don't know if I should go a little bigger.

[@diegorossi2189]

Hi, which is the plastic material you use for mounting the amplifiers? Thanks, you are the best doing this, regards, from Argentina

[@dejesus360]

For mounting the AudioControl equipment, what size machine screws/tap drill bit do you use? I am sourcing the parts needed to mount an LC-1.800 and a D-4.800 amp onto a plastic board.

[@bluedemon7601]

Great content! Make a video explaining the audio control DQDX.

[@TheFlyingHernie]

Inspiring video....where did you get the ABS for the mounting board and what size Riv nuts did you use to mount the amps?

[@SEEKINR]

I was thinking of doing this same thing. Are you using open ended or closed ended rivet nuts? I’m not sure what to use. Thanks.

[@Justsendit95]

Nice informative video 💯 keep the hard work going 💪🏾 i have a question what board are you using??

[@RJSDZNS]

Damn that looks nice Mark!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Wait until you see the wiring. :) Thank you!

[@bubblehead126]

Thank you. Now to the toy store for new tool. I have a future build in mind

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Haha sorry about that 😁😄

[@chiraz111]

So do you use a ground strap on each component for the high-frequency noise or just a fat DC-ground?

[@bucket638]

Have you tried melt in insert nuts for mounting the amps to the board?

[@josealberti4571]

What size drill bit did you use for the mounting holes on the amp rack also are those 10/24 machine screw/ rivnut?

[@zCreepingDeathz]

I thought about this with my 2021 Silverado Black Widow but once I learned the seat is fixed in place in the back i.e. have to remove it I decided to make an under rear seat amp rack with LED lights to match the Black Widow theme. I wish my rear seat was a fold down, kind of a pain to take it out.

[@josemacon7385]

Looking for a table saw to do a sub box build. Any recommendations?

[@chrisanderson349]

Mark, where can I find the tool that you used to keep your holes straight? Simplicity at its best.

[@turboflush]

Nice work as always.. but holes through the exterior body?

[@thebandit4393]

Are there affordable sources for HDPE sheet? I like that method for mounting

[@aacura3182]

very nice

[@leehodge2415]

Seriously, those old 3 tooth craftsman ratchets were a huge pain for me when I started. I eventually paid north of $100 for my snap-on. Years later I found a harbor freight clone on my ratchet for $30. On reality not much difference. The length was around 18” with rubber handles and 80 teeth. I would recommend either. Both are a pleasure to use. The craftsman has hard corners and was only 8”… the mechanism was terrible. It it a huge upgrade, I now even have the Milwaukee m12 stubby 3/8” ratchet. Another huge upgrade. Honestly the ratchet was a bigger deal at the time than the electric impact.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Dang you... now you are making me want to ask Santa for tools!

[@johnclark3067]

What year, make and model truck was this? I am doing this project in my truck over the winter.

[@marshallgerow3277]

Off topic is there a plug adapter for the dash 3.5 speakers for a 2021 2500 5th gen ram factory 8.4 thanks I can’t locate anything.

[@christophertarney8509]

What material did you use to cover the metal panelsing?

[@jasonmcdonald3053]

What rivnut size did you use for mounting rack to wall? Spacer size?

[@IzziedeD]

looks great, bud

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you!

[@Chris-ts8oh]

I'm doing my 1st small build I plan on using 3 500 watt max one will run front doors. 2nd one running both rears. 3rd one Rockford 12 prime truck box sub. Rated at 250rms to 500max. All three amps are pioneer 2 channels each I think it will work .

[@dennycote6339]

Nice to see this. I'm going to rebuild my 99Accord trunk so this layout bid is totally handy

[@davidlunsford6155]

With a DSP. Is it good to continue using the subwoofer outputs in the HU? If you want good SQ. Would an amp aimed more at a different goal be as good as one that say has a name in the sq market? It's a loaded question, I know. So if someone else has a thought 🤔. Yes, I'm that guy that didn't research before hand.

[@derekhallett6946]

What thickness do you use for the HDPE rack?

[@jacobftorres]

Wow! is a great way to start this comment. Also great video and work as always!!

[@paulton31]

Where did you get the board and how much it was thanks

[@mine11550]

What is that plastic thing u mount the amps on ?

[@angeloschiafone6467]

what size machine screws do you recommend

[@josealberti4571]

what size machine screws do you use?

[@alexlukas2817]

@carAudioFabrication What MAterial is the Amp Rack and where to get it?

[@ronaldmoore4793]

Hey guys.. crazy question.. before the install in the F150.. did you guys upgrade the alternator or was this for show purposes only ???

[@MT_53]

Hi Mark, So I'm wondering why you decided to run two (2) a 2 channel amps instead of a single 4 channel amp for the front and rear speakers?

[@Chris-ts8oh]

My question is was it necessary to use a dsp? Could you just use the 3 amps?

[@davidlyons8278]

Hi.. what is the thickness of your amp board ?

[@jae350gt]

Any details or did you specify where you got the material from to make the rack?

[@chuckschillingvideos]

The ABS plastic? You can find sheets of this in varying thickness and dimensions (Mark used 1/4" thickness, which is common) on eBay. If you live in an area with specialty plastics suppliers, you can probably find it there too.

[@dennycote6339]

Did you measure clearances before you took the seat out?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Yes

[@Nobe_Oddy]

WOW!! That came out BEAUTIFULY! VERY CLEAN! Great job bro! One criticism tho... where you had to cup that carpet... on the left side we can see the I guess it's filling inside the carpet piece (it's grey, looks like just recycled fabric material) If it's not too late, you should try to at least use something to color that grey stuff black, but the best thing to do would be to maybe sew the edge of it so it doesn't fray and leave little piece of the carpet filling all over the place... I made the mistake of cutting a carpet piece like that and it was just annoying having those pieces all over the place and I tried a few ghetto trick to try to fix it, and the only thing that came close was good old duct tape... but like I said: GHETTO! lol So I actually got my Mom's sewing machine and just added an extra strip of black fabric I found from an old sheet and folded it into self so there were no edges exposed and sewed it all along the edge that I has cut. My mother showed me a good stich setting to use for it that had a kind of an 'X' pattern to it and BAM! it look TOTALLY PROFESSIONAL!!! You don't think about needed sewing skills to properly install a subwoofer to your car, but it wasn't finished until I did this. And it has held up goin on 3 years without one single issue. Now I don't know the exact type of materials used in the one in your video, but if you still have the car in your shop it REALLY can't hurt to do this just for that extra touch.... you do EVERY so professionally and you have taught me SO MUCH!! (Like those riv-nuts I think they're called... I would have just drilled a hole and jammed a bolt into it LOL but now that you have shown this, I know EXACTLY how to do it THE RIGHT WAY!! - THANK YOU! )

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for watching, glad you like it

[@Nobe_Oddy]

@@CarAudioFabrication you sure you even read that lol ;) Thanks for letting us follow along on your journey, you have taught me A LOT

[@warup89]

Very organized design, it takes more time planning but it pays off when troubleshooting down the road if needed. Looking forward to wiring! if you can, cover how to prevent ground-loop noise while at it, unless you've covered that already.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Definitely helps save some "oh no" moments later on

[@oscariniguez7671]

Link to buy a rack

[@shanemancuso2147]

What vehicle is this

[@HifiVega]

Great video as always! They definitely didn’t put that sound deadener on right 😬 no way it should have come off that easy!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Unfortunately this is not the first time I have noticed this application "technique" from the OEM as well... Many cars with it literally just thrown in... Thanks for tuning in!

[@connormurphy5503]

Those vents move with VERY little pressure. If you’ve ever seen a ford dump truck or roll off, something where you can actually see the vents, they’ll be flying open and fluttering with the AC on high enough.

[@the_second_amendment388]

Do yourself a favor, go to HomeCheapo and get yourself a Milwaukee ratchet wrench or two it will save a ton of time

[@bbuny10]

I know this is specific, however I can’t seem to find more than 1 example and even that isn’t ideal I have a Honda Element, with a 8’ sub up front by your feet. I want to put a rear sub in, however the floor of the trunk area opens up to a spare tire well. Most people who do sub setups (on KZbin) have the Amps and speaker on top of this area, preventing you from getting to the spare tire Can you make a video about putting a sub in the back that still gives you access? I’ll paste a video of the one I’ve found that got close to it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCynKV8naaNjdU

[@michaelsorenson3887]

Maybe make a box that conforms to the back portion of the trunk, like with the sub facing the license plate. If you don't make it huge, I think that would still let the spare lift up

[@cwarlof]

Your "center punches" are Transfer punches!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Honestly at this point I intentionally say it wrong just to see how fast someone corrects me.

[@ronaldmoore4793]

NIIIIIIIIIIICE 😂

[@thenewguybas]

So extra

[@StupidEarthlings]

'Spare tire jack'?.. pff.. This is car audio bro, aint nobody got room fo dat nonsense.. 🤨

[@davidlunsford6155]

Did you have to do anything to the electric system. Any upgrades to it?