"OEM-esque" Amp rack cooling panel - 100% Plastic! - Part #1

Awhile back I built an amplifier rack with three amps and a DSP. All that electrical power is bound to stir up some heat, especially hidden behind a panel! So we need to integrate some cooling fans. Let's try to keep things looking stealthy and clean, but add 3 amplifier rack cooling fans for this build!
Thank you to show sponsor KnuKonceptz! Learn more about the FBT Battery Terminal and KnuKonceptz wire and power distribution parts here: bit.ly/CAF-KnuKonceptz
🔨 Tools and Materials:
✔️ 4 Bearing Flush Trim Bit: www.mobilesolutions-usa.com/p...
✔️ Noctua Fans: amzn.to/2X95jlr
✔️ Mountable Micro USB Port: amzn.to/36Bs0ll
✔️ Fan Controller: amzn.to/3gtLZqS
✔️ Micro Magnets: amzn.to/3gsS5b1
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- Stealth Hidden Bass SQ Build - bit.ly/CAFstealthaudio
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Car Audio Fabrication - Master Car Audio - Design, Build, Install

[@vetteboy1024]

I have never been able to grasp audio enough to feel confident in doing anything like what’s in your videos, however you’re so entertaining and thorough that it makes me watch. Good stuff.

[@chrispietersen804]

Noctua, the BEST of the BEST!!! Good JOB! :D

[@quikspecv4d]

Chris Pietersen Noctua definitely makes the best PC fans. I’ve used many fans and nothing beats them for noise and performance.

[@DimensionMachine]

Great video.... Here is a little tip. Next time you want to release hot melt adhesive simply spray it with some 91pct IPA and wait a few seconds. It will make the glue almost pop off on its own. One word of caution though if using extruded acrylic you must not let the IPA get on the edges of the laser cut plastic or it will later craze and crack.... Great video as always!

[@InfernoPhilM]

When your sound system costs more than the car is worth. Very impressive customization!

[@ryanwilson5936]

Reminds me of highschool!

[@robertsomerville320]

Awesome work as always mark ! Inspiring for us builders that want to take on new challenges.

[@quacktony]

Great work! Been waiting for something like this as amps sitting in a trunk will get hot quick.

[@RussLyman]

great video as always. blast leave us waiting more with a part 2

[@basstech714]

You make great informative videos. You’re very skilled. Great job.

[@mrray4527]

Thank you so much for the video. I'm super excited to watch now

[@Mr2SMOOTH24]

So far so good!!! You do awesome work 💯💯💯

[@cracklingice]

Hard to beat Noctua fans

[@cryptographics9647]

nice! keen to see this all together

[@techgirl517]

Noctua fans! Cooooool!

[@grantlawler8106]

HEY MARK! Is it possible to ask for you to make some videos on how how to buy certain items, and what stats/features to look for if you’re buying a head unit, mid woofers, or tweeters for example? Thank you! You’ve really inspired me a lot to get in to Car audio, and 90% of what I’ve learned about this is from your channel! Thank you for making such in depth videos! I can’t thank you enough!

[@marknowakowski6590]

CAR (AWESOME) AUDIO (AWESOME) FABRICATION (AWESOME) NEED I SAY MORE (AWESOME). Luv all the cool ideas and techniques.

[@robolop]

So cool Marc

[@Evolution7687]

Noctua is the best and most silent of all fans ever. I use it in my car amp rack and its so sileentt..

[@bernardozambrano4958]

What a panel!! GREETINGS MY FRIEND👌🔊💪🏼💯

[@runningfox2002]

Can't go wrong with Noctua's!

[@K9Drew1]

Yea Noctua fans are the best. High performance and real quiet

[@PhiMobileSounds]

Have considered where the hot air will go? Would you consider a push-pull configuration for the fans in a future build?

[@AL-oj9qb]

Hey mark great video you made the insert piece clear for some led's

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Hmm????

[@JOHNC0LLINS]

Can you show us sometime how you do advanced layout stuff like in this particular video how did you come up with the curve to use to match the factory contour on the right of the pannel? You always go so in depth and your videos are amazing. I just got a router finally and plan on making a center console box for my single cab truck using what I've learned from you. Currently i have a huge ugly rectangle box and no cupholders :( thanks for the videos.

[@SuperKanuuna]

Have you made some tests do these fans actually bring any benefits?

[@user-un1sh8xh5v]

Ohhhh nice!

[@evilfingers4302]

Wish Radio Shack was still in business, because the fans shown in the video, Radio Shack always had them in stock.

[@Schmelsworth]

You used clear plastic for the addition of LED lighting.

[@micaarzur]

😲 😲 😲

[@ryanthomastew]

You probably right.

[@kylethomas104]

When is part 2 coming? Its like watching a movie's trailer 😂

[@drm9979]

the suspense!

[@RAYRAY-bo6ll]

Hi.. can this controller push 6 of this fans instead of 3???

[@CurTroStudiosVideos]

@@RAYRAY-bo6ll there's an option that has splitters that allow you to use 6 fans instead of 3

[@pauljoseph8338]

Would be great to see a tutorial on your computer design. What software do you use?

[@robertsomerville320]

That would be very good for us to see Mark, please do !

[@joseluisruiz3789]

Where is the link for that thread Making Bit Set? I'd love to get my hands on that. I need one with a #6 screw thread for my C7-350CM speakers. Ive done 1 A pillat so far and next week i will be working on my second one and using #6 Torx Security Screws to protect them from theft.

[@TheVanderfulLife]

Anyone know how i go about adding an amp to factory stereo to power a sub and speakers in the car, using factory speaker wiring? Or is there a better way to do it?

[@jeffreycarroll9956]

Fantastic build as always Mark! Would it be beneficial to add some vents to the bottom to allow the hot air to escape? I was thinking about doing this in my wife's suv, it already has venting built in with no equipment behind it. I could also use the vents as inlets to the fans.

[@1cstabach]

Mark should be using the fans to pull hot air out from the top. You need fresh air to be pulled from the bottom and then out.

[@Hkmmotologs]

If you are adding fan on top, I think it's best to set fan in Exhaust orientation because heat rises so the exhaust might be a better way :)

[@ryanjames2962]

But that will just pull air from the easiest route, which will not necessarily draw the air over the amps. At least blowing in directs it straight onto the amps, the positive pressure will just force the excess warm air out of any other hole

[@david029014]

Or run one fan blowing air in and then another fan pulling air out, would give maximum cooling. But your design would need to change

[@CurTroStudiosVideos]

How did you wire the fan controller? Can we get a vid for that? Did you use a relay?

[@autoxtacy]

#CarAudioFabrication A great fan option thats quiet and functional is Noctua. Noctua has a whole fan lineup. 👍😁

[@Jacob.Hajarat]

Use a silicone fan gasket for that fan to eliminate the fan noise and vibrations, and try to use fan filters to reduce the dust!

[@anthony_4193]

Mark I have a DS18 tailgate box for a wrangler jk 4 door with two kicker comp rt 10's, what do you recommend for mounting subs into plastic, seems like my screws keep coming loose, thanks in advance

[@francisap1632]

Well, I'm a fan :)

[@bagged02]

advantage of not using industry specific fans such as install bay/stinger?

[@colbydolby6559]

Where else can you get this kind content ? "Carpet fuzzies and little worms"..nice Mark

[@willrisher6049]

I have a truck with 4 jbl club 4x8 speakers, will an amplifier allow me to play my music louder and sound better as well? 60 max RMS, I read that I would need a 4 channel amp correct? Any tips and info would be great, thanks!

[@markphilpot4981]

Your videos aren’t excessively long nor are they boring. Pretty tall order when you are doing any type of instructional video. It has to be a gift when you can do that. I’m as anxious as the others for the next one!😊👍🏻

[@pk386]

@CarAudioFabrication What Cad program are you using? It looks like Fusion 360.

[@a1l1i0]

please explain how set and tune an active subwoofer (suach as jbl basspro) with an after market head unit. it is dificult to tune because both head unit and active subwoofer have their own Gain, Bass Boost, Phase, and Crossover. how deside which one should be used to tune the sound? thanks.

[@jonanderson4474]

I usually use the eq settings closest to the source. Gain crossover and phase closest to the speaker. I don't really use bass boost. What I do is more than likely wrong tho. Just what I do.

[@_kenesu]

Where's the exhaust at vent at?

[@ADR69]

If anyone is interested in taking this to another level or has a tough location you can get heat resistant baffling strips top direct the air etc. We use them in servers they're great

[@inconsteveable91]

Clear so you can add lights?

[@frankherrera4044]

Hi Mark🙋🏻‍♂️ Is part 2 available yet?.

[@CarlosFandango73]

At work we are not allowed to use acrylic weld outside a fume cabinet as it is carcinogenic. I don't know if you use the same chemical in yours but it is worth checking

[@DjGrahnstettoOffical]

Where can I got that table router?

[@hippo-potamus]

Would you ever consider tapping into the AC vent system?

[@robertsomerville320]

Also venting hot air to the exterior to the car.

[@dannymorales5376]

What cordless router would u suggest makita milwaukee etc ?? I live in apartment cant have a stationary router

[@APinTheAK]

Danny Morales I love my Bosch Router, with addictional plunge mount. Bosch makes a nice prefab, small footprint, ready to go router table that seems it would work well, if you don’t have the room for a full size router table or table saw to router extension.

[@alvinhouston8611]

What design software are you using

[@Foof50]

Why would you have the fans bringing air in, especially at the top? You could have them pulling air out at the top where the heat goes and it would force air to be drawn in from the bottom and reduce turbulence as well

[@BobBasshead]

Your the expert on subwoofer enclosure design, my question is I see a lot of people building sub enclosures made of plywood. I first got into this hobby in 1985 and back then it was do not use plywood because of tree knot voids between the layers, this would create resonance. Please enlighten us viewers on this subject.

[@ryanwilson5936]

Plywood comes in many qualities from terrible to damn near solid hard wood. The use of plywood is talked down on because the average person isn’t going to source that high of a quality piece of plywood. Instead, they will more than likely just go to a big-box store and buy a sheet of cheap “whatever” plywood for $20. A hard-wood 11ply void-free piece of Baltic birch would make a much better box than OSB (particle board). It’s all about material quality and overall craftsmanship of the finished product.

[@thebkg]

Hmmm, clear trim panel. Couldn't be planning to add some LED love to a fan panel could you?? Surely not. 🤔 😅😅👍

[@t-rex2652]

Hi mark, I need the plan for 1x12 "subwoofer brand edge model EDX12d2SPL-E6 the car is an audi A4 b7, the problem is that I live in ireland and the transport will not be safe and that's why I would at least prefer the project to be able to build it here and of course I will pay for it, thank you

[@ali-sleimanchehade6129]

Please what is the software you are usinggggg?!?!

[@chaseleim4773]

Noctua fans ftw

[@johnschoenrock8736]

WOW!

[@normansmith205]

Hey, when you add a second battery , does it need to be the same as the main battery ? I heard the alternator will keep charging it until the main battery is full , or it will stop charging the battery when the second battery is full ..does anyone know if it's true ? And if it is , how to solve it ?

[@slow_rednline4874]

Run an isolator

[@CurTroStudiosVideos]

I was hoping to see how you did the electrical for the fan :(

[@darthmaul9911]

I know it's four years later but I need to know how to use these fans for car audio nowadays it's a corsair AF 120 that has good ratings but how do I control the speed am I gonna have to use a computer IDK I need help with this guys for some crazy reason you see this please reply I'm trying to go to competition my car is crazy and there isn't enough information still about these fans I have

[@houstonsigmund2550]

are you using fusion 360?

[@offroadriverfishing]

I’ve seen other videos you’ve put out lately, where’s the second part of this video?

[@StaticVapour590]

You just gave me an idea

[@philly7644]

I may be wrong since i have'nt seen how it will bee in the end. But i would have gone with a fan with higher fin density. The fans you show here will not push much air if you dont have a big hole that the air go out off. But with higher fin density it would push air inn to the box. Or just go with a 200mm fan if the sub is a 8 inch.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

These fans will be just fine. It doesn't need to be a turbo jet, these amps run cool as is. They blow plenty of air and are very quiet.

[@zombiestressin5242]

A big fan behind the factory grill would be worked pretty cool

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Wouldn't have fit and IMO would look super tacky.

[@zombiestressin5242]

CarAudioFabrication guess so plus u said blowing in would u want the air blowing out ?

[@Kauffdrop]

Dope

[@tomcatjunior9730]

HELP ! For weeks now I’ve been trying to eliminate what is referred to as a 60hz hum from my woofers. I installed an LOC to retain my factory head unit and have excellent ground straight to the frame (clean and bolted tight). Also installed the SkyHigh audio Big 3 kit (4ga). Everything works flawlessly except for the hum. I’ve ran all the gains and adjustment adjustments up and down and the only time it completely quits is when unhook both RCA jacks from the LOC- or when all gains are completely turned down. I have 14.9 volts at the battery and alternator and 14.5 to 14-6 at the amp. Noticed one thing - if you pop the trunk or open any door - it stops humming. Also I swapped to an old school pioneer amp and it quit. But I’ve tried 3 new amps and the same issue ever time. My LOC is soldered Into my factory rear dash speakers right next to the magnet ? Will this magnetic field affect my LOC??

[@seanmichael2777]

Hi Tomcat , have a few questions for you . Have you tested the resistance at your amplifier ground to your battery? Also what RCA’s and LOC are you using ? Hope it’s not generic RCA’s or a generic LOC that can introduce noise into your system. I definitely think it’s your LOC or RCA’s because if you’ve changed amps multiple and still have the same issue it’s definitely not the amp. Aswell as that is a lot of voltage drop across a stretch of 4 gauge wire -assuming you running 4 gauge wire. Is it OFC or CCA wire ?

[@zaneschawang1952]

I’m looking into buying subs for my car. I want to buy subs that have very good bass and last long while staying under $250 for just the subs. What do you recommend?

[@APinTheAK]

Zane Schawang There is still a lot of variables left in this decision. What kind of vehicle is it going into? Do you care about saving space for other things I.e. Groceries, luggage, etc. or just the most bass with the most space. Do you want 1 single sub or multiple subs? What kind of music do you predominately listen too? These answers will definitely help give a better Recommendation. I would also personally recommend asking for a couple different recommendations, that way you can go do your own research on them and feel confident they will provide you with what you are looking for. Whatever you budget is, double it lol.

[@jasaiahg.821]

Hello Mark, My name is Jasaiah Gonzalez, a 19 year old college student currently attending New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. I am in the process of pursuing my dream build. Although I had a few questions to ask you and was seeking advise from an expert. I have been planning this project for a while and I would like some clarifications. Firstly, I would like to mention on what I have installed right now. The car model for this project is a 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE (Standard Key/No Navigation) with the factory radio/head unit. A couple of months ago I ended up switching out the factory tweeters on top of the left and right dash of the car and replaced them with 2 Kenwood Excelon Series KFC-X2C 2-3/4" aftermarket Mid-Range tweeters [front dash L&R]. I also replaced the door speakers with an aftermarket Kenwood Excelon KFC-X174 Series 6-1/2 on each door (4 total doors). Furthermore leading into my future build. My dream build is to add, 1). 2 15inch Kicker CompR CWR154 43CWR154 3200W (both Comp R Series Dual 4 ohm Subwoofer) in the trunk, and a 12inch Kicker CompVR CVR124 (43CVR124) 800W (Dual 4 ohm Car Subwoofer) custom fibered glass/mounted in the front passenger glove compartment. To balance the audio I would like to add, 3). 2 pairs of Kenwood 6-1/2" (2-Way Car Speakers - Black Model:KFC-651) 1 custom on each door. 4). 4 Kenwood KFC-ST01 1" balanced dome tweeters. 1 custom on each door 5). And 2 Kenwood KFC-ST01 1" balanced dome tweeters. 2 custom, 1 on each back A-Pillar rings towards the trunk. Which leads to my questions. I am thinking I will need 2 amps or more. Would I need an 8 channel amp for the door speakers and another multi channel amp for the subs? Or just one 8 channel? Please let me know. And if so would you recommend the JL Audio VX800/8i (8-channel car amplifier with digital signal processing - 75 watts RMS x 8)? Leading into my second question... I will for sure need to add an extra battery in the trunk. But would I need 1 or 2 battery’s? And how many amplifier capacitors will I need? I am also not too worried about the wiring until i am there at the installation shop so they can add for what’s needed. I also have the Soundskins Pro Plus Extra Large Rap to rap my car in for the improved sound quality like you mentioned. All I have left to order are the amps, and the battery/battery capacitor. In summary/perspective my build will include, - 2 tweeters in the front dash L&R - 2 door speakers and 1 tweeter on each door (For 4 doors = 12 total speakers) - 2 15’s in the trunk - 1 12inch sub in the front passenger I will greatly appreciate it if you could advise me with feedback on what else I will need to add or will need to change. I also have to say that I am a big fan of your work! This is a legit build that I am trying to make happen within a couple of months and I am very excited. Thank you so much! Hope to hear from you soon.

[@theodorospapadopoulos8367]

Clean can means only one think.... LEDs!!!!!

[@ccvideotech]

Backlight?

[@BillyRay501]

So these 3 fans push enough air to keep cool 2/3 amps

[@CarAudioFabrication]

They are quality amps. So yes they are just fine

[@daxtilley7611]

please do a video on how to wire a 2 amps with the speakers wired to the amp with a DSP ran by an after market head unit!

[@daxtilley7611]

Cannot figure out how to wire a DSP from an after market radio

[@ChevyAddictLLC]

Great job how can I get in touch with you

[@yonielihudelcamporamirez4066]

Se que no me vas a entender pero muy buenos trabajos haces

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Te entiendo. Gracias por ver mi video.

[@Tenzen.]

80mm fans have a high pitch whine to them. If you can fit them go with 120mm.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Nope, tested these and they are silent as can be.

[@jeffr5053]

RGB fans would be a good touch.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Tacky, wouldn't match anything in this stealthy build.

[@andrewshatlaw3290]

Your going to light up the clear lol

[@luisquintero1945]

andrew shatlaw That is the same I thinking he would do. LED coming up probably

[@BlitzkriegStaffords]

i wonder what he makes an hour for labor

[@whatjohnny521]

Rubbing alcohol will help to get the hot glue unstuck from a surface.

[@david029014]

I wish i could send you my amps and dsp so you can design my amp rack.

[@HappyfoxBiz]

not only would one big fan be tacky but also very inefficient, 3 small fans that are designed for this situation (IE: In a computer with variable control) would be far better than one that's designed as an exhaust fan for the bathroom that would be ran at very low speed

[@shawnpruitt1914]

Siri Robot

[@45BradB]

Mark, I love your vids but please stop saying “process.” Literally everything is a process. It’s redundant and distracting. Otherwise, great vid! Keep up the good work!