Toolbox Stereo Build

I wanted to make something special for my brothers 40th birthday and he spends a lot of time in his shed building bikes so I thought a toolbox stereo system would be perfect. Most of the parts were sourced locally at automotive or electronic stores.
Obviously the main body is a 3 drawer toolbox and the sound system is a Pioneer car stereo head unit and speakers. The power source is a basic 12v sealed led acid battery and a 1000mA charger with built in overcharge protection.
The aerial is a motorised pop up version and the 5v USB charging port is an automotive product that steps the power down from 12v.
I really like the particular rocker switches I used, because they have built in LED's to indicate power on and the volt meter matches well with red 7 segment LED's.
I wanted an easy way to distribute power to the various components so I decided to use a fuse block as a kind of busbar and so far it seams to work well.
I purchased the sound activated LED's for the base of the toolbox online. You can find them easily on Ebay or Amazon and they're not expensive.
The feet are attached with T-Nut inserts mounted into the 12mm plywoood baseboard.
I'm lucky enough to work in a sign shop, so I designed and printed the face of the stereo at work on self adhesive vinyl and applied it to a piece of aluminium composite panel. I then cut the various holes before using a double sided adhesive film to attach it to the MDF backing board. This was then attached to the toolbox using Rivnuts and bolts.
Unfortunately, the only part of the build I didn't get on camera was the 3D printing of the speaker ports mounted at either end of the box.
I've really enjoyed making this video and I have a few more projects like this in the pipeline, so hopefully I'll get some more out soon. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Thanks for watching!!
Parts list:
toolbox - goo.gl/cjzTEf
speakers - goo.gl/y4mhfd
head unit - tinyurl.com/y9...
antenna - tinyurl.com/y9...
battery - goo.gl/tmoKoD
fuse box - tinyurl.com/y8...
switches - goo.gl/WnWBA8
voltmeter - goo.gl/JeSreb
charger - goo.gl/oB8qTd
usb socket - goo.gl/Ytpe5e
LED strip lights - goo.gl/MsoanA
T -Nuts - goo.gl/hqqo4j
speaker ports - goo.gl/43Sws3
DC socket & plugs - goo.gl/FET2Jc
terminal block - goo.gl/uGJMgA
Follow me:
TasWesty
taswesty
/ taswesty
www.taswesty.com/
Contact:
[e-mail]

[@squidspressurewashingllc6450]

My dad was a truck driver for 37 years for a company that didn't put radios in the trucks. All the drivers built radio boxes out of briefcases, tool boxes, and all manner of cool stuff. This reminded me of the radio box he carried into the house everyday so it wouldn't get stolen. Thanks for the video. The memory made me very happy. Cool radio too!

[@taswesty]

Mate, that is probably the best comment I have had yet. It's awesome to know my video brought back happy memories for you.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Nice! Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@jonjones112]

Excellent job, my friend across the pond. You are very skilled and have a lot of good ideas. Thank you for sharing.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Jon. I appreciate the compliment

[@danimieghem]

I watched every second of this and was amazed how much of a "handyman" you are. Nive build, original, and even has the storage compartment for the charges and cable... AWESOMENESS !

[@taswesty]

Thanks for the awesome comment :-) glad you like the video.

[@fernandogonzalez4834]

I have to say, that's a well built Portable stereo. Love the idea that you did it on a toolbox.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Fernando. My brother was pretty happy with it.

[@cobra-kx3zn]

Tas Westy congratulations an excellent job as all professionals, greetings from the Dominican Republic.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. Wow, Dominican Republic, this video is getting around. Great to hear from you.

[@brony4life1982]

Now that's a garage boombox! Very cool. DeWalt needs to take some notes from this.

[@taswesty]

brony4life1982 hahaha awesome. Thanks for the great comment. Any time dewalt want to talk to me , I'm here. 😁

[@thagentleman05]

I want this boom box soooooo freaking bad. Dear God, I love DIY videos...

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!! awesome comment :-) I am making them to order if you're interested.

[@thagentleman05]

@@taswesty most definitely and I had a small challenge for you...making one out of a DVD player...Size and model has to be one compact and one with DVD/CD rewriting capabilities...I thought it might be an awesome challenge.💪🖤 Keep up the great work

[@taswesty]

@@thagentleman05 Sounds like a great idea. I'll add it to my list of projects. Just hope I get some time soon to work on them :-)

[@Synthematix]

I absolutely love messing with pioneer car stereos, their RGB series of head units sound absolutely superb on good speakers.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, Pioneer systems are perfect for the units I make. I've just checked out your channel and I'm looking forward to watching some of your videos. Especially the old amp repairs.

[@Synthematix]

@@taswesty Thanks yea, ive just bought a Pioneer DEH-X3800UI head unit from ebay in mint condition for £35, it will be fitted in my model railway baseboard and connected to a pair of monitor audio bronze br1 speakers, should sound great as theyre high sensitivity and 4ohm

[@taswesty]

Sounds like a great setup. Those BR1's look like a nice speaker.

[@marv.mon.9845]

That is one badass jammer!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!!

[@gerardoreyes593]

What a awesome boom box. Great Idea for a gift.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. My brother is very happy with it.

[@mateog962]

The most original one yet. I can imagine Aussie tradies wanting one for sure. Onya mate.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!! I'm working on making them for sale. Hopefully I can find some interested tradies.

[@buffygordon4206]

tas westy I’m interested

[@pontiacmaniac2]

Really cool design, Im sure your brother loves it, perfect for the garage.

[@JUSTINATV]

This has to the most awesome "toolbox radio" I have yet to see! I have watched probably well over 100 builds and this one it the best by far. I'd love to have this one in my shop. Great video!

[@taswesty]

Wow! thanks Justin ATV. I really appreciate positive feedback and this is about as good as it gets. I get asked daily about building these for people but unfortunately the costs are too high at the moment. Maybe I need to put more effort into finding cheaper parts.

[@Dominator_-tz6tl]

That thing is so awesome I want one of my own. Great job.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. Maybe you could try building one.

[@anewbetterme9277]

That is the most AWESOME thing I've seen this year so far on KZbin and I would buy one if you are selling them.

[@taswesty]

Hahaha Awesome, thanks Mate!! I am working on selling them. Just getting the parts together to build a few. I have made a few changes to improve them as well.

[@denniscorson8997]

I like this, but I would have a CD and DVD player too....Nice job.

[@taswesty]

Thanks, Mate. I did look at installing a system with a CD player but I would have to run a bigger battery. Definitely possible.

[@loupalladino9578]

Just. Absolutely. Stunning. Wow.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate,I appreciate it!!

[@HeyLightman]

This was great. Need more videos to watch.

[@neilhrdlick8950]

Awesome build, very creative, I wish I was your brother

[@taswesty]

Yeah my brother doesn't know how lucky he is :-) Thanks for the support Neil, I appreciate it.

[@k-sell4065]

Love it!!!! Great craftsmanship brother!!😀😀😀😃 good old made in America 😁😁😁😁😄😄😄😄😄😃😃😃😃😀😀😀

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, I appreciate it. Australia is close to America 😉

[@highpowerx4554]

Awesome! Awesome! Someday when I clean out my garage I'm going to build me one. Great job!👍👍

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, great to hear. Let me know when you build it, I would love to see it 👍

[@wrenchmantooly5169]

Wow very cool and very neatly done!! Shout out from the States!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. Shout out back to you from Tasmania.

[@Rudimentary007]

You gots mad skillz. You could sell those. Thumbs up.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, I'm working on it.

[@lugoj7181]

Best one i seeing so far i love everything about it and the led flashing lights nice touch great job

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. This one was definitely a fun build.

[@leightongough3937]

Excellent work!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!!

[@anisalial-maghrabi3215]

Beautiful toolbox good work

[@pavelbaranov8360]

Good idea! Hope your brother was satisfied!) I'd like to make similar box and use the same battery, so for me it is interesting solution! Thanks!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. Yeah he was pretty happy with it. I would live to see you build, are you going to make a video?

[@pavelbaranov8360]

To be honest, no. I am not good in videomaking and I don't want to make whole process of manufacturing. Perhaps, I will make short one as a result. We will see.

[@taswesty]

No worries mate. I would love to see it if you do.

[@pavelbaranov8360]

OK, I'll do my best! Now, I am just gathering components, but housing is the most difficult thing in the project, in my opinion.

[@taswesty]

What is it about the housing you are most concerned about?

[@a9br1dc3d7x1y]

Такой ящик будет стоить дороже чем целый музыкальный центр 😁 ещё и с динамиками отдельно 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@АлексейСолодягин-з9ц]

С языка снял.

[@kruvikeeraja4402]

Very good idea and nice build.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate

[@fun.kollector16]

Great custom build mate! That is awesome! Well done

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, I appreciate it.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Car heads are perfect for this. The sound is good and they are built to get BUMPED.DITCH THE LIGHTS! IT'S GREAT APART FROM THAT. YOU COULD MAKE MONEY SELLING THE BITS YOU FABRICATED. I'D BUY

[@taswesty]

Thanks mate. I always appreciate positive feedback. You're definitely correct about car head units and was a big part of the reason why I used it. I've been working on coming up with a commercially cost effective version. Hopefully I'll have something available soon.

[@efrainruizmedina3994]

Totally Awesome!!😃👍🏻👍🏻

[@taswesty]

Thanks 👍

[@efrainruizmedina3994]

@@taswesty you're very welcome 😊

[@valentinmanso1532]

Wow that looks great !!!!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!!

[@jimbucy5909]

Love the build. Thanks for the video.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@Videogame9559]

An excellent build great stuff

[@wilfridkolarik7174]

Good ideas with the case transformer in box and good moment with you tank you very much

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!! It is always nice to get good feedback.

[@RageNside]

Too cool! Best gift ever! Outstanding job. 👍👍

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, he is pretty happy with it.

[@garrisonstanleigh6146]

You have MAD SKILLS Great job 👍👍

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, I appreciate it!!

[@bestrickie2]

That IS a work of art VERY VERY clever. WELL DONE.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, I appreciate it. It's always nice to get positive feedback.

[@enriqueortizbriceno5028]

Impressive! Congratulations.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate

[@DeanoMan34]

Such an incredible build man! Wish you had plans for dimensions placement and wiring!

[@riclopez9350]

Great build. Absolutely Genius. 😎👍

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, I appreciate it!!

[@MrSharpe95]

Looks awesome 👌👏😎 Very cool 😎

[@23555328]

HELLO VERY GOOD WORK, COULD YOU KNOW HOW LONG THE BATTERY LASTS USING THE EQUIPMENT WITHOUT EXTERNAL POWER?

[@taswesty]

My brother gets about 6 hours on the battery if not using the LED's

[@davielocker6031]

very nice ive seen computer power supplys used for power

[@taswesty]

Yep, you could definitely use a PC power supply. Would be a great option instead of batteries if you weren't concerned with portability.

[@PETERGUNZZ559]

Very impressive build!!! Props bro!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, glad you like it.

[@Olivaresluz]

Did you put speaker baffles for insulation? It would probably sound nice

[@taswesty]

No baffles on this one Mate, just sealant around the joints. This build was a learning experience and hopefully the next one will be an opportunity to make some upgrades.

[@davidyoung6608]

Nice build dude.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate !!

[@Georges-MILLION]

J'aime bien ! C'est très original comme idée !!! En plus , très bon boulot !!! . I like ! It's very original as an idea !!! In addition, very good job! . Мне это нравится Это очень оригинально как идея !!! Кроме того, очень хорошая работа!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. I appreciate your positive feedback.

[@АндрейПирогов-ц7к]

Отличная идея и прекрасное воплощение.

[@taswesty]

большое спасибо вам

[@FIT_VIK]

Clean work ... great job 👌🏼

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate !!

[@arturorodriguez2234]

You should make more videos.... 👍👍👏👏

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. I intend to, just struggling to find the time.

[@grahamredmond28]

Hi in regarding the Battery that you used Would it be possible to use one of those little power packs that you use as jumpstarters you have a charging port as well plus other ports as well Thanks for showing us It’s a great product

[@taswesty]

Yes mate you could definitely use a jump starter pack. In fact, if you watch my ammo can build I used one in that.

[@mura3071]

5+. Руки растут там где надо и голова соображает !

[@Issac_G]

yup , very cool build man thanks!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Isaac.

[@cwwong9576]

I like DIY, nice work.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate

[@elser81]

Excellent work, build something similar but connect it to a computer source. greetings from Argentina.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Elser81. Technically you could plug this into your computer via the AUX plug. But it would also be an awesome idea to build a stand alone PC speaker version. Maybe I could add that to my list of projects :-)

[@elser81]

do not explain it to me, instead of using a battery, use a power supply from a desktop computer.

[@taswesty]

Sorry Mate, now I understand. Yes you could definitely power this with a PC power supply.

[@penkicker]

WOW , great video all i need it is some popcorn ...i enjoy it more than mary poppins ! from 0:00 to 17:56 hats off

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!!

[@rcoutdoors8176]

That is freakin cool love it fantastic build

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate.

[@zackgregorippercheveretled2890]

Ese Boomblastes esta chido y es portatil ya estoy construyendo el mio 🤘😌😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 ya me duste la idea bro

[@elguero6965]

Nice build mate it came out fantastic and i was wondering if you have a diagram for all the wiring you did to this box i would appreciate thank you and god bless you

[@rhyanmcnair4519]

Hi mate, I was wondering if you would be able to tell me how you wired the led up to flash with the music ? If you could that would be awesome, thank you

[@taswesty]

G'day Rhyan. The LED's are sound activated. You can get them on amazon here: goo.gl/7e3WQ7 or on Ebay here: goo.gl/HYJf2g

[@jakem5669]

or wire normal led lights to the speaker wire and you wont pick up banhs or anything will be 100% speaker sound it flashes too,or same thing for a sub

[@k-sell4065]

Only thing is adding direct twelve 12 volt LED lights to a speaker terminal that receives alternate current. Is useless! You will blow the LED resistor that is not rectified to DC current. All speaker outputs are AC! Alternate current! So you have a square trying to complete with curve waves that are not comfortable unless you rectify the circuit

[@smileydominguez8287]

Badass..good job

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate

[@harisfarhan1839]

smooth and perfect.. thumbs up!!!!

[@taswesty]

Thanks Haris.

[@evanramey9643]

How long does the battery last when jamming out? Looking to build a boom box myself and trying to figure out which battery is best bang for the buck. Would love to make it at least 10 hours off a charge. I watched your ammo can one too and seen you said you could play that one for 10 hours off the jump box and still have plenty of battery. Which battery was better?

[@taswesty]

G'day Evan. It definitely depends on the volume you play it at. I get a whole day at work on a single charge on the Ammo Box. Just go for the biggest battery that suits your build, or you could add two batteries if that works for your design

[@elijahwatson8119]

Nice build. How long does that little lead acid battery last? I wonder how hard it would be to rig to run off one of those Ryobi 18v batteries? I'd be willing to guess the stereo wouldn't mind the extra couple volts compared to a cars normal 14.4ish.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Elijah. No reason why you couldn't use that type of battery, but I reckon it would be safer if you stepped down the voltage.

[@itsjay0237]

Nice build !

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate

[@MrLAEVELDLEEU2310]

Very nice. Ever thought about making an instructable?

[@taswesty]

Thanks Louis. Yep I have thought about it a lot and started to write one up but haven't had time to finish it off. Hopefully I'll get time soon.

[@rustybeatty6567]

Might think about adding a solar panel or two for charging the unit while outdoors.

[@taswesty]

Sounds like a great idea. I don't have much experience with solar panels, might have to look into it, thanks.

[@raychambers3646]

Nice touch with the electric Arial, but would have put some sound deadening for speakers .good job though.

[@taswesty]

Yep totally agree, and the next design includes a lot of improvements. Fortunately, I sealed all the joints with polyurethane adhesive and the sound is surprisingly good. Certainly no complaints from my brother.

[@henriquedj9378]

Ray Chambers a minha

[@05NOLIMIT]

Great job

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. I just watched your Chevy pickup video, very nice !!

[@05NOLIMIT]

tas westy thank you!

[@vittoriogm1280]

bel lavoro, davvero un bel lavoro, bravo!

[@taswesty]

Grazie amico. Apprezzo molto il tuo commento

[@tonyconnors1342]

I wish i had your skills real interesting video thanks.

[@taswesty]

Thanks Tony. I've never had any training, you should give it a go and see what happens :-)

[@tonyconnors1342]

If your Brother is as gifted as you lucky People that get his Bikes

[@Davidslabofficial]

Awesome work sooo neat and clean love it

[@taswesty]

Thanks mate. I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@Davidslabofficial]

@@taswesty most welcome

[@javiagiles5386]

Muy buen trabajo, algun dia lo voy a hacer.

[@taswesty]

Gracias, estoy feliz de que te guste. Espero ver tu construcción algún día

[@jorgereyes6498]

Yo . Ya tengo el radio y los perlantes también la bobina de 14 amp. Solo falta hacer el cajón e instalarlo

[@watupchief5889]

How long does your battery last and when you turn the power off does it reset your stereo settings?

[@taswesty]

My brother says he uses it all day without needing a charge. I would say around 8 hours. As long as the battery doesn't completely discharge the stereo won't lose its settings.

[@ibadtaylor]

Oh my GOD, you're so perfect 👌

[@taswesty]

Awesome, thanks Mate !!

[@diyboomboxesintexas2805]

I didn't know something could kick that much ass.

[@taswesty]

My brother is pretty happy with it.

[@jaquezjuan32]

That was bad ass

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!!

[@evanpainter3482]

If that deck has front and rear couldn’t you do tweeters or an extra set of speakers?

[@taswesty]

G'day Evan, yep you definitely could. It has RCA output as well if you wanted to add a sub.

[@phoneonly10]

How long does that battery last with multiple things on? I built one like this for a brother's birthday gift but i spent $180 on multiple batterries

[@taswesty]

Great to hear you built one. I would love to see it. I asked my brother recently and he gets about 8hrs continuous play, but he doesn't use the LED's. That would drain the battery a lot faster.

[@phoneonly10]

I built the box out of plywood though, i like the idea of putting it in a toolbox.

[@rimvydasvenckus8929]

great work, looks like from a store. ;)

[@taswesty]

That's a great compliment, thanks Mate!!

[@diyboomboxesintexas2805]

Wow. That is awesome. The fact that you went with Pioneer makes it that much better. I love it. You have given me a few ideas for future builds. I am working on a Mega Boom Box myself.

[@taswesty]

Thanks mate, glad you like it. The Pioneer option worked perfectly for the design. I've just had a quick look at your channel. Looks like I have a few videos to watch. :-)

[@diyboomboxesintexas2805]

I have 40 videos up right now. Some are " how to " videos and the others are showing off my work. Let me know what you think.

[@taswesty]

I'm working through them now and have enjoyed what I've seen so far. Hopefully I'll have my ammo can speaker video out soon, I've only been working on the edit for about a year :-)

[@diyboomboxesintexas2805]

Come join my facebook group facebook.com/groups/1225425117541115/

[@rottie4life]

Awesome dude, great video👍

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate, glad you liked it.

[@muhammedalimattul9781]

anybody please tell me what is the name of that song playing 16:31. and your work is really professional

[@raychambers3646]

Sergio what is a minha?

[@beldave74]

Excellent

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!!

[@NoMonkeyBizz]

Dope. Now the question is Would u make me one? I’ll buy it ?

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!! I'm working on a cost effective version at the moment. Hopefully soon.

[@NoMonkeyBizz]

Kool contact me when done I’ll buy one thanks

[@cantinerosvp]

Awesome job. How long does the battery last?

[@mattbills16]

What were the pieces you used in the rivet gun?

[@taswesty]

G'day Matt. They're called Rivnuts or Nutserts. It's basically a large rivet with a threaded insert that allows you to add a nut wherever you need one. The gun is a special type that is made specific for Rivnuts. It has various sized threaded tips for different sized nuts.

[@hristo_yonkov]

what is the battery life? how many hours music can play?

[@taswesty]

G'day Hristo. Sorry I can't give a very accurate battery life. I did test it on battery for 3 hours before I gave it to my brother and it performed perfectly. I'll have to ask him how long he uses it between charges.

[@hristo_yonkov]

thanks it will helps me alot

[@taswesty]

MY brother says he gets about 6 hours out of a full charge.

[@paothaoyang7320]

How much u charge if we wanted to put on pushing on yours good project

[@taswesty]

Sorry Mate, I'm not sure I understand the question?

[@okeania6529]

TATHS HEAVY METAL? I LOVE HEAVY METAL!

[@The_Hobby_Playground]

If you don't mind me asking, I have a question about the charging port. Is it wired in with the positive and negative that you have plugged into the battery terminals somehow? I've been trying to understand how I can charge and use it simultaneously, and just unplug it for it to run off just run off the battery.

[@taswesty]

Thanks for the question mate. Yep, the charger is wired directly to the battery. Technically the battery won't charge while the amplifier is operating because the current will flow directly from the charger. If the charger can't supply enough current, the battery will make up the difference, which means it will continue to lose charge. As soon as you turn the amp off it will automatically start charging the battery.

[@The_Hobby_Playground]

Thanks for the information. I've been trying to figure out the charging end, because I plan to do something similar, but with a wooden toy chest, and subwoofers/amp.

[@The_Hobby_Playground]

So I guess would I essentially be making a wiring harness that splices together the positive wires for the charging port and radio/amp to the battery, as well as do splice together all of the negative wires? (I hope I worded that correctly lol)

[@taswesty]

In my builds so far, I just run positive and negative wires directly from the charging port to the battery. I then use terminal blocks to divide the various positive and negative sides of the circuit. Your build sounds like a great idea, I would love to see the finished product.

[@The_Hobby_Playground]

tas westy I'm currently ordering all the parts I need for my build. I'll be sure to keep you updated.

[@evanpainter3482]

Nice shop

[@taswesty]

Thanks Evan, I'm very lucky :-)

[@mikeworthy2711]

Do you have a wire diagram for everything. I've built one in past by just running off an amplifier!!! Now building one with just about everything you got man!!! Hit me back man, much obliged

[@taswesty]

G'day Mike!!. Sorry, unfortunately I don't have a wiring diagram. I just kind of made it up as I went. I have been asked for one a few times. If I get time, I'll try to draw one up and add it to my website.

[@warhawk419]

Awesome build do you take order to build them? Would love to have 1

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate. Yes I have started building them to order. However they are not cheep.You can email me via my website if you want more info.

[@errorsk2188]

At 16:32 you can hear the metalic box rattle. This setup will have afwul rattling sound at high volumes. But it is really cool !

[@taswesty]

Thanks. Yep, you can definitely hear a slight vibration that I fixed with some sealant off camera.

[@errorsk2188]

@@taswesty Great :) I too have a speaker like this, but it is made out of a older speaker box. I added new bass speakers, a 12 volt battery from a I think tractor lawnmover, or a fourwheeler , and a car radio. sounds amazing but I need to add tweeters. the battery is twice as big as yours. It has 24 apers.

[@tuffteddy1446]

Awesomeness

[@taswesty]

Thanks Mate!!