Hello,

I'm new here but have had an idea in my mind for nearly 20yrs to build a boombox. I recently tested my skills and put together a "toolbox boombox" using a Rubbermaid Plastic toolbox I've had since the late 1980's. I used some extra car stereo components I had laying around and have been pleased with the outcome. I'm already planning another boombox project using "old school" car audio components. Here's the parts list for this project:

Source - Alpine CDA-9813 CD/MP3/WMA (with V-Drive high power built-in amplifier)
Sound - MB Quart FKA116 - 6.5" 2-way (not my 1st choice, but had them already)
Power - 12v 11ah sealed lead acid battery (around $30 US from eBay)
Extras - 12v lighted switch, analog 12v meter, binding post speaker terminals, 20A fuse with 12ga power/ground wire, dual RCA bulkhead connectors, vinyl sound deadening material, marine wire antenna and more...

Box - 21" Rubbermaid Plastic Toolbox

Here is a picture of the finished product:

You can see several iterations of my build on my Youtube channel. I started with some Optimus speakers and a Blaupunkt head unit. I call this v1 of my project:

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Next, I decided to use an Alpine head unit and cut out holes for the MB Quart speakers. This is part 1 of my v2 build, basically showing the components involved in the build:

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Next is Part 2 of the v2 build, showing the build process.

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Let me know what you think. It was not a very difficult project, but did take some time and it gave me some ideas for my next project.

I have some more videos, but didn't want to overwhelm you with my first post!

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very cool indeed, well done BDW

That is just awesome.  I have a Pioneer KEH-P8600 (still boxed) that I could put back into use using your idea. 

I might have to think about sourcing a DAB receiver now to add to it.

Thanks for the comments. I also did a few more videos recently:

Battery Drain Test:


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Crazy Subwoofer Addon

My apologies...Youtube tagged the video b/c of the "Sony" music, so hopefully those of you outside of the US can see the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKYce_NuiSM

-BigD

This is awesome. At first, i would have said that the toolbox would rattle, did you used some kind of car sound proofing material for the inside?

Yes, the box does rattle at high volumes. I covered every possible internal panel with Dynamat type material and while it helped the rattling, didn't remove it all.

My next boombox will be built out of a combination of plywood and fiberglass. I'm hoping to begin work on it soon. I already have the "old school" components, just need some time to get it done...

Thanks for the idea/inspirations BigD! I currently have an older Clarion cd head unit running power from a computer power supply. Everything has worked fine , in other words, no blow outs, surges, lack of power etc. 

I am however having a hard time finding a suitable toolbox.  I've been everywhere in the Chicago suburbs... Home Depot, Target, Walmart, Menards, Farm Stores, etc.  Ill find 21' or 22' toolboxes, but most of them have a flared out design on the front of the box making it undesirable.

I found a 19" that had a plain and flat front, but not enough height. 

I just may go buy some wood and construct a box myself.  Just need to figure out the proper dimensions.  I plan on creating 'chambers' inside the box for the right and left speakers to help with the sound.

How did you secure your head unit in the tool box.  I don't see anything supporting it from the outside..

thanks and great job!

Maybe try Harbor Freight Tools...my local one has a toolbox almost identical to mine. It is actually several toolboxes nested within each other and I think it was around $25.

Here is the closest store I could find to Chicago:

BURBANK IL #187
7602 S. LA CROSSE AVE
BURBANK, IL 60459
Phone: 708-423-1000

I would recommend building one from wood and not using a toolbox for the best sound. My next box will have separate chambers for the L+R speakers plus a small subwoofer.

My Alpine is strapped to the bottom of the toolbox with a car stereo metal strap. I drilled a hole in the bottom of the box and used a bolt, washer and nut to keep it secure. I was hoping to "clean up" the internals before taking a picture, but I'll try to get one so you can see how it looks.

Thanks for the comments, I'm getting excited about building another one! Also excited to see creations by others....let's see those custom boxes!

-D

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