[billgordon66]

Greetings. Newbie in DC. I've got a subwoofer that will sit in the cargo area behind the driver's seat. There's a bracket that's intended to screw down into the floor of the cargo area to keep the sub from sliding around. I know there's important stuff under there, but I don't know exactly what it is... or how long a screw would be too long. Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks!

 

[jwight]

The cargo area is usually considered to be the space above the engine - not a good place to permanently mount something unless you want to remove it every time you need access to the engine.

 

[billgordon66]

Thank you! Good to know, but the only place it's going to fit. The weight of the thing will keep it moving around but so much. The bracket is just to help ensure it doesn't move at all. It would just be two screws to remove it for engine access. I should have pointed out that I have an electric drive... so I won't have much call to access the engine...

 

[jwight]

Sounds like a plan.

 

[lordpaige]

Even if it were gas it really isn't a problem. I have a 12 inch sub with a massive ported box in my trunk. Its not like I'm going into the engine every day. Just keep your screw driver in your glove box or something. Odds are it'll never interfere.

 

[billgordon66]

Awesome... thank you. Just didn't want to screw down into a power transmission line or anything...

 

[jwight]

Have you checked the engine cover thickness and what's under it? Might be a good idea before starting to drill....

 

[billgordon66]

Have you checked the engine cover thickness and what's under it? Might be a good idea before starting to drill....

I was just Googling how to open the engine compartment so I could do just that! :nerd:

 

[jAndrew]

So I just have to ask- How have you been checking the oil and other crucial things if you've never opened it up?

 

[billgordon66]

So I just have to ask- How have you been checking the oil and other crucial things if you've never opened it up?

It's an electric drive... so, no oil to check. But, yes; I have been checking the fluids up front and the tire pressure.

 

[jAndrew]

It's an electric drive... so, no oil to check. But, yes; I have been checking the fluids up front and the tire pressure.

My bad, I should have paid more attention. Seemed odd. Anyway, carry on.

 

[MB DNA]

There's a bracket that's intended to screw down into the floor of the cargo area to keep the sub from sliding around. I know there's important stuff under there, but I don't know exactly what it is... or how long a screw would be too long.

Welcome to SCoA.

Don't want to penetrate any orange HV cables! Pages 4 - 6 may hold some clues . . .

https://xentryportal.i.daimler.com/...nse_Guide_smart_fortwo_electric_drive_pdf.pdf

 

[billgordon66]

My bad, I should have paid more attention. Seemed odd. Anyway, carry on.

No worries... better safe than sorry! A lack of oil changes, emissions inspections, etc. (not to mention a cleaner environment and lower costs) were all among the reasons I went electric!

 

[billgordon66]

Welcome to SCoA. Page 6 may hold some clues . . .

https://xentryportal.i.daimler.com/...nse_Guide_smart_fortwo_electric_drive_pdf.pdf

Thanks... I'll check it out!

 

[billgordon66]

No worries... better safe than sorry! A lack of oil changes, emissions inspections, etc. (not to mention a cleaner environment and lower costs) were all among the reasons I went electric!

Well, that's telling. The cover is hardly sturdy enough to secure the subwoofer, and there's zero clearance where I'd need to screw down, anyway. I'll have to get creative...

 

[SubRosa]

Cut a lightweight piece of plywood that almost covers the entire cargo floor, then fasten your bracket to that.


Dennis

 

[billgordon66]

Cut a lightweight piece of plywood that almost covers the entire cargo floor, then fasten your bracket to that.


Dennis

Well, that's pretty brilliant. Thanks!

 

[billgordon66]

Cut a lightweight piece of plywood that almost covers the entire cargo floor, then fasten your bracket to that.


Dennis

Well, that worked like a charm! Thanks again!

 

[smark]

Instead of screwing it down. Attach subwoofer down, with heavy duty velco strips. No drilling needed. It won’t slide around. Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon, carry them. If you need access to the electric motor, for some reason. Just lift the subwoofer out. Easy.

 

[billgordon66]

Instead of screwing it down. Attach subwoofer down, with heavy duty velco strips. No drilling needed. It won’t slide around. Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon, carry them. If you need access to the electric motor, for some reason. Just lift the subwoofer out. Easy.

Thanks, but as you can see from the photo above, I already took Dennis' advice. Bought a piece of plywood, attached some carpet remnants with adhesive spray, and screwed the unit down. It's very stable, and the board lifts out easily for engine access. I did go the velcro route for the amp, though, which is attached to the cargo wall immediately behind the passenger seat.