Mid-bass Baffles - HDPE, Acrylic, MDF, or ???

[cueball981]

Hello! I'm nearing the end of my 2019 Ram 1500 build (I have a log going in the build thread section) with only my doors left to do. I'll be sound deadening them as well as building sturdier baffles for the 6x9s.

I'm trying to decide which material will work best. I currently have both 1/2" and 3/4" MDF, 3/8" HDPE (textured), and 3/8" ABS (textured).

I don't know if 3/8" HDPE is thick enough to avoid flexing. These 6x9s really move! I see there are reasonably priced 3/4" sheets on Amazon.

I live in AZ, which is really dry most of the year. Given your experience, what material do you recommend and why?

Appreciate your help!

Chris

[Stycker]

It probably depends on how much water enters your door. Some manufactures seal their doors and windows better than others. Being from AZ you would be fine to use MDF. If you do use MDF, just paint them or use poly-urethane. I never had an issue with MDF and there are only 50-60 days of sun in Pittsburgh.

[cueball981]

It probably depends on how much water enters your door. Some manufactures seal their doors and windows better than others. Being from AZ you would be fine to use MDF. If you do use MDF, just paint them or use poly-urethane. I never had an issue with MDF and there are only 50-60 days of sun in Pittsburgh.

I've always used MDF in past vehicles without any issue. I usually primer, color, and finally clear coat to ensure they hold up to the elements.

Since I have some plastic left over, I was thinking of going with it instead of the MDF. Decisions, decisions!

[dobslob]

HDPE is fine, but bonding lays can be a challenge. I tend to use acrylic as it is everywhere and affordable. Being in AZ I was my car a lot as it gets pretty dusty. I'd never use MDF for a speaker adapter.

Run to Port Plastics on Arizona Ave and see if they have any "drops" you could use. I get scraps of heavy stuff there quite often.

[cueball981]

HDPE is fine, but bonding lays can be a challenge. I tend to use acrylic as it is everywhere and affordable. Being in AZ I was my car a lot as it gets pretty dusty. I'd never use MDF for a speaker adapter.

Run to Port Plastics on Arizona Ave and see if they have any "drops" you could use. I get scraps of heavy stuff there quite often.

Thanks, Doug! I'll do just that! I live off of Alma School, which is a street over. Thanks for the tip!

[dobslob]

Alma School and what? I'm Alma School and Pecos

[cueball981]

Alma School and what? I'm Alma School and Pecos

I'm at the north end...Alma School and Elliot. Still not that far away. You should join us this next month when we meet up!

[erinh]

I wouldn't use MDF. I have in the past. I know people do and say it's fine. But if you're asking and you have the opportunity to not use it... I wouldn't.

[Bnlcmbcar]

How about aluminum?

kind of overkill but very solid and no weather concerns.

[cueball981]

How about aluminum?

kind of overkill but very solid and no weather concerns.

If I had a way to cut aluminum, that would be awesome! I think I'll give the acrylic a try. Have to go down to the plastic store when they're open. Hopefully tomorrow!

BTW, those are sweet looking baffles! Nice and shiny!