New parcel shelf - do I need an engineer's certificate? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Neeek · 08-04-2004, 16:21

As it says, really.

I made a new one up from a slab of MDF for my 6x9s, and it fits perfectly, looks fine, doesn't get in the way of the belts or anything, etc... but slightly worried that this "mod" will attract the attentions of "plod", so to speak.

ianmcginley · 08-04-2004, 17:07

I would have thought that a slab of MDF would be no where near torsionally strong enough. However the amount of strength required to support the car (rear window, etc) is questionable, however I wouldn't have thought MDF would cut the mustard.

Neeek · 08-04-2004, 17:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianmcginley

I would have thought that a slab of MDF would be no where near torsionally strong enough. However the amount of strength required to support the car (rear window, etc) is questionable, however I wouldn't have thought MDF would cut the mustard.

Ah.. perhaps I should be clearer - the MDF sits on TOP of the original shelf, so it's not actually replacing the original metal one. This being the case, sounds as though it'll be OK, right?

ianmcginley · 08-04-2004, 17:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neeek

Ah.. perhaps I should be clearer - the MDF sits on TOP of the original shelf, so it's not actually replacing the original metal one. This being the case, sounds as though it'll be OK, right?

Oh - yeah if its just bolted to the original metal shelf so you can fit the bigger speakers, I can't see a problem with that. Then again i'm not an automotive engineer with any knowledge of legal requirements. But sounds good

75Hardtop · 08-04-2004, 20:35

You don't need an engineers report unless you are changing the vehicle structurally or mechanically from original. A parcel shelf contributes to neither so you've no need to worry.

outback_ute · 08-04-2004, 20:53

An add-on shelf doesn't but the original metal one sure does contribute to the structural integrity. Technically you should not drill a hole in it.

SmokedEB · 08-06-2004, 05:22

"Technically"? drilling holes doesnt affect strength that much, as a studying Structural engineer, you dont require a certificate for the addition to your shelf, and if you drill small holes you wont either. When you start hacking large chunks out is when you need it.

rau · 08-09-2004, 04:55

Just make sure its properly secured, ie sub boxes must be secured at four points. A mate of mine made aup a rear parcel shelf that hid his speakers under a thin layer of carpet, didnt effect the sound quality and gave the impression that there were no rear speakers if looking at it, great theft prevention