Flat Screen or Carputer

[EVZBUG]

I'm seriously thinking of putting some sort of nav system in my NBC, and the easy way out would be to get a flip-screen, which isn't the most elegant of solutions. So I was thinking about a custom car computer, but this would mean finding a place for a hard drive and a touch screen. This would INCLUDE 3-D nav, radio receiver, DVD drive, and even a link to the on-board diagnostics so you can see things like oil temp, water temp, oxygen sensor info, etc. My stereo installer said that he would have to move the heater controls down a few fractions of an inch by resectioning the center console. He has moved many cars' A/C controls, and usually does jobs that run between $50k and $100k, so if anyone can do it, it would be him. (Don't worry, I won't be spending crazy money like that--I'd rather have a Porsche.)

Does anyone have any solutions or suggestions? Does anyone have any pics of completed projects or of the dashboard with panels removed??? Thanks, and keep your eye on my photo thread!

[bugley]

I'm not a fan of the flip up screen/nav since it covers the center vents. What I had made is a double din fabrication of the existing center console and moved the vents up.

[bugley]

As for the sensors and diagnostics information. I'd suggest just having the guages. Since if something goes wrong with your nav/dvd unit, you'd still have the guages to look at, besides, hooking up to your "own" computer or screen might cause problems for the ecu.

[EVZBUG]

Originally Posted by bugley

As for the sensors and diagnostics information. I'd suggest just having the guages. Since if something goes wrong with your nav/dvd unit, you'd still have the guages to look at, besides, hooking up to your "own" computer or screen might cause problems for the ecu.

Cool, thanks for the reply! I already have a Bernt pod with a boost gauge, oil temp, and water temp. The pod and center console are painted body color, and I have TT vents. Said computer has an optional cable that links to the OBD port to give the readouts. I saw your post on the other thread, and I can't wait to see pics. I'd like to see how moving the TT vents up turned out. That sounds MUCH MUCH easier than moving the rotary knobs and the switches below them down, although it can be done. My stereo installer is VERY talented, and is always booked with projects that run from $50k (yes that's fifty) and up, and he moved my friend's Prelude's A/C switches from the dash to behind the gearshift! Still, I'd rather he leave the switches alone if the vents can be moved up. If you don't mind, please post a pic tonight even if it is a lowsy pic, as I will be meeting with him tommorrow. Thanks!

[gearhead1972]

check out http://www.mp3car.com/

[EVZBUG]

Thanks for the info! Is there a specific car that you knew about? How come I have never heard of this site?

[gearhead1972]

Originally Posted by EVZBUG

Thanks for the info! Is there a specific car that you knew about? How come I have never heard of this site?

no car, just found out about the site about a year ago from a computer forum.

[dunno513]

Concept 1 had a "pop-up" in the center of the dash just ahead of the vents. Not sure what it was for, but I can only imagine GPS since it(GPS)was just getting started back in the early 90's

[EVZBUG]

Here's a link to the computer system I will be getting. It is very intuitive unlike say, BMW's iDrive. The site lets you demo the operating system. When you pick the radio setting, the buttons look almost like those of a real radio! So the project will start mid-March, after I take care of a few things at the dealership.

[bugley]

EVZBUG, sorry I couldn't post pix, I have some trouble posting pix on the org. Anyway, try my link to my photos and just look for the one that has my eclipse NAV:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bugley07

[OldSkoolVWLover]

I would say mount the touch screen in the visors..... cleaner install outta the way and outta sight from people who may want to take your ish.

Also running a car puter, you could still run the audio thru a head unit (even a factory style deck if you like). This way for normal listening you deal with the head unit directly (volume and what not) and only deal with the touch screen to change things or when needed for nav. Visors have always been my personal choice for monitors because I am bigger on function than bling and for function you can't beat something that keeps you eyes in the area they belong and shows off less than it gives you function. The added bonus, it's easy to go back to stock.

[EVZBUG]

Bugley, thanks for the pics! That's a HUGE screen! I dropped by at my stereo installer's place and paid for the carputer, and it will be ready in two weeks. The screen is going in the dash, and the heater controls will have to be lowered 1/4 an inch or so to allow for a 7" screen. My installer has moved HVAC controls millions of times, both manual and electronic. Oldskoolvwlover, I thought of putting it in the visor, but it is too small, and I don't like things in my way--I rarely use visors because of this. Plus, I want to look kinda stock. I also don't want a pop-up screen because it will also block my view. The carputer will feature Nav, AM/FM, a DVD player, USB jack, equalizer AND a OBD II link so you can monitor live info from the ECU! I'll keep you posted.

[OldSkoolVWLover]

cool.... I am with you on the blocking a view thing.

The visor preference comes mostly from my paranoia, I have had thousands in car stereo equipment stolen in the past. I love custom dash pieces though, when done right looks OE. Def keep us posted.