Well, I am finally getting around to installing my 10.4" touch screen and carputer. I've had the parts for over a year now, but house, getting married, work and a lot of other bs has kept me from actually doing the work.
Goals for the install:
Screen will look factory
Ability to play DVDs, CDs, and mp3s
GPS
Quick boot and shutdown time
Ability to remove CPU as need
There might be some more goals, but it's been so long I've forgotten them. I'm sure as I progress, I'll remember them and will update.
The first part I wanted to tackle was getting the screen installed. I wanted it where the cubby holes and cig lighter are in the center console. So I pulled that piece out and started cutting to fit the screen.
If wanted, I can get a pic over the weekend of what the final dash piece looks like all cut out.
The idea was to use MDF and fiberglass, but after talking with Dad, we decided to go with balsa covered with fiberglass. He builds model airplanes so he has a ton of scrap and knows how to work with the wood.
I used carboard to mock up how I wanted the final product to look like. Once I was sure of the design (this took the longest part - I probably worked on this for 9 months, on and off), we started building. After about 4 hours in the shop, this is what we have so far:
We still need to finish up the top corner on the passenger side and put in the pieces that will hold the screen centered on the back. Once that's done, we'll secure the frame to the dash piece, cover with felt and glass. If all goes well, I'm hoping to be laying glass by the end of next week.
-Matt