|
My center console currently has a built-in compartment to hold cds and tapes, and is covered by hinged lid. I plan on removing the cd holder and putting the computer in there, that way the lid can cover it and look stock. Preliminary plans are to make a mounting bracket out of steel strips and pop rivets, with positions for the mobo and drives.
I'm working on how to get the monitor mounted flush in the dash. The debate right now is whether or not to take out the factory radio and put it in its place, but that would leave me with no integral radio as well as be unable to access the existing 4-disc changer from the factory. The only way would be some kind of fiberglass cover to go over it since I don't want it to stick up from the dash by itself.
As far as cost goes I've found the screen for $430, and the computer should be <$500. I've also seen GPS units for under $100. The most expensive part is going to be the interface to the car's existing computer. I'm probably going to wait on that phase since it can always be added in later. The cost could be driven down quite a bit if one wanted to use a regular LCD with A/V inputs, they can be found for around $120. But the screen would be fuzzy and I'd have to use the mouse for everything instead of touching the screen.
I've just ordered the screen and it should be in sometime after Christmas. Once it gets in I can see where it?d fit better, and can go from there.
__________________
"Empirically observed covariation is a necessary but not sufficient condition for causality" - Edward Tufte
|