My alternative to the $ 200 relocation kit: peer critique plz.

[f1anatic]

Just as the title says, please critique.
Did I waste time (2 weeks) and efforts (using fine cutting tools, and trying N types of epoxy glues) in an attempt to save 200 dollars or did it come out decent enough and you guys would sport this in your car without embarassement ?

I just didn't feel that the AVO/Rallitek clock relocation kit was worth the price: 200 dollars for a piece of plastic. Please do not judge my choice of materials (obviously a Blockbuster DVD holder) but judge the fit and finish of the final product.

Actually this isn't even the final product - I would like to paint it either flat black or some graphite color to match the interior (FWEASEL - you may wanna chip in with regards to what color you used and where you got it from); but that will be done when I will have the navi bezel done. Paint everything all at once.

I can explain the Blockbuster plastic choice. At some point while brainstorming, it occured to me to use the DVD holder plastic (back cover) as my "frame". I bought a few from a store...but when fine cutting with a scalpel and drilling, they all cracked. The only one that did not crack was the Blockbuster type - a softer plastic which is less crack-proned. Even then, I went thru 5 of these cases till I got them right. Glueing it to the shifter plate there was a whole 'nother struggle. In the process I did not damage or modify any of the OEM stuff and everything is 100% reversible to stoock or may accomodate the AVO kit.

So did I save myself 200 dollars with a decent clock relocation solution or should I just pay 200 bucks and get AVO kit ?

[rc0032]

Looks good :)

[Magic]

Not Bad

[AWDxBOOST]

looks pretty good to me

[bakasama]

If it is a complete solution, and my 07 had an information panel to relocate, I'd be interested in it.

[fweasel]

Wouldn't put it in my car, but I'm wired funny that way. :icon_bigg Your end result is leaps and bounds above what I could produce myself. This is why, in my case, throwing $190 at the issue has resolved it permanently and my OCD mind can move on to other issues.

Excellent results for a DIY. How's the rest of the carputer coming along?

[f1anatic]

I have most of the hardware:

1 Toshiba Laptop (1 GHz, 512 MB RAM)
1 Xenarc 700 TSV touchscreenie
1 BU-353 Sirf 3 usb gps
1 Carnetix smart startup/shotdown controller outputting 19V and 12 V (dual outputs)
1 Hauppauge usb TV tuner
1 Jazzy MT solution for AUX-IN
1 Centrafuse front end software
1 iGuidance v3, 2006 software
1 smart cord direct wire for the radar detector in need of North Central's skinniest fingers for routing around the car
1 serial to USB converter for real-time engine data (can you say OSD Boost (this will come in handy after my 30K tune-up), AFR, Coolant Temperature ?)
------------------------------------------
still needed
------------------------------------------
1 powered USB hub (- to be added at a later time; online; Microcentre)
1 usb programmable touchpad controller (- to be added at a later time; online)
1 usb camera (I got two but not like either) - (to be added at a later time; Microcentre)
1 solution for location of the laptop and power source (brainstorming required but I have the starting ideeas)
1 VGA cable extender (Microcentre)
4 USB extension cords (Microcentre)
10 meters of wire (Radio Shack)
1 audio jack M & F connector (Radio Shack)
1 switch (Radio Shack)
(in case I am unable to make pulse starting on the laptop work; I will just solder a wire out of the power button on the laptop, the female end...and plug in the male end when the laptop is in the final position and just power/shut off like that)

As you can see there's some work left most of which is cutting the Xenarc. I have the software end figured out and the basic ideea works, as tested in the minivan in nearly final configuration - down to the usb GPS receiver, embedded plug-ins, software shit and what not all working.

[f1anatic]

with regards to my bracket; give me a chance to paint it...and hopefully will look different.

Weasel...what paint matches the interior ? Need code, source please.

[fatbastard]

Not bad at all...I don't see me paying the 200 bucks for the AVO kit but I am not sure if I would do this either. Not because I think you did a crappy job, but I think I would and no matter how small the mistake is that I made...that would be all I would see. But well done for sure. Out of curiosity, how much have you spent so far?

[one69chev]

nice work; for cheap plastics, you could always try modeling sheets. any good

model/hobby shop should have a good selection. i used a bunch of it when i re-

did the dash in my camaro.......

[eldiablo]

Not bad. I'd call it a good proptotype - but not a finished product. When I built my gauge pod for the cubby I used some black desk pad material which matches the interior perfectly, is nice and thick and easy to cut without looking jagged. Maybe worth a try for $10 at Staples.

[f1anatic]

Well, this ain't no secret.
100 for the 60 Gb hard drive
35 for the hard drive connector on the Toshiba (can you believe the idiots at work got rid of the computer because it wasn't working right; freezing etc and nobody bothered to check the most essential thing)
laptop was free
35 for the smart wire cord
400 the xenarc
100 the power supply
75 the gps receiver
85 for the jazzy
40 the converter

= 870 dollars. I have about 430 coming from the sale of my old portable navigation. So really about 450 only and i exepect to finish the project with just another 150 dollars.

I started with a budget of 1500 planning for the AVO single din kit, relocation kit, and a different monitor and building my computer. But I saw Weasel's AVO relocation kit...and convinced me that 200 dollars that piece of plastic ain't worth it. I was 3 clicks away from ordering it this past Tuesday...but behold...overnight the phucking glue held and here I am. maybe in the future I will change it to an AVO but i think if I paint that thing, it will look better. Besides, it isn't exactly in a part of the car where I constantly look at. I will have a 7 inch screen there to gaze at...not gonna worry about some other plastic.

I know I am cheap by not buying the AVO kit...but I fail to see the huge difference between my unpainted bracket and what the cars in the picture have.

I am aiming for the looks in the picture where the monitor is not turned on.

[LordJim]

That looks nice. Damn nice.

-
Jim

[f1anatic]

Unpainted, but mounted on the car; including the Jazzy device.

Indeed, one does not really need the AVO kit unless s/he is obsessed with perfection. One needs not splice no wires, but indeed one must cut thru a plastic bracket to allow the harness to reach the clock/ to make room for the clock.

[axis008]

Is it hard to see while you are driving? Say in 1st or 3rd?

[fweasel]

Is it hard to see while you are driving? Say in 1st or 3rd?
Fortunately, I don't often need the outside temp while in 1st gear.:icon_mrgr

[f1anatic]

You do realize that for what I am doing I actually just need to dismiss the Airbag light. But no, it is well visible from the normal driving position. I have it mounted at a different angle than the AVO unit. I actually have it on either outside temp or average mpg - but keep in mind I will have on screen display of fuel economy and time via the car pc front end software. I think it came out decently.

[rkl303]

I'd like to see it painted to match the entire plate as well has hide the lines with probably bondo so that all you see the screen but overall it looks good. Maybe being recessed would be cool too instead of being flush.

[rkl303]

Looking at your interior makes me question why I chose the taupe interior.

[AKLGT]

looking great! :) i may end up redoing my set up at some point, but it's on the back burner for now. it does work, but i've not had much time to really work on the car system.

[andrew.anderson]

F1anatic,

I missed this thread on LGT.

I finally registed over at mp3car.com and saw your thread there which directed me here.

I will be using alot of yours and sebberys info when I try and set up our car. Thanks for pioneering this stuff so I don't have too. :D

[scottmcphee]

Since you had your clock out to relocate it, I just wanna know if it crossed your mind to add Trippy to the DISP button at the same time?

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56717


Scott

[prelude]

I am aiming for the looks in the picture where the monitor is not turned on.
These two pictures look very familiar to me.
Wait a second, it is my car!
Hahah
Just kidding.
However, I think you are doing much better than my current screen setup now.
Keep us updated!

[vincedog3]

well done. I gave up my comp/trip/temp etc. when the LCD display went in. Cool solution to remount. good job. I may try to do the same thing. Did you have to lengthen the harness at all??

[JonLGT]

:lol: I made my own last night also, I just saw this thread today but i made my own plastic piece, and it works like a charm. I would rather make my own than waste $200 on a adapter piece, even if I have to sacrifice minor looks.

[sportwagon]

Man... Can I relate to your toils with this project!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i299/2fuzzy2/DSC02897.jpg

A couple of years ago I embarked on a similar mission! Instead of relocating the clock though, I installed the defi control unit II in the ashtray location. Believe me, this kind of freestyle hacking is not for the faint-hearted or the impatient!

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11622

Nice work f1anatic, you have a nice hack, that is about 90% completed... you just need to add the finishing touches (paint, carbon, vinyl tape, or whater "finish") to complete the hack job! But the best part is that no cutting of stock trim pieces was required (and no drainage of $200 from the bank account was required, either)...

I have been very satisfied with the ashtray conversion I completed, but the road to satisfaction was not short... the most recent upgrades that I have completed to my "hack job" was that I took the 12V plug that I cut out and reinstalled it (burried behind my AC unit) in order to utilize the power source for my Garmin Nuvi navigation. This was quite easy for me because I physically cut through the ash tray swiveling unit to utilize the basic structure and door functions, so the 12V plug was just sitting in my garage. I needed the cigarette style 12V female plug for my navi and since it could be burried in the dash it allowed me to hide the wiring... so basically the Navi is hard-wired and the wire just comes throught the vent near the cubby! Pretty nice since I hate loose wires in that area.

You probably can make do without the 12V plug there, and if you ever want to go back to stock it should be easy!

So the next question is how are you going to finish the "blockbuster" piece... Paint is an easy option but I can not recommend it after the ordeal I am currently experiencing with painting the interior trim pieces in my car!!!:mad:

I'm to the point where I'm considering buying a Real CF flat trim kit, or the $140 ebay faux CF trim kit to end my never-ending battle with the painting project I embarked on! It has dragged on for over 2 1/2 months because I keep F'ing up!!! :mad::mad::mad:

Your scenario would be simple in theroy since it would require only painting one little piece of plastic not stock trim pieces... But simple is never simple is it? Another option place some of that faux CF vinyl tape over the exposed piece of the DVD case and carefully cut out the hole for the clock unit...

Anyhow... Good luck with your decision and the remaining details required to finish it! Bravo to you for saving yourself $200 and making it a true DIY project!

[SubLo]

Hey f1anatic (http://legacygt.com/forums/member.php?u=2548), can you please give us some screenshots and feedback on the OSD technical features of Centrafuse? The Boost, EGT, and Oil gauges (and other gauges) in particular? Where are the isignals coming from? OBDII? Vacuum -> electronic sensor? The Fluxmedia Web site is lacking detailed screenshots?

Thanks! :eek: