Super Clean In 2din Aftermarket Install

[07LiquidCX7]

This is how I am going to do it if I decide to go aftermarket. This looks super nice.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2678364

 

[StickShiftCamry]

Nice, I just finished installing my single din set up today, it blends in nice because the face an aluminum look. I"ll post pics up soon, the sound is unbelievable, madd bass from my class-D monoblok. The 4 door spkrs are just pushin mids and highs, so no distortion.

 

[jmhumr]

Wow, the only way to do the aftermarket is with a paino black kit. That looks incredible. I sure hope some company catches on, I can't stand the flat-black Schoche one.

 

[07LiquidCX7]

Wow, the only way to do the aftermarket is with a paino black kit. That looks incredible. I sure hope some company catches on, I can't stand the flat-black Schoche one.

^x2

I want to go aftermarket, but have to wait for the funds to buy a good GPS/DVD/etc 2din unit. Pioneer or Alpine are the only 2 who make really good ones from what I hear. Kenwood has a few I think that I will look at as well. Any opinions guys?

StickShiftCamry, do you have any pics?

 

[BaD_HeX]

Do a carputer setup. You will be happier in the long run. All of the aftermarket all-in-one units I've looked at are always missing something.

 

[07LiquidCX7]

Do a carputer setup. You will be happier in the long run. All of the aftermarket all-in-one units I've looked at are always missing something.

I'd like to do that instead, but thought the cost was prohibitive. Give me a rundown pls of what I would need for that. I don't want to do the cheesy laptop thing. Would want to build a dedicated unit.

 

[CX-7owner]

Don't forget you can always have the Scosche dash kit finished by B & I.
http://www.bitrim.com/dipfin.htm with a high gloss finish option.

 

[07LiquidCX7]

Don't forget you can always have the Scosche dash kit finished by B & I.
http://www.bitrim.com/dipfin.htm with a high gloss finish option.

Might be cheaper to have a body shop smooth and paint the dash kit? How much does B&I charge? Have you used them before?

 

[Killer]

This is how I am going to do it if I decide to go aftermarket. This looks super nice.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2678364

so far the best aftermarket install i have seen in a CX-7 (drinks)

 

[CXRabbit]

this is much nicer than the Scosche crap ive seen... I'm still happiest with going custom though... I honestly think its the best way to go.

 

[BaD_HeX]

I'd like to do that instead, but thought the cost was prohibitive. Give me a rundown pls of what I would need for that. I don't want to do the cheesy laptop thing. Would want to build a dedicated unit.

Screen (I have a touchscreen)
Motherboard/Cpu/Graphic combo (probablly go with via)
Case
RAM
DC-DC Power Supply
Laptop Harddrive
Misc cables (sata, sata power, audio)
USB gps
OBD-II Reader
Windows (or linux if you are brave)

You could go on with the list depending on what you want to do. I plan to have XM to PC with a timeshifter, reverse camera, and an EVDO card in mine soon. The key here is you have more options then an enclosed unit


OR if you don't want to build your own you could look into something like:

 

[07LiquidCX7]

Ya, I've actually been looking into it and it looks like it will be a cheaper solution than doing an all-in-one mobile audio unit. Plus I'll have wifi, and OS access. You listed all the components of a computer, I know those. Was looking for what was specific about fitting one to a car. But I did some reading and found out it's pretty much the same thing, but you can use way cheaper stuff. I've read a P3 1Ghrz is usually sufficient. Power supply with a shut down controller is a must to reduce audio noise. Other than that it's pretty much standard PC stuff. Do you have any comments or run into any snags with yours? I plan on doing the touch screen as well.

Screen (I have a touchscreen)
Motherboard/Cpu/Graphic combo (probablly go with via)
Case
RAM
DC-DC Power Supply
Laptop Harddrive
Misc cables (sata, sata power, audio)
USB gps
OBD-II Reader
Windows (or linux if you are brave)

You could go on with the list depending on what you want to do. I plan to have XM to PC with a timeshifter, reverse camera, and an EVDO card in mine soon. The key here is you have more options then an enclosed unit


OR if you don't want to build your own you could look into something like:

 

[BaD_HeX]

To install my touchscreen we basically bent a 1" piece of aluminum stripping into a bracket that screws into the dash. The touchscreen screws into the bracket, and then the trim was shaved down very little with a dremel and then fit around the screen. Everything snapps in and could easily be restored to stock if needed.

The hard part was the relocation of the radio (which I wanted to keep for various reasons). My buddy literally took the back side of a hatchet to the supports by the cup holder and bent it out enough to fit the radio. You wouldn't even know it wasn't supposed to go there.

The computer case I made myself out of a IKea keybox (about the size of a text book). Hardest part with that was cutting the holes for the connectors.

The OS is pretty easy to setup. There are a few walkthroughs on the interweb on how to shave startup time on the computer. Most people use a locked flash drive to boot off of to speed things up.

Media Engine or Streetdeck are my favorite dashboards.

Make sure the touchscreen you get is sun readable. Some screens can be impossible to read in the daylight.

 

[07LiquidCX7]

^Cool that is really helpful. Few more questions though... and TIA for the info and help.

1. Do you have any pictures?

2. What touch screen did you use? (I'm looking at lilliput)

3. I could just use an old ATX computer with a DC-DC power supply right? Like an old p3 desktop. It wouldn't be the smallest thing in the world, but I think I could build it into my subwoofer enclosure to hide it for the most part (not the sub's airspace obviously).

4. How do you use multiple screens with a carputer? (wanted one in the passenger visor too)

5. Can a carputer do dual zones?