WTB: Carputer install help in SLO, CA

**arebelspy** · 09-22-2005, 07:34 PM

Here's the deal: I basically know nothing about carputer installs, and want to hire someone to install it for me. But I'd like to be there to watch, to help what little I can and maybe learn a bit.

Location: San Luis Obispo, California.

Price: Negotiable (can do based on the whole job, or hourly, or whatever, we can discuss it). I'm a broke Cal Poly student, but if you have the experience and are willing to put in the time, I'll be glad to pay you for it.

Vehicle: 1999 2D Ford Mustang Convertable

Install would include:
- mounting carputer securely somewhere in car (likely trunk, but we'd discuss it)
- installing motorized touchscreen in one din (likely having to move radio down in the process)
- hooking up power to everything (DC-DC or inverter or something - would be discussed) such that it boots and shuts down at appropreate times, survives crank, etc.
- hooking up carputer audio into stock stereo system (with no aux in available)
- running cables, etc. so they're mostly hidden

Probably other stuff as well? (Things I don't know about yet, that you would inform me of.)

Let me know if you're in the area and interested!

-arebelspy

**scott_fx** · 09-22-2005, 09:35 PM

you should really take a shot at it, it's not really that hard plus we can help you along the way. The only thing that would be troublesome would be keeping the stock stereo system (if you mean keeping the h/u)

**arebelspy** · 09-22-2005, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by scott_fx

you should really take a shot at it, it's not really that hard

I'd love to, but there's no way I'd be able to.

Just browsing this site for a few days has made me go:

I don't even understand half the things people say here, to be honest :P

I'd lov to learn though, so if anyne in the area wants to get paid to show me how to do all of the above, please let me know.

-arebelspy

**scott_fx** · 09-22-2005, 11:54 PM

i have no idea where san luis obisopo is in relation to me but if you want to stop by while i install my g/f's car pc i can give you a hand

**arebelspy** · 09-22-2005, 11:58 PM

I'm a couple hours north of LA (central coast), but I figure most the people who reply will be in that area (or the bay area - which is equally far), so I'm prepared to drive a few hours. Talkin to xdjx.. about it right now, who's near L.A.

I really appreciate the offer, but think it'll prolly take more than just a little help while you're workin on another carpcat the same time. Although if you want a job helpin me do it, I'd be up for it..

-arebelspy

**Gixxer** · 09-23-2005, 12:45 AM

lol. I used to live in Paso Robles. I always get a kick out of seeing people online from where I used to live.

Anyway, It really isn't that hard at all. If You can setup a PC in Your house You can install one in Your car. I had never done it before this install either.

There is alot of really good info here, and You will most likely get the help You need from the people on the forum.

**arebelspy** · 09-23-2005, 01:02 AM

PCs are no problem, built many a PC from scratch before. It's all the wiring and power stuff that confuses me (that whole "Power Supply" part of the forum), and I can't make heads or tails of when people talk about it. :P

Oh, and to be honest, ripping into my dash scares me.

-arebelspy

**Gixxer** · 09-23-2005, 01:16 AM

Here's the power supply that I use. It works pretty good. check out the link to the manual, it'll show how it is wired up.

http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/ca...it.A/id.356/.f

If it's installing the screen Your worried about. You can take it to a stereo shop and have them install it. You have a mtorized LCD right? Shouldn't be any different that installing a regular headunit. I don't know of AVC is still down on Broad St. or not but they used to do pretty good work.

The rest of the install is cake.

**arebelspy** · 09-23-2005, 01:30 AM

The PC I'm using isn't an ATX motherboard, so from my reasearch so far it looks like I'm gonna have to go the inverter and DSSC Controller route..

As far as the install of the motorized LCD I'll prolly see how much they charge.

Coincidentally, I happen to live on Broad, so I did a quick search, which showed the place you were talking about isn't found (at least in any online yellow pages) but another place on Broad was (likely the same place with a name change or got bought out). Mapquest shows total distance: 0.48 miles, Total Driving Time: 1 Minute. So it shouldn't be too hard to get to a car audio place.

You have me so tempted to do this myself, but I know I'll screw something up and it won't turn out right. :P

I'll post more details about what I'm trying to do in a bit.

I really appreciate your comments so far!

-arebelspy

**Gixxer** · 09-23-2005, 01:57 AM

Yeah, post up what You want to use, (mobo, screen,etc) and I'll see if I can help You out.

Also there is Upstairs Car Stereo in Atascadero, They do really good work.