Creating a Hidden Flush Mount Screen...Help

**Brandtj** · 06-28-2007, 03:41 PM

Hello All,

Lets start by saying that i am new to the site and after two weeks of research i have figured out almost every aspect of my carputer install. What i want to run, how to power it and ideas about everything. Thanks to all who have contributed to my education.

I would like to run a 7 inch touch screen that is flush mounted into the dash. However i would like to be able to hide it when im not using it. Are there any write ups that explain how to fab a retractable door like on some fancy cars? Or are there screens that are removable or could be made removable? I am not afraid to fabricate just need some direction. I also do not want a motorized screen. Thanks for the help.

John

**psyrex** · 06-28-2007, 04:07 PM

What's your car and do you have a picture of where you'll install it?

**Brandtj** · 06-28-2007, 04:44 PM

I have a 2000 mazda protege. It was broken into a month ago and they turned my single din in to a double by ripping out my gear box. Below are some pictures, sorry for the glare. But you will get the idea.

**TomParker69** · 07-02-2007, 05:36 PM

They didn't rip out your gearbox did they dude..

**Brandtj** · 07-03-2007, 12:28 AM

No they didnt rip the gear box out, it all runs fine, i just want to be able to hide anything i may want to put back in it. Any ideas?

**Brandtj** · 07-03-2007, 12:29 AM

By gear box i meant the box that holds gear such as cd's or chap stick, you know stuff like that. Sorry for the confusion.

**Bugbyte** · 07-03-2007, 01:08 AM

Just from looking at the pictures you don't seem to have much depth there, so a lift up hinge and a slide towards the front of the car is out. It also looks like you don't have any room side to side, so a slider either direction is out.

I think your only option may have to be something flexible like a roller shade. They make them for small kids in the back seat to shield them from the sun and some of them work like window shades.

**ironfinger** · 07-03-2007, 01:19 AM

do you have the original double din radio laying around.. You can remove it's faceplate and create a cover that you place over the touchscreen when not in use.. so it will look as if you have a stock system.

**darag2358** · 07-03-2007, 02:27 PM

As he stated earlier, his original radio is single din.

But actually, I've been thinking about the same question, so I might just use your idea for myself. I'm looking for a junked out stock radio to gut and possibly use as my PC enclosure also. Maybe I'll try to keep the face intact and use it as a cover. I wonder how it would work, trying to keep the "fake" face fairly flush with the dash?

Has anyone done this?

**ironfinger** · 07-03-2007, 04:17 PM

^
he has a double din now.. lol, sorry. I swear I thought protege's came with double dins.. maybe it's an optional feature. If so, he can probably find one for cheap on ebay.