What material to make bezel with?

**wysocki** · 05-13-2004, 04:38 PM

I have a 2002 Merc C230k hatchback and I'm replacing the HU with a Xenarc 700TS touchscreen. The touchscreen will fit in the double DIN area with less than 1/2" around it, but I'm not sure of what I should use to fill between the screen and the hole in the DIN. I could take a chunk of wood and whittle it down (probably would break) or maybe some plastic (what kind is most toolable?). Any suggestions on how this is done(see photos below)?
[IMG]http://****andmoan.com/misc/c230k_din.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://****andmoan.com/misc/700TSfront.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://****andmoan.com/misc/700TSback.jpg[/IMG]

**Grayscale** · 05-13-2004, 04:53 PM

i went down to a hobby store that sells wood and stuff for rc airplanes, got some of that balsa wood (not the thin type, its stock, like .5" stuff)...just go check it out. i chose balsa cause it compresses so you can squeeze it in tight. after that you will need to superglue between the lcd and wood and the bezel and the wood. then on the behind of my case i put epoxy all around the bezel and the lcd casing. i am almost finished with my install and i must say the bezel looks excelent

this is the only pic i have cause i like to get right in there and work on my projects without taking pictures =\...it'll give you an idea of what the wood looks like

**Chairboy** · 05-13-2004, 05:12 PM

Cut a new bezel out of something called 'hardboard'. They sell it at Home Depot in the same aisle as MDF. It's a thin (I use 1/4") and very strong, dense board that shouldn't break in the thickness you're talking about.

**rando** · 05-13-2004, 05:58 PM

Just glue MDF to the sides of the case. Cover it with body filler (bondo), sand and paint. It will look perfect and be more than strong enough.

I just did this a few days ago. Check it out here.
2004 Toyota 4runner

**cproaudio** · 05-13-2004, 06:27 PM

abs plastic is what I use. It's stronger than wood of the same thickness. You can easily get by with 1/8" ABS plastic. Check the local stereo shop. they use ABS plastic like crazy

**zijester** · 05-14-2004, 03:30 AM

Lets not forget carbon fiber

**VWTronics** · 05-14-2004, 09:29 AM

To everyone, regarding Carbon Fiber custom jobs…

For anyone who might be interested in custom carbon fiber work, this guy has been around for a bit on VWvortex and does a nice job with C.F.

Follow the links for examples on VW components he has done…….

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1223146

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1072155

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1068588

His Email Address:

vw4sport@hotmail.com

**[iG]** · 05-14-2004, 10:29 AM

Wow thats nice work.. Do you know anyone would can make quality brushed aluminum parts?

**moltensilver** · 05-14-2004, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by [iG]

Wow thats nice work.. Do you know anyone would can make quality brushed aluminum parts?

http://www.exoticwooddash.com/coating.htm

These guys do custom coating of all their colors including brushed aluminum. But the custom process is expensive; they told me the min is $200.

VWTronics,

Can the guy you mention do other coating than carbon fiber?

moltensilver

**[iG]** · 05-14-2004, 12:57 PM

Ah coating.. Fast & easy way, but sooner or later it will start showing that its coated. I was thinking more along the lines of real brushed alu. parts...