Project: Toyota Matrix indash LCD begin (56K beware).

**MatrixPC** · 01-07-2005, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the tip. I search around and people also recommended duramix stuff. On the other side people also recommended SEM as duramix subtitude. I am not sure how good this one when I do wetsand, but it doesn't hold well if the part is not sand before apply.

**MatrixPC** · 01-11-2005, 09:54 AM

After couple coat of SEM Bumper Repair and sanding, and sanding, and sanding. Prime with Plastikote Sandable Primer. This is what I came up with.
But the lower left corner is ***** up a little. Dam. I must of have to wait more for the stuff to dry and pre-sand a little better.

After cutting out the "bad" part and sand. This is the close up after clean up.

This is the closeup of the repair of the "damage" lower left. All smooth now. I just have to wait for it to completely dry and prime again then .... more sanding.

**MatrixPC** · 01-11-2005, 09:59 AM

Bye bye, Cig/aux power outlet, 110V switch and outlet

Say hello to the new Alpine CDA 9830.

Now I just have to secure the new HU in its place.

**gizak** · 01-11-2005, 10:23 AM

Coming along nicely! I've always liked the Matrix. I assume you already tested the GPS mounted inside there? Seems like most are putting it as close as they can to a dash area to get better signal. Anyways, keep up the good work!

**slangnasty** · 01-11-2005, 03:20 PM

looking good matrixPC.

Still haven't performed my in-dash yet. I'm watchin this thread to and taking notes

.

also about the GPS, are there any vents located directly above the GPS?? or just solid dash. Does it work well in all conditions?

Asking because I am getting ready to replace my current GPS with a new one and I am considering mounting mine "in-dash" also.

great job so far!

**arise360** · 01-11-2005, 09:39 PM

I'm going to use the blanked out spot under the inside air button for a usb port. just an Idea for you

**MatrixPC** · 01-12-2005, 10:00 AM

gizak, slangnasty, The GPS has very good signal (7-10 sats) when it sunny and clear outside. However it is a little slow to get a lock when it cold (45F) and cloudy. When I said slow that mean really slow. It take upto 3-5 minutes to get a lock at 4 sats if the car stand still (including time in the garage). If moving, it will take for a while. I think the reason is it freaking cold that the GPS need more time to warm up itself.
I choose to put the GPS in there because that is where Toyota put their receiver in there on the Matrix with GPS option. I may have to move the receiver deeper inside the dash => more toward the windshield/front so that it gets better "view" of the sky.

arise360 I may have to put a USB port to somewhere on the dash. Probably next to the relocate radio. I am not sure get. As for hacking that "dead/blank" button, that is also an idea too. I am not sure yet. I have to find a place to put the 115V switch and outlet first. I need that to charge the camera and some other stuff.

**MatrixPC** · 01-13-2005, 11:28 AM

Ready to be paint. Prime and wetsand with 600. I may have to get some 1000 or so to smooth the paint.

QUESTION for the expert. Should I look to buy plastic type paint or any of those touch-up paint? I prefer PlasticKote brand but I can't find one for interior's plastic. Painter Touch by Rustoleum does have paint for plastic but household plastic.

**arise360** · 01-14-2005, 04:36 PM

Looks good. Have you done a test fit yet?

**MatrixPC** · 01-18-2005, 10:53 AM

Final product, the color is a little darker. This is the best match that I can. PlastiKote doesn't have the exact color I want.

It fit perfectly in the car. Howerver, I want the back cover to be on as well. To do that, I have to chop off the back cover a little bit. The part where you use for stand mount. Picture coming up later.