Thread: 2005 Chevy Impala: Need Help/Suggestions

naw just chop out the headunit and put the screen there and fit the pc some where else

Originally Posted by Shelbrain

I am going to put my Xenarc monitor into the center dash location where the stock radio is now. I am looking for suggestions as to whether or not to build or modify a lower console to hold the remainder of the PC accessories and my new headunit. I was even considering building the computer into a box that rests on the "hump" below the HVAC controls. What do you think?

How much space do you have behind the ac controls?
I'm thinking you could put your zenarc where the stock radio is,and put your new headunit where the ac controls are.
If your controls are electronic,it's easy to just extend the wires and make a little pocket beneath the dash.If they are mechanical,it's more of a challenge.
Depending on how much space you have behind the stock radio,you might think about putting your computer behind the screen like Rando did on his 4runner.

The fabrication work will be tricky as you don't won't have a bezel to fit the screen in. You'll have to fabricate one your self.

It will also be tricky seeing as how I have never done this before...

Anyhow, I will rip things apart this weekend and see what kind of space I got. I am expecting a fair amount as the dash in the Impalas is pretty deep.

You can use wooden mouldings from DIY stores to get bevels etc around the screen.

Originally Posted by seanshine

Depending on how much space you have behind the stock radio,you might think about putting your computer behind the screen like Rando did on his 4runner.

A couple of people (including another 4runner owner) did that, but not I.

Personally, I'd build a nice little carpeted/black finished box over the hump. It'd be a great place to put a slot load or even tray load cD comin right out the front. Probably could go to autozone or walmart or whatever, get a cheap console from their auto dept, and start cutting just to use it as a base - then cover the $lut in bondo and sand until your hands fall off.

Other benefits include having SHORTER WIRES which means less chance of the evil beast known as LINE NOISE INTEREFERENCE and grounding issues from cpu to head unit. Also, no more running to the trunk to check things. Your on/off switches could be on the case itself, and not remoted.

obviously, I'm a fan, sorry for the long post. Just waited tables for 8.5 hours. Made 170$ though.

But my feet hurt.



Good luck man.