RSX Car computer in glove box

**Zerach** · 07-17-2005, 01:52 AM

Hi guys,

I've been monitoring this forum for a while and started my own carPC project, I've been from ordering all my parts including a case and found no great place for it (I want it in DASH).

So I came to the conclusion rather than making it a module, I'll completely integrate the PC in to the dash. I totally cut and grind my case to fit on to the face of the glove box in my car. I then used the metalic insert which I found behind the hard plastic of my glove to mount my computer parts (pictures will come later on tomorrow when I get some time.)

So what I have is my mainboard and PSU in the glove compartment. The DWW-700 in-dash motorized LCD in a single DIN and I'm looking for some fabrication tips on 2 things:

1) My glove box had 3 layers to it, the outside, which is soft plasic, very flexible. The 2nd layer was the metalic insert which I reversed and converted it to mount all my PC boards on it. The 3rd layer (inside layer) was hard molded plastic which formed the actual box for the junk to put in it. Now my question is, now that I've removed the hard plastic 3rd layer and modified the 2nd layer how can I make the outside layer more ridgid at the same time attaching the 2nd metalic layer to the outside layer so it doesn't flex so much.

The material has to be ridgid and not prone to cracking and sturdy enough that it doesn't crack any PC boards if someone were to bump it with their knee.

I'll put pictures up on this thread so you can see what I mean.

2) I have another DIN or half DIN underneath the LCD which I'm putting my HD and DVD-ROM. I've mounted both and now I need to fill up the hole in front so it's faceplate looks seemless or at least pretty.

I'm looking for any suggestions on how this can be done as well.

I've got some other minor issues like the glove box top right corner sags and shows the PCBoard and the stuff behind the glove box needs to be sealed off form the computer, otherwise down the road I could see shorts and all sorts of issues. I might attempt to make a receted fibreglass cover to protect the PC but I'm a newbie at any fabrication.

Any suggestions are welcome, when you see my pics you'll note I'm not afraid to try new things or cut,grind remove parts to make it work. (my whole glove is at the point of no return, I've cut a lot of the plastic away and tried to make everything fit without having to try something new.

I'm pretty happy with what I've got so far, it's just making it look more presentable that I'm in to now.

Sorry, tried earlier but uploading the pics were taking forever (don't know why...server too busy?) Anyways here they are.

**ApoloV** · 07-17-2005, 08:37 PM

ok well i'd be interested to see this as i chose to mount my PC in the spare wheel well of my 02 RSX... as far as strengthening up the glove box you could try fiberglass, it should work well, just take your time and you could easily strengthen it and even add extra material to cover where it sags....

and about covering the 2nd DIN slot.. look at getting the drawer door frmo a Base model. taht could be the easiest solution since it'll be a door you can open and close for access to the dvd drive..

post your pics up..

i have some on my filebox..

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/avanderb/RSX/

Apolo

**Zerach** · 07-18-2005, 03:02 AM

Yeah, I saw yours in an earlier thread in this forum. although it looks good, and hidden. I've got a custom trunk, another project of mine, which has 2 12" subs mounted in the floor of the trunk. After I removed the spare tire (who needs that, I've got a can of tire sealant and roadside assistance membership). I used the space to build a box around it, made it air tight and custom fitted the floor with the speakers. It's nice and it still looks stock after I carpeted it and use the existing carpet as a flap for a false floor. I can post pictures of that as well.

Anyways it all means I can't get at the tire well so easily and can't put the computer there.

Do you think I could take the corrogated steel (which is what all the components are mounted to in the glovebox.jpg). And stick it to the glove box door with fibreglass? I'm worried it just will crack and be a whole lot of work for nothing.

I could do as you say and build the walls up on the side of the rim to get rid of the cracks.

That may have to wait until I wire up the sound...need an amp for this first.

Thanks for the suggestion. Hey where'd you get that button from? Fits right in to the interior, looks nice!!

Cheers!

**TriTon** · 07-18-2005, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by ApoloV

ok well i'd be interested to see this as i chose to mount my PC in the spare wheel well of my 02 RSX... as far as strengthening up the glove box you could try fiberglass, it should work well, just take your time and you could easily strengthen it and even add extra material to cover where it sags....

and about covering the 2nd DIN slot.. look at getting the drawer door frmo a Base model. taht could be the easiest solution since it'll be a door you can open and close for access to the dvd drive..

post your pics up..

i have some on my filebox..

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/avanderb/RSX/

Apolo

Sweet dash mount, what front end u running there mate?

**ApoloV** · 07-18-2005, 11:15 AM

Zerach - yea i think it could be done f/g and the steel just have to take your time with it and make usre your f/g layer is thick enough for strength (4+layers, or make it roughly the asme size as the steel..?) Oh and yea post some trunk pictures I'm always interested in seeing new things

TriTon - Thanks for the compliments.. That front end would be AutoTouch a sweet front end thats very integrated.. Props to Gremlin on gettin this front end working...

Apolo

**ApoloV** · 07-18-2005, 06:13 PM

oh and the knob thats on the center console....came off the stock Bose HU thats why it fits so clean w/ the interior

Its my powermate underneath:-P

**Wiredwrx** · 07-18-2005, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Zerach

Hi guys,

I've been monitoring this forum for a while and started my own carPC project, I've been from ordering all my parts including a case and found no great place for it (I want it in DASH).

So I came to the conclusion rather than making it a module, I'll completely integrate the PC in to the dash. I totally cut and grind my case to fit on to the face of the glove box in my car. I then used the metalic insert which I found behind the hard plastic of my glove to mount my computer parts (pictures will come later on tomorrow when I get some time.)

So what I have is my mainboard and PSU in the glove compartment. The DWW-700 in-dash motorized LCD in a single DIN and I'm looking for some fabrication tips on 2 things:

1) My glove box had 3 layers to it, the outside, which is soft plasic, very flexible. The 2nd layer was the metalic insert which I reversed and converted it to mount all my PC boards on it. The 3rd layer (inside layer) was hard molded plastic which formed the actual box for the junk to put in it. Now my question is, now that I've removed the hard plastic 3rd layer and modified the 2nd layer how can I make the outside layer more ridgid at the same time attaching the 2nd metalic layer to the outside layer so it doesn't flex so much.

The material has to be ridgid and not prone to cracking and sturdy enough that it doesn't crack any PC boards if someone were to bump it with their knee.

I'll put pictures up on this thread so you can see what I mean.

2) I have another DIN or half DIN underneath the LCD which I'm putting my HD and DVD-ROM. I've mounted both and now I need to fill up the hole in front so it's faceplate looks seemless or at least pretty.

I'm looking for any suggestions on how this can be done as well.

I've got some other minor issues like the glove box top right corner sags and shows the PCBoard and the stuff behind the glove box needs to be sealed off form the computer, otherwise down the road I could see shorts and all sorts of issues. I might attempt to make a receted fibreglass cover to protect the PC but I'm a newbie at any fabrication.

Any suggestions are welcome, when you see my pics you'll note I'm not afraid to try new things or cut,grind remove parts to make it work. (my whole glove is at the point of no return, I've cut a lot of the plastic away and tried to make everything fit without having to try something new.

I'm pretty happy with what I've got so far, it's just making it look more presentable that I'm in to now.

Sorry, tried earlier but uploading the pics were taking forever (don't know why...server too busy?) Anyways here they are.

What about cutting a sheet of ABS plastic, say 1/4 inch thick, or 3/8, an use that to strengthen the glovebox. I would put the ABS between the carputer and the outside of the glovebox, with the mounting equipment (bolts and/or screws) going through the ABS. You can even mount the ABS instead on the inside of the glove box, as long as it looks o.k. with the current inside.

Nice install never the less.

Michael