Fishing for console ideas

**Spiffturk** · 01-08-2006, 12:43 PM

Well, this shall be my first post. I've been lurking for a few weeks now, but I have a question I thought you guys might be able to help with.

First off, I'm planning to put a PC in my '01 Nissan Frontier. Being that it's a 2-door pickup, I don't have a trunk to house the computer for me. Originally I was thinking about going with the ampie case and installing it under a seat. After thinking things over, though, I think a better idea might be to fabricate an addition to my center console. For reference, this is what I've got to work with:

The bottom piece in the first picture only holds the passenger airbag lock and another 12V outlet. What I was thinking was taking out that piece and building something in its place to house the computer bits as well as a touchscreen that will have a larger base, but an angled top so that the display is at a good viewing angle.

So, my reason for posting is this: what would be the best way to go about this? I've never done anything of this sort before and don't really know how to start. I don't know what materials to use or how to build it. Is this even a reasonable approach? I'm much more a computer person than a car person. Suggestions and comments would be appreciated.

And yes, I realize my truck is dirty. It is a truck, after all.

**wuppy** · 04-14-2006, 10:50 PM

Hey! Any luck? I'm getting ready to go ahead with a car pc installation myself and am curious if you made any decisions and how you have progressed.. I've got a 2001 Frontier also - from the pictures it looks like we have the same opening - I have the SE Crew Cab and a factory head unit, but it looks like double-DIN like yours.

Thanks!
-keith

**AznRida** · 04-16-2006, 04:18 PM

I would agree with you on the whole putting a computer housing in the bottom shelf. Well first you have to take the center piece off and remove that bottom shelf. And get creative with a comp box to install into that with a support bracket to hold the back of it and get fans on the left and right on the center console. Might have to find a way so dirt doesn't get in it if you're truck gets "dirty" often. I'd have to say putting the monitor higher up would be better but that's my opinion. Pick your own choosing. Or if you want some more effort you can make your center console extend between the seats.

If you do your own center extension. I recommend using say inch thick insulator or something that will stay solid. Shape it the way you want to and make a mold of it (cover the insulator with wax paper so whatever you use (bondo most likely) won't stick).

**blacklancer** · 04-17-2006, 05:52 PM

check this out - there's a lot of info on here.
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/sear...archid=2128482

basically you have to make a frame for it and then fiberglass over it. i would say make one out of cardboard first and then trace it on to wood and put it all together. wrap it in fleece, resin, and fiberglass.

**Spiffturk** · 04-18-2006, 06:04 PM

Sorry for the lateness of my reply-- here's what i've taken pictures of so far:
http://all3vil.org/gallery/Carputer

Though not shown, I've also made supports to attach the face plate to the floor panel. So far, all the pieces of the case have been fashioned from, ironically enough, old PC cases.

Remaining to do for the rough case:
- side panels
- support for power supply on bottom panel
- support for display on face plate

Then I intend to finish it, probably with upholstery if I can find something that matches, otherwise I'll have to paint it, I guess.

**wuppy** · 04-18-2006, 07:08 PM

Wow - looks good Will.. I have an automatic trans, so my center console has the shift knob and cup holders and a compartment, so originally I was going to try and find something that would work in the original head-unit slot... But after a lot of research, the only cases for single din (so I could use a pull-out LCD that goes into the other din slot), but the only single din cases I can find only fit those VIA motherboards. Now I am thinking of mounting the PC behind my back seat - since I have a full size back seat that I can put things behind mounted on the back wall, that might work the best...

Anyways, I'm always impressed with you guys that fabricate these consoles..

-keith