Help with dash mounted LCD

**ankur** · 08-21-2006, 10:33 AM

Hi all,
I have been visiting this site for the last few days and have decided to install a car pc in my car. I live in India and the car i drive is an Opel Astra (1999). I will detail my plan for the car pc in the newbie forum later but first i need to figure something out. I am currently struggling with what i feel is the most crucial part of the install, the screen.

My car has a peculiar dash and as you can see in the picture below its a single DIN with an info display above it. The info display can be removed to make a much larger 2 DIN space. The shape of the side moulding is curved on to so 2 DIN setup is out, it will poke out too much on top. Ideally i would like to install a 7" screen (I like the Xenarc 700TSV) flush into the cavity. I am not able to figure out how to install it there, it seems to be suited for installation where it is attached to the bottom surface. I wont be able to do that, i want to stick it in at the depth of the info display that is existing. Another problem i can see is the connector of the screen seems to be side facing, if the cable is coming out the side, would it jut out from the right side or can it be turned towards the back ?

I am looking for ideas/suggestions on how to install it. Or should i skip this and just go for in dash 700IDT ? That would be my second option but obviously i would rather have the flush mounted setup.

thanks.

**DarquePervert** · 08-21-2006, 10:50 AM

It really depends on your willingness and/or ability to fabricate. The fit shouldnt' be a problem. You would just need/want to extend the upper portion of the dash out to the top of the monitor casing.
If you were really gung-ho, you could also relocate the factory clock to another spot....

I'd recommend picking up a spare dash bezel from either a junkyard or a dealership and doing the work on that, if you're going to do fabrication. If you're in India, I don't know how easy that would be, though.

**ankur** · 08-21-2006, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

It really depends on your willingness and/or ability to fabricate. The fit shouldnt' be a problem. You would just need/want to extend the upper portion of the dash out to the top of the monitor casing.
If you were really gung-ho, you could also relocate the factory clock to another spot....

I'd recommend picking up a spare dash bezel from either a junkyard or a dealership and doing the work on that, if you're going to do fabrication. If you're in India, I don't know how easy that would be, though.

Well i have no prior experience in fabrication of this sort and i dont want to attempt it. Being in India ofcourse doesnt help, atleast in my city such fabrication is not that easy to find. The few people who do it, charge an arm and a leg.

I like the idea of the spare bezel. Depending on whether i can even find it, i will explore the market tomorrow and see what i can dig up. I will also visit my stereo installer tomorrow and have him remove the stereo as well as the info panel, lets see what lies behind that.

**DeltaFX** · 08-21-2006, 03:27 PM

Could that Infinity stuff work ?

http://store.mp3car.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=46

**ankur** · 08-21-2006, 04:08 PM

It might, i have already bought the Xenarc 700TSV so the only option would be the housing, and there isnt enough information there to figure out. Obviously its supposed to be a perfect replacement for the Infinity thats why they havent mentioned sizes/install help etc. I think my best best lies in having someone craft a custom fit for my screen.