My Ideas (Very Detailed)

**ITguy** · 06-25-2009, 06:16 PM

sorry about the vehicle details missing (im guessing no one checks profiles anymore hehe)

its an 2006 pontiac grand prix BASE model(got it from an auction for 6000 CASH) i just checked the pontiac specs with the factory, the dash changed in 2004 to the new one, so i found an 05 and i am hoping to get a dash bezel from that as a "project dash"

Quick question to soundman, are you saying that that touchscreen WOULD work, i am aware it is just a screen and not a full enclosure, someone i think told me it was just a controller, so i am a bit confused.

as for the laptop it would be PERMANENT (no docking required) as it has NO screen, there is not even on the hardware, all that's left are the rails it sat on for support when open, the dvd rom is gone with just a cable laying there, and the wifi (which was mounted INSIDE the screen, i think it was a truebrite LCD, is also just wires and a gold reflector for signal, all still works, just not as a laptop anymore

(Just so everyone knows this laptop was fatally injured when on a road trip to florida all the techs in the car were using laptops, when we switched to get out at a rest area and get back in, i sort of left this one on the roof, we heard it crash, and once on an external monitor was able to recover the data, but it has been headless ever since i took the screen unit out (which was smashed) and the keyboard is also missing a few keys as well)

As for another case i guess i could make one, though i am not sure about that

hope this helps a bit

**soundman98** · 06-26-2009, 09:07 AM

Touchscreen-- yes the touch screen that in your second post will work, the one in your first post was only the touch interface. I was unsure on how much fabrication you wanted to do, so i was recomending a simple(plug-and-play) touch screen monitor solution, in case you decided against cutting up your dash bezel.

the other day, I was looking at a build log for a mini cooper that the member had the same idea(bad laptop screen-great carputer). look around in the build log areas just to get some ideas on what other laptop users are using to mount theirs in their cars and mounting locations.

the ultimate choice for mounting location is yours. it definatly looks like it would fit under the seat, the good part is that it is a location that is heated and cooled, the bad part of that is it is susceptable to messy kids, and spilled drinks, and tollboth change, and you have to unbolt the seat to service it. the trunk is also great, as there is enough room, the good side is space, and it would be easier to sevice, the bad side is that the space is not heated or cooled, and all wires would need to be extended to work properly.

wheigh your options and go with the best install location that works for you. just remember that you are the one that will need to maintain and service it, so for me or anyone else to tell you what is the BEST mounting location, could end up costing you later (or just cursing the idea of ever listening to some moron on a online forum).

there is tons of info here, so look around, and enjoy building your project.

**ITguy** · 06-26-2009, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by soundman98

the other day, I was looking at a build log for a mini cooper that the member had the same idea

So you would not have a link for that post would you, as for the touchscreen i am still learning what will work, im a bit confused between a "controller" and the screen, i thought it was all one piece, most pc monitors i have worked with in the past are all one board.

As for the laptop and the "susceptable to messy kids, and spilled drinks, and tollboth change" i use EZ PASS transponders in my license plates, no kids, and well the drinks part might be tough,

Oh one other thing, i have created a mount on my passenger seat that allows me to pull two pins (much like the pins you see in locking devices) and then the seat will raise up off the floor on hinges sideways, allows for better access to the carputer if needed, the seat is still bolted in its frame in certain places for safety though

So i am still trying to figure out if i can build a touchscreen and get a screen and then shape the dash (FYI i bought a spare dash bezel for this project, if something goes wrong i can restore it in a few minutes) or an all included kit, biggest differences are pricing and ease of install, but i read somewhere that its not fun unless we build it, so if the first screen i saw on ebay would work let me know!

thanks for the tips and ideas, and i live up in maine, so the trunk is probably definitely out, as sometimes even in a good car we get frost INSIDE the trunk when we get into winter!