I think I am ready to begin.... :)

**ehawk01** · 03-14-2006, 05:52 PM

So after about 3 weeks of reading this site, I think I am going to begin my own carputer project. I just need some feedback as to some pros and cons. Yes I have already

ed the fourums.

I am planning on putting my carputer into a 2003 Tacoma. I have never done any fiberglass work before, so I am trying to figure out which LCD will be the easiest to mold into my dash. The Double din opening actually has a good bit a extra space around the outside that could be trimmed off to fit a screen. It looks like the Lili may be the best fit.

I am planning on hitting the junk yard this weekend to find a console I can play around with instead of pulling out the one already in my car.

Also I am trying to decide between putting the computer in the armrest console or trying to mount it behind the LCD in the place of the old headunit.

here is my tenative shopping list:
(let me know if I am missing a key component)
VIA EPIA SP-13000 Mini ITX Motherboard with 1.3 GHz CPU
Panasonic CW-8124-B Slim DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive - Slot Load
toyota dash molding center console dash molding
Xenarc 700TSV or Liliput Touchscreen
Kingston KVR266X64C25/1G 1GB 266MHz DDR Non-ECC CL2.5 DIMM
Maxtor SATA-150 OEM Drive. 7200 RPM. 250GB Hard Disk
M2-ATX Automotive 160W DC-DC Power Supply M2-ATX
Terk XM Direct Universal Tuner + USB to XM Direct converter
Terk XMD1000 XM Direct Universal Tuner
Alpine MRP-F250

**Sonicxtacy02** · 03-14-2006, 06:14 PM

words of advice before you buy. KNOW what you want! Dont be cheap and want a limited system now but have the possibility of wanting to addon later. It will cost you more money in end end. Another thing i noticed is you selected a Gig of ram, with a via 13000 ur gonna run outta processor power before running outta ram if you opt to go with 512. You'll also double the resume time should you opt to hibernate your system when not in use.

**ehawk01** · 03-17-2006, 01:34 PM

OK...I will go with less ram. Any more suggestions? I see Dynamix 706 screens and I think they are the same as LINITX. I think this one may match the console better than the Xenarc.

**buurin** · 03-17-2006, 07:54 PM

Wheres the dvd-rom going? What kind of PC case? Is that a 3.5" drive, is so you'll need an external usb enclosure depending on the case you get, in particular the ampie case wont fit the 3.5" hd...

I personally like my PC accessible (under passenger seat)..

**Rocky388** · 03-17-2006, 08:41 PM

do you have an extended cab? mounting the computer back there might be an idea?

check my thread (link in sig), i mounted mine between the 2 jumper seats in my ford ranger.

**DarquePervert** · 03-17-2006, 11:05 PM

HEY! When did you take a pic of my dash?!!??!?!

I also have an '03 Taco XCab.

My setup is going under the passenger seat. Don't expect to squeeze anything in the dash besides a screen. A miniITX fabbed into a double-DIN chassis
If you're wanting to avoid fabrication work, you can go with one of the single-DIN flip-out screens, which is my plan (and the only major piece I'm missing, at this point). They're more expensive, but require less fab-work. You can also remove the unit and not have this big gaping Xenarc-shaped hole in your dash afterward.