Thread: 1998 VW GTI VR6 Project

Originally posted by Stavros
I found some better pics that show off my center console better. These aren't from my car, but have identical units. I'm thinking of taking out the cupholders and putting a 4-5" display int here and make some custom molding. Tell me what you think now Superfly!

I am very familiar with the A3 chasis (I have owned 3 of em! '96 Jetta Trek, '95 Jetta GLX Vr6 and a '99 Cabrio) and I think the cubby hole would be an ideal location. You could remove the whole console and install the monitor from the back after cutting out the cubby hole. All you would really have to do is pull the console and cut the cubby hole out, place blank piece of plastic over the opening and epoxy it into place. Then get your monitor (one with a clamshell headrest mount may be the easiest and cleanest way to go) and cut the opening out for it....install and voala.....of course its easier said than done, but this method would be easier/less expensive than fabricating a custom console for it.

I'm pretty sure the Vent, cold & hot air, A/C controls are all controlled by vacume lines. You could relocate those controls down where the cupholders are and move the defrost button, Pwr Window buttons etc.. to where the ashtray is. Obviously you won't have an ashtray anymore but you will have space for a 7"wide screen Redant TFT display. I'm pretty sure i thought i've seen this mod done before but i can't remember if it was in a magazine or on the net.

I have seen that done before in a show car. Looked good but cant imagine it was easy. Judging by what he is saying, he does want to invest tons of time constructing the system.

Another way you may want to think about going (although its MUCH more expensive) would be to get an all in one unit...ie an alpine/sony/eclipse flip out that has cd/radio/tv......and aux inputs. That means all you would have to do would be to install the deck an then run the wires for you video/audio...dunno but worth a shot!

Its not a A3 (B3! ) and its been upholstered since this picture, but its in the same general place:

It does require movement of ones head to read, but that spot is definately the easiest. but since it requires looking away from the road, ive been speculating about a 1x20 lcd on top of the dash for current info.

Originally posted by Stavros
What size screen is that? If you could give me exact dimensions it would be great, it seems as if its a little small for the cubby hole. My goal is to angle one similar to that size up a little for easier reading and create a nice trim for it. Thanks for the help!

Whoops, never saw the response to this thread. Glad to hear its coming along, and can't wait to see the end result. It was a 5" LCD btw, and it is little.