Thread: VW Golf MKIV Custom Laptop install-DVD-Radio-Bluetooth-WiFi-USB (pics)

Hey all,

So after having used my laptop install for about 6 months with no troubles at all now, I finally got some time to post the install process so you can see how I did it on my car.

First Id like to thank everyone who helped me along the way, and all the info I got from reading the mp3car forum to help me get my install working just the way I wanted it.

My setup:
Compaq Presario V6210 Laptop with broken screen (removed)
AMD Sempron 3200
1gb ram
60gb HD
2 usb ports + 4 on Express Card
External DVD drive
Bluetooth Dongle
WiFi external antenna (hacked)
Brando USB FM Radio
Lilliput EBY701 7" Touchscreen

Diagram for my project:


I apologize for the blurry pictures as they're from my cell phone...

So here's the car:




This was my workbench when I still had the laptop all opened up before hacking into the power button:


Here's some acrilyc glass that I got for my screen frame, and fabricated it to fit into the dash:




Test fitting to see if I got the size right:


After getting the right fit, time to make the hole for the screen:


To hold the screen in place I hacked into an old portable stereo I had laying around, cut some of the screw holders off it and superglued them to the acrylic frame:


(the blue tape was on just to hold them while they dryed)


Getting ready for painting:


For the paint I used matte black automotive spray paint. It doesn't look as good on these first pictures, but the final result was pretty much good..




The relay hooked up:


This is a little amp I bought for the sound. I didn't care for a really loud sound, so I got this little one just to power my factory speakers.


Now hooking up the laptop:




And the screen:

(I later put a 4 port hub behind the screen where I plugged in the Brando USB Fm Radio and a USB extension cord going into my glove compartment for plugging flash drives)

Testing the DVD drive:

(After a few tests I realized the regular 10 ft (3 meter) USB extension cable just didn't send enough power to the drive, so I had to get a usb cable with a signal repeater.)

So with that solved, I cut a hole for it on the frame:




This is how my trunk looked before finishing up...[very blurry pic]

(the little blue thing on the right is my bluetooth dongle..)

THE FINISHED INSTALL:





The fabricated button panel... the little one powers the laptop, the second powers the screen, and the third is a kill switch that cuts power to the amp, laptop and screen, in case I dont want to turn the carpc on for some reason.


Anti-theft cover:


So this is it for now!! I later plan on putting a usb GPS receiver, backup cam, and maybe a OBDII reader.....but for now Im pretty satisfied with it... Tell me what you think!! Thanks all!!!