2008 VW Rabbit Super Stock LOOK

**Rabbitiswise** · 09-12-2010, 09:43 PM

2008 VW Rabbit Carputer Install

Inspiration:

I wanted to get the old radio and I mean "RADIO" out and put something more in. The stock option is way to expensive for a closed end solution. 1700 bucks crazy!! I can put in a crazy audio system and car computer that has all the trimmings and more.

PC Parts Used
Lillput-629GL
Black Double Din Nano-ITX Carputer Enclosure
Zotac ION Atom Board A
2 GB DDR 667 Ram
30 OCZ Vertex SSD
Griffin Powemate
4 Port USB Hub

Audio
Kenwood 720 watt 4 channel amp
Infinity Component Speakers
7.1 Channel USB Soundcard from Creative

Ideas for Build:

1. I want a stock look
2. I want a system replacement not addition
3. Upgradable and expandable
4. Keep within a small budget

Order of Operations for Build

1. Decide where and how I will install my ideas listed above
2. Find Parts I want to use!
3. Purchase parts $$$$
4. Fabricate the double din case designed for a smaller board to fit my larger board
-Note I wanted a replacement head unit PC, screen, and most of the components live behind the screen true replacement solution.
5. Rip apart interior and take out paper speakers. New infinity speaker system with 720 watt 4 channel amp from Kenwood.
6. Run all new speaker wire. This was the tough part. Gentle Please!
7. Install amp and route wires to sound card for input.
-Note I know I don't have true 7.1 channel but that is really all that is available for USB sound cards as my board does not have the dedicated rear and front outputs jacks like the dedicated cad.
8. Mount PC/ screen in dash with customer slightly modded Metra double din kit. Lilliput screen is a little to big. No matter Dremel fixes all not for my size issues.
9. Test system this mean bugs which have to be fixed. Biggest problem keep the system looking stock. Space is always an issue.
10. The good part take a long ride to break her in. New speakers amazing compared to stock speakers.

FUTURE PLANS:

1. Fusion Brain
- Interior Accent Lights Via screen
- HVAC Replacement and Automation (Possibilty need a programmer)
- Blind Spot Detection and notification ( Ardiuno, IR Distance Sensors, and Programmer)
2. PC Relocation for better cooling and expansion. New Board and case.
3. Add sub (Not a big deal yet as current system sounds good and $$$$.
4. Improve sound system beyond what it is already.
- Hardware DSPs
- Better soundcard
- Possible true 7.1 surround
5. Custom Heads UP Display ( Really want / working on it Currently!)
-Navigation Data could be displayeed on this full color maps maybe.
-Speed/ other ob2/ can bus readings

PICTURE OF IN DASH SHOT

**Zarthia** · 09-17-2010, 12:23 PM

Hi,

Very nice install, one i'm hopping to be able to base myself off of once a get started. i just had two questions for you. 1: where did you put the computer? and 2: Why replace the speaker wires, to what advantage? I'm good in computers, but not as much in audio.

Thanks,
Eddy

**Rabbitiswise** · 09-17-2010, 04:08 PM

I placed the computer behind the screen in a case i both of of the MP3 car site. I will tell you the case was not designed for my board I had to mod a lot. The finished product looks like a double din head unit as you can see in the pictures.

The advatage to replacing wires for a upgraded power audio system is better sound. The exisiting wires in my car were not rated for the power I was looking to achieve. I went with a720watt amp and full component speakers. My secret is that I have a few friend I know that guided me to the end result you see above in my picture.

I am also a very computer technician but ws not so knowledgable with sound and wiring. I learned a lot over the entire process.

**Elliprof3** · 09-20-2010, 03:50 PM

Hey Rabbitiswise, Really nice work. Clean and professionally done,. Any idea what something like that ended up costing you and how long did it take?

**Zarthia** · 09-21-2010, 09:57 AM

Hey Rabbit,

thanks for your reply, do you think it wise to do both pc install and audio system at the same time? I could of course add a sub and/or change speekers latter on depending on what amp I end up using.

Could you tell me what double din you used? i'm having a hard time finding one for a 2008 rabbit, most sites I find are either not up to date or have nothing. I found an american international (vw-k1017) double din that looked really good but i'm not 100% sure it would fit.

Thanks again,
Eddy

**Rabbitiswise** · 09-21-2010, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Elliprof3

Hey Rabbitiswise, Really nice work. Clean and professionally done,. Any idea what something like that ended up costing you and how long did it take?

This project to more elbo grease than money. Audio was about 700, pc 500, and accessories 100-200 bucks. Not bad in my opinion.

**Rabbitiswise** · 09-21-2010, 11:43 AM

Take a look at crutchfield.com and go to outfit you car and give you car specs. Look for install supplies. That is the covert the case I uyse was of of mp3car the double din enclosure for the via boards heavily modified of course to fit a micro itx board tight fit.

case on mp3car
http://store.mp3car.com/Black_Double.../enc-032-b.htm

Double din Crutchfield.com
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_003VWK1...t.html?tp=3121

**Rabbitiswise** · 09-21-2010, 11:44 AM

You should do that audio install with PC as well, to reduce complication later. You can modify what you need now so you don't have placement/ fitment issues if you decide to add nicer speakers, sound card, or pc relocation if you so decide. You want you pc to sound good when you first power it up. After the initial wow wears of after install you want to know your system is done for daily use. More work now has a better pay off later.

**tibimakai** · 10-09-2010, 06:31 PM

nice install!
I have the same car as you and I'm planning to do the same install, DD pc.
I haven't measured yet the room inside where the pc will fit, so I'm asking you, there is enough room to install a mini itx board DD case?
how's the cooling, that wories me the most. how many fans do you have and where did you installed them?
any pictures of the install, pc? how did you isntall the screen to the dd frame and the frame to the pc case?
by the way, the Metra kit is the worst out there(specially the top fit is the worst) for our cars. buy that kit mentioned above(AI) or Scoche.
I don't have issues with the speaker, to me they sound very good with my Kenwood DNX5120 nav unit. we have true component speakers(10 speakers) already.
I would like to install a small form factor amp in the DD pc case. hopefully will fit. I'm looking for the right one.

there is a forum for vws if you are interested, http://volkswagenownersclub.com/vw/forum.php

**Rabbitiswise** · 10-09-2010, 09:17 PM

Hey,

How much room there is depends on the actual board you use, and how you mount it. It also depends on how many other components, as well as how they are mounted, you decide to put in the case. The DD case will require custom modding based on the components. Unfortunately, I did not take any installation pics because I am lazy and I wanted to see the system work quickly. Most of the installation was in the dead of night. The frame, case, and screen were all mounted together by my amazing fabricator and friend.

The stock speakers may be components, but they are just cheap, made in Belgium, paper cones. I changed the speakers as they would not work with my setup due to my sound aspirations.

Good luck with your install.