Finally, 2004 Toyota MatrixPC is ready for primetime

**MatrixPC** · 05-12-2005, 04:38 PM

You don't need those Lilliput button if you do an auto on mod or you have to relocate the IR sensor for the remote. I didn't do that mod yet. Basically if you remove the button, you should relocate the IR sensor to control the LCD.
The Lilliput will fit the 03-04 Matrix if you cut the bottom part (button portion) of the Lilliput housing. 05 Matrix is a little different cuz the radio openning is a little wider.
Fab the Lilliput housing to the radio bezel is the best option I think after thinking of all the possible way to put the LCD.

Escalade182 I know the Supra installed is bad but that is the learning process for the Matrix. The dash material on the Supra is different cuz nothing I found/available to me could make the screen frame stick to the radio bezel. One day I will redo that with a 7" and probably a Xernac or something better cuz the car will be "classic" car for me

. The PSOne is small but it is much better than the Lilliput.

**MatrixPC** · 05-26-2005, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by mobilechimp

I am in the process of planning an '05 Matrix XR install, hopefully within the next year. I have an old Titanium Powerbook 500 I'm going to chop the head off of and mount under the passenger seat.

MatrixPC, do you know of any good web resources that describe how to work with the guts of a Matrix? I'm not a car guy, but I'm willing to learn, and I've got the time to work on learning. Your install is very inspiring, thanks for posting it.

I do have one question specific to your install: do you think the Lilliput 7" screen would fit in the stock dash cutout? I'm hoping to do as little fab as possible so as to keep the car looking as stock as I can.

MatrixOwners.com and GenVibe.com forums. Lookup the sticky posts and HowTo section on how to rip your car a parts.
05 Matrix/Vibe look/costmetic little different than 03/04 Matrix/Vibe but the general info are the same.
05 radio bezel openning is a litter wider than 03/04 (cuz of a Toyota radio instead of GM/Delco Radio). Use thicker/larger balsa wood to fill the side and help the 2 pieces stick/glue (use epoxy) together better. Chop the bottom part cuz the Lilliput is higher. Now fill the "hole" with filler (bondo or the SEM bumper repair which I used)
Really hard at the beginning when you look at it, but after you chop off the bottom part of the bezel, thing doesn't look that hard. After all, it is how much patience you have and desire to perfection.

**suncam** · 05-23-2006, 02:07 PM

89 Supra Turbo himmm did you put your pc on something so it dose not vibrate? I know sport cars have a bumpy ride! like my honda element i have to figer out something for this problem..
Ross from www.suncam.tv

**MatrixPC** · 05-23-2006, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by suncam

89 Supra Turbo himmm did you put your pc on something so it dose not vibrate? I know sport cars have a bumpy ride! like my honda element i have to figer out something for this problem..
Ross from www.suncam.tv

Nope, nothing special. Just crew it down in the back by the sub.

**S2K12** · 06-20-2006, 12:36 AM

i just had an idea, could you use memory foam or something to soften it?

**suncam** · 06-20-2006, 12:40 AM

what about my data card amp? the thing is memory foam will melt! any ideas for a amp? it gets sooo hot i almost melted my floor! im afriend wood would start a fire! hmmmm help guys?
Ross from www.suncam.tv

**S2K12** · 06-21-2006, 02:58 AM

ahh right... probably will have to do something to make it run cooler... mod a fan in or something.

**breaker021** · 03-14-2007, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by MatrixPC

Overall : A much better than $2k Navigation option from Toyota. Toyota service tech will be in shock if they see the system.

LOL - So true. The dealer I bought my 2006 Scion xB at wanted 3k for the navigation installed!!!!!!!!!! i said **** that - the car was only 14k!!!!

So i bought a tablet laptop and have been using it for navigation/music/movies ever since! it's been about 1 year since i bought/started using my tablet ni the car and it rocks!

I went back to the dealer and showed him my tablet and they were sooo amazed. I spent like 1/6th of the price they wanted for navigation for a kick *** system. now they're jealous. anyway, **** them. ;]

your setup is clean as hell tho. very nice work!

- sh00k

**turbocad6** · 03-14-2007, 11:14 AM

nice clean install man, good job, much better than the supra, I like it alot

**MatrixPC** · 03-14-2007, 11:46 AM

One time I have to leave the car overnight for service, I have to take EVERYTHING out before drop off. Took me 20 minutes to make it hook stock with an exception of the Alpine HU. Most of the time I at the dealer for oil change, those service advisor just ask and wonder "the matrix Nav system doesn't look like that." I just smile and take a snap shot of the dash with the camera phone before hand over the key. If something different when I got the car back, there the picture is right there.

TC6, thanks for the complement. There is a lot of fab technique I need to learn from you and others.
I am in the process of redo the Supra. I already strip the old pain out + epoxy the "frame" to the bezel. Just wait for the weekend to have some extra time to work on. It's tuff to work on these stuff when you have a "terrible 2" messing around.