Video FAQ: How to put a PC in your car

**meddler** · 07-14-2007, 07:37 AM

I am not going to pick on your install, everyone else has already done that.

Its a great beginner vid. well done.

**BiGGy** · 07-15-2007, 07:19 AM

good job, only a handful of people are game enough to do this. So no flaming from me. I would like to see more specific video how-to's here in the future for all the nubs.

**nobb** · 07-15-2007, 12:42 PM

I like how your mac mini can just be pulled out easily like that. How did you make it dock like that? Im guessing you had to mod all your connectors?

Also...was there a reason why you put your headunit in the glove box instead of where the mac mini would have gone? You wouldnt have needed a usb volume control and you would have the functionalities of your headunit if your carpc fails.

**Bugbyte** · 07-15-2007, 10:22 PM

Worklog detailing the dock is here.

I chose to put the Mini where the headunit went for two reasons. First, because that spot was perfect to dock/undock the computer and I was curious to see if I could fit it in a single DIN space. Second, I wanted access to the CD/DVD slot.

The location of the HU in the glovebox is an ugly compromise. I keep the HU not only because I'm too cheap to buy an amp but because I drive the car only about once a week now and often for just 10-15 minutes at a time. About once a month I take it on a 600 mile roundtrip. So I don't always have the computer in the car and need a HU for around town.

One version of my plan was to put the removable faceplate from the HU in front of the computer's location so it still appears stock. I may do that some day, but haven't had the time to work on it.

**turbocad6** · 07-15-2007, 10:46 PM

that would be pretty cool, it could hinge down to reveil the cd slot, I like that

**pdloader** · 08-15-2007, 11:40 PM

Thanks very much, such a great movie for N00bs like me!!! I guess we (N00bs) would really appreciate if one of you guys could create a movie on how to configure RR!!!!

Again, thanks a lot

**parksgm** · 08-16-2007, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

I know, I know. I ought to know better, but that's what the fuse is for, after all!

Seriously, I didn't have a grommet and I basically forgot after I installed it. There's probably a lot of other stuff that would horrify you about my install as well. Let's just say that it looks better on video than in real life.

I started a (brief) fire in my little brother's car by accidentally catching an (unfused AND ungrommetted) aftermarket fog lamp power wire with my shoe in the footwell and (apparently) dragging it across a sharp edge somewhere under the dash...fortunately we noticed the car was filling with white smoke as we were walking away, and (naturally) went back to investigate. No serious damage, but there's a nice hole burned in the carpet as a souvenir.

I (almost) always properly insulate and secure my own wiring now...

**Bugbyte** · 09-23-2007, 11:56 PM

Everyone can breathe easy now. I've installed silicon around the wire where it enters the firewall, as turbocad6 suggested. The insulation around the wire hasn't worn any and with the silicon, it should be safe in the future.