at this point, everything was looking good. looking back at this photo I wish I left it unpainted. I actually like the real wood look, I think it adds a touch of "class" hehe
(the head unit in this picture is just an old model I used for fitting purposes only, I have bought a new HU since which you'll see later on)
next I installed the laptop in the trunk and ran the video, usb, and audio cables. (I haven't run power cables to the trunk yet, but it's not necessary yet anyways. the leptop can be charged via cig lighter socket and then run for about 4 hours on it's own battery).
I made a temporary power switch that will sit under the driver's seat. this will be replaced when I find a nice flush mount momentary SPST button switch to mount on the bezel to the left of the monitor.
I originally was going to mount the monitor to the bezel itself but changed my mind. I made a 3 piece aluminum bracket to mount the monitor to the dash (via two holes/screws formerly used to secure the factory stereo). I made the bracket adjustable about 1/2" in any direction, tightened with a wing nut from behind. this allows me to adjust the monitor position and secure it without having to remove it from the dash.
after filing, sanding, priming, sanding again, priming again, sanding again, priming again, and finally painting several coats on... the bezel was ready to install. so I mounted the bezel.
I knew it wasn't perfect, but I
did expect it to look better than this. I'm dissapointed with the crappy look of this bezel. I will be re-doing this bezel later on, but the next step is getting the carputer up and running...