Where to put everything in a 98 GMC Savana.

stonestatue · 08-03-2009, 12:38 AM

I am about to install the carputer in my 98 GMC Savana. That's a full size conversion van with plenty of room to do mods. I intend to install a Uniden scanner, a Yaesu ham radio, and a light switch box with attached microphone.

I have attached some photos of possible locations:

This is what my dash looks like.
- The OEM radio sits where the red circle is. I intend to replace the OEM radio with a fabricated 1.5 din case with an LCD screen in the front to go there.

- The green circle represents my HVAC controls. I am considering removing them and making the HVAC interface part of the carputer, provided the controls are electronic and not mechanical or vacuum. Something could go there if that is feasible.

- The black circle is the factory CD player which is physically separate of the OEM radio, but it's connected to it. I might leave it in or I might install the DVD/CD player mp3car sells in its place.

- The white circle represents grooved slots to hold change and miscellaneous things. I could install something there if need be.

This is the overhead console. The black circle represents light switches which control the limo lights in the back. I could relocate these switches elsewhere if it becomes feasible to put something there.

I figured I would present this question to the more seasoned fabrication/installation experts to get some good opinions/advice. Thanks.

strikeback03 · 08-04-2009, 11:01 AM

Do you know what exactly you are looking to install? I'd look at leaving the HVAC, and replacing the stock HU and CD player with a 8" screen in that location

stonestatue · 08-04-2009, 12:47 PM

Yes. I am going to install a scanner, a ham radio, and a light switch box with attatched microphone. The links are in the first post.

soundman98 · 08-04-2009, 02:55 PM

i would love to do a workvan/conversion van carpc project--so many ideas!

i will really try to stay on your topic for this one, but be forewarned, i might go off a little (my ideas would end up needing large sums of money)

i beleive that the factory hvac controls are electronic, but you will need to double check before ripping them out. i also support the idea to leave them there(it would be cool, but requires a lot of programming, and if the computer stops working, you loose all your hvac too-- and hot summer days would be tourture)

i would consider removing both the factory radio and the factory cd player, and the divider between them and use that whole area for a double din screen, computer drive, and maybe the scanner. this would require alot of fab work, and would also require redoing the woodgrain pattern on the dash (this would be done with water transfer graphics--the hardest part is using a tub big enough for the piece that you will be working with)

i think that the best place for the cb would be in the roofline, and would make it easier to hear, reach, and keep the cords out of the way. it could also work to mount the scanner next to it.

becasue the coin holder is part of the engine cover, i think that anything that is oput there will need a quick, easy to use, single plug disconnect-- otherwise, mechanics might do things to those wires that would require extra work later(they require that cover come off for most serous engine issues, and if the mechanic gets frustrated enough, your wires might end up getting cut). i really don't think that beyond a usb hub, anything should really go in the coin holder-- there would be enough room for all the equipment elsewhere.

stonestatue · 08-04-2009, 03:21 PM

What about the ham radio and light switch panel?

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