2003 Toyota Matrix install

Matrix_24 · 08-03-2005, 08:05 PM

Well after seeing the MatrixPC's setup, I could not resist. I could not think of any other way to make it look factory other than the way he did it (sorry to be a copy cat MatrixPC). I am waiting for the glue to setup before starting the sanding and then the filler. Does anyone have any ideas to make a small visor for it to shield any glare, or should I just leave it?

98explorerxlt · 08-03-2005, 08:20 PM

If your taking all that time to set your screen in the dash why not set the head unit up flush also just a fun thought

Matrix_24 · 08-03-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 98explorerxlt

If your taking all that time to set your screen in the dash why not set the head unit up flush also just a fun thought

The head unit will not go flush, there is not enough room. The radio is wedged between the climate controls and the mounting brackets for the bottom of the dash. The other problem is that the radio is as far back as it will go, there is an air duct about 1/4 inch behind the back of it. Luckily the radio sits the way it does with what little room there is to play with.

MatrixPC · 08-04-2005, 11:59 AM

I spend 2 weeks (at lest an hr a day) to sit in the car with the screen and a radio to puzzle out where is the best location that I can have all: Screen, radio, and the 110V plug/switch within the driver reach. I once thought about relocate the HU face place to the visor, above the rear view mirror, left of steering wheel..... you name it.
After all, the best option is the to move the radio where the switch and plug are. The plug and switch can be remove or relocate low to the right or left of the shifter.
Where are you going to put the PC? My suggestion should be below the passenger seat cuz there there is enought room for 5.5"x9.5"x13". That is the box size I have. All connector are plug from the side. If you make connector to the front, the box can't be pushed all the way front and thus the rear passenger can "kick" the box.
Let revolutionize the Matrixes

MatrixPC · 08-04-2005, 12:03 PM

while you are at it. Get some ABS plastic and make a shield around the top of the LCD to see if it reduce glare. Maybe you can "till" the LDC to the driver side a little that may help reduce the glare. Most of the time, the passenger can see the screen without any problem but the driver does. That is when the sun hit it directly. Otherwise, the screen (lilliput) still readable (also depend on front end skin color/font combination) when there is glare.

sdashiki · 08-04-2005, 12:10 PM

This setup only works in AUTOMATIC matrixes. Placing the headunit there with a manual transmission and in 1, 3 or 5th gear you cant get a CD in or out.

Im not one for keeping the HU in my car anyway, a decent amp costs just the same amount.

Im going to put the PC (mac mini) somewhere in the center console, hidden away.. My attempt in my Matrix is to make it all look "OEM" and "Stock", USB ports, ethernet ports, the slot loading DVD drive, the touchscreen. Everything has a place somewhere in the car to make it seem like it was there all along.

MatrixPC · 08-04-2005, 12:39 PM

with hundreds gigabite of mp3, how often you use the CD player?
Well I use it (the CD) one in a full moon, but it NOT that bad if you know what you are doing, and yes, I am driving stick.

sdashiki · 08-04-2005, 12:44 PM

So why did you keep your headunit if you dont need it but as an AUX input/outputter to your speakers?

MatrixPC · 08-04-2005, 01:18 PM

I use HU for 2 simple reasons. Radio and I don't want to put an amp in the car because no space. The back???? That reserve for HomeDepot and the kid stroller

sdashiki · 08-04-2005, 01:24 PM

You know the back seat? If you put your hand under it (fold the seats down 45 degrees) you will see there is about 3-4" of clearance under it. Perfect place for a stealth amp install. The matrix has so many nooks and crannies, "no room" is a poor excuse to keep a $300+ headunit for a radio.

I moved from FL to AZ and back using just my matrix. And did I mention that I have a dual 10" sub box (amp screwed to top) in the back? Leaves me with abot 1.5 feet of space from subs to hatch. And I still had enough room to put everything I owned. The car was packed to the brim, front seat included, but I still had 8 inches of clearance over the top to see out the back. In the end I am going to move the subs to the side "doors" in the back, and the amp to under the seat.

And you have no room for a "relatively tiny" amp?

Matrix_24 · 08-04-2005, 04:28 PM

I am going to mount it under the passenger seat since no one can sit there other than my daughter right now. I am using a hacked up laptop so it is not hard to hide at all.

I understand using just the amp and no HU, but I live 3.1 miles from work. Sometimes it would be overkill to boot the PC for a 5 min drive. I am sure the HU will be used for MP3's only on longer trips.

Matrix_24 · 08-06-2005, 02:06 PM

Here are a few more pics. I had to go back and resand some spots since I took these.

Jahntassa · 08-06-2005, 04:50 PM

I have a JL Audio amp under the driver seat of my Vibe. Basically just take off the bracket holding the stock inverter up and slide the amp in underneath it, fits fine.

My PC is under the passenger seat as well. I didn't go quite as far as you guys did with the screen though.. Since I didn't get the Lilliput, my screen had more of a rectangle shape, so I opted to simply mount it within the hole. It came out pretty well, as far as I'm concerned!

I don't have a headunit either, I just have an Alpine EQ whose display is mounted up on the ceiling. There's a little hump right there where it fits at an angle (if you don't have the moonroof)

Matrix_24 · 08-09-2005, 01:45 PM

So I get the call that my Lilliput monitor came in. I get home and after all the fabricating I did it ended up being a 629GL instead of the 619GL that was pictured in the auction. So after all the sanding I had to rip it apart and start all over.

Let round #2 begin.

MatrixPC · 08-09-2005, 03:16 PM

Did you test the Lilliput before you rip open it?
How hard it is to rip the fab out? I can imagine mine is hard cuz it seem very solid when I flex the whole piece a little.

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