F-Body Ideas - Camaro and Firebird

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 02:10 PM

I'm just going to throw some install pics and photoshops of different ideas I have to figure out a good design for my 99 Trans Am. A lot of the Firebird/Trans Am and Camaro parts or similar so I'm going to include both here. I hope f-body guys who are new to carputers will get some good ideas. If anyone knows of some other f-bodies with PC's in them, pass the link along. I'm looking for all I can find.

First is my man Firebird (Bernhard) with his 10" LCD in the dash looking like a factory install. I really love that screen, although I may have to settle for a 8.4".

(EDIT) I researched his TFT panel and found out that it is actually a 10.4" screen. I haven't heard back from Firebird to confirm this, but I think a 10.4" screen will fit these cars as long as the border around the screen is fairly slim.

More info here:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=33407

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 02:11 PM

Here is some stuff from Curious. 7" wide screen.

More info here:
http://curioustech.home.insightbb.com/

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 02:12 PM

Here's some from Snootch. He's running an 8" Lilliput.

More info here:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=50883

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 02:13 PM

Here's some from Camarossguy. 7" wide screen here.
More info here:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/223273/10

And here:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=34110

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 02:15 PM

Here's some from Meissenation. He's got a 7" widescreen.

His new dash:

Lot's more pics here:
http://carpc.meissenation.com/

And here:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=397867

New Dash pics here:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=485792

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 02:16 PM

Here's some from XxAndyxX. His setup isn't very integrated or molded in, but I like it just the same. Not bad at all, ------ for a 16 year old!

I like how he dumped a fullsize desktop case into the spare tire well. I've never seen that that before.

More info here:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=21976

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 02:17 PM

Here's a few of my Photoshop pics. I used pics from the above guys as well as my car. There's also 2 pics (all I could find) of the A/C controls relocated to the glovebox.

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 03:06 PM

Here's my latest idea about putting the A/C controls below the screen area. It would take a lot of work to mold the controls in and make it look nice, but you won't have to extend the cables and they will be in easy reach. This one and the 3 Curious pics above all have a stretched screen to see what a 8.4" monitor would look like. Their not perfect as I whipped them up pretty quick, but it does give a decent idea of how the larger monitor would look.

JasonWW · 11-19-2005, 03:24 PM

Here's a new car for this thread (March 27 2006). A 2002 Camaro from Z28CTYHNTR. It has a little Epia mobo under the passenger seat.

More pics and info on this cars thread:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=72972

SMOKINV8 · 11-20-2005, 09:33 AM

I can't really figure out what you're looking for here. Pictures or just install idea's? If you want install idea's, post up what you want with your setup and it'll help us help you.

I'm gathering that you want to keep your HVAC stuff in a similar location to where it is now? If you don't mind fabbing stuff up, you could try this.. Take apart the HVAC module to see if there's one main board in there or if its individual boards. If it looks possible, cut the heat selector portion out of the middle, then plastic weld the fan and mode knobs together and mount them where the ASR panel and lighter are at right now. The heat selector could be mounted somewhere less convenient with more space.

I'd also vote for the big screen in your first post, unless you're hesitant to pull the dash out. It's a pain in the arse to get it out, but the long term benefits would probably be worth it. Plus, it'd be a whore for ANY thief to try and steal.

FWIW though, I'd probably model my install after Snootch's. His is clean, functional, and easy to return to stock.

JasonWW · 11-28-2005, 09:26 PM

Sorry, I didn't get a notice someone had replied to this thread.

This is more of an informational thread for F-body owners. Not so much for myself. It just shows a bunch of different ways to skin the proverbial cat.

I personally do want to go with a big screen like Firebird has in the top pics. About the only screen I could afford would be the $280 lilliput 10.4".
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lilli...spagenameZWDVW

I'm guessing it will be a tiny bit too big to fit in the opening. I would not install it from behind as that is where the PC will be mounted. I would need to remove the screen to access it. I probably will just move the stock A/C controls to the glovebox at first and see if it is acceptable. I'm still a ways off from getting all the parts. I'm focusing on seeing if I can get good sound quality from the PC first before I start getting the screen and PSU etc...

I do like your idea of putting the fan and selector switches together and putting the cold/heat selector someplace else like the glovebox. I hadn't though about breaking them up like that. I would want to get an extra control panel to cut so that I can go back to stock if I want to. Thanks.

Curiosity · 11-29-2005, 12:05 AM

Oh great. Now I want a bigger screen after seeing it in my car. Thanks Jason!

JasonWW · 11-29-2005, 08:34 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Curiosity

Oh great. Now I want a bigger screen after seeing it in my car. Thanks Jason!

No problem, anytime.

Seriously, you don't mind me using your pics, do you?

Here's a pic of SMOKINV8's idea. That idea may be a winner. Just put the cable controlled temp selector in the glove box.

Curiosity · 11-29-2005, 10:15 AM

No. I don't mind at all.

I was thinking that the left control could be changed to something smaller like a slide switch to take less room. I forget if the temp. knob was vacuum or electric. And don't forget the traction control that's normally there.

JasonWW · 11-29-2005, 11:33 AM

The first knob is all electric, the middle is the cable, the right side is all vacuum.

I have the convertible switch for my cutout as well as the traction control switch there. I think I can move both to the ashtry area.

The great thing about this idea is that you won't have to extend the wires or vacuum lines. They should be able to reach that slightly lower location. The only hitch is needing to buy a second controller to cut in half from a junkyard. They may want an arm and a leg for it, maybe not. I'll just have to call around, or maybe look on E-bay.