2001 Pontiac Firebird TransAm and a DWW-7VGA?

WWE-TicK · 03-06-2004, 12:44 PM

I drive a 2001 Pontiac Firebird TransAm and I'm looking to install a carputer in it to do GPS, rear-camera viewing and of course MP3 playing. However, I'm still very much a noob at this so I'm still in the "research" phase. Digitalww.com sells whats looks to be the perfect display for my needs:

http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm

however, I'm wondering if it'll fit in my dash board ok. Here's what the dash looks like in a 2001 FireBird:

http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereor...iacTransAm.htm

Obviously, I'll need to take out the head unit and stick the LCD display in there. But how will I know if the thing will fit right? Seeing as how the display is a hefty $530, it would be very unfortunate if the damn thing won't go in. I'm not trying to tear up the dash either, so taking a Dremel to it is not an option. Perhaps if I knew the dimensions of the display unit, I can make a rough guesstimate...

On a side note, I could always go the easy route and use the LCD stand thats also at digitalww.com for only 10 bucks. I can stick it on top of the dash board using some adhesive and I wouldn't even have to lose the head unit. Thats where I have a StreetPilot III mounted right now, so I suspect sticking an LCD touchscreen there would work pretty well too. However, I'm a little iffy about having it all out in the open like that. The StreetPilot is relatively easy to unmount and hide in the glove compartment or something, but it's still kind of a pain in the *** to keep on mounting and unmounting it though. I would imagine the LCD would be even more of a pain. I do plan on getting my windows tinted this summer, so perhaps that'll take care of the possible break-in problem.

So ... how well would the DWW-7VGA work inside a 2001 Firebird TransAm? Should I even go with the indash unit? The LCD stand option is certainly the easiest way to go, but theres the issue of it being an invite for a break-in. But since I'm planning on getting the windows tinted, that might not be as big an issue as I think. Advice and opinions needed! Thanks.

kiztope · 03-06-2004, 01:03 PM

Mounting the display on your dash using adhesive is a terrible idea, in my opinion. F-body's are waaaaay too easy to break into. You'd lose that stuff really fast.

If you went with an in-dash screen, you could mount it no prob., the only problem would be relocating your factory HU (or if you are installing everything to be run from the computer, removing it and replacing the stock amps and speakers... cruddy monsoon..)

digitalww · 03-06-2004, 01:10 PM

Here are a few pics with measurements: Here and Here
The height of the housing is 2" What you have is a din and 1/2, which I think is 3".

DWW-7VGA will take up only 2" of the space so you will have 1" gap. There might be a kit for your car which will have a small pocket in the place of the gap.

Most non in-dash units already come with a stand so you're not going to need to buy another one. The problem with mounting the monitor on the dash will be glare from the touch screen panel. Even with tinted windows I think it will be too close to the windshield. And also the hassle of moving the monitor back and forth.

Armen

JonX69 · 03-06-2004, 04:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by digitalww

Here are a few pics with measurements: Here and Here
The height of the housing is 2" What you have is a din and 1/2, which I think is 3".

DWW-7VGA will take up only 2" of the space so you will have 1" gap. There might be a kit for your car which will have a small pocket in the place of the gap.

Most non in-dash units already come with a stand so you're not going to need to buy another one. The problem with mounting the monitor on the dash will be glare from the touch screen panel. Even with tinted windows I think it will be too close to the windshield. And also the hassle of moving the monitor back and forth.

Armen

Armen are the screens used in the DWW-7VGA as good as Lilliput 618GL-70NP(XGA)?

WWE-TicK · 03-06-2004, 06:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kiztope

If you went with an in-dash screen, you could mount it no prob., the only problem would be relocating your factory HU (or if you are installing everything to be run from the computer, removing it and replacing the stock amps and speakers... cruddy monsoon..)

I'd probably replace the HU with the carputer. But, couldn't I just hook up the stock amp to it?

WWE-TicK · 03-06-2004, 06:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by digitalww

Here are a few pics with measurements: Here and Here
The height of the housing is 2" What you have is a din and 1/2, which I think is 3".
DWW-7VGA will take up only 2" of the space so you will have 1" gap. There might be a kit for your car which will have a small pocket in the place of the gap.

Sounds good. By "kit" do you mean one of these things:

http://autosoundgear.com/tek9.asp?pg...cific=jpeolrc8

I'll definately go with the in-dash unit then. Thanks for the tips guys.

kiztope · 03-06-2004, 08:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by WWE-TicK

I'd probably replace the HU with the carputer. But, couldn't I just hook up the stock amp to it?

I have been trying to figure that out myself... although the stock amps leave a lot to be desired as far as audio quality goes..

Another thing... About looking for something to fill that 1/2DIN space... You could find a line driving EQ to fill that space... (if audio quality is of any concern..)

jnusaira · 03-06-2004, 09:40 PM

you could also probably add the dvd player there as well .... so hey kiztope how are you going to install yours??? I am planning to just put the screen in there???

Also i'd say just go wit hthe amp, at least thats what i am planning to do.

digitalww · 03-06-2004, 09:44 PM

This kit converts your din and 1/2 to a standard Din. It will definitely work.

Armen

Quote: Originally Posted by WWE-TicK

Sounds good. By "kit" do you mean one of these things:

http://autosoundgear.com/tek9.asp?pg...cific=jpeolrc8

I'll definately go with the in-dash unit then. Thanks for the tips guys.

WWE-TicK · 03-07-2004, 03:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kiztope

I have been trying to figure that out myself... although the stock amps leave a lot to be desired as far as audio quality goes..

When I asked "couldn't I just hook up the stock amp to it", I haven't even looked at the connectors on the back of it yet. I just did a few moments ago, and to my dismay I noticed that it doesn't use standard RCA plugs

. D'oh.

Maybe all is not lost, though. The wires are clearly color coded, and with the help of this page:

http://mods.firebirdv6.com/stereo.html

I can probably figure out which speaker wires goes to which speakers without having to dig around in the car myself.

Curiosity · 03-07-2004, 03:48 PM

WWE-TicK try this site for more info on the pin-outs. I just did a lot of work on mine a few months back. I bought plugs for both somewhere, but can't find where. If you want, I'll look for it. I also got my LCD from Armen, but too much of a noob to figure out how to show pics here. Well, looks like it might work...

Magnezium · 03-07-2004, 03:50 PM

My bird (Same interior as yours) has room to fit a 10 inch screen easy! I'm fuzzy on the dimensions when I measured, but I think it was W-9", H-8.25". That's roughly 10" diag. If you use a custom bezzel, you can fit a 10.4. I'm doing it now.

Mg

Magnezium · 03-07-2004, 03:52 PM

Curiosity, That's a nice and clean install. That's making me want to rethink the 10.4". That's sweet.

Mg

Rafster · 03-07-2004, 04:24 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnezium
My bird (Same interior as yours) has room to fit a 10 inch screen easy! I'm fuzzy on the dimensions when I measured, but I think it was W-9", H-8.25". That's roughly 10" diag. If you use a custom bezzel, you can fit a 10.4. I'm doing it now.

Mg

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Hey do you have pics of that? Exactly what year is your FB?

Thanks,

The Rafster

WWE-TicK · 03-07-2004, 04:42 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Curiosity

WWE-TicK try this site for more info on the pin-outs. I just did a lot of work on mine a few months back. I bought plugs for both somewhere, but can't find where. If you want, I'll look for it. I also got my LCD from Armen, but too much of a noob to figure out how to show pics here. Well, looks like it might work...

Yes, please. It would be very much appreciated.

BTW, thats a pretty sweet setup you got. How did you mount the LCD in there?