Idea for screen placement...looking for feedback.

Dagger · 05-04-2004, 11:18 PM

I know theres another thread going on about this, but this is a different car, so i thought I should start a diff. thread.

I have a 7" lilliput touch vga coming in Friday, but as yet I haven't figured out where I am going to put it. I am definitely unwilling to ditch the stock radio since it has my CD and XM built in. I'm more of a computer guy than a car guy so some of the suggestions like moving vents and things i saw on the other thread just make me laugh

I have a weird idea and wanted to get some feedback on it.

I would attach some kind of rails sides of the radio bezel, attach screen to rails, screen moves up and down on rails so i can leave everything where it is, and it can slide over the stock radio for use as mp3 player/gps. Just slide down when I want to get to head unit. If done right, this might be really cool. What do you guys think? any ideas on pieces I could use for the track?

Here is a pic of my car so you can see what I'm talking about

Rafster · 05-04-2004, 11:42 PM

What kind of car is that? Aztec? Pickup?

Peace,

Rafster

Dagger · 05-04-2004, 11:46 PM

lol I didn't even say did I? You guessed it its a 2003 Aztek.

cafn8 · 05-04-2004, 11:58 PM

So let me get this straight, the screen is normally in front of the head unit, but it can slide down over the heater controls when you want to access the radio/ CD player? That could be pretty nifty. I can think of a couple possible problems. 1) If the sliding mechanism isn't concealed, it might look kind of shoddy. 2) the wires will have to move up and down with the screen. This could cause problems after a while.

I like the idea, though. Keep us posted.

kingtut · 05-05-2004, 12:40 AM

I have a similar issue with my car -Bravada SUV-, can't get rid of the radio/cd Assembly as it would disable all warnings and what not, thanks GM.
Any way, it looks like you might have better luck than me, here is what I would do if I had your car (I am not good at words so bear with me):

1- As nifty your idea is, it has its shares of issues as was stated by cafn8.
2- I would utilize the grip handle on the right to the radio/heat panel.
3- all you need is an arm that swings around that handle, I mean, attach some sort of a metal or heavy duty plastic (handle/arm/stick/whatever).
4- that "arm" should swing around that handle but snugly attached to it, you do not want it to swing on its own on a sharp turn.
5- attach the screen to the other end of the arm utilizing the knob screw and nut furnished with the screen.

Now, when you swing the arm clock wise, the screen should cover the radio, when you don't need it, just swing it out towards the passenger seat. You still have the wire issue though to deal with but unlike the rails, you don't need to touch the dashboard.

I wish I have such a handle in my car, I would have done it and get over with.

-Alan

fantomas · 05-05-2004, 01:18 AM

damn i like that idea kingtut. you could always run the wires down along the arm that swings in and out..so the wires shouldn't be too much of a major concern..unless you have no way to get them behind the dash there...

i might try and find someway to do that to my car...and that would allow me to get a bigger screen...

briang · 05-05-2004, 01:59 AM

if it were me i'd try to work it into where the vents are, maybe make the air come out from around the LCD.

kingtut · 05-05-2004, 02:00 AM

Ya, I should have thought of that, yeb, it is that simple, just run the wires along the arm. You know what should we use, one of those close up mirrors used in some bathrooms -no kidding here-, I saw one that would swing around a handle and the mirror will also swing around the arm, that should give two "swing" points.
I think a trip "Bed, Bath & Beyond" or a similar store could inspire parts. I always go to some weird stores for inspiration when looking for DIY parts & projects.

-Alan

pip · 05-05-2004, 09:40 AM

Try using RAM mounts.

See here: RAM Mounts

And here: Buy RAM mounts

I've bought some RAM components to make a mounting arm.

sabre · 05-05-2004, 10:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by pip

Try using RAM mounts.

See here: RAM Mounts

And here: Buy RAM mounts

I've bought some RAM components to make a mounting arm.

cool site. some really good ideas there.

Dagger · 05-05-2004, 02:36 PM

I had thought about mounting to that big handle a little bit...didn't know what I would use though, but the RAM mounts are pretty damn cool. The best would be if I could have a clamp type piece on that handle, then a ball joint and then the screen, that way its fully adjustable. I didn't see any clamp stuff on that page at first glance though, looks like most of it is setup for drilling/attaching with screws. Maybe I will try to call them and see if they have something like what I need.

Enforcer · 05-05-2004, 02:45 PM

Not sure about where to put the screen, but that is sure one ugly head unit.