Dash mount screen in GM Chevy Tahoe

slushieken · 06-21-2004, 04:06 PM

I am still in the planning stages of my car pc project. A bit ago I was going to put one in my 'vette but now I have reconsidered and want to put one in my 1999 Chevy Tahoe.

I have considered the options, and though I could possibly be convinced otherwise, I feel pretty sure I want a screen mounted in the dash, rather than a fold-out or a mount kit. Main reason is my dog, who like to 'wander' around the car when we travel. I can see him trying to use a fold-out or mount kit as a step, and *snap*.

The problem is that I want to mount it cleanly and have it look factory, and have no idea how to pursue that.

I guess I am looking for:

1. suggestions for a touchscreen that would mount and fit well in the existing 1.5 DIN GM opening. I am thinking something like the Xenarc 7" with 16:9 aspect ratio

2. How can I get that screen mounted so it looks factory?
IE - trim matches the texture and color of the existing dashboard plastic, is fit and squared, and mouldings actually form around it. Im not looking for so much the physical mounting mind you, more of the art form of how to enlarge the hole where it needs to be, and how to fill in and clean up the resulting gaps, cut marks, etc.

Lastly, how can I get the edges of the bezel to 'roll' inwards again after I have trimmed them, and still have them match the existing factory radius? To explain more clearly, if you look at the dashboard plastic around your factory radio, you will notice that it 'wraps' or 'rolls' inwards. I want this same effect around the screen if it is possible.

I am always surprised at the lack of threads about this topic... This to me is the main stumbling block to installing my carPC. Do most people buy kits or something I am maybe not aware of?

Thanks!

wizardPC · 06-21-2004, 05:50 PM

You're gonna have to fabricate, or pay someone else to.

To do most of the things you want, you are going to have to get real personal with our two best friends--Bondo and the Dremel.

I had a 97 silverado which I think has the same dash as the 99 tahoe. You can buy a spare dash from the dealer for like $80, or go to a salvage yard and pick one up for much cheaper.

Quote:

I am always surprised at the lack of threads about this topic... This to me is the main stumbling block to installing my carPC. Do most people buy kits or something I am maybe not aware of?

Check out the fabrication section.