Mounting Mini in 2001 Accord glovebox ideas (with pics)

timeshifter · 10-24-2006, 11:59 PM

Trying to figure out how to mount my new Mini in the glovebox of my 2001 Accord. I bought an extra glovebox on ebay so I could fool around with it and screw it up a few times before hacking into my good one

What do you think of these two mounting ideas:

Option A: Flat on floor of glovebox - 45 degree angle to ground

This is the most space efficient positioning in the glovebox. It has several advantages:
- takes least space
- looks like it's supposed to go there
- minimal rework on the glovebox since the "base" is already there.

Concerns:
- poor circulation
- odd angle to the ground (not horizontal or vertical, about 45 degree angle) ... not sure if that matters, but it doesn't "feel" right for some reason

Option B: Parallel to ground

Advantages:
- better airflow all around since there is space above and below system
- makes more sense to me for some reason to have it level like that

Concerns:
- a lot more work to modify glovebox?
- wastes space
- clearance for cables to exit back of system

At this point I haven't carefully examined where the cables would exit with either setup so it may make this discussion irrelevant.

Is there anything else I should be considering (in regards to mounting this in the glovebox)?

2k1Toaster · 10-25-2006, 12:05 AM

I remember reading somewhere about the mini's and reading CD's at angles other than the ground. Might be a consideration.

Also keep in mind it may be flat when you open it out but when it gets stuffed in and closes it is going to be at another extreme angle.

Aesthetically when open, I think the angle (resting on base NOT parallel to floor) looks best. Also if you will be inserting CD's and such, it seems more logical for a car environment like it should be.

Sidewalksalvage · 10-25-2006, 12:08 AM

DAMN if that isnt going to be a nice smooth and easy install!!!!!

Well nothing is ever easy...especially when we start thinking ... wait i can do this better....... and before you know it your car runs on water and is processed through.... well anyway

I wouldnt worry to much about angle the mini is like a laptop and will (as far as i know) run on any angle.

If you want to put it level just for fun (it probably would improve the circulation slgihtly and might make installing wirign etc easier) It shouldnt be too hard

Two contoured supports epoxied into the box maybe (its just what came to mind looking at the pciture)

Well seems liek you ahve some work cut out for you! Good luck with it.

(as cable clearence goes... theres probably some room behind the box... so a hole in the back should do it....but who knows till you upen it all up!)

Megalomaniac · 10-26-2006, 10:11 PM

will it where that small compartment is under the radio dash in front of shifter?

2k1Toaster · 10-26-2006, 10:17 PM

That space is wide enough, but in my 2001, that pocket goes down a bit and where it stops is the stop of the space behind the pocket. Basically what you see is what you get. I thought I was going to put a slim dvd drive in there, and it was too long with the cables attached for comfort to give you an idea of how deep it is. Big sheet of metal right behind. It sucks.

Good idea though.

parksgm · 10-27-2006, 04:15 PM

Why not whip out the duct tape, mount it temporarily in one position, drive around with it for a few days, and then evaluate...I think you'll uncover a clear advantage for one position by experimenting a bit...and an advantage that might not be apparent with the mini on the bench.

Also, read Bugbyte's excellent FAQ on the installation of a mini in a car...in it, he states that the mini intakes from the bottom of the unit, so you might not want to mount it perfectly flat (although I can't see how there's a difference in mounting it that way in the glovebox than running it on a tabletop).

Just something to consider.

godraj · 10-29-2006, 02:29 PM

I started workign on a pc in an accord when i started the project, but I didn't like it. Take a look at the pic of the test fits, 1 big issue with the accord glove box is that it's completely sealed when the door to it closed, so that will be a major problem. The PC board that I had fried because of the ventilation problem.

The best place to mount it (if it will fit) is under the radio by the dc-connector. I dont' think it will fit, but if you angle it in certain way it just might. I used to leave my ipod connector there, so running wires there is really simple, you won't have to drill any holes.

Megalomaniac · 10-29-2006, 07:06 PM

the best place would be drop the radio down to that and put the screen and parts behind the dash like mine

hpric · 10-30-2006, 01:14 PM

I have mine neatly tucked away under my passenger seat

BarryWoods · 10-30-2006, 09:32 PM

Not trying to rag on your car or anything, I do drive an Element, but...

Dennis5587 · 10-30-2006, 09:35 PM

lmao, I was thinking the same thing...

Megalomaniac · 10-30-2006, 10:12 PM

looks like a Pen15

Sidewalksalvage · 10-31-2006, 12:22 AM

Its a piece of alien technology that when connected to the shifter adds 300+ horsepower! DUH!

nah nah just kidding... hey it may look good with the rest of the interior scheme!

BarryWoods · 10-31-2006, 03:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sidewalksalvage

Its a piece of alien technology that when connected to the shifter adds 300+ horsepower! DUH!

nah nah just kidding... hey it may look good with the rest of the interior scheme!

From the looks of what we can see in the pics it just screams "Look at me! Look at me!".