Need assistance with Car-pc Miata project.

Atrium · 09-18-2005, 08:10 PM

Hello,
I have recently purchased a '90 Miata and as you may assume, it needs a little updating. Amongst the updates I would like to perform, is a car-pc with vga touchscreen and dvd/mp3/gps(maybe) functionality. I put together computers as a hobby, but unfortunatley I know very little about cars. This is mainly a project just to expand my hobby, and because I love my car. I have never attempted anything of this nature before, and because of the delicacy of cars, I am requesting assistance with my undertaking.

First off, here are some pictures of my center console (its dirty, I know)

now before I start the design process, a question of importance would be "is this possible?".

From top to bottom, the console is 12in. horizontally it is 8 3/4in.
The ac/heating unit is 2 1/2in. tall.

I plan to remove the radio unit if I do this, as it will no longer be useful.

As for what I would like to install, a motorized touchscreen that can fold in for discreetness. But these are pretty expensive, so I may have to settle for a regular touchscreen. As for size, I'm thinking 7in. would be best. My ideal budget is between $600-$1000

I'm asking for any assistance/suggestions that could be valueable to me, as this has been done very few times with a Miata. I don't expect for anyone to be able to give me a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this, and research is half the fun. I'm just looking for any help anyone would like to grant me.

Thank you very much.

DJiK · 09-18-2005, 09:27 PM

Although I've never looked at a Miata's console before, I would suggest installing a Touch Screen 7 or 8 inch VGA monitor as I drew it in the picture attached.
Remove the bezel and see if you could cut the plastic between the top and bottom DINs and still have it looking nice. Also, take measures of the area highlighted and look if the popular touch screens have similar dimesions.

Atrium · 09-18-2005, 10:31 PM

First off, thanks for the quick response it's extremely helpful. I do like your suggestion, however I'm afraid the shifting knob might be in the way for viewing and accessing the screen. Since your not familiar with the miata console I'm not sure if you could help me with this, but If a screen were to fit like I have it in this picture, would it be possible to move the ac conrols to the bottom, and put the screen here:

This would obciously take a bit more modification, but I think it would utilize the screen more.
Thank you very much for your help!

MatrixPC · 09-19-2005, 12:21 PM

Before you cut the bezel to relocate the HVAC, make sure all the cables on that HVAC is long enough to be move down there.

gt__1 · 09-19-2005, 12:38 PM

first are you sure you dont want to go with an indash screen you dont have to get motorized there are cheaper no motorized out there. Then i am thinking under your stero looks like a 2nd Din slot is this true? if so what is the depth of the slot you might be able to fit one of the Din size computers there. then that would be a descent setup.

VCS · 09-19-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MatrixPC

Before you cut the bezel to relocate the HVAC, make sure all the cables on that HVAC is long enough to be move down there.

From my experience, they are not long enough; not even close. Also, unfortunately, they are not vacuum lines; it’s a direct mechanical link. It’s not easy to move. In fact, I haven’t seen anyone do it.

<--Has owned 6 miatas over the past 10 years, including spec racers and a supercharged, Ford 302 swap.

Atrium · 09-19-2005, 06:43 PM

Thank you guys for the input, its been quite helpful.

Firstly, thank you VCS for the input of another miata owner. Now knowing that the wire aren't long enough, I guess my idea is out of the question.

GT_1, the bottom slot is a DIN slot, but I am unaware of the depth. I know I previously staed that I wanted an motorized screen, but I do forsee anything that close to the shifting knob getting in the way. I suppose I'll just have to evaluate my options here, or devise something creative (that's where all the fun is).

Thanks again for the help!

EDIT: I found some pictures of an install similar to what you guys have suggested.

Although I would like my install to be a bit cleaner, I suppose its not too bad. My only concern in putting it down there, is when a passenger (girlfriend or someone) wants to watch a DVD, I'm afraid my had/shifting knob will be in the way of view. I of course, wouldnt be watching a movie while driving, so for gps/mp3 functionality its not such a bad location.

MatrixPC · 09-19-2005, 11:08 PM

Do I see a "chop" shifter?

Atrium · 09-19-2005, 11:31 PM

Sorry, I don't know what a chop shifter is.

scott_fx · 09-19-2005, 11:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Atrium

Sorry, I don't know what a chop shifter is.

short throw shifter

scott_fx · 09-19-2005, 11:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Atrium

EDIT: I found some pictures of an install similar to what you guys have suggested.

Although I would like my install to be a bit cleaner, I suppose its not too bad. My only concern in putting it down there, is when a passenger (girlfriend or someone) wants to watch a DVD, I'm afraid my had/shifting knob will be in the way of view. I of course, wouldnt be watching a movie while driving, so for gps/mp3 functionality its not such a bad location.

i had a 94 turbo but it was so long ago i can't remember if the stock shifter gets in the way. to combat this and make it look cleaner you should consider recessing the screen an inch or so. this may improve visibility. check out my install if you want to see what i mean.

VCS · 09-20-2005, 01:54 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Atrium

thank you VCS for the input of another miata owner.

You bet, man!

Quote: Originally Posted by Atrium

the bottom slot is a DIN slot, but I am unaware of the depth.

I have an M1 (first gen; 90-97) with the radio already gutted (saves weight!

) If you can give me a few days, I'll measure it for you.

Rafster · 09-20-2005, 04:04 AM

Also, I think someone might have already said this, but try to move your AC controls down. Less problems w/ TS and shifter.

Peace,

Rafster

Atrium · 09-20-2005, 09:30 PM

Well, I took a little look-see today, and like VCS said, there's no way that Hvac will move. So, I'll either do an in-dash where the radio is, or just put a 7" inside the 2 DINs. Thanks for the help, I'll save my fabrication/wiring questions for another day.

lagunamiata · 09-21-2005, 07:49 AM

Good luck with it! I have a '94 and have been planning too. No parts purchases yet...
I'm going to build a "tent" above the center stack for a 7" screen.
There's a Z3 posted from Europe that did that and it looks slick.

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