MikeyZ - 350z install

Mikey-Z · 03-15-2008, 05:41 PM

**EDIT ADD - Added updated pics below**

No comprehensive build pics or anything like that here. Just pics of the install and some misc pics. The comp has been running for a few yrs now and is very stable.

There's lots of 350z installs out there so most of this stuff has been seen before. iMON controller used as a head unit, and a passenger glove box + plastic tray was used as a computer mount. Bose panel used to cover & ventilate.

Amp was huge but found a way to install it w/o taking out the spare and still keep it relatively hidden.

Running DLS MS6s in kicks, sub is ran through Zenclosure's "Type S" enclosure.

Wires all tucked, hidden etc.

carpet to cover everything up will probably be added to ensure you can't see the cut-outs.

Amp panels:

Amp & xovers showing:

Sub control switch & misc switches (carpc acc line, monitor pwr line)

Center console:

View from behind:

CarPC loading:

"Head unit" i made using an imon controller, and a slim slot DVD drive mounted together (i'll probably redo this and center the imon controller - not as 'stock' looking as i'd like):

Misc Front end pics(Roadrunner w/ modified BMV skin):

And finally, carputer pics. It's behind the Bose panel on a glove compartment box mounted on there.

Mounted to plastic 'hidden' tray that's removable for maintenance, upgrade, etc.

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Updated:

Dash - CF overlay for the win:

CF Vinyl:

Sorry for the bad pics - it's late and lighting in my garage is not so great.

danielkh · 03-21-2008, 03:46 PM

Could you get some better pictures of the Imon setup? Just got mine and looking for the best way to mount it. I like the idea of the DVD drive below it. I was thinking along the same lines.

Mikey-Z · 03-21-2008, 05:25 PM

I'll get some later.

The height of the imon + the dvd drive will be close to the size of double din (short by about 1-2mm).

Mine is a Metrakit that was cut apart, with the imon mounted on it.

danielkh · 03-21-2008, 05:54 PM

I have a radio install kit and have started to get some ideas on how to mount the imon in it. Just want to get a better idea of how you did it first. Really appreciate it!

Dan

Mikey-Z · 03-22-2008, 10:45 AM

Maybe this gives you a better idea:

Microsoft Paint 4 the win heh.

Typical single din metra kit (for 03-05 350z):

Modified single din metra kit for imon:

I'm pulling the dash sometime this week so i'll take pics of what it looks like from behind then.

Mikey-Z · 03-22-2008, 10:50 AM

Oh i forgot, you have to cut the middle 'lip' in between the top space and bottom compartment too by just a little bit to get the imon flush with the sides.

You won't get the iMon flush with the top (or bottom) because there's a curve to the metra kit to match the dash.

If you want to center the iMon i'm sure you can make it 'fade' in so the difference in the curvature and the imon's 'flat' surface is not as noticeable, but from what you can see on mine it's not too bad.

danielkh · 03-22-2008, 11:07 AM

That is the kit I have. Great!

Thanks

danielkh · 03-25-2008, 06:13 AM

Looks a lot better than mine turned out! I was able to put a 4 port hub to the left of the imon, along with the slot load dvd under. Should get it installed today. Did you do your own plastics for the surrounding area?

I'm on the road right now, so just using "gorilla tape" (has a black "molded" look to it).

Hooked the Imon up yesterday just to make sure it worked. That navigation knob is going to get worn out. Was looking for something that would let me scroll through music. The griffin would work if you set it for push and hold then turn, but that's a bit of as pain. Think this is really going to finish the controls out nicely!

Mikey-Z · 03-25-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by danielkh

Did you do your own plastics for the surrounding area?

Painted fiberglass.

I'll be redoing it in Dynatron and possibly move the DVD drive. I'm thinking about making just the imon visible, then dremel a small slit above just for the DVD drive. It would disable the eject button for the DVD, but end up looking much cleaner...

danielkh · 03-28-2008, 10:43 AM

If you're not going to break anything doing the changes, want to sell me your old setup?

I REALLY like the ultrabay. Was able to assign all the buttons in Streetdeck. Works great. Actually can use rewind and fast forward. Probably could before too, but didn't know how. Although, not sure what moron in the factory decided it didn't need a brightness control. Fortunately I got one of the "defective" dim ones. Works great at night and doesn't blind me.

breaker021 · 03-28-2008, 11:29 AM

nice setup man!

Mikey-Z · 03-28-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by danielkh

If you're not going to break anything doing the changes, want to sell me your old setup?

Sure. Probably going to be far off though - it's on the backburner right now. Working on other things.

Quote: Originally Posted by danielkh

Although, not sure what moron in the factory decided it didn't need a brightness control. Fortunately I got one of the "defective" dim ones. Works great at night and doesn't blind me.

There is no hardware brightness control, but if you installed the imon software the lcd brightness can be set through there. I set mine slightly under default settings so while readability suffers a little bit during the day, it looks pretty good at night.

danielkh · 03-29-2008, 03:12 AM

I loaded the latest Imon software and it still only gives me brightness contrast. Not a lot of good when the display is way to dark to start with. But found it was perfect for night, so not going to look that gift horse in the mouth.

Posted on their BBS that they might be ignoring a possible revenue stream with mobile computing and they really needed to do something about the brightness. While I don't really care if I can see the display during the day, with all the buttons and stuff programed, it's like a "stock" feel. No display hurts that "feel'.

semaj4712 · 03-29-2008, 02:53 PM

looks sharp bud

danielkh · 03-29-2008, 03:01 PM

You know, I don't think I have really complimented your car. It really does look nice. I wish mine could just stay clean for a few days. As a traveller (this past week was at 1000 miles), mine will never get there. Think when this one is paid off I'll go buy another one "just to drive on weekends". And then have ANOTHER carputer that will never be finished.

I really like those speaker / amp casings that go in the back, but then I wouldn't have any place for my suitcase.