Jeep Cherokee Car Computer

peeples · 11-13-2007, 12:28 AM

I started this project in the summer of 2007; however, after school started for the semester, I simply haven't had the time to work on it. Luckily, classes are winding down for Thanksgiving break and I have had some time to install everything. Somehow, my friends and I managed to mold the dash and install the computer in little over one week. So, here are the pictures. If anyone has any questions just shoot me an e-mail. This is somewhat brief so if you want more pictures of the molding process just let me know.

Here I am testing the computer and installing all of the software and media.

Here is the inside of the dash. Some cutting had to be done and I had to lengthen the CD player wiring harness about 4 feet to get it to the center console where it was relocated.

The dash before any cutting.

The first cut.

Taping off the dash to fit the screen.

Test fitting the wooden surround.

Trimming the case so it will pass the mounting tabs in the dash.

Wooden filler for the edges next to the A/C controls.

Primer

Painting in the paint booth.

Remounting the screen.

Now, after approx. 35 hours of molding, painting, and sanding, here is the final product.

Car Computer Components
VIA EPIA-EN15000G 1.5GHz VIA C7 nanoBGA2 mini ITX
M1-ATX 90 Watt- Smart Automotive Power Supply
FLT-6100-18 cables
Hitachi 80GB 7200/8mb 2.5” Mobile SATA HD
Ultra 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz
BU-353 Weather-proof GPS Receiver
StreetDeck North America Software with Development Tools
Ampie Car Computer Case
Kenwood Ez500 CD-Receiver
JL 10” W0 sub woofer
Linksys WUSB54GSC network adapter
Xenarc 1020TSV 10.2” VGA LCD

mrbean_phillip · 11-13-2007, 03:02 AM

Well done, great job on the fascia!

It looks like it came injection-molded like that from the factory. give yourself a knock on the shoulder, and have a couple beers, you deserved it

peeples · 11-13-2007, 02:11 PM

Thanks! Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

reece146 · 11-15-2007, 02:16 PM

Great looking install.

What did you do with the set of switches that was previously below the HVAC controls?

peeples · 11-15-2007, 02:35 PM

well, right now they are just sitting there behind the dash...I haven't quite finished yet. But this weekend I'm going to relocate them to the center console with some small toggle switches and a momentary switch. The switches were just for the rear windshield wiper and defroster, so its not too big of a deal. I'll post some pics soon.

slinkytoy · 12-05-2007, 11:26 PM

Nice work man i got the same monitor.

eagleslayor · 12-07-2007, 06:34 PM

lovely work, where did you put the computer?

greatwhite · 12-07-2007, 06:44 PM

Very nice work on the bezel.

However, I would worry about it cracking due to the difference in expansion rates between the wood and the abs. Not all over teh piece, but in the margin where the different materials meet.

How did you fill the "gaps" where the joints were? If it was a reinforced body filler, you may be alright.

I used plastic welding to create my screen/bezel. But I've got a bit more than 35 hours into it by now and it's still not done!

Very nice and professional looking integration into the existing dash though.

peeples · 07-15-2008, 05:13 PM

well, I still haven't relocated the switches, the computer is under the rear seat in an ampie case (soon to be a mouser aluminum case), and I soon will be switching to Centrafuse (since streetdeck seems to have given up on development).

The dash is, for the most part, aluminum, wood, plastic, bondo, and epoxy. I have had one line appear for wear the wood/aluminum/epoxy meet. Other than that, it is holding up well.

yam125 · 01-08-2009, 11:44 PM

how did you route your cables? just all through the center console?

blong4life · 01-11-2009, 08:26 PM

Looking nice man, looks real factory.

peeples · 01-12-2009, 12:12 PM

yam125, the cables...lots of them...run along the passengers side. Power seperate from audio.

The CPU was in the rear cargo area in an ampie case. I decided to move it and it is now in a custom box from Mouser and under the rear seat

yam125 · 01-12-2009, 09:53 PM

which case?

peeples · 01-13-2009, 08:45 AM

The case, I honestly couldn't tell you. It's an aluminum box that a friend had. I'll get some measurements and take some pictures when I get home from work.

If anyone is interested in the Ampie case, it's just sitting in my closet.

dcp1992 · 02-18-2009, 11:31 PM

how did you remove that center section cuz i have a 2000 jeep cherokee and i need to hook somthing up behind the radio i have an aftermarket sony stereo

User Name		Remember Me?
Password