1999 Chevy Cavalier Z24 **WORKLOG**

a_running_pir8 · 03-28-2008, 12:16 AM

Ok, this is my first ever post on here. The sad part is I have been reading from this site nearly everyday for the past 6 months. Back in August, I got my first car, a Toyota Corolla 97. Well, I had decided ever since I got that car that I was going to put a CarPC into it. Well, long story short, people that drive with cellphones = hit and run

leaving my Corolla totaled

But rather than reflect on that, I am finally here to bring my project ALIVE!!!! So, about one month ago, I finally decided on a 1999 Cavalier Z24. I love this car MUCH better than the Corolla, noticably the MUCH smoother idle

So, the only part I had purchased so far for the Corolla was the touchscreen. Having scrapped that project (literally) I have finally started my install on my Z24, and deemed this a worthy time to signup for the most amazing forums here. I simply love this place, and I hope that with everyone here, I can make this be the most amazing project I have ever worked on

. Without further ado, here is my current status:

CarPC Specs:
Intel D201GLY2 Fanless w/ 1.2Ghz Celeron
512Mb Kingston Memory
7" "Shark" Touchscreen for 180 shipped eBay (gooddeals18)
M2-ATX
80Gb Hacked apart harddrive

Audio Specs:
Pioneer GM-4000F 300 Watt 4 Channel Amplifier (front speakers)
Rockford Fosgate P3001 300 Watt Mono Amplifier (for subwoofers)
Stock speakers up front
2 12" Rockford Fosgate Subwoofers

Fabrication Done:
Mounting of Amps and CarPC
Front Dashboard

Well that is it for now, I want as much feedback along the way wish me luck!

a_running_pir8 · 03-28-2008, 12:19 AM

So, these are the only pics I have with me at the moment, but are also the most crucial...just started the dashboard fabrication on Tuesday from a friend, Roger, here are the current pics...tell me what you think!

a_running_pir8 · 03-28-2008, 12:19 AM

Ok, I finally got some more pics to put up, the CarPC is actually in NOW!!! And holy S*** does it sound WAY better than any headunit I have ever listened to in my life! Crisp highs loud lows it is AMAZING!!! Also, I am lovin the way I setup the trunk, with all of the hardware mounted to the back of the back seats. With the blacklights, this allows me to fold down the seats at night for show, and then during the day or on trips, I can fold up the seats for rear passengers. I am loving this soooo much right now! Heres my current setup now:

This is the starting of the project in all its glory

This is the box that was built for the CarPC to be stored in, along with power supply and hard drive.

This is the box after it was laboriously carpeted to blend in with the rest of the trunk instead of standing out like a sore thumb

This is how I kept the motherboard and power supply from getting shorted out with the static that could have aroused from the carpet. I took a pen and cut little sections out of it, and put the screws through the motherboard and these little pen pieces, and then into the wood, ending up with homemade standoffs!

THE FIRST BOOTUP IN THE CAR!!!

This is a picture from inside the car with the seats folded down and half of the hardware setup lol

I have a couple more pictures of the completely finished trunk, which looks much cleaner

but I still need to get them up here soon!

rdholtz · 03-28-2008, 06:51 AM

Looks like you're off to a flying start. All the months of reading will be a great background for your work.

Welcome aboard, and good luck.

QWERTYtech · 03-28-2008, 10:09 PM

Dude,

I have a 99 4dr Chevy Cavalier but its not a Z24. Keep me up to date on what ur doing. My friend (car audio guru) and I (pc guru) are wanting to put a carputer in my cavi. I just joined and im trying to figure out what I'm going to do to build mine.

a_running_pir8 · 03-30-2008, 03:25 PM

all right man. like I said earlier (at least I think I did) if all goes well my entire car should be put back together within 2 weeks. This fabrication and the carpeting of my box is the only thing holding me back now

I'm REAL excited now!

a_running_pir8 · 04-04-2008, 10:17 PM

Ok, so I hit a big stumbling block today. Yesterday, I finished putting the entire CarPC into my car, minus the touchscreen, and was all excited to get it up and running, when..

KABOOM!!!!

lol ok, j/k but I did get this loud crackling/popping/really annoying noise coming from my speakers, even if the volume was muted. After hours of research on here, another hour at D and B Sales, and another 2-3 hours of alone thinking time

I finally solved the problem. My motherboard was in a wooden box (which you will see in the new pictures tomorrow) and the holes that hold the motherboard to a standard case were drilled into wood. I.E. no ground. Long story short, i took an existing motherboard case and cut it up to the size of my motherboard, and grounded that entire piece to the chassis of my car.

What can I say? It worked! here is the explanation (kindof)

My explanation for this

So, tomorrow there will be more pictures, and hopefully some more cleaning up of the car

Drummer4152 · 04-12-2008, 12:36 PM

I really like your set up. I'm really not sure if I'll go on with the Infiniti QX4 project due to rising gas prices. If gas hits four dollars a gallon here in Fort Wayne like they say it will it will cost 100 bucks to fill it up. Well thats what my dad says. And it doesn't get that good of gas millage either. So for now I'll stick with my 87' Camry. I might put a computer in that I'm not sure yet. I really want to see your ride in person though. Let me know when it's done and I'll come out and take a look. I might go to North Side but I live north of Northrop lol so I'm not that far from you.

Drummer4152 · 04-12-2008, 11:27 PM

Yeah that would be extremely close to me I live right off Coldwater. I won't scrap this Idea ever haha I love computer and cars so this is a good mix for me. I'm looking to buy a Toyota MR2 Turbo from the 90's if I can get enough cash this summer. If I do I will definitely put one it that. Those are pretty sick cars. The QX4 just eats too much gas. Since its the first generation of those vehicles it has an underpowered V6 that they used in one of their sedans back then. The vehicle I currently drive is a 87 Toyota Camry and the trunk leaks a bit so putting a computer back there is hard enough. Hauling my drums is a hassle too I had to buy nice cases to put them in so they don't get ruined. Keep me updated dude I'm eager to see your finished result.

a_running_pir8 · 05-13-2008, 08:33 AM

IT'S DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHAA!

I'm at school now but I just finished it up last night. Pics will come either tonight or Thursday night depending on my work schedule but let me say it was definately worth the work!

Can't WAIT to show you the pics!

nitropwd · 05-13-2008, 06:20 PM

damn i miss my Cavalier.....nice install. Good job!

nicokpe · 05-14-2008, 08:29 AM

Very Excited of your project, it seems you are working hard to do that. Good job!!

a_running_pir8 · 06-07-2008, 10:00 PM

So, I know it has been FOREVER since I said I would put the pictures up, but here they are, finally. I have, however had major problems with the touchscreen...it randomly disconnects, and then says "usb device not recognized." After MANY wires resoldered....I realized the actual circuit was failing. I just so happened to luckily run across a touch kit for only $43 shipped, therefore saving me $200 for another touchscreen

. Without any more delay, here are a few completed install pics

This is the touchscreen installed. As you can see from the pictures, the fiberglass-bondo didnt bond well in the lower right corner

so I will have to redo that soon.

This is a view of the car from the back. I love how the seats can fold down for show, and then back up for complete security

I will have to try and get a short vid up here on youtube to show how it looks at night, because it is surely something sick to look at!

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