And so it continues... 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition - Page 6

HiJackZX1 · 09-11-2008, 06:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Crooozin

Using a Xenarc 702tsv. It was definitely worth the extra cost for 1000 nit, and yeah it makes a helluva difference in dierect sun. I got into this because i had a Pioneer DVH-5700 that I could just not see- among other reasons, lol. I hacked the dash panel apart some and just surface-mounted it for now using the case the screen came in like a clamshell, with the dash panel in between the two pieces and some longer screws. It fits perfectly between the rockers for the windows and the button panel below. I need to figure out what to do with the holes from the OEM radio, and really need to mount it better. Biggest challenge right now, though, is getting the sound right in the vehicle- tough to do with the drop top. I'm going to have to get an upgraded sound card with better drivers; problem is I really want a pcie card that's slimline and will fit my case, and I am demanding RCA plugs too so my options are really limited. These little miniplugs have a terrible way of falling out/getting loose, etc. my other big issue is radio. I'm installing XM next week.

Have you done any performance mods on yours that you liked more than others?

Well for the Radio, you could get the HD solution, which will also get regular AM/FM channels. Works 100% with the CarPC setup.

monkeyracer · 09-11-2008, 09:36 AM

I use a seperate deck for audio, partly because there are times when I'm going somewhere for a very short trip, and don't see a need to power up the computer. It resumes from hibernate in about 20 seconds, so it's not a big deal, but there are some times I just don't need the computer on. I also wanted the better audio processing and equalization the deck provides, and I get to keep AM/FM/XM and CD's (if I don't want/need to power up the computer.)

If you can post some pics of what you have so far, I can try and help suggest what to do with your bezel. Where are you putting the PC? I haven't really seen the interior of the 'verts and I'm not sure where anything would fit.

I haven't done any performance mods to the car yet, mostly for lack of extra cash, but I want to do something with it soon. There is just not enough power right now. I'm not wanting a crazy 1000+ hp car or anything though, just want to add maybe 50 or so horses (supercharger or turbo) to give it that little extra kick.

Crooozin · 09-13-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by monkeyracer

If you can post some pics of what you have so far, I can try and help suggest what to do with your bezel. Where are you putting the PC? I haven't really seen the interior of the 'verts and I'm not sure where anything would fit.

I'll make a new post as soon as I get my damn smithsonian-worthy desktop here talking to my camera. LOL. Funny but my carputer has about a bazillion times more transistors in it than this one....

monkeyracer · 09-15-2008, 04:50 PM

I just finally ordered the touchpanel for the screen. I guess Dynamix had to get pricing from the source for them, and had to wait for them to be in stock. There's a 1 1/2 week lead time plus a few days in the mail, so hopefully I get it before I go to Vegas.
I also ordered some LED strips, 2 yellow, 2 white, to use for my mirror turn signals, and extra DRL's. At first, they will just be mounted with double sided tape (automotive) but soon will get some custom moulding to make it look so much better.

I'll be hopefully ordering the Carnetix soon, and if I can find one, a CAR2PC-PIO adapter.

Lastly, after a little while for the speakers to break in, they are sounding awesome. I love these speakers!

turbocad6 · 09-15-2008, 07:51 PM

wow, I haven't been around much lately & just caught up with your thread, that bezel came out really beautiful, best of luck with it, great job, looks like it came that way

monkeyracer · 09-15-2008, 09:07 PM

Thank you, I take that as a huge compliment.

I can't say I wasn't inspired by your FX, or any of the work that you've done.
I'm using the same exact LED strips you used for the "angel eyes" (see above post) but mine will be more of an "angry eyebrow" kind of look.

I also want to get halo fog lights, but I might just get a couple more LED strips and make a bezel for them... We'll see, I have some time off coming up (being without a job soon and all) so there may be some cool new stuff happening to the car.

turbocad6 · 09-15-2008, 09:24 PM

yeah, but I gotta curse you too at the same time

.... I just spent an hour & a half reading that whole favorite thread ever in your signature, how fooked up is that??

good luck in your job search

monkeyracer · 09-15-2008, 09:58 PM

I love that thread, even when he was given legitimate, smart answers, he'd ignore them and listen to the sarcastic outlandish advice. I was just waiting to watch on the news and see something about him burning his house down trying to bake a solar cell onto the body of his RC car.
He has to get a little credit for trying to think outside the box, but when you don't even know where the box is, you got a problem.

BTW where did you get your LED strips from? I just got them on eBay for about $30 for two pair shipped from china. If they work out, I'd want to get another two pair soon.

turbocad6 · 09-15-2008, 10:06 PM

picked them up in a local autozone or pep boy's... something like that, never seen them in any other store though & I look...

monkeyracer · 09-25-2008, 09:16 PM

I got my LED's in, and they are definitely brighter than I expected, which is nice. I think I'm going to mount the white ones right above the fog lights, like the A6's have. The turns will take a little longer since I'll be making something to mould them in with the mirrors.

I also finally moved the amp to under the seat. Now as far as that goes, the wiring is all cleaned up and where it should be. It's far enough under the seat and rotated so that there will be no shoe damage.

I am making an offer for a used p2140 in the classifieds, so as long as that goes well, I'll have that taken care of. Soon I am going to add a CNX-P5V for the USB hubs.

Lastly, I hope to have my replacement touch panel within the end of the month. That will pretty much finish up this project, for now at least.

HiJackZX1 · 09-26-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by monkeyracer

I got my LED's in, and they are definitely brighter than I expected, which is nice. I think I'm going to mount the white ones right above the fog lights, like the A6's have. The turns will take a little longer since I'll be making something to mould them in with the mirrors.

I also finally moved the amp to under the seat. Now as far as that goes, the wiring is all cleaned up and where it should be. It's far enough under the seat and rotated so that there will be no shoe damage.

I am making an offer for a used p2140 in the classifieds, so as long as that goes well, I'll have that taken care of. Soon I am going to add a CNX-P5V for the USB hubs.

Lastly, I hope to have my replacement touch panel within the end of the month. That will pretty much finish up this project, for now at least.

Audi seems to be starting a trend with those LED lights. I decided to go more along the Porsche LED look, where they are molded in the bumper, with the bumper i am getting it will look nice.

monkeyracer · 09-26-2008, 11:06 PM

Something of this essence: (S6, not A6 I guess)

and this:

Here's what they look like removed:

My LED strips are decidedly more lights (24 vs. 5) and are smaller lights, so it will give a different look, but the essence of that extra "luxury" is what I'm looking for. If I don't acheive that, I will just take them off. I'll probably play around with this on monday a little bit, so there may be concept pics...

Crooozin · 09-27-2008, 12:05 PM

cant wait for some pics of this and where you put them. Ever since the audi's came out Ive wanted to do this. Where exactly are you going to put them?

HiJackZX1 · 09-28-2008, 12:37 AM

Let me ask though.... The ones for audi are made to work as fog lights, thats why they are large. Are you sure you will get the same brightness by going with smaller, but more, lights? I have to assume audi went bigger for a reason. I cant wait to see how you do this also. Thankfully the bumper im getting has spacing in the grill to put them.

Here is a pick of the bumper im getting.

PS: Are you going to have to run new wiring and switch or do you already have fog lights and replacing them?

monkeyracer · 09-29-2008, 10:49 PM

ok, here's a REALLY REALLY bad night pic, more as a teaser. I will take some day pics tomorrow.

(GIF above, shows on and off...)

I wired this from the battery to a fuse to a relay (on seperately switched ign) to ground. This way, when I turn the car on, I can flip the switch, and they light up, when I turn the car off the lights turn off as well (no dead batteries) and I can choose to turn them on and off (oil change, etc.) These suckers are bright, but pointed mostly towards the road, so they shouldn't cause issues for drivers ahead of me, but they don't seem to add any visibility, but I haven't road tested them yet. They are definitely worth doing, and it was fairly easy to install.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password