97 Accord LX CarPod Project

enthewhite · 07-28-2009, 07:33 PM

Hello,

Figured I would start a thread for my CarPod project I am working on for my 1997 Honda Accord. It is not a carputer, but I think it should be a pretty cool project considering the budget.

Phase 1:

Install speakers and amps from old dead car
Install custom console with ipod and EQ
- Two Stainless Steel sheet metal parts, and two rapid prototyped parts to match console curvature. One Clarion EQS746, One iPod Video.

Phase 2 and Phase 3 will consist of integrating outboard ipod controls, and LED music visualization using an Arduino microcontroller board. Not sure which will come first.

Any comments and suggestions are welcome, this is a work in progress.

enthewhite · 07-29-2009, 09:48 PM

The main parts of my console are now finished. I am pretty happy with the way they came out, considering how hard it was to measure all the weird curves accurately.

I am hoping to find some type of trim or gasket that I can stick between the sheetmetal and the outer console to cover up the gap. Any ideas on making this look nicer? (see attached closeup image)

The plastic pieces I made don't match up perfectly, hopefully I can tweak them into a good position, otherwise I will have to think of something else to make that transition look good.

rdholtz · 07-29-2009, 10:18 PM

Those are very nicely detailed parts. Good job.

For the fit on the sheet metal part, the most important thing around the edge will be uniformity in the opening. I'd suggest picking the largest gap (which appears to be pretty small) and gently filing down all the other edges to mach that gap, so you have an even, fine opening all around.

For the plastic part, you might try very gentle application of heat to see if you can flex the parts into proper shape, or go back to the drawing board and teach your drawing what you've learned about making this fit. Because we don't have the extensive (and expensive) 3D modeling gear that car manufacturers use, a lot of this is cut-and-try, trim to fit.

enthewhite · 07-30-2009, 11:23 AM

Hey, thanks for the input

For the gaps, I was thinking of trimming the metal with something like this

I think I will try the heat idea for the plastic, it isn't too far off so I think it will work.

rdholtz · 07-30-2009, 11:36 AM

The trim material looks good, and McMaster-Carr is very reliable.

Be careful with the heat -- it's possible to destroy the part. Watch it very carefully; get it just to the point of flexibility and no more. If you use a heat gun, apply the heat from the back side.

sophistications · 07-30-2009, 12:42 PM

that looks AMAZING... I am really feeling the metal look and the iPod idea.

any feed back on the Clarion EQ as I am thinking of purchasing it for my setup.

enthewhite · 07-30-2009, 03:47 PM

Thanks

I haven't hooked up the Clarion yet so I can't give you any advice from experience, however, I can tell you that I researched the crap out of EQs for a couple days and this clarion is definitely the most bang for buck. I would have prefered a digital EQ with presets like the one that pioneer makes, but that is around $200 compared to $70 for the Clarion.

I was looking for a unit that could completely replace my head unit in terms of taking the signal from my ipod to the amps.

I will let you know how it sounds once I have the system up and running.

Xygar · 07-30-2009, 05:21 PM

Love the look of the metal. Gonna get HOT during the summer if it's in the sun, but it looks great. Well made too. Looks great.

enthewhite · 07-30-2009, 10:52 PM

Ya I figure I won't really be touching it that much so the heat shouldn't bother me. (it'll keep me from getting finger prints on the stainless

For the trim around the edges I tried slicing open a piece of 3/16" plastic tubing, which worked pretty nicely, but it has a shiny finish which I was not too fond of, so I ordered some of that trim from McMaster-Carr, should be here tomorrow.

enthewhite · 08-01-2009, 02:07 AM

The trim arrived today.... and boy does it make a nice difference

Now, on to painting the plastic pieces. It would look really nice if I glued or taped down the plastic pieces, but I see myself taking this thing off many times in the future so I may have to put a couple screws in each one. I don't think it would look too bad, I'm not sure what else to do though.

rdholtz · 08-01-2009, 07:07 AM

If you decide not to reshape them with heat, perhaps a little judicious Dremel work would get you parts that fit just right,

As for fasteners, you might come in from the back -- through the metal panel -- to hold them on.

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