'05 Corolla S computer install, lot of pictures [in progress] - Page 4

Cris · 06-25-2005, 03:48 AM

Why didn't you make the MDF frame and rings first?

CapitaineFritz · 06-25-2005, 08:51 AM

I followed this tutorial

http://web.njit.edu/~cas1383/proj/Glassing2/index.htm

I'm going to do the rings this week, but they are not necessary until I finish the 7-9 layers on the first half, no ?

Again, it's my first project

So they are a couple of bubbles inside. I've heard it's really bad for a sub box, so I'm going to cut them and put some other layers there.

Should I put a MDF piece on the bottom ? (the only place where it's straight, the place that sits on the trunk floor) ? Or only fiberglass (like in the tutorial) will be ok ?

bobjimwilly · 06-25-2005, 09:19 AM

very nicely done so far mate!

One question though: how do you screw the motherboard, psu etc to the wood? I couldn't quite make it out in the pics above - is there some sort of supporting blocks that the screws "go through" to hold the m/board up off the wood?

Keep up the good work...

CapitaineFritz · 06-25-2005, 10:19 AM

I used two bolts between the motherboard and the wood (as a spacer) and one bolt the other side of the wood to secure everything. It's pretty tight, secure, and there is airflow between the components and the wood.

I forgot to take a picture of the mount but there is the clearer picture I could get

bobjimwilly · 06-25-2005, 10:44 AM

Cheers mate. Just asking as this might be a future mod for my project, rather than just having a computer and invertor sliding around my boot

CapitaineFritz · 06-25-2005, 11:30 AM

The M1-Atx is really nice

really small small component and it replaces both ATX PSU and Inverter, and much more efficient. The only thing is it's 90W but right now it's more than enough to power my M10000, a usb mouse, my touch screen monitor, a rear camera, a 3.5" old hard drive..

stoanhart · 07-01-2005, 11:40 AM

/lurkmode = 0

Hey dude,

Great job so far.

I have a question about your 'glassing. I am halfway through a similar project (got halted for winter, then I went to Europe for a few months... still there). I followed the same preps. Total mask with tape, then tin foil on top. I have done about 4 coats.

However, when I tried to remove it, it seemed quite well attached. I would start breaking off pieces off of the edge of the glass rather than lifting the shell off. I made absolutely sure everything was masked, so I know it's not bonded to the metal (using spare tire well). I think it is just because the masking tape sticks much better to metal than to carpet. I plan on heating the spare tire well from below to loosen the tape.

Was your shell tough to remove? Any tricks?

Thanks man. Keep up the good work.

jzgt · 07-01-2005, 03:36 PM

I'm looking forward to seeing the sub box and pics - that should be cool!

So far, looks good. I got a bit of fiberglassing ahead of me this weekend, too.

- Jeff

CapitaineFritz · 07-22-2005, 07:03 PM

Hi again all !
I'm on the way to finish it ... but I need more time !!

I'm doing the MDF rings right now, I'll need another couple of fiberglass layers and I'm gonna be lal done for the sub box. I'll cover it with black carper (see computer case) later.

For your question stoanhart, if was really easy to remove because of the aluminum foil.

starfox · 07-23-2005, 01:33 AM

Cool, nice job with the pc mounting

I have an Australian 2002 Corolla, which looks similar to yours. I've mounted my car computer in the same place that you're mounting your sub with an oblique shaped MDF sheet, and i made a new boot tray so i could screw it into that.

Nice to see more Corolla car computers.. Next thing i have to worry about is how to mount an LCD in mine.

Gerardc6 · 11-06-2005, 11:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by CapitaineFritz

I didn't found anything similar on the net yet.. but I saw a few installs with one (and it was hand made )

I just started the University today so I'll have less time.. (and money!) to continue, but as soon as I have new pics I'll post them

P.S.: I would REALLY like to have an aux input but can't find any information on what kind of radio do I need ? Do I need the stock WITH cd-change controls ? Do you have the cd-changer controls on yours ? How do you switch audio source ? If you don't need yours anymore, I'm really interested !

Hi Fritz,

There are many head units with Aux inputs in the $100USD range. In fact, I've seen a couple at our local electronics store. That's happens to be my price range as well for a head unit. One thing I notice though, is they all only take in Stereo inputs.

So our CarPCs can put out 6 channels, but if the signal goes to the head unit via aux input, you're limited two channels. I think that's the reason people choose to intercept the Head Unit's signal and use it as input for the Car PC's sound card.

Gerard

Gerardc6 · 11-06-2005, 11:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by CapitaineFritz

I'm just afraid of being stolen... so I want to keep everything stock. That's why I plan to put the screen behind the two small doors.

I just had an idea for theft-deterrance. Put a thin cloth that's custom cut to surround the whole dashboard and the center console area. The ugglier the better. Actually, I picture a black knitted cover, sort of looking like a granny car. But the thin cloth is probably quicker to roll up and stowe under the seats. I'm concerned with theft as well.

Gerard

kgasso · 11-08-2005, 03:20 AM

Looks nice. Your vehicle layout is really similar to mine, might be... erm... "borrowing" your idea for the PC mounting. Especially after a recent incident involving a week of rain, a trunk leak, and 2 inches of highly conductive water sitting in my spare tire well.

Ah, nothing like a forced hardware upgrade signalled by the Magic Blue Smoke.

Fox_Mulder · 11-15-2005, 05:57 AM

How many screws are you using to mount the wood to the chassis of the car?
Cos I can see only 2 which would mean the computer would swing each time you turn etc.....

[edit] Just realised by screwing the folding bit with the hard drive right up to the chassis this prevents it from swinging from side to side.

Klua · 12-17-2005, 06:59 PM

CapitaineFritz,
I really like your bug guard what is the name of the manufacture and model number.

Thanks
Klua