2006 Chevy Equinox LS

nkotch · 02-28-2007, 08:16 PM

Well, after my previous car was totaled a week ago (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show-off-your-project/73638-1999-ford-escort-zx2.html) the wife and I decided to go the SUV route and we just purchased an '06 Chevy Equinox LS. Will have to get some more pics up as I want some opinions on screen mounting locations, but here's a couple exterior shots for now.

Will basically be putting my existing equipment into this ride (except for the alpine head unit.

Stock Dash (before):

After: At least for right now I didn't want to get rid of the factory radio or try and relocate it and use the existing double-din space, so I just got a simple metal hinge to mount the screen to the trim piece with the cables routed behind the radio through an unused stock button location that's not visible here. Right now it's just a "manual" hinge where I can lift up the screen if I need access to the radio controls or to insert a cd, but most of the basic controls are available on the steering wheel controls so I use those for most radio functions.

nkotch · 02-28-2007, 08:16 PM

reserved...

dkennen · 03-01-2007, 11:32 AM

I have an equinox as well, not happy with my current Install. Where are you thinking to mount the pc?

nkotch · 03-01-2007, 12:18 PM

The actual pc I may try to put under the front passenger seat like I had in my old car. It's all in small metal box so it's pretty sturdy. Haven't really had a chance to take some time and really look around in the car for good locations so I don't even know what's under the seat yet!

As far the screen I'm not sure. I really don't want to take the radio out and if I get brave enough I may try and make a fiberglass "pod"/enclosure that would house the screen just over the air vents above the radio if it doesn't get in the way of the view out the windshield.

dkennen · 03-01-2007, 07:17 PM

I had a similar Idea for a motorized screen in a dash pod for a second screen. I have my lilliput bezel bondod into the stock radio location.

Nem · 04-11-2007, 01:23 PM

I have an Equinox also.. I am about to start installing a sp625. I am just waiting on my lcd. I have a few questions for those of you with an Equinox.

About sound.. How would I hook the PC's sound to the current speaker setup in the car? Do I have to install an AMP? Is there a way to keep the stock radio and run the sound through it's AUX ? Is there an AUX input?

About LCD.. A part of me wants to remove the stock radio and another part of me wants to mount it on those hinges.. I would like to be able to trade my 'Nox in one day and get something better, so I would like everything to be reversed. If I mount the LCD into the dash is it reversable? Also does the 7" Lilliput fit right inside the radio location or would I have to remove the case from the lcd?

Anyone have any more pictures of a 'Nox install? Any install pics would help esp LCD/Sound installs. I'm kind of nervous about installing this stuff

nkotch · 04-11-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

About sound.. How would I hook the PC's sound to the current speaker setup in the car? Do I have to install an AMP? Is there a way to keep the stock radio and run the sound through it's AUX ? Is there an AUX input?

What year is your equinox? Probably an '05 or '06? On the new 07s there's an 1/8" aux input jack on the front of the radio. On mine for the time being I just went to best buy and picked up an inline FM Modulator aux input adapter.....just wire it to power, put a switch somewhere and it installs between the antenna and the radio. It's not too bad, much better than an portable FM modulator. For right now I'm keeping the stock radio and have had a hard time finding an actual line level aux input adapter for this car. Found a couple suppliers online that have GM input adapters listed that seem to list the 2006 equinox, but there's some fine print about it needing to be prewired for XM and I can't get a straight answer from them about if they are sure it'll work or not before I drop $100 on it. Right now I've got the stock speakers and radio and the FM modulator was easy to put in and sounds ok for what it is.

Quote:

About LCD.. A part of me wants to remove the stock radio and another part of me wants to mount it on those hinges.. I would like to be able to trade my 'Nox in one day and get something better, so I would like everything to be reversed. If I mount the LCD into the dash is it reversable? Also does the 7" Lilliput fit right inside the radio location or would I have to remove the case from the lcd?

I was debating that as well. At least with my screen the stock opening is not the exact size of the screen so you're screen would probably fit, but you'd probably have to epoxy in the screen's frame to the stock dash piece or see if you can find someone on here who can make you a generic frame for you screen that would then fit into a double din dash opening. If you do that then you either have to use separate amps if you're going to totally do away with the radio, or relocate the radio somewhere else. I just don't have the time right now to do a whole lot of messing around with it to try and relocate the radio and get the screen flush in the opening. Something you could do is buy another second plastic trim piece (either through dealership $$$$, or see if any part supppliers or junk yards have one) and then modify that one to house the screen. If you get rid of the car just put back in the original trim piece. From looking behind the radio you shouldn't have to modify any of the structural parts of the car.

Quote:

Anyone have any more pictures of a 'Nox install? Any install pics would help esp LCD/Sound installs. I'm kind of nervous about installing this stuff

Let me know if you find any of installs online. I've looked online and really couldn't find much in the way of custom stereo/computer installs. www.equinoxcentral.com is a good forum site for equinox owners, but not a lot of custom install stuff, mainly general info. I've seen some of these on that cardomain/sounddomain site but they are mostly just done up with custom rims and the occasional subwoofer/aftermarket radio install.

Nem · 04-11-2007, 07:05 PM

My 'Nox is a 2005 and my budget is very limited.

The modulator is a really good idea. I might get one for now.

I might install a 4 channel amp and get rid of the radio.. Although it is the best stock unit i've ever owned.. I definitely want to keep the stock speakers also. Going to inquire at some car audio places and see what they suggest for a cheap amp that will work with a 5.1 usb sound card that i'll buy.

I'll probably try to fab a 7" lilliput into the radio opening. I'm dying to get this thing up and running, but I don't have much time lately.

It's extremely hard finding CarPC setups in Equinoxes, probably cause they are just a couple of years old. If anyone has a site with pics or layouts please post some links!

Nem · 04-12-2007, 11:47 AM

Nkotch do you have any pics of your hinges and where they are placed in the trim?

I think I found an HD radio adapter for the stock radio that gives AUX inputs. Check this out: http://www.autotoys.com/x/cust/produ...productid=9965

dkennen · 05-09-2007, 12:49 PM

Hey just some various wip shots I have from over the history of my build, I'll post a write up if I can ever get off my lazy butt.

Here's one with a test coat so i could fine all the wonderfull little imperfections

bondo cracked need to take i out and finish the repairs you can see started here

peripheralman · 05-24-2007, 11:42 PM

Just bought an 07 nox and starting Carputer project.
I can't decide if I should keep the stock radio.
I will try some screen mounting solutions first.
Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

tbird2340 · 07-08-2009, 10:32 AM

Thinking about doing an Equinox.. Anyone have any more pictures?

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