1996 Jeep Cherokee Customized Install

**briderx** · 04-07-2007, 02:28 AM

I haven't seen this done on my model of Jeep. Unique? I don't know. Confusing? Yes! Tiresome? Yes! Hassle? Yes! Worth it? YES!!!

I have been kinda going at this slowly, getting all the materials for this build together. All the components and tools necessary to accomplish such a feat.

Parts:
Case: Center Console (May change to somewhere else. I haven't gotten that far yet!)
Mainboard: VIA EPIA M10000 Mini-ITX
Ram: 1gb PC3200 (May change, to something else. I haven't gotten that far yet!)
Power Supply: OPUS 120 watt DC-DC
Wireless Interface: Possible Netgear USB Key or MSI PCI card
Bluetooth: USB Key or MSI PCI card
GPS: Don't know yet.
Software: Windows XP Professional Edition
Front-End: Don't know yet.
Games: NES Emulator w/2 NES controllers ported to USB

How I plan on holding my screen face to my dash:
SEM Brand: 68432 General Purpose Adhesive
U-POL: High Viscosity Dolphin Glaze
I spent a total of $15.00 on these two products. Lets see if it's money well spent!

**Dingo509** · 05-02-2007, 12:07 AM

Right on!

someone else that is looking to flush mount the Screen in an XJ.

I know my around the dash pretty good, but i'm confused to the reason you cut the upper "bar" out? It's hard to tell from the pics which way your going with the install. I am very eager to see more though.

And the HVAC controls? any ideas what to do with them? i have looked into adding automatic climate controls from another vehicle but i may just have it controlled by the carputer. Any ideas there?

BTW i'm in Yakima so i'll love to actually see your install when you get it done.

Dingo

**briderx** · 09-06-2007, 12:21 AM

I am actually still working on it as we speak. I just got my new heater control switch in, and am changing the flow of the heater vents..

I cut that upper bar, kinda by mistake. I was a little too "CUT HAPPY". I will be building something to mount the heater controls in flush. I think that the WHOLE unit will be removable at the same time (heater controls as well). I'll keep you updated.

BTW: System has been running all summer.

**Tommi** · 11-05-2007, 06:07 AM

humm, is it the ZJ edition? and could I please see some pictures?

I would love to!

Regards Thomas
tommipip@gmail.com

**peeples** · 11-13-2007, 01:27 PM

Yeah some pics would be great. I just molded in my screen last week in my '00 Cherokee and would love to see some others.

**Dingo509** · 11-16-2007, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Tommi

humm, is it the ZJ edition?

Edition? the ZJ is a completely different vehicle, briderx's install (and mine) are both the pre 97 body style XJ.

The ZJ is a GRAND Cherokee.
The XJ is just a Cherokee.

Sorry if i sound upset about that, i'm not, but when i was working at the parts houses everyone would always get that wrong.

Originally Posted by peeples

Yeah some pics would be great. I just molded in my screen last week in my '00 Cherokee and would love to see some others.

I will start my Build log Shortly, and i also plan on flush mounting the screen, but in a different, probably more complicated way. stay tuned....

peeples if you could post your install pics that might help others that are doing cherokee installs get some ideas.

**peeples** · 11-16-2007, 11:31 AM

I have some pics in my work log if you want to check that out. Is there anything specific you would like to see a picture of. I have tons of pictures of the install, I just didn't post them all to save time.

This is completely off topic but what kind of On-Board Air do you have.

**alawatsakima** · 07-22-2009, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Dingo509

Edition? the ZJ is a completely different vehicle, briderx's install (and mine) are both the pre 97 body style XJ.

The ZJ is a GRAND Cherokee.
The XJ is just a Cherokee.

Sorry if i sound upset about that, i'm not, but when i was working at the parts houses everyone would always get that wrong.

I will start my Build log Shortly, and i also plan on flush mounting the screen, but in a different, probably more complicated way. stay tuned....

peeples if you could post your install pics that might help others that are doing cherokee installs get some ideas.

I have a '91 XJ that I am interested in puttting a carputer in. People familiar with the dash of the pre-'97 XJ's will be aware of the overhang on the top of the dash, which prevents a fold out from working well, and the mechanical HVAC which makes moving (Or removing) it difficult. These concerns were a bit aliviated in the post-'97 design.

Therefore, I am seeking pictures and inspiration from other XJ drivers... Any pictures from briderx or dingo509, or anyone else who has worked with this vehichle, would be AWSOME!

**OBXJeepGuy** · 04-09-2010, 12:45 PM

I wanted to revive this thread in the interest of seeing if this guy ever posted pics of the ZJ dash....

**Dingo509** · 04-09-2010, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Dingo509

Edition? the ZJ is a completely different vehicle, briderx's install (and mine) are both the pre 97 body style XJ.

The ZJ is a GRAND Cherokee.
The XJ is just a Cherokee.

I doubt you"ll find many ZJ pics here, as this is an XJ discussion.

Anyway briderx and i became close friends after meeting here. I was even in his wedding as a groomsman. Unfortunately he Sold the XJ a few years ago. the new owner promptly ripped out the computer and has reinstalled all the stock components. briderx has said that while it was a fun project, he won't do it again.

Mine on the other hand has never been finished due to having constant hardware issues. first the motherboard had no audio, the second one would crash for no reason. I then bought a new MB and so far its been ok, but i have had power supply issues and then hard drive issues. And now i'm back to revisit the monitor problems again. I have no intention on EVER selling my XJ so i will get it finished once i figure out all the problems. I really need to break down and buy a new monitor, and SSD.

Dingo