Thread: 1997 Ford Taurus LX Install, follow along kiddies...

Looks really nice so far!!! Keep up the great work!

Thanks eagle, I'm having fun with the whole process.

By the end of the year I plan to put the four channel amp in, and I will just make a new baffle to mount the two on. They are both the exact same size, so there will be symmetry there, which I think is key to a great install.

So, i got to thinking, since it won't be long until I get my screen, i wondered where I will put all the components in the dash, and how it will all look when done, so I made a quick photochop of the concept:



So, the screen will be the main placement landmark, then the Pioneer cd deck below it, and the dvd/cdrw drive below that, with the HVAC controls on the bottom. The sierra aircard to the left of the screen, and the whole piece will be made out of ABS or I might take after biggy's lead and make it out of fiberglass. I want one piece though, rather than two or three glued together.

If I do it out of abs, all the pieces will bond together, but it may be harder to get the finish I want out of it. If I do Fiberglass, then I will just cut the holes for mounting everything. It's still a ways a way, but this helps at least visualize the next step...

Any suggestions?

I decided to scratch building my own cup holders, the theory works, but in practicality it's a lot harder than I thought it would be. I tried to use ABS sludge, and for the most part it worked, but there are a lot of weak areas where it went on thin. It would have taken me a REALLY REALLY long time to finish these. So instead, I went and found some cupholders that are designed to go in boats and poker table inserts. Amazon.com had them, for $2.49 a piece plus shipping. here's what I ordered:



So with these I will try and mold these into the existing cup holder spots after all the old stuff comes out. Hopefully this will go a lot smoother than starting from scratch.

I may try and make some out of fiberglass, but that would more be for practice than anything.

i just won the bid for the Dynamix 816 screen on ebay, from dynamix themselves, for around 66% of retail price! As soon as it comes, I will post a thorough review with plenty of pics of opening it.

I can't freaking wait!

congrats!

Pics are always fun!

OK, screen is coming soon, and now I am planning out how to implement the dash layout. here's some interesting things to know:

DIN Radio opening: 178 mm x 53 mm
Double DIN: 178 mm x 106 mm

Dynamix 816 Dimensions:
Total unit: 194 mm x 130 mm
Without bezel: 189 mm x 120 mm
Viewable area: 178 mm x 108 mm

So, the viewable area for the screen is 2 mm taller than a standard double din opening, meaning this is a perfect screen for those here with a Double Din radio area. (2 mm is negligible for the fab, if you have a spacer between the dins this will be plenty, if you don't, then it can be either hidden or taken out of the top or bottom.)

For my dash fab, I will be making everything custom, so it wouldn't matter the size of it, but I may use a metra double din universal kit for a little easier fab.

The screen is on its way, and I think I may stop by the audio shop today to pick up the metra kit, and maybe some ABS sheet (may order off net if they don't have what I want.)

I went and picked up the Metra 95-5812 double din kit for the late model fords like the five hundred, etc.



I think I will easily be able to mount this to the dash piece I'll be making. And it provides a nice finished look easily.

The screen without bezel is about 6 mm bigger than the cut out (viewable area)on each side, and the kit has a nice lip that's about this size or more, so it should fit very nicely. (And, now I have the original bezel intact in case I have warranty issues.)

I can't wait for the screen now. It will be like Christmas morning when the UPS guy comes.

ok, back to the drawing board. that kit did not work. it's designed to go in front of a double din screen, rather than have a ddin hu slide into it.

the search continues...