2005 Pontiac Vibe Carputer Project

**BryceEason** · 06-19-2009, 11:00 PM

So, I'm new here but I just bought me a 2005 Pontiac Vibe and it needs a carputer in it. Now, even though the car is in my name and everything my mom sort of doesn't want me to screw with anything in it. So, I need some help figuring out how to get a carputer going in this car. I do have a laptop (2ghz, 2gb ram, 120gb hdd) that I can use, but where to mount it and all? The cd player has a adapter on the back of it that I could use to hook a 3.5mm jack to it for the laptop headphone jack. So, how should I go about this?

I wanted to take the radio out and install a touchscreen with the custom built pc behind it in a sort of case that had the monitor on the front of it. But since this is a new car to me I kinda don't want to do anything that's going to make it look bad

I could keep the stock radio in there for now and just mount a small touchscreen on top of the dash for now and just hook it up to my laptop that would be under the seat or whatnot. Well, here are on pictures of the car.

**BryceEason** · 06-20-2009, 08:26 AM

Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about this

**rdholtz** · 06-20-2009, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by BryceEason

Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about this

I know you're looking for technical information, but here are some other things to consider. You might have a go at this on three fronts:

Look around MP3Car for information on how others have done their Vibes and similar vehicles; that's propaganda to show Mom -- later. Don't hit her with it all right away, because she needs time to see you taking good care of the car and time to develop the sense that it really is your car.
Figure out how to open the dash up so you can see the kind of space available in the dash, and build a plan from there; since this is a first attempt, don't go crazy. The other Vibe threads will help there, too, and you may be able to get dimension information from those who've been there before you. Just ask.
Choose components as you buy that will take you in the direction of your long-range plan. For instance, if you plan to build an in-dash system, or at least an in-dash touchscreen, get a touchscreen that will fit in the dash opening you have or the one you plan to make.

I think it's a good idea that you want to get the system going completely separate from the existing system. You could also build a standalone system you can install later, perhaps completely in the dash (which is what I've chosen to do, after a couple of other systems). If you decide to go in-dash, get a junkyard bezel, and modify that, or -- if you'd rather not mess with that part -- PM Nexson and arrange to get his help; the bezel is all about appearance, but that's what your Mom -- and others -- will notice first, and first impression is important. Assuming your system is technically good, the appearance is what really sells it.

Whatever you do, take your time and pay attention to detail; that's what makes things work, in the long run. Invest a lot of planning time. Look for the Vibe worklogs and completed projects, and branch out in your searches from there. Use

and MP3Car

.

Post everything you do, plus everything you learn and every link you find, in your worklog. That helps all the rest of us, and makes us eager to help you. You have a good start, and the pictures help a lot (the Vibe looks great, by the way).

Have fun . . .