Thread: 1998 Cadillac Seville STS - almost stock

Originally Posted by soundman98

looks good so far!

it might be a little late, but seeing the electrical tape on some of your stuff-- make sure to try to get the scotch 33+ or 88+(the cold weather version, not much different imo) it seems a little more expensive for a roll of electrical tape, but can save time later-- the adhesive doesn't disintegrate like the cheap tapes, and is a whole lot easier to pull off.

also, in case you need to run anymore cabling, i have found that using a short 3-4ft length of 12-14ga solid core copper wire makes pulling things through the car much easier because you can flex it to the shape you need to go around certain parts. if you know any electricians, they usually throw it away for scrap, so usually have no problem giving it away for a good use.

I use 33+ that my mom got from the glass factory she used to work at when it closed. As for the solid core copper, I'm using 14ga solid core copper for the power.

Installation is almost complete. Only 2 things left to do: run the electrical and install the PC. The cables run for the monitor isn't the most asthetic look, but due to the short cables coming off the monitor and position on the dash, it'll have to do for now. Here's an updated look at the install so far:

1. Monitor on the dash
2. Monitor cables run
3. Power connections for the TranzIt and monitor
4. TranzIt connected to the antenna
5. USB hub held with velcro
6. Cables covered below the doors

well, just did a test fit for the pc enclosure. case measures 8.7 inches wide, 10.5 inches tall, and 4 inches thick. turns out the cubby area isn't tall enough without some minor modification. rather than cutting the carpet to make it fit, i'll be mounting the pc directly behind the reat seat so it looks like an amp. custom partition will be built later to conceal the pc and any future installs. as always, pictures will follow.

Originally Posted by secret52

I use 33+ that my mom got from the glass factory she used to work at when it closed. As for the solid core copper, I'm using 14ga solid core copper for the power.

the solid core copper really isn't meant to be used in a low dc voltage, high current situation like in auto electronics, so you might want to think about swapping that out for a multi-strand version-- i was just recommending it for pulling cable through the car. i recommend the amp kits at walmart--they are super cheap..

actually, it's better to use solid than the twisted. the solid will work fine in the low voltage. it also allows for a better connection for a more constant supply. the 14 gauge is small enough gauge that it shouldn't have any problems with the run from the trunk to the dash.

Edit: i swapped the solid copper for the stranded. stayed with 14ga though.

I am not a fan of how you used that screen. Why didnt you embed it into the dash, the HU area? Its looks so obvious and awkward to me. It ruins the Caddy look of the dash!

yeah, i know it takes away from the look and is awkward. i wanted to retain the use of the radio. and since the tranzit uses a radio station to pass the sound to the speakers from the pc, i have to keep it installed. this setup isn't permanent. i am only keeping this setup until i can find a better way to retain the functions of the info panel and a simple way to pass the audio to the speakers without turning the wiring into a complete mess again. once that is able to be done, i'll be using the headrest mount and installing the monitor where the radio hu is along with a USB CD/DVD combo drive.

electrical will be run soon and the system will be ready for the stripped Windows 7 install.

*NOTE: no i will not do like quantum did and move the hu to the trunk and build a custom "extension cord".

well, just spent the last 45 minutes working out in the cold using my old trucks headlights for light. got the electrical distribution installed and wires run to the front including the white ignition wire that connects to the ACC on the switch. only wiring left to do is connect the white ignition wire and the main power off the battery. that'll be done beginning of next week. finally i'll be installing Windows 7 stripped down to the base with media center left. total install size is just over 1.5GB. that leaves a good 490GB for storage of photos, videos, and music.
still looking for a way to connect the audio without the hu. if anyone knows a way other than what quantum did in his 1998 Deville, please let me know.

Why cant you relocate the headunit if you want to keep it in the install? Then put the screen where the HU use to be.