2004 VW Jetta GLI CarPC and more

Here are some pics of my radio cage and disassembly of my Xenarc 8" LCD.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/y9ynypa4.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/uvabuhyq.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/uhu9u7un.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/age9u2yg.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/my5eqysu.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/usypyby7.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/y7utybep.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/pu2anyza.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/ne7y4azy.jpg

Monitor came apart easily by removing the four corner screws and prying the back off.

Disconnect the speaker wires from the motherboard and move the back out of the way.

Disconnect the button board, I left it mounted in the case for now. I will attempt to remount in the car. According to Xenarc the LCD panel will work without the board attached.

Remove the six screws holding the LCD to the front of the case and it is now apart.

I need to modify my radio cage by removing a portion of the top shelf.

I still think I am on the right track using the 8" LCD panel. Looks like it will fit perfectly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AZN dubs

this is amazing. i want to add sound deadening material throughout the entire car because i took my rear seats out and they did block some of the sound.

you're like mad mike from pimp my ride with all of that electronic stuff in the trunk :laugh:

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Read all the info on this site:

sounddeadnershowdown.com

His prices are not the cheapest but the information is great. You will understand soundproofing after reading.

Most think dynamat is soundproofing and it is not. It is sound deadening, just stops the vibrations of the metal. It does not absorb sound.

That is why I used Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) throughout the car. In fact, I used dynamat then MLV. On the floor I used MLV with a foam backing.

After reinstalling the dash there is a significant reduction in noise from the front of the car.

When I open the sunroof with the cover still closed I cannot even hear the sunroof raise.

It is very nice to have a quite clean '04.

I still have to do the door panels. They will be next right after I install the 8" LCD monitor in the dash.

I bought the MLV from TM sound proofing, they had the best price.

dynamat.com

fatmat.com

secondskinaudio.com

hushmat.com

desgnengineering.com

tmsoundproofing.com

No turning back now. Just modified my GLI radio cage and modified the backside of the motherboard mount on the Xenarc LCD.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/a3apa9a9.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/ary3y2u3.jpg

Trial fit

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/8e3e7ymy.jpg

Now I modified the back plate so I can reinstall the motherboard securely.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/se3ume2e.jpg

Take deep breath and relax........

I actually created a channel the the LCD panel slides into.

The only problem is the the LCD panel will be recessed into the dash and not mount flush. I need some room for a bezel.

I am attempting to use the radio cage for support.

If this does not work or look right then I will trim the side tabs off of the radio cage which will allow me to mount the LCD panel flush to the dash.

This requires fabricating some type of mount. I am not sure how I would make the mount or what materials I would use. More than likely some type of sheet metal or bracket.

Might be making a trip to Lowe's and Ace Hardware for some ideas.

The bezel will be made out of fiberglass or carbon fiber and will not provide and structural support. So, I can do that last.

I've decided to build a sheet metal faceplate. The will make for a solid install and give me a surface to mount the bezel.

Here is my template:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/bumyhare.jpg

I tried to build a mount out of aluminum. FAIL!

So, I searched the MP3car.com forums to get some ideas and presto.

It was so easy. I velcroed the LCD to the motherboard mounting plate. Then I used L brackets to mount the mounting plate to the radio cage.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/02/sytedyne.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/02/6u8ute7u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/02/reruhava.jpg

The L brackets are velcroed for now so that I can adjust the screen for a final fit. The I plan to screw the L brackets to the radio cage.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/02/3yharu3e.jpg

With the trim installed.

Looking good. Keep it up!

After sleeping on it I came up with a plan for the bezel.

The GLI trim is brushed aluminum.

So, what about a CNC'd aluminum bezel brushed to match the existing trim?

Dimensions are 6.5" x 7.5" and maybe 1/4" thick.

It would be awesome, but at what cost.

I will get a few quotes next week.

Went to a machine shop today to discuss an aluminum bezel.

Problem 1. The machined aluminum is much brighter than the stock trim. And there will be machine marks throughout.

They quoted $65 cash for the machine work with any material I want to try. I am considering Lexan. It will machine well and I can finish sand it.

So, I purchased a .093 x 8" x 12" piece of Lexan at Lowe's. Using a table mounted zigsaw I created a flat bezel.

I need to finish sanding it tomorrow then paint it black.

Depending on how this looks I may source a thicker sheet and try it again. Then decide if it is worth having a piece machined. I am thinking I can shape it myself with hand tools.

Pictures tomorrow.