2000 Pontiac Trans Am carputer install

**Snootch** · 08-09-2005, 02:39 PM

UPDATE: I got the motherboard, installed it, and everything works well. I ended up using Road Runner as my frontend since Centrafuse doesn't natively support XM. I also re-did the front faceplate and molded two USB ports, and a Firewire port into it. Here are some pics:
Main Brushed Aluminum screen (daytime)

Main Brushed Metal screen (nighttime)

MP3 screen

XM radio

I need to move the XM antenna, since I'm not getting very good XM reception, and it cuts out occasionally. Also, I'm going to add a GPS mouse as well. I loaded all my music, video, and everything, and i'm still using only 22% of my 250Gb drive.

I'll add those additions as well as any others to this thread later.

**Moneyfink** · 08-09-2005, 02:57 PM

you have one of the nicest diy installs that I've seen

**Snootch** · 08-09-2005, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Moneyfink

you have one of the nicest diy installs that I've seen

Thanks for the compliment. It's been alot of hard work, and $$.

**Snootch** · 08-23-2005, 09:58 AM

Fixed the reception problem with the XM antenna. Turns out the mesh screen inside the vent on that cowl is made of' metal, creating a Faraday cage effect over the antenna. I moved the antenna 5" to the outside of the car, away from the mesh, and now the signal strength hovers between 80%-100% where it used to be 20%-50%.
I also moved the Symmetry controller, flushmounting it into the center console storage lid.
[PICS SOON
I'm happier with it here, since it looks less cluttered, it doesn't block my traction control switch and cigarette lighter. I don't smoke in the car, so i'm going to hack the handle off the cig lighter, and mount it on a potentiometer in place of the knob. This will be used as a level control for the subwoofer, and it wil look like the sock cig lighter.

**looneeii** · 08-31-2005, 11:37 AM

What did you mount the mobo on? I was thinking doubled-sided velcro tabs on the underbelly of the board and then on the abs plastic inside my dash area.

**Escalade182** · 08-31-2005, 03:07 PM

Looks like It was supposed to be there. good work.

sorry to hear about your foam incodent

**Snootch** · 08-31-2005, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by looneeii

What did you mount the mobo on? I was thinking doubled-sided velcro tabs on the underbelly of the board and then on the abs plastic inside my dash area.

Actually, I velcroed the ABS plates to the inside of the dash cavity, and also secured them in place with brackets and screws. The board is attached to the ABS sheet using screws and plastic standoff spacers.

**lez** · 08-31-2005, 08:46 PM

I like the look of the SEM texture paint, does that have a uk name etc or source ?

Tried local car shops but none have heard of it.

**Snootch** · 08-31-2005, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by lez

I like the look of the SEM texture paint, does that have a uk name etc or source ?

Tried local car shops but none have heard of it.

The second time I painted the trim, I used Rustoleum Black textured finish instead of the SEM product which I had ran out of earlier. I found it in a large home improvement store along with their spray paint.

**tars7** · 09-01-2005, 11:51 AM

Can you take a picture of the whole car interior in the daytime, i have been considering this for quite some time now, I already have a 10.4" lcd that I think i could work into that, but might just go with that 7" lilliput. If you could take a picture through the rear hatch that would be awesome. I also have a 2000 transam.