LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quotethe picture provided for the 99-00 is actually a 2001
Hello all,
I am one of those poor saps who are left with a pre-1999 civic which does not have a nice OEM layout for a LCD. After searching and searching on these forums, I have found some talk and even less action on installing screens into the 96-98 civics. Most people are doing the climate conversion to 99-00, but this option was too expensive for me. So I have embarked on a mission to work with what I've got. Oh, and this is my first ever fabrication job, so I am looking for any and all input as I go along. I would really appreciate this.
First, the difference between the 96-98 and 99-00 dash:
96-98 (My Car):
99-00:
There is an obvious difference there. Something in the 96-98 has to go to fit a screen. At first glance, one might say, "just move the deck, and cover up the vents to make room." However, I have an 8" touchscreen (off Ebay) that requires a lot of height (so both the deck and the climate controls must be moved). The climate controls are a PITA b/c there is a mechanical wire connected to the slider which must be re-routed.
So this is what I have come up with...
Before:
Proposed:
I have decided to remake a centre console rather than cutting the crap out of the OEM one. So basically, there are two projects. The first is moving the deck and controls, the second is fabricating a new console. I have actually pretty much finished moving the deck and controls, but will have to post the pics later in the day. I'll also post more detailed pics. Until then, here are some pics of my car...
the picture provided for the 99-00 is actually a 2001
Thanks, pic updated.Originally Posted by azoodica
Okay, now for an update...
The Canvas:
The Idea:
The climate controls:
I just cut a rectangle in that panel and fit the controls in (securing it with zip ties at the back. I also put black caulking around the edges where the cracks are apparent (not in this pic). Take note of that wire on the right of the second pic. That had to be moved and shortened to fit the needs of the new location. Also causing trouble was the fact that the controls (and connecting wires) are so long that it was hitting the steel chasis. This required cutting a little chunk of the steel as well as some of the unnecessary cimate control plastic.
The Head Unit:
This was a fairly easy step. The only thing I had to do was trim some of the inside frame because the deck's bracket was a tad too big. After some grinding, it slipped in nicely.
The New Control Panel:
I am making a whole new panel, which will have a recessed touchscreen (see this howto for more info http://mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=36970), here is the beginning...
After cutting the plastic to size, I used a space heater (didn't have a heat gun) to heat up the plastic so I could shape it to fit the contours of the dash.
Next, I had to take my TS apart for the cover. This made me very nervous as it was my first time doing it (note to all others, the screen is held to the cover with double-sided tape, so you will have to apply a bit of pressure).
Then I cut out and epoxied a frame for the cover.
Well, that is as far as I've gotten up to now. Next is the resin and bondo... I have decided to use the cloth and resin method. I bought felt (is this appropriate?) and will stretch it over the frame and panel. I will then cover that with fibreglass resin and bondo. Is this the right method for the job?
Thats a lot of work you are doing. Cant wait to see the results. good luck on your project. Lookin good so far.
----------------------------------------------
Civiputer: Dont have one anymore, but here is what is used to be!
Thanks for the interest; it is actually much more work than I thought! I have put so many hours in, especially since this is my first time doing any of this type of work. I have done a lot more since the last post, so I will be putting up some more pics tonight...
Okay, finally an update. Plans have changed a bit (no more recessed TS)
To start, the plastic plate that I shaped by applying heat, just wouldn't fit properly. I tried for hours to heat it and reshape it, but it was not becoming flush with the dash. So what I ended up doing was cutting another piece and putting it in the oven until it got really flimsy. I then quickly took it outside and pressed it against my dash so that it fit nicely. I should have done this the first time...
After shaping, I cut the holes for the monitor, the hazard and defrost buttons, and my switches (the monitor is held in place with epoxy from the back).
Next came the bondo. I totally smeared the stuff because I need to do some shaping.
I've sanded that first layer down and have applied my second to define the shape better. I can't believe how much sanding is required, it's insane! But, it seems to be coming along nicely, so hopefully it's worth it in the end.
In the meantime, here is a pic of the brackets being made which will hold the panel into place.
Here is what I was talking about when I said the heater controls were hitting the metal chasis. I had to cut and bend a piece so that it they'd fit.
What do you think so far? Is there anything I could be doing better? Anything I am missing? Thanks!
I haven't mentioned the other items going into the car, so here they are:
Acer Travelmate 525TX Laptop (had it, so I thought I'd save some money by using it)
8" Touchscreen (Ebay)
500W amp (not sure of the brand/specs b/c my uncle has yet to give it to me)
Alpine deck
10" JL Audio 10W0-8 Sub
150W Monster Power Inverter (clean power, low interference)
I'll also be putting the dvd drive from my laptop into an external case along with a usb hub in my armrest.
big install, totaly worth it i love the idea... plain and simple keep up the work
keep it going, looks like its going good so far.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks