Well I got tired of my old setup (Here ) and decided to do what no one done yet (again)

Install a single DIN indash PC!!!!!!

It's the same unit, just redone.

Here's the Unit (under my New HU) powered off.

 

Here's the unit powered on. Screen still the same Xenarc one I had.

 

Close Up of the Unit.

 

HU open for MP3 CD (enough room for clearence )

 

Final shot of the unit off and Faceplate removed.

 

Closing Notes:

The PC is still the same motherboard (VIA mini-itx) with Laptop HDD and slot loading DVD (yes D V D)

The face plate is a custom molded plastic piece painted to match the trim. Same Power button and the much needed USB port (on the right of it)

The Trim Plate is the Metra Kit, painted to match the trim.

Everything is screwed in to the stock metal holding plate (didn't use the Metra kit because didn't feel like cutting the pocket out)

The HU had to be custom mounted because I didn't like the way it was sticking out (like most you see here) now it's flush to the trim (Flush not form fitting since HU isn't curved)

All the PC part is located in the dash (two 4 port USB hub, USB sound card, WI-FI keyboard adapter, & PSU) The PC is truly single DIN.

Everything is truly tight fitted with ZERO room to spare. This is one of the HARDEST install I had to do. Just trying to squeeze the panel back in was a nightmare. I just hope I don't have to take it back out cause I really don't want to go thru the install again.

 

Review:

So glad I got the new HU. The sound setup I had before really bothered me (it never sounded really that good)

The AUX in is really clean. Almost zero noise and able to control the volume of the PC thru the HU.

Have to wait till the summer to see if Heat would be an issue. The PC itself don't generate much heat. But with so little room in the dash, might have a heat problem. But it's open on each side, so should be more than enough air to circulated and keep the heat down. Also the PC isn't encased in metal case, but a custom Aluminum vented (looks like old dot matrix screens) sheet. So it's pretty much like open air, but still protecting the PC.

 

Is this something you're selling as a kit or just for fun?
Looks nice btw!

 

That is sooooo beautiful, Alfred. I'm so jealous. You always have to one-up everyone, don't you?

 

Not sure if I'll sell a kit. PC's aren't fool proof like the HU, so not sure if I want to deal with problems that arises. Plus it's pretty hard to get those slim slot loading DVD drives. Might sell the faceplate if anyone is interested, still have the mold to make more.

 

Thanks. I wasn't even planning to do it, but after looking at the HU in the Metra kit with the extra pocket on the bottom, I was like what the heck Plus haven't seen an indash build yet for the Z and wanted to see if it could be done.
Actually works out pretty good. I think the aluminum cover/vent blocks out alot of noise from the system (didn't have one on the first build)

 

Awesome Can you post the full system specs? What software is running the system it looks custom.. if it is are you open sourcing it?

 

Is that a chevy logo I see on your head unit!!!

 

Alpha... I want a system. PM me if you're interested in making one for a show car.

 

i want a system too . . . PM me if you're interested in making one for a bone stock car!

 

Anyone have any idea what software is running on the pc?

 

I might

Here

 

might be interested, but still have to heat test it to see if it'll over heat in that area. I doubt it, but just don't feel right making something for someone that might break down. Plus the install is the hardest part.

 

Install may be hard, but I'm sure I can pull it off. If not, I've got plenty of shops who can help me out.
As far as over-heating, how about fans on the side of the console? I'd put two of them on the passenger side so the driver doesn't have to feel the heat. I can always add on the fans if they're not in the kit too.

 

again . . . what he said!