Dashboard modifications + more

[LiquidVX]

Well I decided to do some stuff to my car but didn't want to pay anyone to do it. So I tried fixing some things myself.
Here is a quick photo log.


First Thing I wanted to do was clean the drain ports under the hood insert. Two of the mounts broke.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100523_006.jpg

So I made news ones
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100523_009.jpg

And bonded them into place.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100525_006.jpg


Then I was thinking that the stereo isn't really that great. I saw another member put an LCD in his dash and thought it was pretty cool so I gave it a go. I wanted a big LCD though so I got a lilliput 8" wide sreen. Then took it apart.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100620_001.jpg

Then I cut a hole in my dash and test fit the LCD Bezel
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100519_001.jpg

The directions on the can said to dab on some resin with a paint brush then apply the fiberglass.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100521_001.jpg

While this first layer was curing I realized I like the center vents on the car and decided not to block them off. So I put the vents one slot down and started making a foam bridge for between them.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100521_006.jpg

I then wrapped the foam in foil to make sure it didn't melt from the resin.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100523_004.jpg

Between waiting for layers of fiberglass to cure I decide to sort out the computer and stereo situation. I purchased a mini-itx board with nvidia ion graphics power. I thought the small size would be beneficial but it was even better than expected. I also got a GPS sensor, infrared lamps for the bumper, nightvision camera, uniden bearcat police scanner, Centrafuse 3.0 software and a complete 2000w stereo system. Everything came together nicely, the IR lamps are even the perfect size.
http://hosting.dinodirect.com/hosting/61/20090927/a13320000z/1000ma-power-12v-infrared-4-showa.jpg

So I mentioned the mini-itx board was the right size. Here is the height
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100529_001.jpg and footprint.http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100529_002.jpg

stock stereo case to house the computer rather than make my own. I found some good parts in the process I will reuse later to automate the lid on a special compartment. ;)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100604_002.jpg

Yeah buddy!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100604_003.jpg

Cut a hole in the top for the fan and its done.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100604_004.jpg

I can even put the face back on but it will be off since it will be behind the LCD.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100604_008.jpg

Test fit
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100605_002.jpg

So now a few more rounds of painting, sanding, and filling holes from air bubbles.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100528_002.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100606_003.jpg

[Ldub]

Nice work...:thumbup:.:thumbup:.:thumbup:

[Marlin]

WOW!!! I do not have the patience for stuff like that. I do think its cool though. Fiberglass and I do not have a good working relationship. Keep us updated.

[johnnyapollo]

I'm curious about the IR lamps - are you using them for proximity or?

Great job on the rest - I'd like to do something similar but was thinking of putting an iPad in there...

-- John

[technocoy]

Liquid,

This is very interesting to me as I have considered the same thing in mine but wasn't sure how the vents and controls would relocate. Please do keep us posted as you now have me thinking of doing it again if your relocations are a success.

Thanks for taking this on and sharing the process! Awesome job so far.

Also, for others taking on similar jobs there is a body glazing calling Icing:

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/usc-icing-polyester-finishing-putty-p-10969.aspx

This stuff is AMAZING for details and finishing. I used it on the toy prototypes I was producing and it's essentially a polyester plastic like final product and is INSANELY easy to work with.

It sticks to nigh on anything and is easy to finish, sand, etc.

Good luck Liquid.

[LiquidVX]

I'm curious about the IR lamps - are you using them for proximity or?

Great job on the rest - I'd like to do something similar but was thinking of putting an iPad in there...

-- John

The IR lamps are for night vision driving. I am using one of the button blanks I got from Marlin to control a Stealth mode. With Stealth mode engaged all of the exterior lights are turned off while the IR lamps and night vision camera are turned on. The Lilliput 8899GL-80NP/C/T automatically switches to the camera's channel when it senses a video signal which is good because that is one less relay I have to wire up.

The iPad is one way to go and I had considered it. I have seen others do it but I needed something with more processing power. The board I chose is the IONITX-A-U, it has built-in 6 channel audio and will be doing exterior video DVR with GPS data overlayed on the video. I was able to source all the parts for my system for less than the price of an iPad so I found that appealing as well, but I can't take it with me so I guess it's a trade-off. I thought about doing like a caddy to make the PC removable but then decided against it. If you go with the iPad I would make sure you have the dash space, I think the iPad is a little too big for our dash.

[LiquidVX]

Please do keep us posted as you now have me thinking of doing it again if your relocations are a success.
The relocating was probably the simplest part of this whole thing. You have to disconnect a couple cables from the back of the AC controls and route them under the dash support so the controls fit in their new location. Then remove the bottom plastic of the dash do you don't get shavings in your car. Cut out the ashtray and power socket plastic. After you have to make new mounts for the heater controls. Take some cardboard and cut it to shape a mold, these pieces are placed on the inside of the dash plastic. Tape them in place so your mold does not have run off. Pour some premixed plastic type resin in to fill the mold. After it cures drill out the mounting holes for the heater controls and you're done with that part. All that is left is to trim the interior vent plastic and make a new duct to connect the dash vents to the AC system. I folded up some cardboard and taped it to hold, then glassed it up for strength and insulation. I could have just left it cardboard and duct tape but I assumed moisture would have it way with it over time. I will post pics of the process when I get a chance.

[tomdietrying]

Wow......................that's going to be SWEET! Now, how much are you charging to do that mod for a fellow VXer?:)
Peace.
Tom

[atilla_the_fun]

The screen will be mounted totally flat right? How do you think the glare will be when driving? Are you running windows CE, automotive edition? Windows Media Center 2005? It would be interesting to take the software/hardware from ford's sync system, which runs off of windows CE.

[LiquidVX]

Now, how much are you charging to do that mod for a fellow VXer?:)

Ha, let's see how mine comes out first.


The screen will be mounted totally flat right? How do you think the glare will be when driving? Are you running windows CE, automotive edition? Windows Media Center 2005? It would be interesting to take the software/hardware from ford's sync system, which runs off of windows CE.

The screen will sit slightly recessed with about an 1.25" overhang but glare may still be an issue. A video review of this screen on Youtube said glare wasn't too bad but that remains to be seen.

Ford's Sync would be interesting but I wanted a full fledged computer, just in a small form factor. After bench testing the computer I found it was fast enough to run Windows 7, Centrafuse 3.0, and 720p Avatar without lag. I stripped down Windows 7, streamlined the bios, gave the computer 4Gb of ram and use a OCZ Vertex 96GB SSD for decreased boot time. I needed something with extra power so the computer could drive 2 screens and wake from sleep in 5 seconds.

[atilla_the_fun]

where is the second screen? The Intel X-25 SSD has the best read performance of any of the MLC SSDs, I'm using the 80gig right now. You really shouldn't need 96gb, as 30gb should be all the on board storage you'd need if you have an ipod/mp3 adapter. I think it would be a pain in the *** to have your car sync up with your music library every day when parked at your house - if you have an ipod it would be easier to bring that with you and dock it and play through the car-puter.

[vt_maverick]

For Kat and Tom's benefit, I would just like to point out that these are your pocket protector guys. ;)

Seriously man, this is going to be wicked cool when it's done. Can't wait to see the final pics! :drool2:

[Dumke]

Ya I have been debating about putting a pc in my truck with a touch screen monitor but for now its been just thought. Cant wait to see how this comes out.



For Kat and Tom's benefit, I would just like to point out that these are your pocket protector guys. ;)

Seriously man, this is going to be wicked cool when it's done. Can't wait to see the final pics! :drool2:

No some of us like to keep our writing utensils handy :p

Gotta be honest tho they did lose me on the stream lining the bios and the ssd for boot up times. :D

Patiently awaiting more pics.

[LiquidVX]

where is the second screen? The Intel X-25 SSD has the best read performance of any of the MLC SSDs, I'm using the 80gig right now. You really shouldn't need 96gb, as 30gb should be all the on board storage you'd need if you have an ipod/mp3 adapter. I think it would be a pain in the *** to have your car sync up with your music library every day when parked at your house - if you have an ipod it would be easier to bring that with you and dock it and play through the car-puter.

At the time of buying the 96GB Vertex was on sale for $190 and the 80GB X25 was $230 at NewEgg. The Intel touts 250MB/s read speed and the OCZ 240MB/s so I thought the OCZ was a good compromise. Also Tech Spot (http://www.techspot.com/review/250-ocz-vertex-limited-edition/)'s bench tests went as far as to say OCZ was slightly faster but I doubt that it is. I could have used my 30GB but wanted something with a little more space since I am using Windows 7 and will be running some big programs.

I definitely won't be syncing my entire 400GB music library, just some artists. I have a Nokia N900 with 64GB storage I will use for some music and video files but I mostly listen to Pandora now. Which is good since Centrafuse has a plugin for it.

The second screen will be where the airbag was, the cover will flip up and back into the top to act as a sun shade. It will be the control interface for another project I am doing, screen for the navigator/passenger, video playback of traffic cam/films, and of course games.


Gotta be honest tho they did lose me on the stream lining the bios and the ssd for boot up times.
By stream lining the bios I mean just going in and turning off features that won't be used like RAID so it doesn't have to load the drivers.

SSD is means Solid State Drive so it should handle the seasonal temp difference here in New England and withstand road vibration since there are no moving parts to cause platter damage. It's faster too. :)

[vt_maverick]

Wow......................that's going to be SWEET! Now, how much are you charging to do that mod for a fellow VXer?:)
Peace.
Tom

The more I read this thread the less I believe I could afford to pay someone to do it. :(

[WormGod]

Looks pretty clean. Good work.

I remember doing the same thing X10 with an old Toyota SR5 pickup I had. Old clunky exterior design but the interior rivaled that of a a modern GT-R. And this was back in '90, heh.

[Kenny]

nicely done. kudos.

[Bob Barker]

I went crosseyed reading this.


but it the infrared lamps/camera sounds friggin AWESOME!!!!! I want

[LiquidVX]

Thanks for the comments guys. I thought I would post an update.

It turns out there weren't as many photos of the interior duct work as I thought, just a couple when I was making it.

First I grabbed some spare vents and made a spacer the same width as in the new bezel. Then I wrapped it in heavy paper and taper in place. Then started glassing.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100625_005.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100625_010.jpg
Next I used part of the old duct system since it already had mounts to hold it in place. I just cut off the stuff i didn't need and closed the original exit port.Final product is ugly, but it works and no one will see it. The inside of the duct is sprayed with matte black so you cant be all seeing inside and stuff.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100630_009.jpg

I had to make mounts to secure the AC controls in their new location. The below image only shows the pieces of foam but after that I used resin and stuff.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100620_007.jpg

I could not find a red paint that worked well so I used red primer and sealed it with clear coat enamel. A shiny smooth dash bezel just looked wrong to me so after the first couple coats I sprayed the 3rd coat lightly from a distance to create the texture I wanted.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100627_001.jpg

Here is the test fit without the ducts so you can prob see into the vents. Final image will not be like this. The ugly part of the bezel by the screen will be covered with a custom mini "VX" or my company logo. I haven't decided yet.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100630_004.jpg

[vt_maverick]

Dude that thing is suhweet! You think you'd ever consider selling double-DIN dash panels? I don't think I'm smart enough to wire up a carputer, but having a full LCD navi would be sick...

[Mile High VX]

Dude that thing is suhweet! You think you'd ever consider selling double-DIN dash panels? I don't think I'm smart enough to wire up a carputer, but having a full LCD navi would be sick...

X2...man that is nice!

[VX KAT]

For Kat and Tom's benefit, I would just like to point out that these are your pocket protector guys. ;)

Seriously man, this is going to be wicked cool when it's done. Can't wait to see the final pics! :drool2:

Yeah, I had some dejavu come over me as I was reading this tonight....it was just like talking with my ex....I went cross eyed just like ole' Bob Barker did!
But dang it looks GREAT!!! :drool2:
What a seriously sick talent you all have! :_wtf: :thumbup:

[Grif]

I've been speechless honestly because the PC hardware side is easy, I am in awe of the fabrication skills.

[LiquidVX]

thanks guys. I will post some final pics or maybe a video once its all wired up. need to focus on paying work for the next few days though.

[Brian Drinks]

You have mad skills it looks perfect keep up the good work.

[VX KAT]

...sick...
...sick...
...mad....
...suhweet...
...sweet....
I love these new descriptive words!! :thumbup: It's all good!
and your dash is AMAZING, WAY KOOL and FRICKIN' AWESOME!!!

[Bob Barker]

So any fully operational video yet? I still think you should make a "plug and play" kit to sell to me:D

and I just so happen to have a spare dash that came with my VX for you to modify and put in all your awesome gadgets into and send back to me:yeso:

[LiquidVX]

So im headed back to the states in 2 weeks and really excited about working and playing with the VX again. I never posted the finished pics of the dash because I actually forgot to take them before leaving.

Here is a video i took of the bench test.
ha, Just went to upload an apparently did it back in November.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8SuBzgGyNU

Video shows a blue button but I decided not to use that because I don't want a bunch of tacky lights in my car.

[vt_maverick]

I can't wait until this collection of wires, circuit boards, and random electronics is actually installed. Going to be very cool!

[LiquidVX]

I can't wait until this collection of wires, circuit boards, and random electronics is actually installed. Going to be very cool!

Hey Ash,
You think that is bad, this was the final install night.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/20100805_002.jpg
The install is actually done and works great! The moment it was finished I had to rush down to NC for business. From there I went straight to Madeira and havnt seen my VX since. :(
In all my rushing around I forgot to take photos of it completed.

After seeing this dash (http://www.carstyling.ru/Static/SIMG/420_0_I_MC_jpg_W/resources/concept/2000isuzu_vx4_3.jpg?AEB8343B677F5F8B2FF3439A51075B D1) though I am thinking of starting over.

[vt_maverick]

Hey if you can build this and ship it and your carputer solution as a kit, put me at the front of the buyer line. :thumbup:

http://www.carstyling.ru/Static/SIMG/420_0_I_MC_jpg_W/resources/concept/2000isuzu_vx4_3.jpg?AEB8343B677F5F8B2FF3439A51075B D1

[surf-life]

and put me as number 2

[xcelr8]

Hey if you can build this and ship it and your carputer solution as a kit, put me at the front of the buyer line. :thumbup:

http://www.carstyling.ru/Static/SIMG/420_0_I_MC_jpg_W/resources/concept/2000isuzu_vx4_3.jpg?AEB8343B677F5F8B2FF3439A51075B D1

Wow...does anyone have any info on what was used to create the center part of this masterpiece? The part where the relocated center vents are? I assume it's from another car. Damn.

[Bob Barker]

What is that license plate reading VX-4 in the floor board?!?

[surf-life]

What is that license plate reading VX-4 in the floor board?!?

It says vx-4 because this is the inside picture of the concept 4 door Vehicross.

[Triathlete]

That is the concept VX-4...the 4 door version of the VX that now resides in the Petterson Auto musuem.:yesy:

[xcelr8]

That is the concept VX-4...the 4 door version of the VX that now resides in the Petterson Auto musuem.:yesy:



wow. crap. I wish I had never clicked on this thread. That's what our vehicles SHOULD look like...now I gotta try to find something that will work.

[Bob Barker]

Ooohhh .

[dietz99vcross]

And look a REAL cup holder too!

[etlsport]

its really close to the Axiom interior.. which is based of the rodeo interior.. I'm willing to bet if you did a full tear down of the dash, this could be made to fit

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/9738078+w750+st0/129_0506_02_z+2004_isuzu_axiom_xs+steering_interio r.jpg

[vt_maverick]

The problem will be where to put our 4L/TOD shifter. Your options are:

(1) Deep six the cup holder in this picture to allow the shifter to fit through
(2) Rewire / re-engineer the TOD shift lever to work on the silver switch you see to the left of the steering column above

The former is probably easier, but as with most things in life, would not be as elegant.

[samneil2000]

Does the Axiom have the same suspension as the VX?

[vt_maverick]

I know ours doesn't, it actually has selectable Normal and Sport modes that are controlled from a button on the dash.

[VXjunky]

love the color combo of the leathers

[gabilangabby]

nice!!

[gabilangabby]

looks good!!!! what did you use to bond the hood insert mounts?? and where did u get the parts??... i also broke a couple... i need that info asap!! lol

[LiquidVX]

looks good!!!! what did you use to bond the hood insert mounts?? and where did u get the parts??... i also broke a couple... i need that info asap!! lol

I just used some stuff I had laying around the garage. The parts consist of scrap type 304 stainless sheet metal, nuts and bolts. If I had it to do over I would spend more time with the sheet metal to make them more like the original. The new mounts are bonded with JB Weld (http://jbweld.net/products/jbweld.php).

[VXjunky]

when do we get the completed pics?....

[LiquidVX]

when do we get the completed pics?....

I forgot to take the completed photos before leaving the country in August. I get back late at night on the 22nd and will probably post them in the afternoon of the next day.

[VXjunky]

oops...thought you were back...my bad....

[gabilangabby]

thanks!!! im off to the hardware store.....

[xcelr8]

Hey if you can build this and ship it and your carputer solution as a kit, put me at the front of the buyer line. :thumbup:

http://www.carstyling.ru/Static/SIMG/420_0_I_MC_jpg_W/resources/concept/2000isuzu_vx4_3.jpg?AEB8343B677F5F8B2FF3439A51075B D1

Guys, I did my own version of this. Poor man's style. Check it out:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=20462