Hey guys,

I've been inspired to look into replacing my stereo with a computer system and a 7" display. A guy did it with his VW GTi (http://tunertricks.com/blog/index.php?p=40) (very professionally done!). It might look something like this:

http://www.hazmatt.net/external/automotive_forums/mac_mini/macmini_console.jpg

But it looks dumb sticking out so much. The cables make the Mac mini deeper. So basically, I'm wondering before I rip my car apart, if anybody knows how much room is behind the central dash area behind the normal stereo system.

I plan on mounting a 7" Xenarc display sorta in that same area, but don't know how that's going to go yet.

Here's a Mac mini "Dock" which might be helpful:
http://apple.weblogsinc.com/entry/1234000817033298/

So whaddya think?

Not enough space back there, especially if you want to put a screen in front of it. You're gonna have a hard enough time just getting the screen to fit. I know I did.

I'm considering doing the same thing, but I'll either have the computer in the hatch, or in the little elbow rest console.

I wonder if you can't invert the screen image on a laptop, and basically hang it upside down from the roof (Integrating the body into the ceiling of course).

Not enough space back there, especially if you want to put a screen in front of it. You're gonna have a hard enough time just getting the screen to fit. I know I did.

I'm considering doing the same thing, but I'll either have the computer in the hatch, or in the little elbow rest console.Well, integrating the screen flush behind the dash exterior would probably be a little too daunting for my project. I was thinking I could mount it on top of the computer or maybe in front of it, and when I need to insert a CD, the screen could slide up and out of the way on some hinges or something.

But to clarify, do you think there's not enough space in that DIN slot, or are you referring to the space behind the dash? I'd be cutting a hole in the back to make things fit.

Why not mount the machine under the passenger seat or something, then just have the monitor visible? Seems like an easier solution than having half a Mac sticking out of your dash.

Why not mount the machine under the passenger seat or something, then just have the monitor visible? Seems like an easier solution than having half a Mac sticking out of your dash.Well, 2 reasons.... 1) I want to show off the Mac mini (I'm a big Mac fan) 2) I want to be able to easily pop in a CD or DVD.

I plan on getting it painted "Carbon" by ColorWare (http://www.colorwarepc.com/) (example (http://www.colorwarepc.com/gallery/macmini/carbon.htm)) so I think that will improve the looks by quite a bit. I'll probably get a black display too.

I will most likely mount the Mac mini in the lower part of the cavity (assuming I can get it to go in deeper) and mount the display immediately above. The display would cover up the popout cup holder and the hazard button and vents, but I'm not too worried about that. Maybe I can even rig up some sort of articulated arm or sliding pneumatic rails or something... heh. :)

I'm having fun planning it all out at least! It'd be a blast to complete.

Well, 2 reasons.... 1) I want to show off the Mac mini (I'm a big Mac fan)

Did you ever consider just putting a big sign on your car stating 'valuable shit inside, please break in'?

Did you ever consider just putting a big sign on your car stating 'valuable shit inside, please break in'?Well, Mr. Smartypants, I actually... haven't. Honestly though, I rarely park my car in places I feel uncomfortable in regards to car break-ins. However, you raise a good point anyway, and while I meant showing it off to my passengers, theft is still a good reason to hide as much stuff as possible.

The problem with car break ins is you don't have to park it where you'll feel the car is vunerable, it could be parked in your own driveway and people will break in if they know there is valuable stuff inside.
Having lived in a crime ridden third world country so long I know that anything of value visible is as good as a flashing light on top of your car.

Meh, if you have a garage at home for parking at night and you never leave it anywhere other than well-trafficked low-crime areas in the daytime, it shouldn't be a problem. I would, though, suggest you find a way to hide it (ie, dismantle it quickly and put it under the tonneau or in the trunk) for the times when parking in bad places is unavoidable.

Well, I do know that it would be totally awesome to put a computer in a car and hook it up to my entire music library (on the HD), do GPS, and all the rest. There's always a risk of stupid people breaking / stealing stuff... I'm gonna do what I want to do in spite of the 'baddies'. I mean, my sentiment is that I don't want to be scared out of a project like this because "somebody might steal it"!!

I have a page on my website dedicated to the project:
http://www.hazmatt.net/wrx_mac/

I'll probably put it in my signature as I get going more. :)

The colors on the website hurt to look at. Literally painful. I think if it were a little less bright I would actually read the whole thing.

retina burn....I'm getting a lawyer....

The colors on the website hurt to look at. Literally painful. I think if it were a little less bright I would actually read the whole thing.Eh, sorry 'bout that. I know some people like it, some people hate it. I've been thinking of making a "tame" theme or something that a user could turn on, but... meh. Sorry.

Well, I do know that it would be totally awesome to put a computer in a car and hook it up to my entire music library (on the HD), do GPS, and all the rest. There's always a risk of stupid people breaking / stealing stuff... I'm gonna do what I want to do in spite of the 'baddies'. I mean, my sentiment is that I don't want to be scared out of a project like this because "somebody might steal it"!!

That's the exact reason I want to do it, and my car already says "break into me" so yeah. But hiding the computer seems like a cleaner better looking install to me. I mean, the "showing it off" part comes from having your entire music library available at the touch of a few buttons, right? People are gonna ask how you did that, and you can tell them. You don't need them to see the computer.

But to clarify, do you think there's not enough space in that DIN slot, or are you referring to the space behind the dash? I'd be cutting a hole in the back to make things fit.

1st of all, if the thing is ANY taller than the double DIN slot, it's not gonna fit. My screen was a little taller, and I had to trim the front edge of my HVAC controls down behind the dash cover to make it fit. You can't tell with the cover on but yeah. If it had been a big cube instead of a 2 dimensional (not really but you get the idea) screen, it would have been a more critical area of the controls and wouldn't fit.

The space that's in there is just deep enough for the radio, and a small space for the wiring behind it. Behind THAT is the piping for the dash vents, you're not gonna want to cut into that. Plus a whole lot of wires that you don't want to cut into either. Remember you're gonna have to have enough room for the wires on the computer too. I just don't see it happening without the thing hanging out a LOT on the front side.

Take your radio out and look at the space and see what you think, it isn't hard. Take the cupholder out, pop the radio surround cover off, and take the screws out of the radio.