just wanted to share my experience with fabricating the center console. i was originally gonna go with a 10.4" touchscreen and relocate the hvac but was convinced to go with a 8"
anyways the 8" screen fit barely between the hvac controls and underneath the vent left/right controls.
i did have to trim the opening of the center console because the 8" screen height was way larger

a mini-itx board will fit in the center console perfectly, in the glove box, and in the armrest (yes i tried the armrest ).
but if you run a full size pci card it will be a tight fit. i am running a full sized pci sound card and it didn't fit because of the rca plugs. it didn't fit in the glove box either because of how our glovebox is so oddly shaped so its in a case right now.

after driving a day with the screen there i noticed that:
- a 7" (even though it would fit better) would have been to small to see while driving especially if u have an extensive music library (i still think i should have gone with that 10)
- if you do not have a glare strip on your windshield then the sun hits the screen luckily the screen i bought was very bright


http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h166/know_fun/carpc/

CarPC specs:
8" TS
Via VB7001
M-Audio Audiophile 2496
M2-ATX
Dvd Drive
120G HD






i know its still needs work but i'm working on afew things before i finish completely


roast away pls (and fyi this is my first time fabricating)

 

WOW thats NICE!

 

looks really good. after you finish, post final pics. the 8inch is perfect. 10 would have been too big.

 

that's a really nice job...

and x2 on wanting to see finished final pix

 

yea looks pretty good..a little messy right now but its fine just post some pics up when its finally done.

 

Nice! Paint that Bizitch!

 

I got a 7 inch xenarc in my TC. fits nicely. didn't do any fab or anything just stuck it to the headunit flip up thingy with some l joints and I have my computer in the trunk.

 

Thats nice!!

 

looks good. I like having the door though to be able and cover up my head unit.

 

looks great, may have future project in mind now

 

i'll take a picture of it outside the car it doesn't stand out as much as a hu

u should do it (if u plan correctly and do research u can do it under $400 all brand new)

does the sun hit your screen? i'd imagine not because its embedded in pretty far.
i can't put it in my trunk i have a spl designed box that takes up my whole trunk



i'll finish it up once i figure afew things out like how to make straight edges hehehhehhe and post more pics.
i didn't make a work log because i'm sure someone has done it before but better but if anyone has questions i'll try to help or at least point u in the right direction( www.mp3car.com is amazing)

 

This is pure awesome. Aside from the top, the fabrication looks really good. Definitely watching this.