(First: Did a few searches and did not locate an answer. If I missed an obvious search term, please feel free to indicate as such)


I am in the planning stages of a new build for my box, with the current focus being on a carPC build + amp/speakers. I have heard there is 'quite a bit' of space in the dash in front of the driver, but I am wondering if anyone has actual measurements or good pics to see if the mobo+components will be able to fit in there.

My other option is to mount it under the driver's seat, though I am planning to put 2 amps under one seat and possibly an eD SQ10/box under the other to give me some low end until I figure out what subs I want to go with (plus the enclosure).

Thank you for any help you are able to provide.

 

people have put their subs and amps under the seats, for airflow reasons I wouldn't put an amp under the dash top, where in AR are you located exactly? I can help you pull your dash and show you just how much room, its alot

 

Here is a mini ITX mounted on the bottom plate from a 1st generation VoomPC case. It fits snug between the two air vents.

 

Thanks, both of you. That is exactly what I was needing.

Jwaj, am in Hot Springs atm, but am hoping to move soon (job hunting). Where are you?

 

I'm in sheridan, where are you wanting to move to?

 

Houston, most likely, but am pretty much open to any area, just time for a change of scenery (;

 

yea I want out of this state but somewhere more north, or if I'm not going where its cold somewhere uninhabited

 

hah, I can understand that feeling all too well!

 

I hate the heat of arkansas

 

Well, I'm not sure of dimensions but I have an 8" touchscreen in mine with plenty of room behind, and a Mac Mini in the oven down below. I did need to cut the back out of the oven slot but other then that it fit fine. There is a pretty deep space in the upper dash too, it goes back as far as the speedometer.

 

Vettereddie, that is a very nice install. I can't tell from the pic, is the monitor mounted in it's stock housing, or is it molded into the trim piece? Also, can you see the entire screen or is it cropped?


Jwaj, am in total agreement there. Last few weeks (months?) have just been stupid. The only comfort I've gotten is 1) killer AC in the box, and 2) mocking friends in Houston.

 

your ac works?

 

lol, like a dream, it gets too cold! (;

 

mine has never worked right, it'll drop it from 110 to 109 inside the car running full blast and toyota refuses to fix it because they put their little guage in the vent and it says "68" which is bs because it doesn't get the car cold

 

Ok, that is bs.. which dealership did you get it from? lol, go there on one of these crazy hot days and ask their supervisors to sit in it and tell you the ac works.

 

landers

I just drive with the windows down now, I took it back a month after I picked it up complaining, and they said it was ok been 2 years, too late now

 

ahh. Actually, I had some problems with Landers when I bought my box as well (paint issues) that they refused to fix.

How you live without AC... you must be crazy (;

 

For your own good, STAY FAR AWAY FROM VIA MINI-ITX BOARDS!!!! Via offers NO support and their ViaArena tech portal is worthless unless you just want someone to chime in, stating that they have experienced the same identical problems as you with no fix in sight, which will only help to frustrate you more! Via EN series boards are plagued with countless hardware problems, BIOS problems, and many other stupid, redundant issues. I have been around and around with Via, as well as several of their vendors, and will NEVER purchase another of their motherboards again. I HIGHLY recommend that you stay away from Via when making a decision on which mobo to use.
As for the "room under the dash" question, if you carefully plan out your setup, you CAN fit a slim ITX setup under the dash without issues. It will take some shuffling around of a few brackets and assorted items, though. If you are willing to lose the passenger airbag, then you would have enough room to drop in just about anything without a problem. It all just depends on how much effort you are willing to put forth.

Here's a pic of my touchscreen and the first generation of my UI in the dash. I was able to fit everything behind the LCD with the GPS receiver and a wireless antenna in the stock speaker locations. If you have any questions on wiring, planning, or anything related, just let me know and I'll help any way that I can. I've spent more time inside the dash of my xB than I care to remember.

 

Thanks for the feedback, UV7. Will certainly be taking your experience into view when picking parts.

I think I am going to have more room than expected behind the screen, so am hoping to follow your lead and mount most there.

Will no doubt harrass you with questions once I learn enough to have more questions (;

 

when are you buildin me one?