I just got the call today that my car should begin production sometime this week or next, at the same time I spent the entire day thinking of ways to build a computer into the car itself.

When I talk computer I mean a full blown PC not a car-specific unit, for that end I was wondering how much space I have to work with in and behind the dash. I have a few idea already how to lay it out, but being able to put it in and under the dash would make things easier than mounting it in the trunk in a custom box.

If anyone can point me to some PDFs or pictures that give an idea of what I’ll have to work with I’d appreciate it, and I’ll be sure to post whatever I end up doing here for all to see.

 

I haven't pulled the radio out yet but from just feeling around I was thinking the best place to put a pc would be behind/above the glove box area under the air bag. There seemed to be quite a bit of space there to work with.

 

More room is found on the driver side behind the instrument panel, since the fuse panel/SJB is behind the pass side kick panel. IMHO.

 

I watched my navigation unit being installed and when you pull out the factory stereo, there is a lot of empty space behind it. More space then you would think too.

 

I tried to find a space on my car computer install, but ended up installing the computer in the trunk between the speakers. It's up and out of the way and works pretty good. I ran all the wires under the back seat up under the center console and into the touch screen on my dash. I also installed a wireless keyboard and mouse so I don't have any wires for it. Keep them behind the driver seat. (can't have anyone but migets ride in back anyway and they don't touch the floor).

I'm running a 3.06 p4 system for my gps, xm radio, mp3 files and movie watching.... I'm going to install the fm part later. I'm running windows xp OS on this system too. I hooked up a regulated 12v power supply for cars that would auto start and shutoff the computer when I turned the engine on.

 

Hey Scooter2: How long does the system take to boot?

 

Hey Scooter2 any chance of some pics of you system in the future

 

Right now it takes about a minute to boot, but will go faster when I put into hibernation. As far as pictures see link


http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=28822