Many users on this board have expressed an interest in adding after-market displays to their RX8s. Many of those users (including myself) wish to keep their stock head unit. This leaves us with no choice but to pay someone a large fee to do a custom placement of the display. Until now, this has kept me from starting on my carputer project. But as of today I think I have a good solution.

As most of you know, the display for the stock navigation unit stows itself in the dash above the red display. This means that for those of us that don’t have the nav, there is plenty of space left up there. With overLOADs pending delivery of his custom AUX module, several of us have thought about adding a 1-DIN slot where the stock nav display would normally go. This DIN could be used for adding an in-dash DVD player, an Equalizer, an XM radio, or in my case a retractable touch-screen for my carputer.

With several 1-DIN displays now on the market (http://www.digitalww.com/b3.htm), many of which are under $500, this becomes a very cost-effective alternative to the stock nav. Especially when you consider that many of these displays are motorized, far higher resolution and even have USB touch support.

This idea is not a new one; in fact many of us have already seen pictures of someone in Japan that did exactly that (http://www.melting-pot.com/website/productinfo/detailsivad900j.html). But at least one RX8 Club user felt it looked awkward. In my opinion, the install is flawed because of the use of vinyl as the covering. Vinyl could never cover the display hole entirely and therefore the person had to use felt and it didn’t end up being clean. But if the whole piece could have been done in the exact original texture of the dash with the exact dash color, OR if the piece could be made in the same shiny glossy black as the head unit and other areas of the car, I feel the install would have looked far cleaner. And that is what I am proposing here.

RotaryGod introduced me to a local Houston company called TwistedInteriors and I met this afternoon with the company owner. TwistedInteriors specializes in end-to-end automobile customization, but they focus mainly on exactly the kind of part that I’m interested in having fabricated.

Both RotaryGod and I know the owner of the company personally. After visiting with him for several minutes and explaining exactly what I wanted to accomplish, he set a price of 350 to 400 dollars (which is out of most peoples budget including myself). However, since the bulk of this price is due to the time and effort required to fabricate the initial mold, he promised to make RX8 Club members a deal of 150 dollars completed and painted if there are at least three users (aside from myself) that are interested in the part.

If you are interested, please post that you’re interested here and then PM me for more information. With TwistedInteriors current work queue, the owner informed me that they could have these pieces available for shipping within a few weeks from the four-person order. I can lock in a more precise date when I have at least four orders.

Below I’m including photos of a few 1-DIN display options as well as what the 1-DIN slot would look like in an RX8. Please keep in mind that the photos of the RX8 are NOT THE WORK OF TWISTEDINTERIORS. Their work would be much more professional.

Sample Installation Pic (NOT WORK BY TWISTED INTERIORS)

Close up (remember work would be much more clean)

The 1-DIN display I'm going with.

Here is the link (http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm) to the display at DigitalWW.com.

Another option. This one's motorized. Both displays have USB touch and at LEAST 800 x 600 res.

Here is the link (http://www.digitalww.com/VGA_GA700YY_indash.htm) to the display at DigitalWW.

Just a shot of the space available in the dash in this area. This picture is borrowed from jdaled's Kenwood Music Keg install (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13097).

If you can get a picture of what the final product would look like, I would definitely place an order. I wanted to put in my Alpine unit into that similar slot... along with my Nav Alpine in the rear of the car.

There won't be any final picture of the product until at least four orders are placed. But I will post pictures here when mine is completed. I can't post any pictures yet, obviously, because it doesn't exist. All I can asy is that it will look better then what you see in the pictures above.

So the price is 150? And what we are getting for 150 would be a new top (on top of the red display) with a 1 din slot, painted to match the rx-8 interior exactly? From the time 4 people are on board how long would this take to complete? Also excentric can you give me the brand and model of the 1 din display you are going with, and a link to specs of it? How much is it costing you? Im also interested in the motorized one as well, this is really appealing to me... What nav are you going with? I think I will go with http://www.deluo.com/Merchant2/gps_for_laptop.php either a hard wired or a bluetooth reciever with the routis software (it looks touch screen friendly)

Last question what kind of install are we looking at... on a scale of 1 through 10 1 being easy 10 being very very dificult

what we are getting for 150 would be a new top (on top of the red display) with a 1 din slot, painted to match the rx-8 interior exactly

That is correct. TwistedInteriors gave me two options for the finish.

[list=1]
They reproduce the exact texture and exact color of the dashboard that's already in our RX8s. In other words, you wouldn't be able to tell it wasn't a stock option.
They would make the piece in super-high-gloss black to match the factory head unit, the power-window panels on the door and other various high-gloss areas in the cabin.
[/list=1]

The four of us would have to agree on the finish because the finish determines the mold. That's not to say that a second mold couldn't be made later, but that would require another four individuals interested in that second texture.

My vote (and I'm hoping that three people will agree with me) is to have the same finish and color of the existing dash. I think the black-gloss would look cool too, but I think it wouldn't look as stock and that's the look I'm going for. HOWEVER, having said that, if three other people want the black gloss finish, I'll take the same so we can get it done.

As for the displays, I went back and updated the image captions for both displays to take you directly to the page where you can buy them. I've been shopping at Digital World Wide (http://www.digitalww.com), so you can check out their entire inventory. They have several displays that are even cheaper then those two if you don't need high-res or don't need touch. I happen to want both.

Regards,

eXe

Sorry I forgot to answer your question on time.

He couldn't give me an exact date because of the way their business works. It's basically a walk-up business so their workload changes. However, he told me that when we get four people committed, he'd nail down a more final date for us.

I don't expect this to take longer then three or four weeks. But I don't want to put words in his mouth. If four of us are interested but it has to be within a timeframe, I can communicate that with him also.

They are a professional business and this is what they get paid to do, so it's not like they would put us on the back burner or anything.

eXe

But I thought you were going to get the first test model, so that we can see what the mold would look like?

Or is it 3 additional people have to buy this along with you without first looking at this product?

Another question how will you be going about installing your nav and carputer etc?

Im almost on board

Or is it 3 additional people have to buy this along with you without first looking at this product

That is correct. If the pictures and a guarantee that it will be better quality then what you see are not enough for you, then do not get involved in the first batch. Perhaps you can get involved in the second batch after the first of us have paved the way for the rest.

Remember, the initial cost (300 to 400) is for the time and effort it takes to get the mold perfect. But he's willing to wave that cost if he's guaranteed four sales or more.

Another question how will you be going about installing your nav and carputer etc?

I plan to be installing a microATX either under the passenger seat or in the glovebox. But I can't afford the PC yet. I just purchased the display. So, for the first couple of months I will be using my laptop and that will probably sit in the passenger seat when no-one else is there.

I have a CF GPS card similar to this one (http://www.deluo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DE&Product_Code=GPSCFD&Category_Code=GR) with the external antenna. I'll mount the antenna next to the XM radio antenna. I plan to add XM radio by adding an XM PCR (http://www.xmradio.com/xmpcr/). The PC-based User Interface (http://www.xmradio.com/xmpcr/demo1.jsp) deffinately lends itself to a touch-screen. For additional music, I will either have a very large hard disk or I will hook up my external 120GB via USB2 or 1394.

You and I can talk more details over PM if you'd like. But I'd like to keep this thread on getting the dash piece fabricated.

Forgot another response, sorry:

on a scale of 1 through 10 1 being easy 10 being very very dificult

I would probably guess about a 3. It shouldn't be any harder to install then opening your existing dash and putting it back together.

You could probably just about follow these instructions (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13097) from jdaleds music keg install. But it souldn't be too extremely difficult.

When I do mine, I'll be sure to document it step-by-step for everyone else.

Originally posted by eXentric
That is correct. If the pictures and a guarantee that it will be better quality then what you see are not enough for you, then do not get involved in the first batch. Perhaps you can get involved in the second batch after the first of us have paved the way for the rest.

Not to sound indignant, but that was what I was asking for. A picture of what the final product would look like.. Or just what Twisted Interiors have produced so far. You showed a picture of some other company's product. I'm merely enquiring more info before I spend money.

If Rotarygod said this company is good, that would be good... but I would still like to see something they've produced. Just look at IPT and their first initial posts for selling True Carbon Fiber molds... when they didn't show pictures, people were hesitant. As they showed products they've produced, more and more people signed up.

I understand. I've already contacted Twisted and asked them for some digital shots of their work. He said he'd get me some and I will post them here as soon as I have my hands on them.

So far one other person has PMd me and committed to the purchase so we're half-way there. I'll post more info as soon as I have it.

Thanks for your interest Outlaws.

Sorry, cross-posted...

Looks like the first viable option..

I'm interested in keeping all the rest of the stock features, but adding this as well. Do you know how much depth the DIN slot will have? As that will big a big factor on exactly which screens you could put in it. I'm concerned that there may not be enough depth. Also, this doesn't prevent the functioning of the LCD screen at all does it?

Regards,

OverLOAD

This is pretty much what I've been looking for myself.

I suppose it would work with any device that says it's DIN sized, right? I'm looking at motorized retractable units, like this one from Kenwood (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/redirectFeature.jsp?goToUrl=product.jsp%3FproductI d%3D2556) , and it does say it is DIN sized.

I'm planning on using AV in from the HKS CAMP, using the HKS junction box and install oil/water temp, EGT, and maybe a/f if the HKS can understand WBO2. Then probably just take audio out to an FM tuner.

Just give me the confirmation that any product reporting itself as DIN will work and I'll probably give you my signature on this one. $150 for a custom dash piece is not bad at all. I was looking at doing it myself (just cutting out the spot and using some trim around the edges) but with the sharp angle that the dash rests at you're stuck with either having the unit stick out a few inches from the top, or sit back a few inches from the bottom, both of which do not look clean. But with a custom dash kit, it looks like they plan to flatten out the part just above the stock display so you can mount nice and flush at both the top and bottom of your unit.

This piece should not effect the functionality of the red display in any way. We're not interefearing with any of its wiring, we're just consuming the space that would normally be consumed by the stock nav display.

As for depth... that's a good question but my gut feeling is that it's pretty deep. I haven't taken my dash apart, I may do so tonight, but you can see the photo in the first page of this post.

The DIN slot will be angled downward slightly just like it is in the example picture of the guy that did it in Japan. The reason for this angle is so that the display can extend underneat the center chanel speaker. So you could pull out a ruler and measure from the front of the panel to the side of the center speaker that's closest to the window and that would be roughly the amount of space you have to play with.

Without actually pulling my dash apart and measuring, I'd just have to guess by that picture. But I'd bet there will be a foot or so of play from front to back.

In jdaleds Music Keg thread, tipk99 asked:

In your opinion, after having the top center console removed (above the radio) is there room to fit a DIN radio?

jdaled replied:

Hmmm, I didn't think so at first, but I went back and looked a my pics, and now I think it just might work.

I'll be attaching another shot of the dash hole from higher up. I'm also borrowing this from jdaleds keg install thread. I really hope you dont mind jdaled...

When I go home tonight I'll pull mine apart and make some measurements. But that hole looks awefully huge.

Another shot of the open dash from jdales wonderfully documented Music Keg install. Thanks for the great shots jdaled.

The Kenwood box there is part of jdaleds install. That space would be available to us.

Also, keep in mind that someone has already installed (http://www.melting-pot.com/website/productinfo/detailsivad900j.html) an Alpine IVA-D900J in exactly this way. It's dimensions are:

Size of main unit:

Width: 7" (178mm)
Height: 1.98" (50mm)
Depth: 6.5" (165mm)

Size of TV tuner unit:

Width: 6.85" (174mm)
Height: 1.86" (47.3mm)
Depth: 1.02" (26mm)

I found more information (http://www.digitalww.com/LCD_TM_701L_BLACK.htm) on the display I'm purchasing. Apparently that link is the same display that I want, it just doesn't feature the VGA connection and the USB touch. There's lots more pictures from different angles there if you want to check it out. There is a pigtail that plugs into the back of the single cable comming out of the unit that breaks out power, inputs, etc.

It's dimensions are:

Width: 7.13" (182mm)
Height: 2" (50.8 mm)
Depth: 6.5" (165mm)

exentric obviously already knows this but Twisted Interiors is my friend John's shop. It is his shop where I do all of my custom work. In one of our other threads he can be seen helping me with the initial mold for the 8" boxes. I still need to get back up there and finish them off too. John does alot of different work and is very talented. I have been helping him with a pretty neat demo vehicle for MA Audio. I taught him how to do alot of things early on several years ago but now he has come into his own and is one of the more talented installers out there. I ask him for input now! Don't be scared of his work (he does build bondage furniture so be a little scared!). He knows what he is doing. If I had enough time I'd be up there more often.

(he does build bondage furniture so be a little scared!)

Ok, I'm in.


I'm still researching the screens I'm interested in. Needs to be motorized retractable, maybe multiple av inputs so I don't have to worry about using an av selector. Built in dvd player and touch screen control are a major plus, that way I can get a 'dummy nav' system by picking up a nav dvd.

Final goal is digital gauges for various temps, voltage, a/f and maybe boost in the far future (datalogging would be sweet too, not sure if the hks I'm looking at can do that yet), dvd/playstation/computer output, and touchscreen nav.

I get giddy thinking about it. Loss of coherency, sorry.

Okay, this definately sounds like something to start saving for. i'm not sure if i could have enough $$ saved up for the first batch... will the price still be 150 for following orders? definately will want in on this, just dont have the money to play guinea pig... sorry guys. u'll definately get 4 people interest. ive heard plenty of people wanting to do this.

I believe the price should remain the same. It may eventually drop a few dollars after he has produced enough to cover initial investments in the mold, time, etc.

Twisted Interiors wants $50 of the $150 up-front for the first four buyers (including myself). I currently have 5 buyers (including myself) ready to start the ball rolling. 3 of those 5 have also comitted to the $50 up front. All I need is one of those two remaining users to reply that they are willing to put in the down-payment and this play should be put in motion.

If anyone else wants to get in on the first batch, it will probably be another day or so before I need to get collect the down-payment. So, if you are interested just let me know.

Thanks all who have shown interest and are willing to take my and RotaryGods word on this work. I promise you that I will take as many pictures and do as much documentation on the part while it's being built as Twisted will allow me to take.

eXe

nice sounds good... def lookin forward to this... gluck! n keep us posted!

I promised everyone I'd take pictures and measurements tonight. So, here we' go.

The piece removed from the car

From the bottom. By the way, the speaker grill pops out easily. We will hopefully be able to re-use it in the new piece.

Opening from the front.

Measurements from the front.

Hole from the side

Measurements from the side.

Black: Existing chasis area and lid.
Blue: Approximate placement and angle of DIN device
Maroon: Finishing area to complete the mold.

Please note this is NOT exact scale. It is my modest attempt at reproducing it. Refer to the pictures on the first page for what the final slopes and angles might look like.

With the measurements I've taken, I would venture to guess that a 1-DIN device with the height of 2" and a maximum depth of around 8" could be placed in this compartment. That would also leave you 1.5" on either side of the unit for stuffing wires or any other device.

I think those measurements are fairly liberal. You might be able to place something larger (deeper) in there, but I'm not going to guarantee it. The display I'm looking at is 7" x 7" x 2" so I know I'm safe with that.

Hope that helps at all guys.

eXe

If you didn't sign me up yet, I'd like to wait

No problem. I actually have the four orders I need right now, I'm just making sure they're OK with the delivery date (you guys have PMs)

I'm not counting on anyone that hasn't been absolutely interested. Good luck with your project. We all want to see pictures as you go :)

I'm working on the front-end to select,... or "browse" the media files and switch between modules

Have you had a chance to check out Media Engine (http://www.mediaengine.org/)? It was built exactly for this purpous, skinnable, can change a tuner, all sorts of options. I'll probably start with this but eventually make something custom myself. You and I should swap ideas outside of this thread. PM me if you'd like to chat more.

Thanks for the link. It'll give me some inspiration for my UI.

I'm up for swapping ideas but let's wait until I get my parts so I can take pictures along the project. I'll be starting a new thread once I'm ready.

Btw, here is a nice shot of someone's Audi. It's custom work as well:

http://europa.your-site.com/~sharkweb/trev/audi/Dash/Dash%20056.jpg

http://europa.your-site.com/~sharkweb/trev/audi/Dash/screenshot1.jpg

http://europa.your-site.com/~sharkweb/trev/audi/Dash/screenshot2.jpg


I like the design very much and I'm going to do my similiar to this but extended with helluva lot more features ;)

The reason for programming my own UI is simply because of future enhancements. Once I get my "real-time diagnosis" to work, I'd like to program it as module in the frontend. As far as possible, I'm not that good with diagnosis yet, especially real-time diag. I have to see the possibilites once I get to that point.

But good to know that I'm not alone with this project, it's going to be huge :)

Busy day, today. Gonna bring my 8 in for the recall, then have to work for a couple of hours. Once I get back, I'll start the thread with details of the parts I've ordered. Look for it in ~ 12 hrs

The display I've already bought (http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm) has 1 VGA (15 pin) and 2 RCA inputs selectable on the front of the device.

The other display I linked to (http://www.digitalww.com/VGA_GA700YY_indash.htm) also accepts the exact same connections, but it's motorized and $100 more. Oh, and it isn't quite on the market yet.

TrAsHer, I sent you a PM about payment options. I'll move my other ideas into your other thread.

what is the difference between the motorized and non-motorized version? (What does the motor do for you?) Is it just angle wise or can the display hide itself?

The display can hide itself when you turn off the ignition or when no signal is available.

The non motorized version can also be tucked away though, just you would have to do it manually (from the look of the thing)

just you would have to do it manually

That's correct.

I dropped by TwistedInteriors today after work and took him the $200 cash down payment for the first four orders. He wanted me to leave my existing center piece so he could chop it up to make the new mold :( but I told him that I want to keep it for the day that I sell my car :eek:.

He said it isn't a problem. It would have made things easier for him because he could have cut a hole and slid the din up into it, but now he'll just have to mold the din over the top of the existing piece and then cast a new mold of the two.

Incidentally, he actually called the dealership to see if he could get a replacement piece that he could tear into... they said "Sure, it will cost you $160!". So we're getting our specialized piece for cheaper then the dealership would sell us a replacement piece!

Anyway, I'll be stopping back by his place tonight to pull my center piece out and give it to him. He's going to do the initial mold tomorrow that he'll work on and I'll get my piece back on Friday. That means my dash will be open for a couple of days, but no matter. I'm excited that the project has begun.

Just an update. I'll keep you guys posted.

eXe

I just got done taking the dash apart again and dropping the piece off at Twisted. He's actually hoping to get the first part done tomorrow, if he's got time.

He did tell me that he'd let me come and take pictures when I have time, and he even offered to take pictures while he's working on it (and he remembers to bring his camera in to work). This is good news for all of us beause I have a job and I won't always be there when he's working on it :p .

He did mention that anchoring the new piece down might be a bit of an issue. Currently the piece snaps into place with several pressure clamps that snap into holes in the dash. He was thinking of several ideas, but they all should still be fairly easy to install. I can now get the stock piece in and out in 10 minutes or less.

More updates to come...

Originally posted by eXentric
The 1-DIN display I'm going with.

Here is the link (http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm) to the display at DigitalWW.com.

just placed my order :p

I've just worked out two ideas...

the slot-in DVD may fit over the LCD, under the vents... where the "tuner, CD, etc." buttons are... or... the wonderful 1DIN piece that Exteme is having custom built and peopel are group buying... well a 5.25 slot-in (vs laptop) would fit right in there... or get another one with a smaller, lower profile hole made for the laptop slot-in.

Some sites on 2DIN indash mounting...

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=22640&page=1&pp=15

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=16248&highlight=wrx

http://www.tmz.com/wrx/

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=22295

I just read on the DigitalWW website that they are selling the in dash kit for 100 dollars (non motorized and this is excluding the touch screen) if you are on a tight budget like i am than you will apprecaite this because the touch screens are available on ebay for roughly 228 USD, bring the total to ~328 USD, but this would take a bit of work shown here on the digitalWW website (nothing to hard) http://www.digitalww.com/VGA_Lilliput-to-Indash_HowTo.html

JNIAMEHR:
http://www.digitalww.com/LCD_TM_701L_BLACK.htm
hmm this screen is 360 w/ TSK installed $32 and u save the hassle of install WELL WROTH IT!

and since u right around the way we should work on our projects together im sure we cud use each others advice... btw im in roslyn all the time my cuz right there by the Acura Dealer


eXcentric:
man i just found this post but i am def interested. I am already working on my Linux PC for the car. I refuse to use Windows! and since i would do shows with this i do not want to promote Windows! Nor do i want the chance of MS spotting me and asking if i paid for it (haha)

i am building this as a Computer For the Car, and not a head unit replacement so i dont want a pretty UI.. i want the Linux Look and Feel! I will just put my icons on my desktop and enable single clicking instead of double

Sounds good Shocka, lets get together to work on this stuff soon

So whats the diff betweeen this http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm and this http://www.digitalww.com/LCD_TM_701L_BLACK.htm

Ones a VGA monitor, the other one is not.

through my research i have heard that VGA moniters display a computer output ALOT better. Also looking at the specs VGA supports higher resolution which is important if using a navigation

VGA moniters display a computer output ALOT better

That is actually a tremendous understatement. Composite signals were never intended to reproduce text the size your computer generates. Small text in web browsers and fine lines in navigation software will be absolutely TERRIBLE on a non-VGA display. Text will be unreadable unless it is like 24 point.

If you want to get an idea and have a computer with a composite out (or even SVideo), set your computers display to 800 x 600 and hook it up to your TV. This will give you an idea, but the LCD will probably look even worse then this due to the way the LCD upsamples the low-res composite or SVIDEO signal.

Trust me, if your serious at all about any detail on your computer output, do NOT choose a standard 'TV' display.

Sorry I'm new to this, but this sounds great. How do you get the computer to bootup? Do you manually have to power it whenever you want to use it? I'd love to have a homebrewed GPS unit. If so, would it be possible to tie in the MP3's off your computer into the system? Wht about vibration on the Computer and Harddrive, wouldn't that become a factor?

eXentric, did I read you correctly? You will use a CF slot GPS for your Nav? Through your PDA? or through a card reader?

thanks,
John

Excentric,

Wow, this is a great idea and I thank you for all the work your doing.

One question I have is how high do you expect the display you selected to be sticking up above the dash? The concern I have is that because of the angle of the 1DIN unit, and the fact that the display comes out and rises above the unit, I am concerneded that the display may really cut visibility? Any thoughts?

On placement of the PC Unit. Have you looked at or considered the "storage box" between the rear seats? I was looking at the Xenarc MP-SC6 PC. This unit could easily be installed into this box. My plan would be to wire a USB port to the glovebox and install a USB DVD Rom here. THis would allow the DVD on the PC box to always contain the Navi CD.

I am interested in one of these units. It looks like you have the initial buyers lined up, but if another will help, PM me.

Kevin

How do you get the computer to bootup?

I personally plan to purchase one of these (http://www.mp3car.com/products/SFX_DC-DC_User_Guide-Rev_C.pdf). Its a DC-DC power supply that senses your ignition and automatically puts your PC into and out of Suspend or Hibernation. It's a great device, but it's a little on the costly side.

how high do you expect the display you selected to be sticking up above the dash

According to DigitalWW (http://www.digitalww.com/images/TM701Ldiagram.jpg), the display will stick 3" above the 1-DIN slot. The 1-DIN slot will probably rise about 1-2" above the dash. So at most it should take about 5" inches away from my view of the road (and about 7" wide).

I already held something about the same size in roughly the same position as I drove down the freeway. It didn't bother me in the slightest. Also, the display can be retracted into the dash if it bothers you while you're driving. Keep in mind that in many states it is illegal to have a display in the drivers viewable area if the display does not contain either navigation data or guages that pertain to the vehicle. (I don't know the exact rules.)

Have you looked at or considered the "storage box" between the rear seats?

I hope you're not referring to the little storage area in the center console. I'm assuming you mean the pass-through area into the trunk. I'm already using that space for other purposes (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13952&highlight=dual+audio).

Currently I'm thinking about putting the PC either under the passenger seat or maybe paying someone to figure out a way to mount it underneith my glove box. My only other choice really is the trunk and between my speakers rattling it to death and the Houston heat, I don't really think that's a viable solution. Besides, a VGA run of that lenght would really destroy my video signal to such a nice display.

I was looking at the Xenarc MP-SC6 PC

That is a nice device. I do need 3D video and I do need at least dual PC Card slots (or one GPS, one for WiFi). If I could get WiFi on board or one PC Card and One PCI, that would work too. I haven't fully decided on this yet. I may just use my laptop for a while... We can talk more about this through PM or another thread.

initial buyers lined up

Yes, I've already got my minimum buyers lined up (and a few on top of that). But there's still room for a few more buyers on this first order. If anyone is interested, you can PM me for details.

eXe

Would it be possible to get a modded version of this in the future? By modded I mean that the opening only needs to hold a slimline slot-in DVD drive. Would this change drive up the price?

It would either be an entirely different mold which would require much more work or it would be the same shape piece with a slimmer slot cut out. That is the easiest option.

I see... cool. That's about what I figured. Well I won't know if it's necessary until I get around to getting my own 8... so this is just speculation anyway...

Just trying to keep everyone updated. I have a couple of pictures to share. They are both of the first-pass mold. This mold doesn't look like much, but it will only be used once to reproduce the exact original piece.

After that piece is molded, they will cut a hole in it and make the 1-DIN piece that slides up into that hole. We can then put the whole thing in my dash and adjust it till we get the angle just right.

After marking the angle of the insert and molding them together as one piece, the whole thing will be cast as the final mold (which can then be reproduced indeffinately).

Mold Phase 1

With the original piece in place.

It looks kinda messy, but that's actually hemp fiber in there. It makes the mold significantly stronger. I'll post more as things move along.

You know... I see a slight problem. That piece has an opening for the center speaker if you have the Bose system. What happens if you DON'T have the Bose system and thus no center speaker...

Hmmm. That is a slight problem. I wasn't aware that the non-Bose system did not have a center speaker. Then, for non-Bose cars, is the dash one completely solid piece? Or is there a grill with nothing underneith it? Or maybe is there a solid plastic piece that snaps in there to make it appear as one solid piece? Can a non-Bose owner please check this and let me know?

I guess what COULD be done is have another fiberglass insert made that would cover up that area if you don't have the original grill. I'll have to talk to Twisted about that. I don't have any idea what it would cost.

If you're one of the people that has already sent your pre-payment and you do NOT have a center speaker grill, please PM me. I hope the people that have alredy ordered all have Bose. If not, I'll have to see what I can come up with.

Sorry to have "rained on your parade"... but better to have caught this now than later when people are installing!

Good catch Japan8.

(edit)Oh yeah, before everybody runs out to check their dash, yes, the non-bose dash appears to be completely solid(/edit)

I'm in the first batch and I don't have a center speaker, so while eXentric checks with the Twisted guys to see what the price would be on molding a little pop in cover, I'm going to look at the possibility of adding a tweeter there to either try and tie in to the existing (non-BOSE) sound system or hopefully use as a stand alone speaker (dedicated to HKS CAMP alarms maybe).

I actually like the idea of having audible gauge alarms when I'm not specifically set to whichever input the HKS is on. It's not like it's impossible to start running your oil too hot when you're looking at a NAV screen (and I'm looking to produce some polished aluminum oil cooler and radiator covers/grills, so I need to watch temps closely as I'll be cutting airflow quite a bit).

I just don't know if there would have to be some receiver in between the HKS CAMP and the speaker (I don't know sound at all, honestly). But hopefully Rick at Rick's Rotory Performance would be able to figure that part out for me, I have a feeling I'll be paying off his mortgage before long after this car electronics project gets underway.

Yes, Japan8, I agree now is better then later. It is unfortunate though.

I'll call them later today (I'm on my way out the door to work).

Eston, I like your idea. But, what would you do about a grill cover? Fabricate something out of fabric and wood perhaps?

I'll post back in a couple of hours.

hello eXentric
i'm very interestied in changing head unit and i'm in houston as well. my question is that do i buy the unit myself and Twisted will charge $150 to install it? what if i don't want the screen thngy ,can they install just cd and radio unit as well? either way i'm very interested and let me know if you have 4 people already
thank you much
leo

Leo,

The piece is a replacement piece for your dash (see the photos earlier in this thread). The $150 covers the price of the replacement piece, it does not cover any installation.

Installing the piece shouldn't be hard, but that $150 does not include any installation of the dash piece or any eletronics. You would need to pay someone else to install that for you if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself.

I bet that Twisted would be happy to have you pay them to do it for you, but it might be a little more costly then to go someplace that only does car stereo installs. I can certanly give you their phone number if you'd like to call them and get a quote.

One thing though, there has been no wiring harness made for replacing the stock head unit yet. This would mean that you would have to splice the wires manually. And if you have the Bose setup, there may be even more pitfalls. That's one of the reasons that most of us are sticking with the stock head unit and adding other pieces on to it.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Might be best to PM me about it though.

eXe

I guess the real question is are there any differences between the two dash pieces other than the speaker hole.

If there are not, then I'm strongly considering the stand alone center speaker idea. With a speaker covering up that hole, there would be nothing else to worry about.

I doubt that there would be differences between the two other then the hole. The hole is not exactly rectangular. I'm sure you could make your own grill to match it using a carvable wood (like balsa) or molding clay or any other method. I haven't been able to speak with Twisted yet today, but I am still trying. I think a matching fiberglass insert would look the best (if you aren't going with the speaker like Eston is considering).

I was contacted by one of the board administrators today regarding this thread. I guess I've pushed the bounds a little too far. I cannot discuss pricing anymore in the thread. If you have any interest, you'll have to contact me directly.

Just so it's clear, I am not making ANY profit off of this piece at all. The whole reason I started this thread was in hopes of getting three more individuals interested in the same piece as I was so that I didn't have to sport a huge bill to get mine made.

After my piece is complete, I do not plan to have anymore involvement in this project. If others are still interested in this piece at a later time, I can probably put you in touch with Twisted. But if Twisted wants to sell this piece officially on this forum, they will need to pay the RX8 Club advertising fees.

Well, guys, the word is in. Unfortunately, Twisted will not be offering a fiberglass insert. Their official reason is that they cannot make enough profit off the piece to warrant the time required to make it. After tonight, I completely understand (I'll explain in a bit).

After talking to Twisted, I contacted my local Mazda dealer and asked for the parts center. The rep was finally able to locate the part under RX8 -> Bose -> No Nav. Unfortunately, the speaker grill is a whopping $58. So, the good news is that the non-Bose owners can get the grill, the bad news is that it's freaken expensive.

After hanging up with Mazda, I decided to take a detour on my way home. Some of you saw the pin header I made before with modeling clay, well, I decided to try my luck with my own grill. Now, I have my grill mind you, but I wanted to see what it would take. I documented the entire process and I'll post pictures. It didn't turn out quite as well as I'd hoped, but it turned out better then I thought it might. Someone with a bit more skill (and more time to invest then I did just to prove a concept) could probably do a much better job. But, none the less, here goes:

First I lined the original dash piece with tape. This is so I could remove the modling clay easily later. My first several attempts included non-stick spray and other antics --- none of which were successful.

Next I filled in the area with the clay. On my first attempt I just tried to use my fingers to smooth the mold out. This didn't work out so well because I ended up with a bulge in the middle. On my second attempt, I used a spackle tool to smooth over the top of the clay. The second attempt turned out much better.

After the clay was completely formed, I threw the whole piece (dash included) in the freezer for about 1/2 hour. This caused the mold to harden up enought that pulling the tape off the dash piece didn't distort the clay.

Next, I threw it in the oven for 25 minutes.

After it came out of the oven, I let it cool for a good half hour. Then I used a counter-sink bit (the same kind used in sheet rocking) to drill out some counter-sinked holes. I put screws through the holes and tapped them off into some drywall sinks. The purpose of all of this is to make the pice drop down into the existing holes in the dash piece and keep it from sliding around.

When I bought the modeling clay from Wallmart, I also picked up some nice black fabric that looked like speaker grill material to me. The fabric was actually really shiny on one side, but the other side looked almost identical to the stock fabric.

Once the screws were in place, I used a hot glue gun to slowly pinch down the fabric along the outer edge of the piece. When the glue cooled, I trimmed off the excess fabric.

Heres a picture of the first attempt in place.

This piece will not shift around from side to side, but my simple approach of using the screws and drywall sinks won't keep the piece from possibly popping out if you hit a speed bump too fast. It relies only on gravity to keep it in.

This took me a few hours because it’s not something I have a lot of practice doing. I actually made two copies, and the second one turned out much better then the first. The pictures I posted are from my first attempt because I didn’t have time tonight to drill and cover the second piece (it’s already an hour past my bed time ;)).

In my opinion, it would be worth it to just shell out the $60 and get the factory grill. It requires no effort on your part and if you decided to add a center speaker later, you could. Plus, there is no chance of it popping out over an un-expected speed bump.

On the other hand, if you’re hard up for cash, you don’t have the Bose, and you really want the 1-DIN, this is an option.

As for the two users that already got in on the deal with me and don’t have Bose, I’ll be PMing you shortly.

I am looking for just a in-dash motorized monitor without the dvd/mp3/cd player. Anyone know where i can get a cheap one?

LOL. Maybe we should find a place and try to get a group buy of that as well!!

How about twisted?! do they sell parts as well?

Please see the first page or two of this thread. I list two monitors at www.digitalww.com. One is motorized, the other is not. They are both VGA.

Any new pics or updates?

Not yet. He told me to plan and stop by one day this week and get the DIN slot angled to where it gives us the best room. He didn't tell me exactly which day yet, and I'm not sure he knows himself. I'll post when we do.

If any of you ordered from DigitalWW or are considering ordering from DigitalWW, I would suggest you give them a call (1-847-546-5822) first.

Their displays do come higly reccommended, but so far their customer support has been utter crap in my opinion. The dww-7vga (http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm) is still listed as in-stock and shipping with a 7 - 10 day lead time. However, I've been waiting for mine to ship for 20 days now. They are ignoring my e-mail requests for a status update and calls to their phone number go to voicemail.

If you already ordered, I would suggest you start sending e-mails and leaving voicemails telling them that you EXPECT a status update. If you are considering ordering from them, call or e-mail them and let them know that you want to order from them but you hear that their lead time is much more then their site states and that customer calls and e-mails are going unanswered.

I feel bad for reccomending them now... and I'm frustrated. I'll post again if they improve.

Well first off let me say i am a complete newbie when it comes to this... (hopes that gets him off the hook for anything stupid he might say).
Second of all, I am also very interested in this deal. I was looking into alternatives for the stock nav, and the first thing i saw was the pioneer touch screen/dvd/nav/cd unit they have which is about $2600 installed...
Well i don't have 2600$...
however i would like the nav/dvd option in my car and didn't go with stock nav...
So basically putting this in idiot friendly terms, this $150 would buy me a dash piece that would look stock (i also like the idea of the dash finish and not the black gloss) and would be able to house a touch screen display like the one from DWW which i think was $530? correct me if i'm wrong.
which would only be the display screen, touch/motorized.
Then I would need a laptop still... correct?

thanks

Rock-8...

Not a laptop. You need to build a CPU for the car. A laptop can be used, but it's a real crappy solution... power cables, etc. running all over, easily removed (read stolen) from the car, etc.

Check out this site... http://www.mp3car.com for more info on car pc's.

Got an update from DigitalWW.com :mad:


VGA Modules are scheduled for delivery tomorrow mourning. Once they are here I will start assembling DWW-7VGAs. Unfortunately I can only do about 5-8 monitors a day so I will go in order I received your orders. Some of you have been waiting for a couple of month so your monitor will be assembled and shipped first.


(emphasis added by me)

This makes me quite hot under the collar since their website still says that lead time is 7 to 10 days.

Just wanted to let everyone know. Seems like a great monitor at a great price, but their customer service is so far terrible and their website is blatently inaccurate about availability. :(

Is anybody else looking at any other screens? I really do like the quality on some of the nice all-in-one screens from Pioneer/Blaupunkt/etc, that include DVD, CD, MP3, and possibly NAV. The only problem with them is I can't find one of these nice ones that also has VGA in, only composite, and there's no way I'm gonna spend between 1 and 2 grand if I can't ever hope to get decent video if I wanna run E-manage or some other computer app through it.

I haven't looked at any of those all-in-one solutions for exactly that reason. The display I'm purchasing is one of the first 1-DIN options I've ever seen. You can find the liliput options that mount on-dash on several eBay stores, but I haven't seen many options for 1-DIN. And as you stated before, none of the stereo choices give you VGA.

Update from Twisted:

I was supposed to get with him last week and get the right angle between the first piece and the second piece worked out. They didn't have time to get to it before Easter weekend (they took Friday off) but he did try and get the second piece pulled over the weekend. Unfortunately, he told me, both the piece he pulled out and the second part of the mold broke. So he's got to do that part over again. :(

I can tell you that I'm just as dissapointed by this as anyone. We're only 3 weeks through the 4 - 6 weeks he told us, though, so I believe we're still fine. I just wanted to keep the updates going.

Originally posted by eXentric
I haven't looked at any of those all-in-one solutions for exactly that reason. The display I'm purchasing is one of the first 1-DIN options I've ever seen. You can find the liliput options that mount on-dash on several eBay stores, but I haven't seen many options for 1-DIN. And as you stated before, none of the stereo choices give you VGA.

The one major point you miss is that the Panasonic TFT screen that DWW uses in that unit is only 250nits (measure of brightness)... if this is before or after the touchscreen is applied is unknown. You need good brightness for daytime use. Thus many have tried to fit a lilliput screen into that case... and it does barely fit. The lilliput is 400nits before touchscreen if I remember correctly...

You're right, that is quite a huge difference in brightness. Unfortunately, I looked at their guide for converting the Liliput to an in-dash (http://www.digitalww.com/VGA_Lilliput-to-Indash_HowTo.html) and I just don't have the time / patience to do that.

Their housing kit (http://www.digitalww.com/indashhousing.htm) is $100 and thier 7" touch kit (http://www.digitalww.com/7TSK.htm) is also $100. Although I did find a Liliput converted to VGA with touch on eBay for $388 AU (~300 US I think). So if you were willing to do the case conversion, you could end up with a nicer monitor for about $150 cheaper. That's really tempting, but those conversion instructions aren't too simple...

Well, for now I guess I'll just have to hope that my screen is bright enough in my car. The most important thing to me is clearity to be honest with you. I do need enough brightness to see the display in the daytime, but I can't spend time trying to make out blurry text on that small a screen while I'm driving (I don't know how the two displays will compare, mind you, I've never seen either). I've already paid for mine, though, so there's no use worrying about it now.

But thanks for pointing that out, it may be useful to someone here.

No prob. I agree... it's pretty complex and a PITA to do a case conversion. Just thought I'd mention it for the perfectionists...

My display should ship tomorrow, nearly a full month after I ordered it. Lack of communication with DigitalWW did infuriate me, but they did make an effort in the end to change my opinion.

DigitalWW made me a deal (that they have apparently made with a few others before) and they are now ready to make the same option available to everyone. That deal is as follows:

Lilliput VGA (400 nits) + USB Touch + In-Dash + Labor + Shipping (Continental US I assume) + 1 yr warranty = $450 USD.

For now you will have to contact them directly to request that deal, but they will be making it an option on their website eventually.

He did want me to let everyone know that although they have a few of the 250 nit VGA displays still in stock, it will be several weeks before they have more Lilliputs available. I have heard of people buying Lilliputs and shipping it to them to have the conversion done. I didn't do that and I didn't ask them so you would need to take that up with DigitalWW if that is a route you would like to try and go.

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is a pre-fabricated 400 nit option.

I also heard about another vendor selling in-dash units, but I did a quick search and couldn't find it again. If I run across it, I'll post it.

Check out this thread (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25612)....

Those look quite nice. But just curious if you did the conversion rate...

Unless convertit.com is wrong,

Japanese yen to United States dollar
45,000.000000 ¥ = 414.493023 US$

ouch.

I like the pictures though. It does look nice.

Can you post the contact info for twisted for me? If not can you pm me with it?

**** UPDATED *****

Since the project changed hands, it doesn't make sense to have twisteds number here any longer.

I will hopefully be receiving my display on Monday, and I'm going to try and get with Twisted on Tuesday or Wednesday to get the angle set with the actual display.

If any of you would like to give them a call and mention that you'd like to see pictures, it may be helpful. I've asked him a couple of times and I think he just forgets about it when he heads home. Maybe if it's more then just me asking he might remember.

I can't wait...

COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO DISPLAYS...oops, emphasis, not shouting...

eXe and Twisted, is there enough room in front of the DIN slot such that you could put in a false front? It could be hinged, so that when the display motors on out, it would push the false front up and away. Any possibility that something like this could be ginned up? I drive to DC all the time that the number 2 thing that gets stolen out of cars in DC is DVD head units.

Thanks.

The display will stick just as far out of this mold as it would a regular dash. You can look at the pictures of the displays we've been commenting on to see how far that is.

I don't think it would be asy to make a door like you said. It would have to extend around the outside of the display.

More importantly, though, anyone that knows anything about cars (and especially the RX8) will know right away that the dash has been modified. Not because it doesn't look nice, but because you'll have the factory stereo AND something else. I think it would be tempting no matter what.

eXe

Boo! I guess it comes down to: How much do I trust my Compustar alarm?

X - are you taking mass orders for the dash unit, yet?

Thanks.

That could be a nice setup done professionally like you said, $150 for the piece is a lot better then $350 or $400. I've been looking for a setup. I have an in dash screen right now but i was hoping i could move it up due to it being so low. Where you have it looks perfect.

VeilsideRX-8,

Do you have pics of system?

Also do you have pics of the FEED front bumper?

Since this piece is being made at my friend John's shop, I have an update. Finally we have found a way to make molds that do not self destruct after only one use! Hooray!!! We were copying a method that JL Audio recommends but they just kept breaking. I came up with a much easier method that is also faster. It worked!

I will be at Twisted Interiors tomorrow (Friday) once again working on the 8" boxes using the new technique. eXentric already has some other pics of the 8" box that still need to be posted. Hopefully we'll have some good progress on both units tomorrow. The hardest part has been the molds. You can't do much until that issue is resolved and it has been. Hopefully progress will be made. I believe that the first incarnation of eXentric's dash piece (using the new method) will be laid up in fiberglass tomorrow and let to harden over the weekend. Monday the top will get cut into and the din unit will be fabbed in. At this point the 2nd mold can be made. This is where the issue was all along. If we couldn't get a proper 1st mold, how do we get a proper 2nd mold? Now we know. There was a 1st fiberglass piece made but it was beyond help and had to be discarded. The mold self destructed when John pulled the fiberglass piece out of the mold anyways.

I can't speek for John but I will be making some progress on my own 8" box project. Hopefully enough that you guys can tell what the final piece will look like.

Anyways, that's the update. We'll try to get some more pictures tomorrow.

Thanks to Rotary for posting that update. John (Twisted) kept pushing me to let him cut into my existing dash piece and mold onto it. They were telling me that if I let them do that we would be done by now. But that meant that I'd loose my existing dash piece and wouldn't have it to put back into the car when I sold it. Plus, that's not what the other three guys that signed up with me agreed to either.

With Rotarys help, I think they have a new direction that seems to making them progress. I hope we see some good stuff in the next few days...

Here's are some shots of the beginning of the new process Rotary was referring to:

This is a layer of "special goo" over the top of my original piece. A layer of fiberglass was added to what you see here after everything dried. I wasn't around when they did that part.

I have taken over the dash project. John messed up on the first attempt and then gave up. Basically he is giving priority to other projects in the shop and not wanting to do it the way he said he could. He did quote too little money for the project though and this is one of his resons for not wanting to do them. Regardless, I will get the first 4 done for the same price. You guys will not lose your deposits. I will not be getting it though even though I will deserve it and am building these.

Since there is already money involved by members of the forum, I am giving this project priority and will get it done. The first mold pictured above came out perfectly. I hope the rest goes as smooth. My 8" box project has only been money out of my pocket at this point which is why it is slow. I want these done within 2 weeks and will try my hardest to meet that deadline.

John will still build these but he wants to cut up your original panels and mold into them. While I do see his point in that it is only $160 for a new piece and hardly worth crying over if you ever need to buy a new one to sell the car, I don't think anyone wants to drive around for weeks without a dash piece in their car. From personal experience I can also tell you that the fiberglass section will probably pull away a little from the plastic dash piece from the heat of the summer sun. If you live in Alaska disregard this. No one wants to pay for something that needs constant repair to look good. John claims it can be done but I haven't done it yet so I will go based off of what I know.

These pieces are going to be made only one way and that is with the provision for the BOSE center speaker. It is not worth the time and effort to make and entirely seperate mold for the person that doesn't want a grille in the dash.

To the person on the forum that called John directly about working on their piece, contact me first before you send it to him. I am still going to do the fiberglass piece. He will cut into yours. He doesn't have a car to test fit it into. It will be hit or miss proposition.

That's the update. Don't worry guys. It will come out fine. To those who already have money down, you will get yours at the original price. Since I feel that is far too cheap, any successive pieces will be priced higher. I'm already taking a hit. I won't take another.

RG, you are da man!

Not too sure how well I like that light green color though... ;) :D

Well that's good news by me too. RG, looking forward to seeing more!

Regards,

OverLOAD

I worked on the piece today. I laid up the fiberglass for the copy of the original. I am busy tomorrow but will pull it from the mold on Wednesday. If everything goes right I will fit the din slot into it then and get it ready to make the final mold. I want the mold done by the end of the week. This will leave next week for the final pieces to be made, fitted, textured and painted. On track so far. Hopefully I can keep it up.

How much will this piece cost for those of us that didn't get in on that first group buy?

Ooh ooh ooh! Me too, me too!

I am interested in purchasing this as well.

I pulled the fiberglass copy out of the mold and it looks like a fiberglass copy!!! Woohoo!!! Now it's time to fit it into the dash and get the din hole lined up and molded in. After that is the final mold and then the finished pieces. Stay tuned...

I'd like to get in the FIRST group buy as well!!! Don't leave me out! ;) (Seriously)

I second the Group Buy!

These things are actually very time consuming and difficult to do. eXentric an vouch for that. I am not a retail shop. A group buy is extremely unlikely.

I will definately still buy this piece but it would be nice if we could get an idea of when and how much it will cost? I know RG knows what he is doing and I trust he will do exeptional work and it will be worth whatever price he decides to charge for this piece.

RG - I guess "ooh ooh ooh" doesn't count as an official "can I buy one off of you" sort of request? lol.

Whatever the future holds, thanks for your work.

I'm definitely in after I see the final product..

Please let me know what is up with this project... I am very interested in this... I had the same idea but haven't had the time to look real hard at it yet...

ispencer@darkyard.org

Just to let you guys know whee the current one stands as of right now, I worked on it again yesterday. eXentric came over with the camera. The piece looked good and I was working on getting it smoothened out with bondo so I could get the next mold made. When I test fitted it in the car the damn thing was warped and wouldn't fit right. It is very frustrating to have to redo something you have already done and hope you don't make the same mistake twice. If I mess up a second time I may have no choice but to cut into the original piece and mold from there. I am still trying to avoid this. Round 2...

What do u think??

sketter,

What are you using to patch into the Nav screen and how are you switching between video inputs?

Surrey what are you using to drive your display (Laptop or HKS type system) with the MazdaSpeed logo? Also what are you using to tap into your display (avelectronics?)

I found this pic on a web site, i presume its part of the mazdaspeed rx8, though this is what id like to have!!

rotarygod... not to step on any toes here...

NEWS!! I hav confirmed in the new issue of RX-7 Magazine that RMagic is going to release a 2 gauge pod (fits in the ashtray space) and the 1DIN dash mount. Check this thread... http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=354840#post354840

Any news RG? I'm sure others are curious as well. If you've made progress I need to stop by and take pictures.

Sorry about that. I sliced my right thumb open pretty good on a dull piece of metal while working on the car. It's fairly small cut lengthwise but deep enough you could see fat and tendons. It was worthy of a few stitches. Thank god I didn't cut anything important. Just all the way through the skin. Needless to say I have a splint on it so I can't bend it. We don't want it ripping open. I'm right handed which makes this really difficult. It's amazing how dependent you are on one little thumb. It's even hard to start the car since I can't grab the key. It needs a few days to heal but and then I'll be back working on everything again. The good news is that it probably won't leave a scar since the stitches are so small and clean.

Ouch! Deep enough to see fat and tendons...but no problem... YAH!

Keep off it and heal, man. That's number one priority. Take care, RG.

RotaryGod i would be very interested in the 1DIN piece you're making, please PM on it.....

I too have just finished installing the Avelectronics video tap. It is a pretty good setup. Does anyone know if there are gauge kits that drive video (similar to the Mazdaspeed photo) or any other. I would like to put a couple of gauges up on my Nav screen like sketter here, but I would prefer an analog image.

Sketter,
How is your video display with the xbox and PS2. Are they both equally displayed or is one better than the other?

Since your posts about the HKS stuff don't really apply to the 1-DIN mold that RotaryGod is working on, I'd like to respectfully ask that you move that into a thread of its own. Thanks guys.

My hand is healing up pretty nicely. I'll get back on it Monday. I am working Saturday and my girlfriend is graduating from college Sunday so this week end is out.

People please stop telling me to put you on my list. I have no list and I am starting no list. There are only 5 people right now that are getting these so they are all spoken for. After I have finished theirs and find out how much trouble it was, I "might" build some more of them. I am only making these to fix a problem that someone else started. After I finish these then I need to finish the 8" box that I should have finished 6 months ago. If I have the time and ability to make several pieces, I will let everyone know. Until then I am only doing what I am obliged to do.

I'm not trying to be mean. I'm just trying to get a grasp on the current situation before I make it any worse. I don't need anyone else frustrated with me.

Hey RG...relax man. It's just like you said... this isn't a business for you and you are just finishing up the leftover project. As for the 8" speaker box... outside of Mr. Wiggles the same applies. And besides it'll still be awhile until I get my own RX-8. :D Seriously though, don't sweat it.

For those who would like to get their hands on a 1DIN dash panel... check the RMagic thread.

looks great, i would like to see the final result!

OK guys, the hand is good as new and Twisted Interiors got all of his supplies back in stock. If he has the deposit, he'd better let me use his materials. I'll be over there tomorrow. It won't be done tomorrow but there will be some progress made. I'm behind schedule and need to get caught up, namely done.

eXentric: Your phone number doesn't work anymore (I'm sure you know this). How do I get a hold of you other than here?

Sorry, yes I changed phone providers but wasn't able to port my number (long story). I'll PM you with my new number and contact you tomorrow.

So, RG, what days are you going to be up there this week? I can try and drop by and take some pictures / help out.

I just got the shop key today. John is leaving tomorrow (Wednesday) and won't be back until next Tuesday. The good news is that with a key I can work there at my own times rather than based on his. I am going to Las Vegas tomorrow morning but will be back tomorrow night. I am only going for the day to have a little fun. I'll be around Thursday and will get on these then. I need to get them done. It's been far too long. It's good that John is going to give me access when I want it now. He probably isn't going to be there much anymore. He just found out this week that his dad most likely has cancer and he wants to spend as much time with him as he can, whether it's a few months or a few years. The shop will still be there though an I'll still be able to use it. There will just be no business conducted there outside of personal projects. John has been under alot of stress lately. He hasn't completed many other projects too which is why he shouldn't have tried to take this one.

I would like some comments from others on what you guys would like these to look like. Do you guys like the bubble look from the other thread or would you prefer something more traditional that maintains as close as a factory look as possible?

As close as factory as possible is the best way to go.

Also curious about the actual slot opening... will it just be a raw edge around the opening, or rounded off, or with a little lip of some sort? I really haven't the slightest clue when it comes to working with molds and materials like that, so I don't know how much work one way versus another would be.

On a side note, I'm also thinking forward to a method of indescretely covering up the LCD face to reduce theft interests. I know several stock in dash LCD setups actually have the dash itself cover the LCD (I guess the flip up on the RX-8 is the same concept). Anybody thought about this yet?

I have, but I haven't seen a solution for this in the RX-8 mount other than to do something similar to the stock navigation system. It might be interesting to have the whole 1DIN fit in the dash, and the front popup to a useable angle, but I don't think it's feasible based on in-dash space and complexity. Just thought I'd throw that idea out there.

When I accepted the PayPal payments, we all agreed to have it look as close to stock as possible. If any of you would like to suggest otherwise, feel free to do so. I'm just telling RG what we originally discussed.

Is it too late to get in on this deal?

Please take business inquiries and conversations offline.

---jps