After posting in the for sale section I was contacted by a member who would like to mass produce a dash mounted 1 din solution for the 8. Our goals would be to create a high quality dash mounted piece for under $300.00 US. Before any real work begins I wanted to ask who would be interested, if there is anything you would like to see in the end product and listen to any suggestions you may have. We talked about a 1 din solution, 2 din, and the possible option of a customized version. The customized version could include things like an Ipod mount, gauges, or choice of color/finish. No release date can be given as the intention of this thread is to gauge interest and get some feedback.

-Boxcar

The closest example I could show would be a piece created for me I call v1.0. The piece I created at the bottom of the first post is an example of my work ( v2.0). Pics can be found here.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=70874

me.

beers :beer:

me

I would definately buy one...

I'd get one.

probably me if the car media concepts thing doesnt work out.

Interested if the finish would look like a factory item.

I am already working on this as well. I have a spare dashboard here at the store to make the process happen as well. It should be a fairly easy thing to fabricate actually. If you go about this I would try and make the option of a ISO mount or a DIN mount, ISO making a far cleaner install. This is going to be like shooting ducks in a barrel as compared to making the panel for the lower section, that was a royal PITA. Once the piece is done, it can be sprayed any color under the sun, we went with a silver paint on the last one as the gloss black shows scratches way too easy and it also reflects a crapload of sunlight during the day. I think a painted surface would probably be a nicer finish as compared to a leather or vinyl solution, but to each his own, my preferences do not matter when the customer is paying to have a job done.

Boxcar,

Sign me up too... that is the toughest part of getting the carputer togther.

I would be all over the 2.0 type piece that you made. Unfortunately this would be a very specific application.

probably me if the car media concepts thing doesnt work out.
^^ same here

I am already working on this as well. I have a spare dashboard here at the store to make the process happen as well. It should be a fairly easy thing to fabricate actually. If you go about this I would try and make the option of a ISO mount or a DIN mount, ISO making a far cleaner install. This is going to be like shooting ducks in a barrel as compared to making the panel for the lower section, that was a royal PITA. Once the piece is done, it can be sprayed any color under the sun, we went with a silver paint on the last one as the gloss black shows scratches way too easy and it also reflects a crapload of sunlight during the day. I think a painted surface would probably be a nicer finish as compared to a leather or vinyl solution, but to each his own, my preferences do not matter when the customer is paying to have a job done.



Thank you for the feedback. There will be no vinyl on these pieces. The vinyl piece was made for me by a friend of my brothers. Considering what I paid for it and the fact that the guy made almost nothing I had no room to complain. It did its job and looked good for the price.

How did you go about molding the bottom of the dash piece? The clips are a pain in the butt and building on top of the factory pieces would add to the cost. We are at the point of considering taking deposits on top of the purchase price which would be given back to the customer when they send their factory dash piece to us. I would really like to avoid having to do something like that.

-Boxcar

Boxcar,

Sign me up too... that is the toughest part of getting the carputer togther.

When you get a chance give me a call or email me. My info is on the local mailer.

-Shawn

Thank you all for your interest. The hard part seems to be molding the the mounts for the clips on the underside of the piece. I need to order up some spare clips then we should be back on track. Please keep the feedback coming. Nothing is final yet and I would really like to know what you want.

-Boxcar

I removed this post to start another thread.

I already have done this and sell the full kit with instalation photos and all harnesses prewired for ac unit comtrol.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/nstlfrk/MVC-278F.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/nstlfrk/MVC-279F.jpg
If you are intrestead contact
The Nstlfrk Edition
@ 785-342-0070 and or email me at nstlfrk@cox.net.
I have it in all colors and either in fiberglass or an abs plastic mold.
i can also sell it for a double din.
where is the origial head unit????

beers :beer:

I removed this post to start another thread.

just the main board is all that is left it is behind the glove box above a support

nice job, would prefer to see the flashers in the stock place. i assume the 2din just lowers everything. so if you mounted in lower din you would not cover vents???

beers :beer:

removed to start new thread

well the double din has the ac controls under the unit and i agree about the hazards thought about it to late though already had a company make me alot of molds and ofcourse forgot all about the hazards.

so with the double din the ac is close to the stock pos... and you forgot the hazard, wow honesty what a treat. i think the double din will be a huge hit.

beers :beer:

Looks good but our solution will be above the ac vents. Carefull or you'll get yourself booted for not being a site sponsor.

Looks good but ou solution will be above the ac vents. Carefull or your get yourself booted for not being a site sponsor.

wow,
i thought this was one and the same. this should be interesting. more choices. very good.

beers :beer:

^ Definately a plus. Competeition just makes everyone work harder:)

Just wanted everyone to know that the project is still moving forward. A couple of molds have been made and several different pieces have been built. As soon as I know more I'll be sure to fill everyone in.

I would definitely be interested in v2.0, a retractable, above vent solution. The idea was pitched to car media concepts, however they seem to be set on a complete overhaul of the existing stock stereo. Keeping the stock look would be a plus for me.

I would definitely be interested in v2.0, a retractable, above vent solution. The idea was pitched to car media concepts, however they seem to be set on a complete overhaul of the existing stock stereo. Keeping the stock look would be a plus for me.

I can't wait to see what they end up doing and what their final pricing is. I personally don't see how a low cost full replacement of the stock location is possible. It would be great if they could pull it off, not great for us of course, but cool none the less.

We've been discussing a couple options to get our project moving faster. Hopefully I'll be able to share some more info a couple of weeks.

me im interested let me know when you have it on the market

I assume this top of the dash version you are working on will be compatible with the Bose system?

I'm interested. I would put a $100 deposit down and I don't even own an 8 yet.

I'm interested. I would put a $100 deposit down and I don't even own an 8 yet.


I appreciate the support but unfortunately this project has ended. I started to get a bad feeling about the whole situation and no longer trust the member I was working with. I could be paranoid but I've seen to many scams and didn't want to inadvertently involve myself.

Damn!!

Big dissapointment.

finally.. something to sooth me... i realllllly want an alpine head unit

finally.. something to sooth me... i realllllly want an alpine head unit
I guess you didn't read the last post on page 2.

Just a suggestion: If you're going to come up with a ready solution to this, control your production cost by selling the double-DIN kit only. A lot of manufacturers do it this way because double-to-single DIN adapters are available anywhere, and this way you wouldn't exclude anyone with a double DIN head unit. I'd be interested, but to be honest by the time you get these to market I'll have installed my single DIN already.

Just a suggestion: If you're going to come up with a ready solution to this, control your production cost by selling the double-DIN kit only. A lot of manufacturers do it this way because double-to-single DIN adapters are available anywhere, and this way you wouldn't exclude anyone with a double DIN head unit. I'd be interested, but to be honest by the time you get these to market I'll have installed my single DIN already.

I think this project is a no go, cancelled, done with, over. I didn't know boxcar was working on something like this, probably why he wouldn't give me some pointers on the fabrication of his dash piece. ;)

I think this project is a no go, cancelled, done with, over. I didn't know boxcar was working on something like this, probably why he wouldn't give me some pointers on the fabrication of his dash piece. ;)


For those who did not see the earlier post unfortunately the project ended a while back.


I told you I would be more then happy to help you out. I was just swamped with work at the time. PM me anytime. I'm no pro though. All I can really tell you is what I did and what I found out when researching the project.

-Shawn

edit - Looking back at your PM and my response that was the week my water heater sprung a leek and flooded a portion of my home. Definately nothing personal when I said I was busy.

Haha, I was just joking man, no hard feelings. I think I've decided to just shell out the cash for the JDM nav housing just to save me a headache. Thanks for the offer for help though. I do remember you saying something about being flooded, did that work out alright?

Will

Haha, I was just joking man, no hard feelings. I think I've decided to just shell out the cash for the JDM nav housing just to save me a headache. Thanks for the offer for help though. I do remember you saying something about being flooded, did that work out alright?

Will

Thanks overdrive. Make sure to hit up Paul over at Mazmart if you're going that route. Definitely a great guy. Please tell him Shawn from AZ sent you. I've done a lot of business with him. I don't get anything out of it, just want him to now that I appreciate all his help.

Finally got it all fixed after tracking down a different plumber. Long story short I am filing complaints against both my home warranty company and the plumber they sent with Consumer Affairs. If any of you live in AZ and read this avoid RITE-A-WAY plumbers and don't let your wife sign contracts if she's not going to take the time to read them. I love her to death but I'll do the tedious fine print reading from now on :bottom:

I'll definately check that out. And that sounds like a mess, hope everything works out,

Will