sfRXgr8

Hi, i'd like to introduce myself. I'm Jon, and I just purchased an 05 Titanium 8, 6sp, with every option but the nav screen. Now to the question; I didn't want to pay $2k for a nav screen, despite how much I like it's presentation. What I would like to do, is create a similar sort of device that rotates up at the push of a button, but place my own aftermarket screen in there that would be wired, via the transmission tunnel, to the trunk where I could mount a connection to both a DVD player and my computer. Is there a way that I can purchase the factory plastic mold, or is there an aftermarket one that is available that easily can be put in its place?

Cheers,
Jon
Stock 05 RX 8. Stock... for now...

kachud

Nope. It is only done by going custom. It is a real pain in the a$$. You would have been better off getting the nav unit. Perhaps the car is old enough now you could find a recked rx8 with nav and buy the unit.

sfRXgr8

Anyone else?

Boxcar

Try talking to Paul at Mazmart. You can get the nav center peice from him but as far as the electronics go custom is our only option at the moment.

-Boxcar

truemagellen

sorry to jam reality down your throat but these guys are pretty much right, only thing though is that Paul at Mazmart won't sell the center piece without the rest of the Nav system (from prior posts)...but it can't hurt to ask since there may be a center piece from a car where the rest of the nav components were destroyed...but very unlikely

custom will cost over $1500...since after haggling you can get a Nav equiped RX-8 for a maximum of $1200 more...u might want to consider returning the car :p

ok good luck...this has been discussed to death for 2 years (before I was around)

sorry

if u do go with the NAV equiped car...use my DIY (click on the link in my signature) to add video, enjoy!

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Well, you can get started with something like this. Then you "only" have to figure out how to motorize the thing. :p
Here is the whole thread, with more pictures.

truemagellen

I forgot about that guy...pretty sweet, just needs some cosmetic work :D

DreRX8

I plan on doing the same--I don't necesarily need it motorized

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

You still have to figure out the hinge and some tracks at the bottom for the screen to slide. And then also how to keep the screen in place when opened. Lastly, how to prevent the whole thing from rattling... so it's not a trivial affair.

DreRX8

I like to build scale models--so hopefully I can apply some of my self-perceived inginuity into this project. Has anybody been able to buy the motorized piece separately? Or even the console top with the door at least?

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Not the motorized piece - I'll probably have to use some servo for it. However, I was lucky to be able to get my hands on the top with the nav hood.
I have some basic idea how to do the hinge and the sliding tracks - now I only need to find the time to work on this project (and that's not easy).
Here is a site that shows some interesting idea about the servo and how to go by although this is for a VW Bug, so almost nothing is directly applicable. Maybe the source and type of servo is...

DreRX8

Well keep us posted--cause I'll undoubtedly follow your path--where did you get the console piece from? How is it made--does it have the hinged lid already?

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

I hope to be able to work on this soon - and in that case, I'll keep the forum updated of course. I'm not a modeling expert, so figuring out exactly what to do will certainly be a challenge.
I got the console piece from another forum member who had one that he didn't need (thanks a lot!)
Basically, there is a hole cut in the regular console top piece, with the matching lid - but none of the underlying mechanism is included, so everything needs to be constructed. I wish I would have a way to get the factory frame and mechanism for the screen... that would make things certainly much easier.

Boxcar

If you're planning on using a touch screen, a setup like that would leave you with an awfully long reach. My setup is not complete yet but I'll get some pictures of my dash peice for you.

Boxcar

Here's some pics from my project.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Not really... I have awfully long arms (I'm 6' 6") :D
Besides, I considered that and I'm sure I'll be fine.

Thanks for the pics - that's pretty good, even though it still looks a bit, well, home-made
I wish I could do some fiberglassing myself (never tried and certainly will not start testing my skills on the RX-8). Actually your idea with the vinyl to cover imperfections in the fiberglass is a good one, and I'm sure the final piece will look more polished.
I wish the screen mechanism wouldn't stick out when retracted though... but cool job nevertheless.

Boxcar

I'm 6' and bump my head on the roof at times, how the hell do you fit in there?

I like it and I would take it over a factory nav any day. GPS, DVD, MP3, Bluetooth, WiFi, stealthed mini keyboard, touch screen display and a 250gb hd. Plus I never need a cd again unless I'm dumping it to my hd.


BTW It is the final peice except I plan to fix the gap behind the bracket. As far as the screen sticking out, I haven't found a screen w/ VGA input that I think is better. The Xenarc isn't the prettiest but in my opion it's the best available. Do some research on the other current single din alternatives. Screens failing to open w/o assitence, driver malfuntions and touch screen controllers going bad after less then a month of operation are all common with the other screens.

Boxcar

Forgot to add that I also installed a PVR card to record drives through a camera in my bumper as well as a backup cam

OK I'm done high jacking your thread. Sorry just getting a little excited since I'm close to completetion.

sfRXgr8

On the contrary, you didn't highjack my thread at all. I love what you've done, do you have any more pics? How long until completion? Are there shops that specialize in that sort of fiberglass frabrication? That's exactly what I wanted to do as an alternative to the factory unit.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Simple - I have a sport package and so no sunroof. Plenty of space

I agree - a good carputer beats the factory nav anyday. That's my goal to have as well. I'm thinking of getting such a unit that fits where the stock nav DVD drive is. At mp3car.com (and other places) they are offering a carputer that's the size of a 5 1/4 DVD drive - IMO that's the way to go.
Where did you put your PC and how is it?

Your screen fabrication is nice - I just don't have the skills to do that :o

Boxcar

Everything is wired and ready to go except the valet switch and the cameras. I have to bring my car in to the repair shop on the 15th so as soon as I get it back I'll start putting it in. I'll post some more pics when it's done.

You are a lucky man for living in Cali. I'm sure if you ask in the west forum you can get refferals to tons of great shops willing to help you out.

Also for reviews and help on screens and other components check out http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/ . I suggest you do not buy from MP3car.com. I have had nothing but problems with them. It ended up costing me +$70.00 in shipping due to multiple returns in order to get a non defective product from. If you go with Xenarc I suggest you buy directly from Xenarc. If I remember correctly they are located in California. Fell free to PM if you need any help.

-Boxcar

forbidden

Just take a road trip, a nice long one up the West Coast until you hit say Vancouver Island and I know of a nice little shop that you can visit. :D

boyaabiatch

what the **** were can I get one of those

Whitey

(sniff sniff) I smell sophistication in the air........^^^^

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)