The fact that - in our cars - we don't have such simple things like a watch or a temperature indicator has been bugging me a bit lately.

On the other hand there's that steam punk event wheel on the overhead console which isn't really useful.

 

So I've been thinking about a replacement for some time now. With a 3D printer at hand and modern easy to handle microcontrollers available for a reasonable price we should be able to get a decent solution that expands the functionality of the overhead console and still looks nice and OEM.

So here is my attempt at this. It's still work in progress - and progress will be slow as I'm quite busy at the time.

This is what I plan on adding as a substitute for the event wheel:

• interior temperature
• humidity
• air pressure
• indoor air quality
• compass
• GPS coordinates
• time and date
• service interval alert
• touch control
• ambient light sensing (dim display when dark outside)

This is a mockup on how I plan the end result should look like - somehow:

 

I'm going to do this with an Arduino board and a Nextion 3.2" NX4024T032 HMI display.

I have a spare GPS sensor laying around which should help me with date and time calibration as well as the coordinates.
A compass break out board (HMC5883L) and a Bosch air quality sensor (BME680) is at hand as well.
Then of course I'll need a photoresistor (GM5516) for the ambient light sensing. Service interval calculation will be done with the GPS sensor.

 

Luckily I have a spare t-top console to work with. First I cut off those plastic welding spots to remove the inner strut section. This will go back afterwards to keep the stiffness and the mounting spots. Then I got to the event wheels, which were removed as well.

 

Interesting. I've always toyed with the idea of moving the window switches up there. Just never got around to giving it a go. Keep us updated.

 

I'm still in the design process for the display frame. I got to the point of a more or less satisfying first version. It still needs flanges for mounting purposes and a bulge to make it fit in nicely.

 

Will do!

 

Here is a temporary setup with the frame and display mounted to get the idea across. I believe it will look much different in the future.

 

It looks nice in the car except for the viewing angle of the display which is moderately good...

I plan on wiring the Arduino to always hot to keep the GPS online and the display to hot in run because that one will use too much battery otherwise. So this will require a new wire to the console.

 

You can also get tire monitors and other stuff. If you really wanted to you could put a touch screen there, and use a raspberry Pi running an android image. Then you could run torque (if you have OBD2 with a engine swap) or other obd1 app. I have an android radio in mine running torque.

 

You build some of the coolest things Cehbra!

I have a plan to modify mine, but it's decidedly more retro that what you are doing. I'll certainly be following along. I've already learned some things about taking the console apart.

 

I have been thinking about how to get a small android phone up there so I can run Torque

 

Awesome idea! I never thought of removing the dials before and I didn't even notice the panel they mount to was a separate piece.Your prototype looks awesome! I'm surprised the Firebird logo came out so nice on your print. I take it that you used a SLS or DLP style 3d printer?

I've though a lot of adding a Raspberry PI to my car with a lot of the features Aviator857 recommended. I've got a Berlinetta with one of those truly awful pedestal style radios in my car. Mine didn't even have a cassette player, and the tuner was dead on it when I bought it so it never even worked. I figure one of these days I will make a custom mount to put a touch screen or tablet where that radio pedestal went and pipe all sorts of functions (Radio/MP3 player/video/back-up camera display, etc.) to it. All I ever used those dials for was oil change reminders. I kind of liked that but I really do like the idea and looks of your compass/time/date/temp read-out for up there though

 

This is awesome! I have 3 old overhead consoles laying around which I already parted (for switches and swivel lights) and will follow this thread very close. Maybe I will copy your work when you are ready and test it with the old overheads. And I've just recognized you live in Switzerland, I am from germany and my sister lives in Basel. Small world.

 

Those tire monitors are a good idea actually, I'll do some thinking about that. The thing I like about the Arduino is that it's instant on and it doesn't need to start up like a raspberry pi.

 

Thanks, likewise, love your threads!

 

Cool idea! I think I'll do some OBD stuff when I'm finished with this one. I'm thinking about using the ashtray for that purpose as I'm a non-smoker lol

 

You're right about the 3D printer, I got a used Form 2 from a dentist for a real bargain. I'll remove the logo though so that Camaro owners could use the bezel, too.

 

Small world indeed! Used to live near Basel, too, but moved away not long ago

 

Nice build. Did you use the Nextion HMI to build those graphics or were they part of the available templates?

 

I wouldn't remove the logo if you plan on sharing the file, It looks great on there. I'd just model a version with a Camaro logo, and maybe a blank one too for those of use with regular FDM printers that can't print features that small real well

 

I just patched that together in Photoshop. Planning on using dedicated graphics instead of the Nextion fonts though.

 

Subscribing to this thread simply out of curiosity ( I already had modified an S-10 overhead console to use in my '88 IROC). Looks like a rewarding and well thought-out concept.

 

Actually making use of the most worthless option ever. Awesome!

 

could that be used as a backup camera??

 

This is an awesome idea! I'm subscribing this one. I'm putting together a windows pc that will be running a centrafuse front end to serve as the stereo and gps. I have a dynamic efi modded ecm that will be running tuner pro and I can do my tuning on the car, and even self tune while I drive. I was planning on getting a temp sensor mirror and installing it but this is a better plan. I am going to have a 7" touch screen where the radio is, but I can actually run a second screen up there as well. I'm going to have to source a t top console!

 

I guess so, but you'd have to use a plain screen with video input that you connect to a camera. A different 3D mounting bracket would be necessary. The Nextion I use is just used to control an arduino.

 

What are you going to use for software?

 

Just the Arduino IDE https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

 

man that seems above my knowledgebase lol, I've got something new to learn now! Thank you

 

I havent seen the most obvious question yet... you selling this ? (I am familiar with arduino, so might try this myself)

 

This is interesting. I would very much like to have tpms as well as inside/outside thermometer and compass. I have a few extra overhead consoles laying around as well.
Dr.K.

 

I'm a huge fan of Arduinos, have them around the house to make a DIY Smart Home. I've looked at integrating them in the past to a motorhome and recall that card had to be taken to insure you had a steady 5v or 12v. Are you looking the Arduinno and screen directly into battery voltage?

I had one of those consoles on my original 85 TA back in 92. Never knew what to do with those dials, always seemed silly to me.
Excellent project!

 

Any updates on this? Curious to see how it's going. I think I would definitely like to have this. Would be great as a back up monitor as well.
DR.K.

 

This would be very cool if it works. I would be very interested myself if this would be made for sale.

 

BUMP

Any update on this? I want to do this for my car!

 

Bump any update on this?????

 

Very interesting... I sure hope you plan to sell this! Sign me up!