I had another thread for this in a previous car, but since my plans have changed on how I want to implement it, I thought that another thread was preferred and warranted. By the end of today I will be the proud owner of my 10th Fbody and 7th Third gen. Its a 1991 Camaro RS Hard top 305/5spd.

I've been wanting to do a tablet as a head unit project for some time, and now I'm going to do it.

I want to mount the tablet Here:



I could just mount one here, and I've seen others do it, but what I'd like to do is actually create a box that matches relatively well with the interior to enclose this tablet in the dash (but still allow for it to be removed if necessary). I want to ensure that the tablet looks like it was supposed to be there.

I will connect the tablet to the existing head unit rather than trying to replace the unit and messing around with relocating the HVAC or dealing with the rather cramped location for the stereo.

Here are my current questions that I'm asking myself on the project right now:

1. Should I mount it flush with the vents above, the stereo cluster below, or the instrument cluster surround to the left?
1a. I also considered angling it slightly toward the driver maybe flush with the instrument cluster on the left side, but flush with the vents on the right? What do you think?
2. Do I want to do a bezel on the front, or simply the sides?
3. What software do I want to use, or should I look to write my own?
4. OBD Connection? I know there are bluetooth OBD connectors that can read car information
5. Should I store the additional components in the box behind the tablet or should I create an additional hole in the dash and store them inside the dash?

Some of the components I know I will need is as follows:

1. Move Cigarette adapter from Gauge cluster to behind tablet (I plan on replacing it with a starter button anyway)
2. USB hub that uses 12v power
3. 90 degree USB plug and Audio plug for tablet, so I can hide the connectors inside the bezel.


Stage 1:

• Measure area and select size of tablet
• determine how I would like to mount the tablet (this is pre bezel)
• Ensure that existing Stereo can accept aux input (pretty sure it can) Ensure that it is good enough for this project
• Acquire components
• Start Mocking up

Please feel free to post your thoughts and comments, I'm excited to get going on this project.

 

Be easier to use a second stereo bezel and modify it to allow the iPad to slide in and out from the front. That's what I did. Worked very well and looked awesome.

 

Send some pictures, I'd love to see what it looks like.

 

I looked for pictures but don't have any.
It wasn't a thirdgen but the idea is the same and would probably be better in one with the flat bezel.
Built an iPad out of cardstock and paper then sealed it with packing tape. Fiberglassed from the old bezel up and over the iPad. Pulled the iPad cut the display square, drilled a hole for the home button, power button, power cord, and volume buttons. Very important to be able to access all of it as you'll quickly find out in using it.
I was able to run the power cord out and underneath to plug into an aftermarket Bluetooth deck with USB port on the front face.
Was fantastic as a stereo and gps. Also Siri with phone calls and texting while driving was awesome.
I may do it again in this car now that I'm thinking about it again...
I actually have an extra bezel...

 

So did you do it in the stock stereo location? That is definitely not what I'm going to do. I will definitely be building it where I've got it outlined in the description. There are a lot of reasons for this. For one, It is better to have such a display higher on your dash, because when interacting with it to change tracks or whatever, you don't have to take your eyes very far off the road, GPS is readable in peripheral view, and gauges that i might put on the display are also readable in peripheral view.

 

Same thing applies. You can build a prototype out of cardboard. Tape it up and glass it. Then trim sand and coat in whatever you want. Should be pretty easy.
What are you going to use for gauges? I set mine up as gauges but it was unusably slow.

 

Or build it out of acrylic using dimensions from the cardboard. Sticky back felt for mounting or even plastidip for rubberized grip on the tablet.

 

Yea that is exactly how I intend to do it is with Cardboard mockups, I was actually thinking of using some sort of tablet dash mount, and then build the bezel/surround aruond it so that it can be easily modified for other tablets, but the ones I've found are not very good for what I'm planning.

I will be working on this in about a month, right now I'm getting the car on the road. (Almost there!) I'll start posting pics soon!

 

In my opinion, I wouldn't locate the tablet in the area that you have marked in the picture. If I were you, I would relocate the HVAC controls in that area you have marked if you're planning on that big of a tablet, and then locate the tablet down by the radio. With my setup I am running a small tablet in the bezel while keeping the HVAC controls right above it. I was considering getting a much larger tablet to fill the entire area of the bezel itself, while trying to control the HVAC through the tablet, but I didn't get that far into it yet. I added a USB port on the right side of the lower dash to access the ECM with a laptop as well, it makes it easier to tune this way, although I could in fact run the USB line behind the dash and tune with the tablet, but it's easier and faster with the laptop...

 

That's what I was describing basically. That's as well done as it can be done.
What's the tablet you're running?

 

The main reason I don't want to do it that way is that I don't like the position of the controls down there, I don't mind my volume down there (as the head unit that is in it will remain) but I don't like the interface down there, which is why I'm going to fill that area with it. In addition I'm putting some custom gauges on the display so that will be Ideal.

 

well I've got a nexus 7 lying around, but if I have more room I will consider buying and running a larger one.

 

Interesting idea to put a tablet in the car. I am curious also, what app are you using to get gauges on the tablet? Do you require sensors or sending units?

 

Check out SoundmanCa.com
He has a youtube channel and has kits for android and ipad intalls. You might get some ideas from some of his install videos. The kits are expensive, but you might fab something up like his designs.

 

There are a few apps already out there, but I planned to write my own. It would use a bluetooth OBD connector, which is readily available.

 

Soundman seems really expensive on there kits. Here is another link I just found that offers kits much cheaper. I have not contacted them yet but thought I would offer this up for another option. I also like the placement you chose for your tablet. I am considering the same build.

http://www.fifieldfabrications.com/A...HONE-KITS.html

Any updates on your build?

 

What are you guys doing with/on your tablets that warrants an install in a vehicle?

 

I used it for iTunes Match= 80gigs of music at all times.
Also had an obd Bluetooth that synced and I could log/gauge(poorly), clear and read codes.
Plus GPS
plus notifications.
It was amazing for road trips.

Totally unnecessary stuff.

 

Nearly unlimited storage, navigation, direct connection through OBD for instant car data, a lot of reasons..

but most of all, BECAUSE I WANT TO!!!! =)

 

I did a tablet install three years back and have since altered the mount. Top picture is the mount I am using now and bottom picture is the first one I made.





The first mount I did had the tablet able to slide in and out, the second mount you must remove to pull the tablet out. I have a charging cable that is inside the center console and the screen just requires a double tap to turn on/off the screen.

 

I am going to do a simple colored textured plexi that I will cut and set into place to mount the tablet above the current HVAC/Stereo. The existing stereo will remain, and be used for amplification and volume control. I'll design a 3d printed enclosure for use later. I'll be starting on the project here in about a month.

 

Should be getting the tablet next month, and probably some textured ABS or Plexi to mock up a box for it.

 

truck bedliner from a spray can is a dead ringer for the stock interior finish. I was skeptical till I tried it on the end caps for my convertible that I had to fix/fill in. If you are going for a stock finish look, that's your Huckleberry.

 

Thanks Tibo, I got the tablet for the project and I will take a few pics to show how I want it situated. I'll start with a cardboard mock up and go from there. The first incarnation will use a case made for the tablet and it will make the tablet removable, as it is my primary tablet. In later incarnations it will use an aux cable and be permanent. The tablet I chose is the Galaxy tab2 8"

 

Which truck bedliner?

I used duplicolor when I fixed my cracked window sill plates. It looks absolutely PERFECT but feels all wrong- when you rest your elbow on it with the window open it feels rough and grippy, where the original was smooth and slippery.

 

Duplicolor also. I was able to work the texture down a little with bug sponges.

 

SEM Color Coat Landau black was perfect for my 84 TA interior as well

 

I am going to start this with a flat plate that will be right in the correct mounting position, I'll move it around till it's right where I want it, then progress to building side plates, then finally to the front plate, that should finish the first prototype