I decided my one CD player in my Nissan Altima was no good! I used to have a 6 CD changer in my Jeep and I was extremely annoyed with having to move discs in and out!
Here is my journey:
I didn't take a picture of it before I embarked on it so you will have to imagine a cubby that opens with a silver retracting wall if you will. I removed it and that is why you see the gaping hole below.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Dash/Small/cpc3.jpg)
For the role of computer I chose a Panasonic Toughbook. I wanted to use a toughbook because they have hard drive heaters. In the winter (Chicago) it gets quite cold. This way the computer will heat up the drive and I do not risk breaking the disk drive. I sold off the screen and handle to make the unit cost less.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Dash/Small/cpc2.jpg)
I drilled a hole between the glove box to the dash to run the VGA, power, and USB cables. I took the 12V DC adapter and split it from 1 to 3. 1 to power the PC, 1 to power the touchscreen, and 1 that I routed to the side so I still have a plug to use for phones etc.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Dash/Small/cpc1.jpg)
After this was all done I needed to make the mounting bracket. I first made one out of cardboard to make sure I had the right fit and then used that to stencil out one made of 22 gauge sheet metal.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc5.jpg)
Here again.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc6.jpg)
After it was cut out I folded it. I did not have a vice so I used a filing cabinet. I would fold the sheet metal by putting it on the floor and applying pressure on the top of the filing cabinet. That way it made a perfect fold around the corner.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Dash/Small/cpc7.jpg)
After it was folded I used a jigsaw to cut it out as needed.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc8.jpg)
From there I painted it as so.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc9.jpg)
Now I have to install the power button and a USB for the front. I didn't take a pic of the power button but here is the USB routed to the front.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc10.jpg)
What it looks like from the front.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc11.jpg)
Time to mount the screen!
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc12.jpg)
From the front.
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Mount/Small/cpc13.jpg)
And now installed!
![Image](http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carputer/Dash/Small/cpc16.jpg)
Life is good!
http://claesotopes.com/pictures/carpute ... /cpc17.jpg
It may not be professional, but it is the first time I tried to do anything like this. I am proud of its turnout.