February 3rd, 2004
Well some new stuff! I got a kit to dress up the engine compartment for pretty cheap on eBay so I threw that over all the wires in the engine, it looks better but needs some more added. Also, the colors don't match some were a light grey, and some a dark grey.. but it looks ok. I'm looking to get an Avenger Valve cover, and a new intake manifold to port and polish. If you can help me post in my guestbook!
Also, I made a AMP rack holder out of 1/2" MDF to hold my future subs, and other trunk accessories. I am thinking of relocating my computer inside the box as well. It will be carpeted in the future, to match the trunk.
I am also moving my computer monitor to where the center dash vents are, it will be molded in and made to look like it belongs! I have other plans, for it as well, but for now it is out of the car until I have some warmer temperatures to work on it.
January 19th, 2004
The computer is pretty much done for now! I have the screen mounted on the ceiling where the sunroof controls went.. and the computer in the airbag compartment.
If you are wondering I do have a security pager system... but the screen is so out of the way you wouldn't see it in the car anyways. More pics later today..
December 27th, 2003
The car has been worked on on and off over the past month. I have been working to maintain the cars snow worthyness by making sure everything is in good mechanical order. Winter driving is nothing like Summer driving, all the little problems start to bleed out.
I have removed my Rice pedals and Taillights. I will probably replace the pedals once the spring hits, as well as fix the sunroof. (Neon sunroofs are awesome, but they all break). I am starting on a new project for the car during the current Winter break, and on and off during the winter during school. I was intrigued when I saw a Neon with a LCD screen built into the dash while connected to a computer. I stumbled upon the world of Carputers and have already laid down $500 dollars just for the few parts.
Today we removed the passenger airbag, and most of the dash trim. The airbag has been blown by one of the previous owners, in the cars accident. We took the cover of the airbag and taped it (will be glueing and riveting) the cover into place so it look stock. Where the airbag once sat is the perfect place to intall a 6" x 6" Mini-ITX motherboard, and harddrive. I ordered all the parts off the net, and expect them in a few days.
I also purchased a 7" Widescreen VGA monitor, with a built in touchscreen mouse. It will be connected to the computer with software (MediaEngine), to play MP3s and DIVX movies. I have yet to decide if I will purchase a DVD-ROM drive to play DVDs. I will need to find a spot to install one, or buy an expensive slim drive. I am also looking at GPS solutions, the recievers are quite inexpensive ($50) but good software can cost and arm and a leg (almost more than the computer itself) The widescreen monitor will be mounted up on the top of the ceiling. I have designed a position in the car where the current sun roof control sit. Those will be moved a few inches to another spot.. I imagine the whole thing just working together amazingly, but know there will be many setbacks on the long journey of creating this system.
Here is the proposed screen location:
And here is the screen up and running on the floor, with the mini-itx computer.
Car Pictures:
I get all my aftermarket parts through http://www.AutoVendors.net/
