Video Screen in Sunglass Holder

Anyone done a mod like this? Let me clarify what I'm thinking about:
On my ceiling console, I have Temp and Compass, Dome lights and a SUNGLASS CASE/HOLDER. I do use it for sunglasses, but I was thinking about modding it out a bit, maybe putting in my GPS (hard wired) or a small Video Screen. I could run wires down for power/aux inputs (I have a USA PA15), but just wanted to see if anyone has done this yet.

p.s. I did search, but came up with nothing.

 

are you talking about something like a drop down monitor?

 

Yeah, but using the Sunglass HOlder to do it so it all looks stock. I guess it'd have to be small, but could definitely fit a GPS in there and not have to take it out or hide it everytime I park so it doesn't get stolen.

 

not sure if it would be deep enough to fit something like that.

 

It should be deep enough, but it might not be wide enough. Though that is a pretty clever spot to put somthing like a garmin nuvi, as long as it would get signal.

 

Well before I go pull on mine and break it trying to remove it, where can I find a parts or assembly reference to see what I need to do to get in there? I think it'll fit my GPS and then I'll run wires through the headliner and down the sides of the windshield to hard wire the power. Maybe should hit the junkyard to see if I can find an extra in case I mess up...which I do often.
Anyone else have any ideas/thoughts on this, its greatly appreciated.

 

It can be done. I have seen it a couple of time on CRIBS when people show off their cars. I dont know anything else about it, but it looked just like what your explaining.

 

Has your GPS got an external aeirial? My Garmin Nuvi has an aerial that is built in (on a hinge flap doodad on the back) - this needs to have a line of sight to the sky. This could be a problem. As for a screen, I don't think it's big enough.

 

Keep searching on here. Somebody has done this. I will see if I can find the link.

 

Is this what you wer looking for. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/26070-gps-mounts.html

 

Kind of like that, but I just want to use the Sunglass Holder so it looks stock when its closed and the thieves don't know there is something in there. Close though.

 

All these Garmin units support an external antenna (scroll down the products tab). I'd find one that fits in that space that also works with an external antenna. You might be able to fit it in there with little modification. It could even be slightly bigger than the door if the top will swing by the roof. Try making yourself a styrofoam template to see the max size you can fit up there without it hitting and if the angle will be right when it's down. Then run the antenna along the headboard and out the cab taillight.

 

I just tried mine in there. Mine is 4 1/8" x 3" x 1". It fits length and width wise just fine (in fact there's plenty to spare). The 1" thickness is a problem though. I couldn't get the door to close (it's tapered near the hinge. It was close. Also, the viewing angle wouldn't be that great unless you put a wedge behind it. If you're willing to grind awaysome of the taper, it might work. The Nuvi 755T (4.8 x 3 x 0.8) or a Nuvi 885T (4.9 x 3.1 x 0.7) seems like it would be a nice fit. I would guess that even with a thinner one, you'd still have to cut some if you wedged it to get it to get a better viewing angle. You might also want to cut some of the lower lip of the tray to see the full display.

 

THanks guys. Monkey it sounds like you are ready to give this a try...haha. I was looking at it and I think something would need to be wedged in there: 1. so it'll fit right. 2. so the viewing angle is good. Definitely a good start.

 

Well, mine doesn't fit so probably not. Plus I use it when I'm travelling for work so I wouldn't want it permanently mounted. It's a good idea though.

 

The only thing I have seen on any boards that is mounted in the sunglass holder is a satalite radio.

Unless you plan to use only voice comands from your GPS, I would thing the sunglass holder for a GPS would be very inconvenient. The sunglass holder is too far back IMO.