Alternative Head Unit Locations

BLOCKADE · 01-29-2008, 06:29 PM

I just bought an '08 TRD Prerunner DC and I want to put a Computer in the current head unit location. I found all I need for the computer setup, but the way I want it all put together is such that I will still need a separate head unit. I have looked through the forum for alternate head unit locations and haven't found many that are easily accessible. One spot I have in mind is right next to the shifter in the current rectangle shaped change tray facing up (obviously by cutting out the bottom and performing a little bit of cosmetic surgery). Does anyone know if a standard size head unit will even fit there? Have any other suggestions?

Thanks

jhodge83 · 01-29-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLOCKADE

I just bought an '08 TRD Prerunner DC and I want to put a Computer in the current head unit location. I found all I need for the computer setup, but the way I want it all put together is such that I will still need a separate head unit. I have looked through the forum for alternate head unit locations and haven't found many that are easily accessible. One spot I have in mind is right next to the shifter in the current rectangle shaped change tray facing up (obviously by cutting out the bottom and performing a little bit of cosmetic surgery). Does anyone know if a standard size head unit will even fit there? Have any other suggestions?

Thanks

i dont think it would....a lil too narrow. u might try to put it in the center console and put some mounts in there to keep it standing straight up and from falling over.

PatheticJoe · 01-29-2008, 09:31 PM

I've taken that whole part of the console apart and it definately won't fit. Can't you use the computer to play music or is this a different kind.

lsocoee · 01-29-2008, 09:59 PM

Woohoo! Another one. I've been trying to convince the wife to free up some funding for a while. I still have a few more months left before I start ordering parts.

I was thinking of installing my head unit right where you are talking about, but I have not yet taken it apart. My alternate plan would be to hide the headunit away and wire the face plate to an easily accessible location. I am not planning on using the cd function of the headunit. I am only planning on keeping it as a backup and a radio.

lsocoee · 01-29-2008, 10:05 PM

I'm sure you are already familiar with www.mp3car.com You will also want to check out the picks at http://themeniscus.net/Vehicles.html There was also a member (davewilliamstx) at the mp3car forum that has a tacoma. I haven't seen any pictures yet because they all expired.

BLOCKADE · 01-30-2008, 11:29 AM

I can use the computer to play music, I just wanted the option to just listen to the radio without having to wait for boot up. There's no point in booting up a PC when your just running to the store. I've also seen mp3car.com, but I think I can get a decent setup that I can put together myself for under $600. That's including a very nice head unit.
Now, since PJoe says there's no room by the shifter, wiring the head unit away from the face plate like lsocoee suggests might be a better, more flexible alternative. Sure would screw with any would be thieves.

Thanks Guys, Keep the good Ideas coming!

lsocoee · 01-30-2008, 11:45 AM

I think you must have only looked at the front page of mp3car. The real value there is in the forums. They have tons of posts there that will answer just about any question you can think of.

$600 is a bit optimistic for my plans.

I'm planning on a a 7" lcd touch screen modified to be mounted in the double din slot. Installing a mini itx motherboard, hard drive, and power supply behind the screen and a slim load drive under the lcd.

I'll probably use a DC-DC power supply that starts automatically when the truck starts and shuts down when I shut the truck down.

BLOCKADE · 01-30-2008, 01:00 PM

Ok so I just spent a couple of hours in the mp3car.com forums. There was some amazing stuff on there. I'd love to do some of the crazier stuff I found on there, but I want to keep it a little more simple. I was thinking of just running WMCE on a new Intel board that comes with everything but memory and a power supply you can find here for $66. I would also get a power supply off of mp3car, memory is cheap, and I have a couple of extra 250 gig hard drives laying around. In my setup, I don't see any need for any kind of external input devices, like CD roms or DVD roms because with a 4 gig memory stick you can do about the same. So hopefully the cost will be fairly low and the Computer will be used for mp3's, video files, and gps via MS Streets and Trips. I can even watch HDTV through the WMCE software. The mounting and setup of the screen and relocation of the Head unit are the only two things I haven't ironed out yet. I know I want a 7" touch screen. Looks like I might have a lot of soldering in my future if I want to relocate the faceplate and use a touch screen that doesn't cost more than $200.

Thanks for the comment about the forum though, I didn't even realize mp3car had forums.

lsocoee · 01-30-2008, 07:45 PM

Yeah, you can go with the simple route or the complicated one.

I don't know if you can make media center touch screen friendly. There are a bunch of programs out there that are designed for this.

There are a few people that have done their tacomas. Make sure to search in the mp3car forum to see them.

There are cheap touch screens on ebay, but I don't know about resolution, brightness, contrast, or aux inputs. I'm looking into the Xenarc partially because there is a function to auto switch the input when a new input is detected. I'm planning on installing a backup camera.

BLOCKADE · 01-31-2008, 03:58 PM

A back up camera would come in handy, can't wait to see that post!

PatheticJoe · 01-31-2008, 06:08 PM

I just saw an install over on a custom audio shop page where they filled in the cubby hole in front of the cup holders under the AC controls with a computer monitor and then left the stock location for the double DIN DVD player. Its something to consider.

lsocoee · 01-31-2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatheticJoe

I just saw an install over on a custom audio shop page where they filled in the cubby hole in front of the cup holders under the AC controls with a computer monitor and then left the stock location for the double DIN DVD player. Its something to consider.

linky?

lsocoee · 01-31-2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLOCKADE

A back up camera would come in handy, can't wait to see that post!

me too!

I'm months away from getting anywhere near starting.

PatheticJoe · 01-31-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsocoee

linky?

You would have to ask. You might have to browse through the gallery to find it but its in there somewhere. http://customwheelsboutique.com/gall...a_tacoma_1.htm

lsocoee · 01-31-2008, 09:59 PM

of course! Thanks for the link.

BLOCKADE · 02-01-2008, 05:47 PM

That actually looked like a fairly simple install, the location would also keep Jonny Law off of your back if they ever noticed something on the screen. Thanks for the link.

PatheticJoe · 02-01-2008, 06:00 PM

Are computers not legal in trucks?

lsocoee · 02-01-2008, 06:22 PM

they're legal, but video in view of the driver is not. I'm not going to be watching video, so I'm not going to worry about it.

I don't like that I have to look that far from the road to see the gps or mp3 selection screen.

jhodge83 · 02-01-2008, 07:44 PM

a good thing would be hitting all the free wifi spots w/ it. my buddy flushed a 12" touch screen into the dash of his 96 s-10 and hooked it up to a mini case that he made w/ wifi on it and would burn/DL music to his home PC and drag it over to the PC in the truck and would have tuck funs of mp3's/movies on his truck PC....effing sweetness

01-29-2008, 06:29 PM	#1
BLOCKADE Senior Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4469 Location: Wichita Falls, Tx Posts: 164 SR5 PreRunner TRD Off Road 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L	Alternative Head Unit Locations I just bought an '08 TRD Prerunner DC and I want to put a Computer in the current head unit location. I found all I need for the computer setup, but the way I want it all put together is such that I will still need a separate head unit. I have looked through the forum for alternate head unit locations and haven't found many that are easily accessible. One spot I have in mind is right next to the shifter in the current rectangle shaped change tray facing up (obviously by cutting out the bottom and performing a little bit of cosmetic surgery). Does anyone know if a standard size head unit will even fit there? Have any other suggestions? Thanks __________________ There is no shame in not knowing, the shame lies in never finding out.

01-29-2008, 09:31 PM	#3
PatheticJoe Senior Member Joined: Oct 2007, #2943 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 241 07 Prerunner SR5 TRD Sport - Access Cab 2007 Access Cab Automatic	I've taken that whole part of the console apart and it definately won't fit. Can't you use the computer to play music or is this a different kind. __________________ 1.25" front lift, Pioneer DEH-P4900iB, 8" Rockford sub and Phoenix Gold Amp, Grillcraft Mesh Grill, Aftermarket Black Headlights

01-29-2008, 09:59 PM	#4
lsocoee Why am I always the little spoon? Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Gender: Dude Posts: 6,743 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	Woohoo! Another one. I've been trying to convince the wife to free up some funding for a while. I still have a few more months left before I start ordering parts. I was thinking of installing my head unit right where you are talking about, but I have not yet taken it apart. My alternate plan would be to hide the headunit away and wire the face plate to an easily accessible location. I am not planning on using the cd function of the headunit. I am only planning on keeping it as a backup and a radio. __________________ Tacoma World: One big happily dysfunctional family.

01-29-2008, 10:05 PM	#5
lsocoee Why am I always the little spoon? Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Gender: Dude Posts: 6,743 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	I'm sure you are already familiar with www.mp3car.com You will also want to check out the picks at http://themeniscus.net/Vehicles.html There was also a member (davewilliamstx) at the mp3car forum that has a tacoma. I haven't seen any pictures yet because they all expired. __________________ Tacoma World: One big happily dysfunctional family.

01-30-2008, 11:29 AM	#6
BLOCKADE Senior Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4469 Location: Wichita Falls, Tx Posts: 164 SR5 PreRunner TRD Off Road 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L	I can use the computer to play music, I just wanted the option to just listen to the radio without having to wait for boot up. There's no point in booting up a PC when your just running to the store. I've also seen mp3car.com, but I think I can get a decent setup that I can put together myself for under $600. That's including a very nice head unit. Now, since PJoe says there's no room by the shifter, wiring the head unit away from the face plate like lsocoee suggests might be a better, more flexible alternative. Sure would screw with any would be thieves. Thanks Guys, Keep the good Ideas coming! __________________ There is no shame in not knowing, the shame lies in never finding out.

01-30-2008, 11:45 AM	#7
lsocoee Why am I always the little spoon? Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Gender: Dude Posts: 6,743 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	I think you must have only looked at the front page of mp3car. The real value there is in the forums. They have tons of posts there that will answer just about any question you can think of. $600 is a bit optimistic for my plans. I'm planning on a a 7" lcd touch screen modified to be mounted in the double din slot. Installing a mini itx motherboard, hard drive, and power supply behind the screen and a slim load drive under the lcd. I'll probably use a DC-DC power supply that starts automatically when the truck starts and shuts down when I shut the truck down. __________________ Tacoma World: One big happily dysfunctional family.

01-30-2008, 01:00 PM	#8
BLOCKADE Senior Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4469 Location: Wichita Falls, Tx Posts: 164 SR5 PreRunner TRD Off Road 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L	Ok so I just spent a couple of hours in the mp3car.com forums. There was some amazing stuff on there. I'd love to do some of the crazier stuff I found on there, but I want to keep it a little more simple. I was thinking of just running WMCE on a new Intel board that comes with everything but memory and a power supply you can find here for $66. I would also get a power supply off of mp3car, memory is cheap, and I have a couple of extra 250 gig hard drives laying around. In my setup, I don't see any need for any kind of external input devices, like CD roms or DVD roms because with a 4 gig memory stick you can do about the same. So hopefully the cost will be fairly low and the Computer will be used for mp3's, video files, and gps via MS Streets and Trips. I can even watch HDTV through the WMCE software. The mounting and setup of the screen and relocation of the Head unit are the only two things I haven't ironed out yet. I know I want a 7" touch screen. Looks like I might have a lot of soldering in my future if I want to relocate the faceplate and use a touch screen that doesn't cost more than $200. Thanks for the comment about the forum though, I didn't even realize mp3car had forums. __________________ There is no shame in not knowing, the shame lies in never finding out.

01-30-2008, 07:45 PM	#9
lsocoee Why am I always the little spoon? Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Gender: Dude Posts: 6,743 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	Yeah, you can go with the simple route or the complicated one. I don't know if you can make media center touch screen friendly. There are a bunch of programs out there that are designed for this. There are a few people that have done their tacomas. Make sure to search in the mp3car forum to see them. There are cheap touch screens on ebay, but I don't know about resolution, brightness, contrast, or aux inputs. I'm looking into the Xenarc partially because there is a function to auto switch the input when a new input is detected. I'm planning on installing a backup camera. __________________ Tacoma World: One big happily dysfunctional family.

01-31-2008, 03:58 PM	#10
BLOCKADE Senior Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4469 Location: Wichita Falls, Tx Posts: 164 SR5 PreRunner TRD Off Road 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L	A back up camera would come in handy, can't wait to see that post! __________________ There is no shame in not knowing, the shame lies in never finding out.

01-31-2008, 06:08 PM	#11
PatheticJoe Senior Member Joined: Oct 2007, #2943 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 241 07 Prerunner SR5 TRD Sport - Access Cab 2007 Access Cab Automatic	I just saw an install over on a custom audio shop page where they filled in the cubby hole in front of the cup holders under the AC controls with a computer monitor and then left the stock location for the double DIN DVD player. Its something to consider. __________________ 1.25" front lift, Pioneer DEH-P4900iB, 8" Rockford sub and Phoenix Gold Amp, Grillcraft Mesh Grill, Aftermarket Black Headlights

01-31-2008, 09:59 PM	#15
lsocoee Why am I always the little spoon? Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Gender: Dude Posts: 6,743 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	of course! Thanks for the link. __________________ Tacoma World: One big happily dysfunctional family.

02-01-2008, 05:47 PM	#16
BLOCKADE Senior Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4469 Location: Wichita Falls, Tx Posts: 164 SR5 PreRunner TRD Off Road 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L	That actually looked like a fairly simple install, the location would also keep Jonny Law off of your back if they ever noticed something on the screen. Thanks for the link. __________________ There is no shame in not knowing, the shame lies in never finding out.

02-01-2008, 06:00 PM	#17
PatheticJoe Senior Member Joined: Oct 2007, #2943 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 241 07 Prerunner SR5 TRD Sport - Access Cab 2007 Access Cab Automatic	Are computers not legal in trucks? __________________ 1.25" front lift, Pioneer DEH-P4900iB, 8" Rockford sub and Phoenix Gold Amp, Grillcraft Mesh Grill, Aftermarket Black Headlights

02-01-2008, 06:22 PM	#18
lsocoee Why am I always the little spoon? Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Gender: Dude Posts: 6,743 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	they're legal, but video in view of the driver is not. I'm not going to be watching video, so I'm not going to worry about it. I don't like that I have to look that far from the road to see the gps or mp3 selection screen. __________________ Tacoma World: One big happily dysfunctional family.

02-01-2008, 07:44 PM	#19
jhodge83 CA: Waiting for the next meet! Joined: Apr 2007, #1432 Location: Fayetteville, NC/Sumter, SC Age: 25 Gender: Guy Posts: 5,002 09 Timberland Mica DC 4X4 Sport 2009 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L seatbelt chime mod, fog lights on anytime mod, hose clamp mod, louder horns mod, and a few others in the sig!	a good thing would be hitting all the free wifi spots w/ it. my buddy flushed a 12" touch screen into the dash of his 96 s-10 and hooked it up to a mini case that he made w/ wifi on it and would burn/DL music to his home PC and drag it over to the PC in the truck and would have tuck funs of mp3's/movies on his truck PC....effing sweetness __________________ 2009 Timberland Mica DC SB TRD Sport 4x4 Tow w/ Hook Hitch, All Weather Mats, In-Channel Rain Guards, Bed Mat, AFE Pro Dry Drop-in w/ Secondary Removed and Modified Intake, Magnaflow SS Muffler w/ Chopped Exhaust, Flat Black Vinyl Emblems, Black Low Profile/Low Width Tool Box, Hi Lift, Xenon "HID" Head&Fog Bulbs, Black/Grey Iggee Seat Covers, Painted Engine Cover, Painted Grill Emblem, Tinted Tails and 3rd Brake, Cargo Bar, Cobra 29 LTD Black Chrome CB w/ K40 Antenna, Astatic Mic, and 5" PA Speaker, Painted Rims w/ Black Lugs, 5x LT255/75/17 BFG MT's, AllproOffroad Sliders and Skid Plate, 3" EZ Lift w/ AAL and Diff Drop, Pioneer AVIC-N1 DVD/NAV on the way....hopefully BB gas skid and (3" rear kit, front bumper, and remaining skids from Allpro) Waiting to be installed....Allpro UCA's , WE 3.5" CO's, and 35% tint

02-01-2008, 09:59 PM	#20
PatheticJoe Senior Member Joined: Oct 2007, #2943 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 241