MK2 centre console project

[Smokey]

Am looking to get hold of a very cheap MK2 centre console with the air con (not the unit, just that particular model)

Cheers.

[Jay-ZS+]

Whats this all about then?? You got plans?

[Smokey]

Always did, just never got round to it before writing off the 180. Want to make a start while I wait for the right one to come along.

[Maxxed_Ross]

shame, mine is the non-air con version

[Smokey]

Yeah but I specifically need the air con one which ofcourse will be harder to get lol. But will be a fully custom setup when I'm done

[Smokey]

Quick update, found myself a mk2 centre console with the aircon (not with the switches or aircon unit...or ashtray)

Got it for a snip at £15 plus £10 p+p from eBay.

THE PLAN:

I am completely customising the centre console from the bottom up.

Installed will be a touchscreen monitor with DVD slot drive, usb slots and power button.

The above will be connected to a PC built into the arm rest with sat nav, radio card, ipod connectivity and all the usual PC lovelies (internet etc)

I will be installing an amp as there will be no head unit.

The four buttons along the top (fogs etc) will be removed and replaced.

A Scangauge II will be installed.

The aircon will be relocated on the centre console and will be changed to red led's to match the rest of the dash.

Push start button will be added.

I plan on extending the dash over the ashtray recess as I have no use for it and allows me to add anything else I may decide to fit.

Thats it for now, I will be out with the dremel tools and hacking away at it for quite a few month, most of the work being done after June (holidays!) but will update with pics as and when I do any work on it.

I'm in no rush as I say cos I still need to find the car to fit it to lol.:punk:

[Jay-ZS+]

Sounds like alot of wiring!! Will be nice when done, great to see someone doing something different with the interior, there was a guy on xpf that did a similar thing a while ago will try to find a link if it helps.

[Smokey]

The car pc thing? Yeah I know the thread, saw it a couple of years ago and inspired me to do something similar. Have fitted a pc to a car before (my '03 Punto) back in 2003 but had located the 7" touchscreen in full view and so had to remove it when the law changed.
Gonna be a bit of hard work but have a few ideas.
Was thinking about doing a bit of stainless steel to it like the Zonda dash but not sure if that would suit the ZS?!!?

EDIT:

Also forgot to mention I plan on fitting front and rear colour cameras to this, both with night vision and recording functionality

[Jay-ZS+]

Or proper carbonfibre getting rid of the fake stuff the zs has! Look forward to seeing it, need to get a car for it to go in!! :thumbsup:

[Smokey]

lol not going down the carbon fibre route but will be on the hunt for a car to put it in soon enough!

[Smokey]

Since I'm searching for some now, am I right in saying that all 4 switches (lock, fogs, windscreen) are latching switches as opposed to momentary switches?

And if anyone fancies popping one out and photographing the rear and the connecting wiring, it would be hugely appreciated!

[stamford]

This will be an interesting build thread once started.

[Smokey]

will take some time, I'm not going to lie as I'm not throwing a massive fund at it immediately, more a bit by bit thing!

[skyblueads]

Sounds interesting mate. Yeah, the mkII switches are latching switches, not
momentary ones.

Look forward to seeing some pics!

[talkingcars]

Sounds like a plan.

Do you really need a scangauge if you are fitting a PC, you could just get an OBD11 cable and PC software and do your own data logging.

Also don't forget the GPS and satnav.

I think the law regarding screens says that you can't be able to watch moving pictures while driving which is why most in car DVD players have a handbrake switch, however I think you are allowed to have satnav etc.

[Shafz]

should be a good project matey iv just started my own
gathered the bits over time
what front end you going to be running?

this is mine that i started this weekend
Building my nice new CarPC
Nice double din sized touch screen :)

specs for those interested

Intel atom d945gclf2 mini itx mobo
m2-atx
160gb hd
2gb DDR2 Ram
Windows 7 64bit
centrafuse 2 front end
Voom case
Double Din liliput touch screen (bezel need some work doing to it)
gps receiver,camera, wireless etc
oh an I can use 3g net by tethering it of my iPhone :)
will have the same goodies as i did in the Red rover http://www.themgzr.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=71775

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/3d413e64.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/e4a16bcd.jpg

Today i managed to get it all crammed in the case
The case acts like a big heatsink
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/dee8ae3c.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/b4421e7b.jpg

and a Hovis shot for people :D

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/4076a9dc.jpg

and a Heinz beans one too to show the height of the case
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/49565f1a.jpg

Then i moved on to stripping the Dash down. Nice double Din space

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/675eab6a.jpg

I then modified the Double Din frame to fit inside the space. That was as far i got on that front. i need to do some filling and sanding so i left that for today
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/a7d62527.jpg

i then moved onto giving the PC a Home in the boot. I opted to use the spare wheel well foam as its out of site + the foam will act as a shock absorber

Foam Before
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/51ee562b.jpg

and after some cutting the pc fits in perfectly

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/6fc50bda.jpg

i did have to trim some more to accommodate the ports
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/ba34aaf0.jpg

Since i want to control volume through my standard headunit, i had to relocate it.This will be going into theglove box
After some cuts/bruises/swearing..i managed to get the wiring loom free so its enough to plug into the headunit in the glovebox

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/1d8020f9.jpg

car as iv left it for today

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h242/Shafz/cdde04d1.jpg




i love the fact we have more daylight :D
roll on modding days!

im hoping to have this all in fairly soon!

comments welcome

[Bobdope2002]

what car you driving now then shafz as thats defo not a ZR???

[Jay-ZS+]

Ash tray looks like a 306. But the buttons are more upto mate than my mates one so not sure, looks like a great start!! :)

[Smokey]

Actually very similar spec to the setup I'm planning although I'm losing the head unit. Nice install in the boot, hope the foam doesn't keep the heat in though causing overheating issues even with the case being a heatsink. I'm still waiting on my console before I can start cutting it up. Will photoshop my plans once it arrives

[Shafz]

what car you driving now then shafz as thats defo not a ZR???

ooops need to update my sig and stuff

driving an Octavia vRS now
http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=9664

[Smokey]

well the centre console arived today! First thought....was gonna lose the clock but notice the bulb is easily removed and replaced so the question is....it changing the colour of the clock as simple as getting the right coloured bulb or is the LED screen tinged orange so that this cant be done?

[Ritchy]

well not going to be much use here but..
the bulb is clear and its an orange filter so i think the only easy colour you could do is red, but dunno how eay the film comes out
the plugs are bmw plugs...and the mark2 buttons you press it and it activates it doesnt hold itself in as such if that makes any sense to you? the mk1 you press them and they stay pressed in

[Smokey]

um not quite sure?! Kinda got lost on the second part. I figured the bulb was white and my plan is going all red anyway so what bulb would be best for a vibrant red colour?

Not sure what you mean about holding buttons etc?

[Ritchy]

the buttons dont latch down, they are one touch and the scu holds the switch on, where as the mark 1 the switch itself holds the switches on.

if you got a suitable red led bulb that should shine through id think, but the clock bulb the glass doesnt come out of the holder, the holder is part of the bulb, the instuments the bulb is seperate to the holder

but the buttons for the aircon, recirculate are the same as the mark one and will fit, the only one you will need to change will be the heated rear screen button

[Smokey]

so MK2...I need momentary switches? (I am getting rid of the plastic black standard ones)

I would need a red bulb within a matching holder then?

And what about MK2 aircon unit...is it possible to change the colour it display?

Cheers for the replies btw.

[Ritchy]

climate contol? or just the aircon button which is the same size and shape throughout all the 45-zs's is it a mark1 or mark2 your fitting it into?

[Maxfly]

Am guessing that it's the climate control unit same as the zondas?? Would think you can but would probably require desoldering of leds etc. I know some 75 owners have changed the colour of their climate control displays (albeit a diff unit) so would think the same would be possible with ours??:)

[KevG]

You still have a orange filter behind the LCD in the climate display screen, I'm looking into getting LEDs for this to change but as of yet I have not found a suitable alternative.

[Smokey]

well the plan is changing it to red. is there an led out there that combined with the orange filter on the climate control unit will make a bold red colour?

[Jay-ZS+]

Could you not just remove the orange filter like on the mk1? Then fit red LED with resistors?

[Smokey]

I don't have an aircon unit yet to experiment but with the clock, the filter is glued into the LCD glass which can't be changed