cfaber

So this might be interesting for some of you using the laptop solution like I am. I've hacked the power button my laptop so that there is a dongle which comes off of it. I use this box:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkTmwGkDofI/AAAAAAAACro/uy4LLholbtA/s512/dsc00502.jpg

 

(Red wire leaving the box is connected to relay on timer board, black wire is connected to DC to DC converter)

 

To provide both DC to DC power conversion (the large silver thing labeled 19v 16v on the top). As well as a one-shot, 1 second relay which triggers the laptop when the car is powered. The laptop is then configured to stay running until it reaches 70% battery life then it shuts down. This allows me to continuously charge the thing when the car is on, as well as have it run for quiet a while so I can say, sync files via wifi to it when I get home, or not have to wait for it to boot back up again if I'm making lots of stops. Once the laptop does shutdown, it only goes into standby mode, which it can sit in for literally weeks at a time without a problem.

 

Also, this box happens to fit perfectly under the radio, so I have the dsub video, USB, power, and power on wires running under the passenger seat where the laptop sits, so the install is mostly stealth and easy removable.

in fact, after installing it, It's almost not black enough. It's _Exactly_ the same color as the dash vinyl.

Ok,

 

Here is my Bezel with screen.

 

Initial fabrication work, lots of sanding still left:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKmyLTE7I/AAAAAAAACqs/X831tuWDAt0/s512/dsc00488.jpg

 

Here is the back side of the piece. Note the holes drilled through the frame so that the body filler (bondo) has something to mechanically attach to:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKnUrBYMI/AAAAAAAACq0/WKQjWewvSVM/s512/dsc00490.jpg

 

Third coat high build primer - Note I had to strip some layers off with lots of sanding around the buttons, as the primer raised the button bezel too much for the buttons to work:

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKniyRxFI/AAAAAAAACq4/Pr8-uZhAveQ/s512/dsc00494.jpg

 

Closeup of the finish:

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKn653ZRI/AAAAAAAACq8/6LsHVyFjrvs/s512/dsc00495.jpg

 

The finished bezel ready for the screen to be mounted:

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKoUIK1hI/AAAAAAAACrA/apmBNzo0iCQ/s512/dsc00496.jpg

 

First action shot (no flash):

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKovoEMLI/AAAAAAAACrE/14DUT40kBww/s512/dsc00497.jpg

 

Second action shot (flash):

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKo0WuNDI/AAAAAAAACrI/D-_G1p7ei8E/s512/dsc00499.jpg

 

Back of the screen:

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jABUXREarfE/SkPKpDHTjVI/AAAAAAAACrM/N0IwOO3-80w/s512/dsc00501.jpg

 

Probably spent about 10 hours on this, Mostly because I wanted it to look as good as possible when I remounted it. I'll post my Car PC solution next.

Yeah, I've done this a few times, In fact very recently. The problem is really bad when you're tired, when the dash is dimmed, and you're not thinking, you don't even notice that the rest of the console (Radio, etc) aren't lit up.

 

Also, so whats the conclusion here about DRL Disable == Dimmer headlights on 05-07?

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Here is a closeup of the bezel with two coats of paint. Once complete I'll post all the photo's from start to finish.

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=69792&d=1245691571

Hi Folks,

 

Well I think I may have found the combination to match the OEM paint on the bezel almost exactly.

 

Base coat (at least 2) SEM High build primer surfacer (42013 gray mir 1.55)

 

Final coat (at least 3) Rustoleum camouflage non-reflective black (1916 FPP)

 

with this combo you get the same texture, flatness and slight reflectiveness (with sparkle) that you see in the OEM paint.

 

-cf

Yeah the diNuvo is great, I have it as well, except for the total lack of F keys =-/. I've been using the stowaway folding bluetooth keyboard for a while as well. No mouse but great for typing. Another option you folks may want to look at is the Moneual MK700 keyboard. This is a great (and cheap) 2.4GHz keyboard with an optical trackball. I use it for my MPC all the time and love it.

So hey guys,

 

After going through about 20 different types of paint I may have stumbled upon an almost exact match (both color, texture and reflectiveness) as to the stock paint. I'm painting my bezel now with it and will post pictures when I'm done.

 

-cf

Hey guys, other than flat black primer has anyone figured out what paint is used on the bezel?