Factory fit GPS (sort of)

[TheBaldMonk]

Was wondering how to get a GPS setup into my Monty without sticking it to the windscreen or anything like that and Click :idea: that little voice that always picks aukward jobs to do says "I've got an idea :) "

Now this idea is that the section of dash where I have the clock and the heater/fog lamp button could be smoothed off so there is a blank canvas. I have a Mitac palmtop that is lying around doing nothing at all, so I thought take the casing off it and cut a screen size hole into the flat plastic dash bit.
Fit the palmtop in behind it and smooth the edges.
This hopefully would leave something that look something like it was supposed to be there. It would have to be towards the left of this section or the screen would be hidden by the indicator stalk.

This "may" leave enough space towards the right hand side of it to put the two buttons but I don't think it will once I have fitted all the electronics behind there.
Any ideas where I could move those two buttons to? they have to be somewhere easy to get to obviously as the tell tales have to work for the MOT or I could etch the foglamp/heater symbol onto two unused spaces in the center of the speedo display (where the other lamps are). But I still can't think of anywhere to put the buttons.

For the receiver I thought I could cut a small square out of the front most section of dash in the middle and place the GPS receiver there with piece of smoked perspex over the top and it should get nice exposure.

I will be using it firstly when it is just completed for GPS/replacement clock (my clock doesn't work anyway) and eventually also as a control unit for a car PC in the boot, this will allow me to choose MP3 playlists and even play MP4 encoded video.


What do you guys all think of the idea? am I mad? has anybody done this before and can give any tips?

[E_T_V]

Did you see someones lovely mod for a traffic alert stolen from a streetwise I think. That is similar.. The most obvious place to move the buttons is to where the maestro has them. Simply get a switch panel form a maestro, I think it'll be a straight fit as the dash is the same.

[TheBaldMonk]

Not wanting to seem stupid but all the Meastros I've seen (not very many I'll admit) have the switches in the same place (I think) Whereabouts did they put them in the ones your refering to?

I did see that Maestro, what a cool mod :) Mine will be in the same area but it will be a 6x3 inch rectangular touch sensitive screen :) so won't quite look like it should be there as my car is to old but will look cool none the less.

That one replaced the clock I'm talking about replacing that whole section :), Might dig out a couple of my old laptops (Have two P2 300's with 15" screens) and put these in the back somehow. A full TV, Film, Audio and alllsorts for £100 or so....... Could be interesting!

[E_T_V]

The very last maestros have the swithces in the same place as the montys (under the clock) The ones before with the mk2 dash have them below and to the right of the wiper stalk along with a coin tray. There can either be a panel with 2,4 or even 6 switches there. the most common is two for the wipers. The fog and rear demist go above the radio nbext to the ciggy lighter.. If you need some photos I'm sure I can grab some tomorrow.

[TheBaldMonk]

I think I know where you mean and now you mention it I can place them (in my mind).

If you could grab a photie that would be great..... Do they look good where they are?


Many thanks