I decided to make a double din headunit for my Z as I have upgraded to a Android 7" double din unit, so this way I can monitor sensors. I have made one before back in 2013 for my old zed, so now I need to make one for my current Z So this is my little guide for those who want to attempt something similar in the future :zlove: First up I had to get the piece out of the car, it was a bit of a hassle since an aftermarket boost gauge was glued/mounted into the factory clock position, but eventually I got it out. I had bought a double din cage and lined it up to see how much had to be cut to fit the cage in. There was also a crack that needs to be repaired in my instance Then I chopped through the centre piece After chopping the middle piece out, I could finally get the din cage in place to get an idea of how I wanted to position things. I started using fiberglass to bog up the lower part first Then bog up the surrounding outside gaps I also melted the plastic where the crack was so it could merge then bog The next part consisted of sanding it back with sand paper Upon sanding back I noticed some inconsistency, I also tapped up the middle piece and put it back in position. Moreee bog Remove the centre piece that was wrapped in taped and sand all the way back Few layers of primer Sand back and then add some more primer till it's smooth Heres where i'm up to at the moment, just adding a few more layers of primer to built it up... More pictures/details to come over the next few days. I am by no means experienced with fibreglassing or anything like that :rofl: This was just simply my procrastination and study break time lol
For an "inexperienced" person, you are doing a fine job. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the project pics.
I have recently installed a dbl din android unit as well (cheated and bought the surround though), I noticed you indicated you are monitoring sensors, I'm curious as to which sensors? nice work.
The plan was to use NDSI (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nissandatascan.ndsi&hl=en) or NikoZ with a Track Electronics Bluetooth Adapter. Prior to installation I had no issues using the adapter on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, HTC EVO 3D and HTC ONE. This way you can monitor coolant temps and other values from the ECU. However upon installation the headunit in the car is unable to pair with the adapter. I tried using various aftermarket apps with no success. Someone I know has the same unit, and is installing the unit soon except by using a OBD1 to OBD2 Adapter then using a OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter. Time will tell if this works, and there is still the possibility of using a USB consult cable and plugging it into one of the USB slots in the unit. If all else fails, I can load up NikoZ/NDSI on my phone/tablet and mirror it onto the car unit, but this is a bit of a hassle everytime though
Very neat job. What paint did you use to get the textured finish? I noticed you have the unit sitting forward and not recessed.
I just used Dulux Gloss Black from bunnings The actual unit around the screen part is bigger than the din cage size (by a cm or so) It was more so I found this the easiest way to do things, and much better than just chopping the centre bit and sliding it in. Also it sits at a angle directly in the same direction as your sitting so the whole screen is visable by just moving your eyes. The sun can shine on it, but the glare is overcome cause the unit brightness is quite good. Since there isn't really a guide out there for this kind of thing I just improvised the whole way lol
Thanks mate. Great write-up by the way. This should help a few others thinking of going that direction.
UPDATE For those thinking about buying a Android 4.4.4 Headunit I just found out today USB Webcams can be used in the Android headunit for use as a dash cam. The quality I have just observed by just messing around with a old webcam I had laying around from 2009 is by far superior in video quality than several dash cams I have experienced. Now to just find a webcam that's small enough and can be mounted in a good position without obstructing any vision.
