Custom GPS Navigation install

[10851CVC]

Staying with my theme of a more modern interior for my car,(you can follow my custom gauge build here) (http://www.1969stang.com/mustang/forum/showthread.php?t=8643) I decided to do a GPS touch screen install in place of the radio. I know some enthusiasts will not agree with this kind of a modification but to each their own.

First thing I had to do was design a removable faceplate. I started by designing it around the heater controls.
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Second I borrowed a friends Double DIN GPS for the dimensions of the unit and welded the rest of the soon to be face plate.
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Next (Tonight) I will build the cage that will permanently hold the GPS unit in place to the dash, behind the face plate, and weld the faceplates onto the skeleton I have created.

[stangme428]

sweet....!! i built a GPS/Navi for my 96 Cobra... I'll be watching this thread and staring at my dash, when I get it back, to see if I want to install my remaining setup from my Cobra in the 69.

subscribed...!!

MP3car dot com was my source for the cobra build...

[Angel]

I agree with this mod lol. Old meets new. love it.

[10851CVC]

Well I was hoping to post a detailed update today with pictures, but the UPS guy didn't show up until 7:30 PM last night with my Clarion NX500 double din deck from Crutchfield audio. Then after the UPS guy came and went, I started running out of time and was only able to get some pieces cut. Im gonna get a chance this wednesday to work on it again and hopefully finish it up. Stay tuned.

[stangme428]

woo hoo sounds good... let us know of any structure changes in the support area... any cutting behind the scenes etc...:scared::tongue_smilie:

[Angel]

Will the screen get in the way of the shifter?

[10851CVC]

No it will not, ...let me caveat that and say, I guess it depends on your shifter handle/stick, and transmission combination. Viper T56 and hurst short throw shifter works fine as well as a T5 with a stock shifter and handle.

I personally think it won't get in the way of any other combos either.

[70mstang]

I totally love this idea!

[Rip Rock]

Sweet stuff. Can't wait to see more pics:)

[10851CVC]

So I got the chance to work on the dash again today. This is by in no means complete as there is still alot of support structure to build as well as finishing the face plate.

So first thing I had to do was create a rear bracket for GPS not only for support but also to mount the radio to. Below is a picture of the raer support mocked up.
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After I finalized the position of the rear support bracket I gave it side supports (basically stilts) and a top brace.(The third picture is sideways). Also you can see that I had to cut the top of the dash to make room. After all the fitting is complete I will fix the top of the dash with some spare sheet metal.
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I next made side brackets that attach to the side of the GPS, they are sill in rough form and need to be cleaned up,shaped, and painted.
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[10851CVC]

Here is pic of the bracket mounted to the GPS. As you can tell they mount the rear. This is so the will "butt" up to the rear support i made earlier which will get its own brackets so the radio will securely bolt to it.
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And then after that I did a trial run for fitment of the GPS and the front faceplate created earlier. ...Brace yourself ...money shot..
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I have a lot left to do so hopefully saturday I can finish it up, I will post after I do.

[ashleesmach1]

Great ! Keep up the good work!

[impstrz28]

That looks bad ass man!

[Angel]

Nice! How will that look from the driver's seat? I always thought that the best place for a screen would be in the center of the dash pad. Where you happen to be putting your 2 gauges.

[10851CVC]

Dash pad to me screams "look at me to much," I wanted to put it in the stock location and create a stock looking faceplate that removes just like the original.

[Angel]

Well it looks great. I just went out to look at my dash and the way you set it up actually looks a lot better than I thought.

[10851CVC]

Small update, I had another chance to work on the install. I almost finished the face plate.

[stangme428]

looking good!! keep it up!!! :shifty:

[StephenC]

im trying to build a bezel similar to yours but i was wondering what size square tubing did you use to make the skeleton and where did you get it cant find it in any hardware store out here?

[Rudolph Schenker]

Great looking work!! :001_cool:

[82stangracer]

Wow! Looks great.