hans14914

Only if you have the sunroof open and create a pressure differential from the high speed air traveling over roofline.

BC

Brushed aluminum goes the best, I think, if alot of other interior pieces are being changed. For my project, and what Paul is doing, has done, it has to be brushed aluminum or a mat black to go with black leather/black Alacantara.

BC

A low luster carbon fiber look is good, as long as its not gaudy.

S4ordie

What are the counter measures for unintended spark/short? PC components are very sensitve to irregular power and shorts. I run all my home components through surge protectors.

hans14914

The automotive grade supply does a good job of protecting against all the issues inherent int he car electrical system. I will be recommending Mini-Box brand power supplies, either the M3-ATX or M2-ATX depending on the demand of the system. It also monitors system voltage, and will shut the computer down if it drops below a pre-programmed threshold. There are better quality supplies out there if you beleive you need them, Opus makes a great unit used in a lot of law enforcement applications, but the size is more difficult to work around.

These are proven designs with literally thousands of units in-use today. Carputing is not a new concept, and actually a relatively mature industry. I am just providing the means to make it easy to implement in the 928. The Rennlist equivalent for the carputing enthusiasts is MP3car, and you can find out more about the "hobby" there.

Thanks,
Hans

Franks928s

My preference for finish would first be brushed aluminum followed by matte black or black leather. Actually, I'd buy both if that was an option without having to buy the full unit, switches and all. How cool if one wanted to change the look occasionally.

Hans/Paul - any consideration being given to that?

BC

If you don't mind hans, these are some images I found that fit my idea. I will remove if you wish to unclutter your very important thread.



This is a newer one - from the new Mercedes SLR

BC

My favorite is from the CGT:
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-pq...or-Console.jpg

svpmx83

a lower profile and appropriately sized rendition of the original 928 ***** would probably be a good seller

Champagne

Brendan, taking inspiration from Aston as never been a problem for me

Paul

BC

I thought you would like that Paul.

BTW - a customer had a 2009 DBS at one of the offices. Awesome car.

Ninespub

It would be magnificently cool if you could devise an extension of the console that flows onto the dash like Aston Martin (especially for the later models) that could be leather covered since its virtually impossible to cover the dash otherwise with the airbag. Maybe that extension could hold/hide a radar detector with the remote info on the screen. Just a thought.

Champagne

Paul,

ever since the DB9 came out, I planned to modify the center console of my car to extend past that seam. The problem is that you also need to make the console more upright and that interferes with the pod. The side of the pod needs to be modified to clear the center console all through it's up and down range. And to make it effective, the whole center console needs to be modified.
Possible and probably will be done one of these days, but it's not in the scope of this project.

With this offering, we want a series of pretty much drop in updates, where you remove the old part and drop in the new, giving you updated look and functionality.

In the mean time, I have dealt with that gap between the dash and center console in my own way, by creating an updated cover design that I call the "tailored approach". There is information on that in the dash section of my website.

But I do share your view on that Aston console

Paul

Fogey1

+ 928 for minimal bling. Matte or satin black matching factory texture if possible - nothing shiny or reflective.

Aloysius

Wow. Hans and Paul – super duper thumbs up on this one. It’s gonna be gorgeous. I think the concept and execution is first rate, no question.

I do have some thoughts about the symbols / ***** / final graphics and would be willing to contribute in this regard if you’re interested. I think the finished graphic look, layout, and icons for the switches and ***** is critical to keep the Porsche ‘flavor’ and set a baseline for customizing the interface further for those looking for something special. Have you done any 3D rendered images of the finished product with color/texture/materials to get a feel for the final piece? I have about 10 years in human interface design for both software and internet UI’s, as well as equal time in ergonomics and graphic design. Not looking for work, really, just would like to contribute if you think it’s worth it. And I’m not trying to toot too loudly either, I know of other folks better than I am at this stuff – but they’re a lot busier (and pricier) than I am. PM or post here – it’s a fantastic and exciting project by any measure and keeps the 928 alive as both a super car and design icon. I’m willing to contribute in any manner that makes sense. I’m also certain this effort is in good hands (and will be a big success) without my adding to the mix.

Not to hijack this too far (and hopefully not sound too newbie-ish) but I’m very excited about all the development in this community to modernize, innovate, preserve and improve the 928. It’s a real testament to this car that it can engender this level of private support after being discontinued over 15 years ago. I mean, what other car could you find with a community willing to develop this product, better than stock EFI and Ignition systems, better than stock drive-train components, improved suspension and brake components? And I’m not thinking of the race-bred, ultra high-performance items – just the items that continue to make the car as useful as any new-tech car in these modern times.

Maybe I don’t get out much but I just don’t see this kind of innovation dealt to old Ferrari 308’s and Lambo Miuras, Alfa’s or even mainstream BMW’s. . . the 911/993 crowds come very close but this center console update is over the top.

I’m sure it can be rationalized – at the intersection of available technology and chutzpah, it’s very exciting to see so much energy and innovation happening in a OEM / Factory fashion. Top flight work, everyone. This is why I’ll almost always have a 928 – timeless, modern, useful, wicked fun and a group of dedicated people keeping it more than just a time capsule.

What a breed.