MrRoboto

I did a search and couldn't find any discussion on this subject.

Does anyone know if it's possible to fit a indash navigation system with a flip out screen in the center AC vent? I REALLY want a navigation system for my car and I REALLY don't want to cut the AC vent or get the car phone center console. It looks like all one would need to accomplish this would be some custom brackets/face panel. It would also move the position of the screen into the drivers field of vision. Seems like a good compromise if you can do without the center AC vent. But then the empty space where the radio used to be...can you reroute the ac and put some vents there, making the center vents look like the ones on the sides?

Good idea?

Maybe I should be asking Rod Birch (sp?).

Rob 97 993c2

there are many posts on this.. search
Ive looked into this alot. There is no popup Nav that would clear the dash.
A better option is to get a small nav such as garmin or tomtom. My tomtom works as well as expensive navs from alpine and i dont have to cut my car up.
Or, you can mount a separate screen below the ashtray for the nav

AVoyvoda

I looked at the options and none is particularly attractive.
GPS units stuck on the front screen annoy me, especially the dangling wire to the cigarette lighter.
Built-in units don't work, due to the dah overhang.
Under the dash fitment interferes with the ashtray.
But there is, in fact, another solution that I am toying with.
On the console, remove the second unit altogether(the one with the wing control) and fit a Garmin nüvi 350 in its place. It's small enough to fit exactly. You'll need to install a remote GPS antenna somewhere on the dash and connect that to the nüvi plus, of course, power. It should work.
As a further enhancement, modify a "package tray" to accept the nüvi and you have quite a classy setup. Removable too, to protect against theft.
If any Rennlister has such a setup, I'd love to see it!

epj993

Why not position it above the rear view mirror with a solid mount? I don't have a nav unit yet, so I'm not sure about fitment. But, it seems like there's enough space there for a Nuvi, would be easy to view and somewhat concealed.

However you end up mounting, please share with some pics!

MrRoboto

Guys, thanks for the feedback. But i'm wondering if we can install a flipout unit in the center AC vent rather than the stock radio location, thereby avoiding the issue with the AC vent getting in the way.

epj993

I'm sure you can, but seems like a difficult mod. The dash would surely have to come out and would take some skill to trim and finish it properly (IMHO). Plus, you lose some valuable cold air when it gets hot.

Jastx

I think I have seen an install pic somewhere where the AC vent was removed that gave the clearance for the screen to deploy from the regular radio position. You might be be able to make an alternative grill that is inset and flat to take the place of the existing dash vent.

Rob 97 993c2

there is no question that u can have a flip-up screen if you want to loose your center A/C vents. It has been posted here in the past. do a search

MrRoboto

I have read through numerous posts about installing a flipout screen in the stock radio location and loosing the center ac vent, but I have not come across a thread about actually installing the headunit IN the center AC vent. That's what i'm asking. I was wondering if anyone had actually done that or tried.

Chuck W.

I've been told (disclaimer) that a Pioneer AVIC-N2 will work in our cars.

wannaB_turbo

I think your best option is to take the car to a local shop and ask them. I did the same - went to car toys, and what they told me is that the BEST option is to install it just below the Ash tray and above the switch console.
IMHO that setup would look really sweet since its at a pretty good viewing angle. The only downside to that is that they will have to "build" a custom frame...so to speak around that screen. You just have to be careful that it does not cover up the OBD scan port. Car toys told me it would run me about $3000, including a really kick-*** head unit with DVD navigation and all that jazz.

--Andy

midcont

thanks for posting the pic

MrRoboto

Interesting install. Thanks!

DJF1

Yes there was one pic of an install of a RLister I think it was about 4 years ago that he removed the AC vent and had a flip nav installed. When the screen was up it would fit perfectly into the AC vent space from the unit that was installed in the stock position. It looked like a pro job and it was quite impressive. Why dont you measure the vent and find a unit that fits?

GeezC4S

I think this is what your talking about.