View Full Version : Navigation Head Unit
SuperFlyBriBri
09-27-2023, 11:57 PM
I was wondering if anyone has any installations of head units that either hide away in order to keep the more retro look when not in use or have ones integrated enough so that it looks like it is supposed to be there?
I have also thought about putting a phone mount type system in but I tend to prefer the larger navigation screen and even considered some type of tablet mount as well but again would probably lean back to something if I could find it that would look more built in.
I was thinking about putting a nav unit in the center counsel but I was worried about sun glare and taking my eyes off the road to look down while driving winding roads.
190583
In the end I used this iphone holder affixed to the dash that is highly adjustable and has a telescoping arm putting mapquest, google maps, or waze in easy view. You can tilt the phone as necessary to cut the sun glare. Bonus: You can also use it to hold the Sniper EFI touchscreen during tuning runs. I put a strip of 3M clear vinyl wrap on the dash to protect the paint where it's attached. It holds pretty solid - never had it come off in 3000 miles, but you can remove it when you want that retro look.
190584
narly1
09-28-2023, 12:38 PM
An android smartphone can be used as a display for a bluetooth back-up camera, an AM/FM tuner display for a hideaway audio system, an audio media source for ear-buds or a Bluetooth amp/head unit, a navigation display using google maps, and a Bluetooth display panel for many EFI systems, all without cluttering up your console or dash panel.
The disadvantage of course being the viewability of the smaller screen.
Earl
I keep my trusty old Garmin Nuvi GPS in my glove box. I have a suction mount that works great on the windshield or cowl and a 12v power port under the dash to plug it into.
SuperFlyBriBri
10-12-2023, 08:33 AM
Hello. Thanks so much for the reply.
Yes putting it down low is an issue because there really is not much space available in the dash setup for something like a navigation screen.
Most of the time I will likely be driving it local so there might not even be much of a need for a navigation system built-in but I do want to explore all of my options.
Jim1855
10-12-2023, 11:40 AM
Just a few things to consider.
I found that putting taller items on the cowl often interferes with the forward view. Your body height will determine the objectionable or suitable locations. I like items that are below the cowl line but it's not always possible.
Glare
A pivoting GPS mount it is easily tipped down. For something mounted in or on the surface of the dash this may not be possible. The glare could be tested with a flashlight to introduce a light source.
After long periods of driving with sun at my back I found the items that introduce glare. I'd guess that you will too.
I changed the angle of my dash to minimize the potential glare off the gauges, it's now more vertical.
Jim
toadster
10-12-2023, 10:55 PM
I'm doing the Alpine iLX-W650 (https://amzn.to/48L7hvn) it's a shallow mount touch screen, need a separate amp but should be useful :)
https://i.ibb.co/MVQVVXC/IMG-9504.jpg (https://ibb.co/MVQVVXC)
CraigS
10-13-2023, 07:36 AM
I used a phone mount that has those heavy bags to hold it in place. It allowed some angle change via the ball socket right behind the phone. It is not perfect as it sits below the dash but it worked well otherwise. RJDs suction cup mount off the windshield would get the phone to a more easily viewed location if you end up using it a lot.
SuperFlyBriBri
10-13-2023, 11:14 AM
I'm doing the Alpine iLX-W650 (https://amzn.to/48L7hvn) it's a shallow mount touch screen, need a separate amp but should be useful :)
https://i.ibb.co/MVQVVXC/IMG-9504.jpg (https://ibb.co/MVQVVXC)
Hello. Thanks for the reply and the picture.
That is the kind of look that I was thinking as well and I will have to template that out and see how visually it is placed while seated and with the shifter location.
Does that particular head unit from Alpine allow for much customization in the visuals? I know with some previous head units that I have had, they either allow for it or seem to be locked into a futuristic type interface. I am hoping to find something that has a little bit of tweaking available to make for a vintage sytling even though it is a whole touch screen.
toadster
10-13-2023, 11:48 AM
Hello. Thanks for the reply and the picture.
That is the kind of look that I was thinking as well and I will have to template that out and see how visually it is placed while seated and with the shifter location.
Does that particular head unit from Alpine allow for much customization in the visuals? I know with some previous head units that I have had, they either allow for it or seem to be locked into a futuristic type interface. I am hoping to find something that has a little bit of tweaking available to make for a vintage sytling even though it is a whole touch screen.
sadly this one you can't change the boot screen and modify much, I even developed a splash screen for startup and even offered to pay for the customization but Alpine balked at it...
it's one file, and if I could hack their image file, I'd just do it - but it's a locked image
https://i.ibb.co/ggnJ3J7/IMG-6039.jpg
agree a vintage customization would be cool, would require probably some type of mini-tablet model and customization software
https://www.instructables.com/Turn-Your-Android-Tablet-Into-a-Car-Head-Unit/