Folks:

I am seriously considering a TV/DVD install in my 98 GS400 for the kids. I have been cruising around using the search feature (its excellent BTW) to try to answer all my questions but I would like to ask a few more.

Where do most folks locate a DVD/VCP in the GS? I do not want to do a dash mounted unit - I want it to be hidden from prying eyes. It looks like the glovebox is out given its small useable space (when its open it looks bigger than it really is).

I would really like it to be accessible from the inside if possible to ease changeout of DVDs. But trunk mounting is NOT out of the question if it makes for the cleanest install...

Under the seat? Are there any interefence issues?

Can anyone post pics (or email me) of their installs?

Also - where are the TVs? It seems like the Headrests are the hot lick, but what is the best size? (can I get some more pics as well?)

THANKS to everyone that can provide guidance...

Chris

 

test

 

Here's a pic of my TV's in the headrest. These are the Pioneer 6.5 inch widescreen. The only reason that these fit was because I swapped out the back headrest with the front one's. The back headrest can handle a bigger screen.

 

In response to the DVD player not being in dash, you can get a cheap DVD player from Best Buy or Circuit City. They usually run about $150.00. I noticed that they are pretty small and I think you will be able to fit it in the glove compartment. I don't think you are going to have space underneath the seat.

If you like you can always take out the middle console in the back seat---custom install a playstation 2---you'll have your DVD player and video games.

Just a thought

 

Very cool idea - actually My LS430 has a console that opens inu the rear seat (with climate, vibrator, and radio controls) and I was hoping I could do something similar - does anyone make aftermarket cosoles that would work in the rear of the GS?

That way the kids could fool with it themselves...

Thanks

 

I know clarion has a DVD changer for 6 DVD's. That could be mounted in the boot since it would take a really long trip to look at 6 movies.

 

I have 7 inch TV's in headrests...

Well in visors too....7".....

 

I have a motorized screen which folds into the dash when not in use, got in Japan, as for the headrest I'm looking for someone here in Hawaii to do a clean job.
can't post pics because my cars getting a custom paint job for a show coming up in June...

Aloha

 

I'm installing a DVD in my glovebox. I can do this because I'm replacing the factory radio and cd. So the old changer location is now free to put a single play DVD. I'm putting a 12 disc cd changer is in the trunk. You can still play CD's in the DVD player, so if your willing, you could give up the changer and deal with single play capability only.

I'm installing a headrest type monitor flush into my old radio location with the intention of making the install look better than the factory NAV.

The monitors I bought for my headrests will allow me to run the wires inside the headrest post, so there will be no visible wiring. I recently found some monitors I like better, but the trick wiring might not be possible.

I contemplated trying to shoehorn a playstation 2 into the glovebox, but I'm not sure if it will skip when going over bumps, especially with my stiffer suspension. The DVD player has buffer memory, but I don't think the PS2 would have it since it wasn't designed for mobile use.

I also thought about installing a DVD player /changer in the trunk with access to the discs by folding down the armrest . Think of it like the hole some cars have to put skis in the trunk. Great for the kids in the back seat to access. This would not be an install for amatures, there is a support brace that would have to be removed, plus support to mount the unit and reinforce the removed brace would have to be fabricated. That is if you want to do it right.

 

Let us see some pics????

 

This is my summer project and as you may know, it is still spring. Just got a digital camera, so I'm ready to take my "before" pics.

Oldracr,
check the tech section at autoys.com and look up the 2000 GS 400 install. They have the DVD installed in the glove, headrest monitors, etc.

http://www.autotoys.com/homehtm.htm


I'm currently in the design stage.. I've got the amps, monitors, speakers, etc. I've pulled all my door, trunk panels, pulled off the headrest covers, etc. inspected them. So I know basically what will fit and how.

My biggest dilemma is WAF. (Wife Acceptance Factor)

I've got way too many unfinished projects, two other cars and home honey-do stuff. So I can't start another project that would create another construction site mess. You should see the garage.

Since I can't mod the GS and leave it apart for indefinite periods and no driving around with major interior parts missing, the only way I can accomplish this task is by building in stages:

1st weekend: swap out speakers with high end pieces and power with existing factory system
2nd weekend: install amps and wiring
3rd weekend: changeover from factory power to outboard amps (still connected to Stock Radio at this point)
4th weekend: Replace stock radio and reconnect to outboard amps.

etc, etc, etc.

This process takes longer to finish, but the audio system is almost never down and the car can be driven intact throughout the project development.

I guess it's too late to make a long story short, but as you can tell, it will be a while before I'll have any pictures to show.

 

I use to have an Alpine DVA-5205 single DVD in the dash, under my CVA-1005, but I've sold it in preparation for a center channel. My current DVD player is the DHA-S680. I found that it actually fit in the stock changer location in the glovebox. This setup works great for me. To get the opening bigger, I removed the inner trim panel that use to cover the stock changer's front. Oh what you can do with a dremel tool. :-) Here's a pic...

 

Thanks very much guys - you've given me some ideas to work with. I am still alittle apprehensive about cutting up the factory headrests (I am not sure why, but I always hate messing up the factory stuff especially given the replacement costs), and I also fear the car will become a target for low life thieves.

Does anyone make some type of cover for the headrests TVs? How about some motorized ones? (Now I am probably dreaming...)

Thanks again

 

RMMGS4:

Thanks for the link - I like the install, but I doubt my wife would want to give up her 6 changer for a single DVD...So I wonder, will a small unit fit next to the 6 changer on the right? (Assuming to get rid of the little pocket that is currently there - Sorry, but I dont have the car here to look at, so I was wondering how much room is on the right of the current 6 changer.)

Also - anyone make TV kits that do not have such a "wide" headrest install kit? It seems that you lose quite a bit of available space (and potential monitor width) with some of these headrest kits (including the autotoys kit.)

Sorry for all the the dumb questions - I am still trying to figure this thing out before tearing into the job. I, like you RMM, cant have the car down for more than a day or so at a time , since it may better half's rider...

 

Hey,

I'm kinda dealing with the same dilemma...I have been looking at headrest made by a company called SAVVY...they have 6.5 and 7 inch screens with headrest custom made for your car w/a leather cover that goes over the headrest. The cover is a really tight fit so you can't tell that tv's are installed. The tv's come wired already in the post so that there are no visible wires and no need for cutting. You keep your factory headrest and the work is clean. The price is the catch they range from $650-$750 depending on the shop, but sometimes it's kinda worth it if you get to keep your factory headrest vs. having to buy new ones to replace later.

My other idea was FLIPDOWN monitors i've been looking for the 15.5 monitor, but am worried about if the unit will be flush with the ceiling and if over time will the units weight affect the ceiling cover since the sunroof is right there. I don't know. That is my dilemma with the tv's.

My dilemma with dvd player is i want the best so normally the best is the smallest (correct me if I'm wrong) so that i can put it in the front armrest standing up so that when i open it it is right there. or i can put it in the rear armrest, but that calls for more cutting. The rear armrest idead wasn't mine, it was a fellow CL members idea and is still in the process so i'm waiting for pics of the how to so i can do it or maybe just give it to a shop to handle it for me.

Well i hope this info helped and good luck!!

danny