Why not just...
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Well, I've been thinking about something a bit more drastic. 
This is just a pipe dream (like most of my automotive ideas), but is plausible and would be really sweet to see.
The basic idea: Replace the instrument panel where the digital clock is (off to the right of the main panel) with an LCD screen, while allowing it to perform the same functions and more.
The wires from the lights would be rerouted so that a small computer (most likely housed in one of the storage bins, or beneath a seat) could read them as on/off, and display an animation on the screen that corresponds to that message. On top of that, if it's a moderately powerful computer (not hard to find these days. A Pentium II will do it), adding GPS navigation and an mp3 player would be fairly easy (imagine Giess, Milkdrop, or Tripex 3 showing in that little spot) if it's tied in to the stereo system.
Would that be some slick crap? Would anyone be intrested in something like that? Just curious.
-ZenFox
This is just a pipe dream (like most of my automotive ideas), but is plausible and would be really sweet to see.The basic idea: Replace the instrument panel where the digital clock is (off to the right of the main panel) with an LCD screen, while allowing it to perform the same functions and more.
The wires from the lights would be rerouted so that a small computer (most likely housed in one of the storage bins, or beneath a seat) could read them as on/off, and display an animation on the screen that corresponds to that message. On top of that, if it's a moderately powerful computer (not hard to find these days. A Pentium II will do it), adding GPS navigation and an mp3 player would be fairly easy (imagine Giess, Milkdrop, or Tripex 3 showing in that little spot) if it's tied in to the stereo system.
Would that be some slick crap? Would anyone be intrested in something like that? Just curious.
-ZenFox
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
It's been done, actually. I wish I still had the link, but I'm sure someone else does...
Some guy took an S4 n/a, and built a show car out of it. Built his own dash w/ digital speedo, replaced the entire left side with a diginav system w LCD display. Computer-based MP3 player, big fat stereo system, the works.
He even rigged up some paintball guns in his brake ducts controlled by some buttons on his shifter, as well as some model rockets in the grille. Had a loudspeaker, too, as well as some flush neon lighting strips down the body. It's an, uh, "interesting" car. IIRC, he's since sold it.
Brandon
Some guy took an S4 n/a, and built a show car out of it. Built his own dash w/ digital speedo, replaced the entire left side with a diginav system w LCD display. Computer-based MP3 player, big fat stereo system, the works.
He even rigged up some paintball guns in his brake ducts controlled by some buttons on his shifter, as well as some model rockets in the grille. Had a loudspeaker, too, as well as some flush neon lighting strips down the body. It's an, uh, "interesting" car. IIRC, he's since sold it.
Brandon
