Is it possible to fit 2 single DIN units in the MK5 Gti dash?

[Emeye]

May seem a strange question, but my plan is to fit a std single DIN Alpine for top audio quality, and then above it fit a slide out VGA touchscreen to connect up to a laptop based Carputer.

Hoping to get the best of both worlds, but can I fit 2 single DIN units in the dashboard of my GTi?

Or even better, has anyone else already done this?

Cheers.

[SteveP]

Technically I would think the two headunits would fit but it would take some fabrication to support them both within the slots properly, but there could be some heat issues with the two units sitting together. 

I really like the idea of the carputer but think the double din 6.5" or 7" touchscreen route would look best and then drive all the speakers from a good 4 channel amp to ensure you still get good quality audio. 

[Emeye]

Technically I would think the two headunits would fit but it would take some fabrication to support them both within the slots properly, but there could be some heat issues with the two units sitting together. 

I really like the idea of the carputer but think the double din 6.5" or 7" touchscreen route would look best and then drive all the speakers from a good 4 channel amp to ensure you still get good quality audio. 

Thing is from my experience, carputers take ages to boot up, so by having a decent HU with AUX in, you get instant choons when you get in the car without any delay waiting for the PC to boot up. The HU would also handle Bluetooth hands free, Ipod control etc. The PC would stream some media ie videos and also internet access and poss GPS. I already hae an ASUS EEE I'm panning on using - as the glovebox has aircon I think it would go fine in there.

After looking at the dash though, I'm thinking some form of tablet style screen, installed just in front of the gear stick which can he lifted clear for the passenger or driver (when not driving!) to use may be an alternative.

If anyone else is interested I'll make sure I document the process as I go along! But first I got to make some decisions.

Cheers.

[bobotheclown]

just to bear in mind when creating a carputer, I would recommend you swap the hard disk out with an automotive grade hard disk, they have a wider operating temperature and are, in theory, more robust. These are the ones VW use in the RNS-510:

http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/menuitem.8188161d74f3d91492480021aac4f0a0/

[SteveP]

^^^ Good point Bobo but the Asus EEE Laptop emeye mentions has a solid state drive anyway. 

Emeye, I am sure you have done lots of research but have you seen any of the dedicated car pc's that now offer instant on media players (like some laptops) to get around the issue of having to wait for the system to boot up?

Also with a frontend like Centrafuse you could handle all of the other funtions you mention.

IMHO Installs based around a laptop are likely to be more trouble than they are worth 

[bobotheclown]

also if you are going to install a carputer you gotta investigate voice control and see if you can make it sound like KITT 

[SteveP]

also if you are going to install a carputer you gotta investigate voice control and see if you can make it sound like KITT 

LOL that would be good to see 

[Emeye]

also if you are going to install a carputer you gotta investigate voice control and see if you can make it sound like KITT 

LOL that would be good to see 

Especially as my name is Michael.

But the problem is KITT sounded so camp. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0jGXy8himAM&feature=related

 

[Emeye]

I came across this linked from another post on here whilst searching earlier - think it my solve my initial problem of mounting 2 single units in the dash, if I can get one in the UK.....

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/VW_MK5_DASH_KIT.html

[AlanD]

From looking at that picture and reading the text it looks as if the top bit is just a cubby whole so if you where to remove that to try and fit another single din you would just be left with a massive whole and nothing to support it, if that makes sence. StevePs idea of running a nice double din with an amp to power speakers / amp to ensure good audio quality is by far the best option imo.