Boxster S install with modified fascia

Replaces my old Neo in my 2000 Boxster S. What a difference!

Created a new front panel with amber, clear anti-glare and flat black layers. Fabricated a joystick to activate the four control buttons and attached a standard knob to make the rotary control easier to use. Nothing done that can't be easily restored.

Still needs a little "industrial design" but should reduce risk of theft along with some improvement in user interface.

Wow, impressive. The joystick is a nice touch.

Could you give us a little more info on how you attached the joysticl? It looks impressive and very stock.

Attached is a photo before I added an end cap to the shaft and trimmed down the aluminum piece.

The shaft is a 1/4" OD threaded shaft, and the aluminum piece rocks the switches. It needs to be carefully bent to get just the right feel without pushing more than one button at a time. It floats in place when the panel layers are attached.

There's a lip glued to one edge of the underside of the filter layer to keep the aluminum piece from rotating.

I'll try to post some photos of the various other pieces if there's interest.

Impressive. Reminds me of all the time I spent modifying and repairing the old Atari 4-button joysticks for use with my C-64.

I'm curious. With the handle and fascia removed, is it tough to transport that player into the house to load music onto it? How tough is the alternate fascia to take off?

Wow, verrrry nice. Joystick! DUH! That's such a great idea. Nice work! It integrates very well with the dash.

We're going to have to have a new contest category at empeg owner meets... most moded empeg!

The joystick and two 1/8" acrylic panels (amber filter layer and clear anti-glare layer) are strong enough that I can pull on the joystick to wiggle the unit out (but don't tell the thieves this). I use the four factory threaded studs to hold the two panels on with flat head screws.

The top flat black 1/8" layer is attached with a little double stick carpet tape. This avoids the need for screw holes.

It all comes apart quite easily. I'll try to post some pictures in the next few days.

If you want a photo gallery on Riocar.org for this, just let me know. All you need is a registered account over there (the logo account you have is seperate from riocar.org)

Thanks Drakino. I'll let you know if I get that far along in documenting my install.

In the meantime, here are some pictures:
Attached are the three prototype panels and the rear view of the joystick.

And here is what the amber and anti-glare panels look like mounted with the joystick underneath. The bottom shot is what it looks like with the front panel attached.

I think you've inspired me to cover my empeg with a piece of smoke plastic so only the display is visible when turned on(the buttons would be hidden and the unit controlled from the steering wheel and remote). I think you've started something here.

That's really sweet. Looks like it fits right in with the rest of the Boxster decor.

Where'd you find the color acrylic panels?

maybe i'll do something like this for the audi once I get 802.11b going to the car ... I'm thinking it would be a permanent mount.

g

I bought the panels from Tap Plastics http://www.tapplastics.com/ . They have a store near me, sell the plastic by the square inch, and will cut it to size for free. I actually feel guilty that it's so cheap and usually end up buying other stuff that I often don't really need.

They can also do additional routing, drilling and related work for a reasonable labor charge.

WOW!
That's really sweet. It gives me some better ideas on how I can do my install in my Tacoma, assuming I can fit it in deep enough.

hmm, which type of plastic do you use for the faceplate? I've been tempted to try some things with my empeg and think this might help. You happen to have the measurements still handy? (If not I guess I'll have to stop being lazy, and I'll just take the fascia off and measure mine.

The three layers are all 1/8" acrylic and cut to fill the full DIN opening of 7 3/8 x 2 3/8.

My approach is different than replacing the factory filter, which is smaller and thinner....not sure what you're trying to do.

Hope this helps.