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Any interest in a 1.5 DIN Car Computer for 84-89 Vettes?
Is anyone interested in the idea of a drop-in car computer replacement for the 1.5 DIN BOSE head unit found in 1984-1989 C4's?
I've already gathered some research and materials to start this project.
My foremost priority is to build a unit that looks like it could have been OEM. No dashboard hacks, no chrome trim, just more of the F-14A Tomcat styling already in the car.
My research tells me that there were 206,218 Corvettes built between 1984 and 1989 and of those built, 184,253 (89.35%) had the BOSE system installed in them. Unfortunately the 1.5 DIN size and the fact that these cars are aging and the BOSE head units are no longer serviceable leads me to conclude that there is a sizable group of owners who could benefit from this project.
Here's a list of items that I believe can be incorporated into this project over time (in no particular order):
WiFi for loading MP3/MPEG media from home network
Cellular connectivity for internet on the road
OBD1 Diagnostic display
MP3 Audio player
MPEG Video player
GPS Navigation
Keyfob door and hatch lock/unlock
FM Radio
Backup Camera
It's an ambitious project but if it is broken down into achievable steps I believe it can be done. The side benefit of having a Linux based computer at its core is that it can customized as needed.
So what do you think?
Last edited by LWesthaver; 01-31-2017 at 12:34 AM.
Sounds like an interesting project idea. I might suggest to leave out the cell functions and rely on the users phone that is connected to it now. Also I like the idea of a LINUX or Android OS based system. Then we could also run diag apps like Torque.
Sounds like an interesting project idea. I might suggest to leave out the cell functions and rely on the users phone that is connected to it now.
Yeah, I see what you're saying. Building cellular connectivity into the head unit would require you to have a separate cell phone account which means an extra monthly expense.
If the head unit connects to your cell phone via BlueTooth or WiFi for internet connectivity you avoid the extra hardware and the extra expense.
Here's a picture of the front panel overlay taken from a defunct BOSE head unit with a 5" diagonal touch screen in the space once occupied by the digital display and cassette player. I think this could work out nicely.
01-25-2017, 02:25 PM
Any interest in a 1.5 DIN Car Computer for 84-89 Vettes?
