Is it possible to customize the center dash console for the incorporation of a navigation/Bluetooth/sound system? Is there a custom dash already made for this upgrade?

Thanks to all form the forum on the planet!!

 

No there is no custom aftermarket dash. My suggestion is to find a separate dash and customize that, or better yet just purchase another glovebox door (or have one fabricated) and set the nav into that.

In my case, since my car was already "incorrect" in so many other ways I did modify my dash center stack slightly to accomodate a standard DIN sized radio (Kenwood, which I believe still makes the only player that plays discs even while mounted vertically.) My new Kenwood player has HD Radio, USB, iPod and a mini jack interface right on the face, and it cost under $90 at Crutchfield. My DIN radio weighs a LOT less than the original AM FM that I now keep stored away.

I notched the upper and lower area of the existing radio cutout and had an aluminum panel fabbed to fit neatly between the two coves, covering the original radio **** holes and sitting on the center face panel up to the bottom edge of the speaker. The end result looks pretty good and later I'll add some pics as I still don't have any of the finished product. In addition to the functionality I like how it visually separates the two coves, accentuates the clock. The aluminum is brushed to match the glove box door so it looks very original.

I have seen other executions with a din-sized radio mounted just above the clock position, and the clock moved down (hey, it's just fiberglass work, after all.) This would allow you to have a flip up video/nav screen there, but personally don't like anything cluttering my field of view. To that end, I've even seen a custom box built above the speaker grill but that was the absolutely least attractive option IMHO.

For myself I prefer external nav units as they are portable, easily removable, cheaper, easier to update, etc. I would not give up my glovebox. I keep my external NAV down low on the shifter console, just forward of the shifter and my small Sirius Starmate tuner sits on velcro right above the shifter plate. This way I can route the wires discreetly between the center pad to the back and the Sirius sat antenna works perfectly through the decklid.

When travelling, all this stuff (and my radio faceplate) comes off in seconds, displaying nothing in my convertible anyone would want to grab. I use a clear plastic console protector made for C2's that also has two coin/cupholders so the console doesn't get scratched.

 

61retro made a pop-up display where his speaker was, so i would say that anything is possible..
Bill

 

I'll just echo what has mostly already been said.. don't know of any aftermarket center consoles, but they are very easy to modify and you're only limited by your imagination. Mike C. (61retro) fit a slick pop-up screen system underneath the dash center speaker. Since then, LCD screens have gotten thinner/lighter so you could have more options now. I was wondering if one of the units cadillac has which is motorized vertically would fit also since this would require less custom work. I haven't been able to find a source for the unit though or first, the dimensions to know!

 

I have a 64 rag top that I have retrofited with an everything system. I have in one neat display the following: AM, FM, CD Changer, IPOD, GPS, Bluetooth, 8 speakers, 600 AMPS, Video.

The system works great.

If you look in past forums, you will be able to see my posting under both C2 and C3 forums. I have included many photos.

I don't know how to link this post to my past post.

The heart of the system is a Kenwood/Garmin system.

When I have the 60's playing, they can hear me from three countys away.

Good Luck, David

 

Here's a link to the thread with pics . . . . .

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...eo-system.html

 

Check this out....no reason this couldn't be done with a navigation system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx7VUmG7878

 

Now that's a pretty cool installation!! (The power hood and the engine underneath aren't bad, either!!)

 

Whats a "DIN sized radio". I know, I'm old .....

 

Google DIN Sized Radio could have told you faster, but it's the standard familiar size for automotive radios.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_7736