Hey all, i just got myself a little 4 banger mazda b2300 not to long ago and havent really done much with it so far, so this weekend i decided to fix that.

This is my first post here, i have this posted on a few other forums im a part of but i figured id share what i have goin on in here since i havent seen a lot of people with these trucks go this direction.

Anyway.. here ya go.

Late last week my neat little MSI wind 10" netbook decided to finally crap out on me after a few drops and awkward maneuvers so being quite discouraged i figured at why not make it into something useful.

So here is the progress iv made since late friday night, iv gotten the lcd case molded in and still have some light sanding/shaping and some build up to flush the front screen bezel in, iv relocated the radios stock location to the space of the ac controls ( the ac doesnt work currently, saving for a new compressor and condensor ) ill post the progress of the new cover panel for it once the pc is running smoothly.


Heres the truck, it might not look like much but its a great runner with a little paint it will look like new here one day... the rims will be smaller, and the truck will be lower when i can afford to bag this thing, until then stfu about the ride height.


The bezel, sorry but not before pictures but can be found easily on google and is the same as the ford ranger.


The lcd case, front and back held together by a series of clips and 4 screws.




With a good helping of epoxy, epoxy putty and ca glue iv managed to secure the back of the screen case into the bezel and are now one, i did have to sacrifice my center air vents, and relocate the radio to the ac vent space, this shot i was testing fitment and getting mounting ideas for the ac controls.



This is where i plan to mount the motherboard, its a plastic support piece thats perfect.



This is how the power connectors from the battery and motherboard meet, they dont interlock just make contact...yet


I decided to remove the battery cells from the case and extend the power harness out and glue the connectors together to let me mount the battery cells somewhere secure.






Iv taped up the battery cells and zip wrapped with a few zip ties to keep the tape from moving, i just forgot to take a picture of it afterward.

Once i got everything sorted out with fitment i started working on relocating the radio, i used pieces of the dash kits din opening for my template.










For now thats all iv got so far, and im actually uploading everything from this mess right now

 

Wow, that is seriously impressive. Wireless keyboard and mouse would be sweeter

 

Nice work so far. Where are you planning on putting the heater controls?

 

The keyboard i have in the picture is just a wired usb spare for whatever reason i may need one, this is the keyboard i plan to use.

Newegg.com - ione KBP20 Silver & Black 87 Normal Keys RF Wireless Ultra slim size design Keyboard

Or i may take it in another direction and use some code iv found online to use microsofts wireless xbox 360 controller with the chatpad as a mouse and keyboard.

Im still undecided though =D.

 

In the picture towards the top where im holding the hvac controls where the change/cig flip out trays are supposed to be, thats where i plan to mount them and make myself a new molded panel and mount there.

 

I'd go with the wireless keyboard, it would be easier to use

 

The keyboard situation is different for everyone, in my blazer's setup carpc i dont even have a keyboard or mouse, i only use the on screen keyboard viewer, there really isnt much typing going on in the car for me and keeps down on batteries and having an akward keyboard in your lap, eventually i may just go ahead and buy a touch overlay for this monitor anyway and have no use for an external keyboard

Well just have to wait and see

 

Neat idea, looks pretty sweet so far, cant wait to see it finished

 

I'd just use my iphone lol

 

yeah thats a ton more baller than an i phone! thats rad dude! keep us posted!

 

Not everyone can afford an iphone... i would be one of them haha

 

Whats the point of this? What will you be using it for?

Making good progress so far though!

 

That's pretty awesome!

 

For the most part.. just because i can, the netbook is no bueno by itself due to broken parts and pieces of the casing, but it will give me all the conveniences that a computer offers everywhere i go, but on a daily basis it will allow me to have my entire music/video collection available for my pleasure on the go along with wifi capabilities i mean, you almost cant go anywhere these days without seeing an open hotspot, ill have the ability to have on screen diagnostics in real time, able to read and clear codes and plus.. its just cool man.

Check out the setup i have in my blazer, everywhere i go it gets attention and its just great advertising and proof of what i can do, something you cant put on a resume either



anyway on a side note, myself and a few friends of mine have been working...very slowly haha, on using a computer + usb controlled relay boards with a custom front end to eliminate the need for any switches in the car for things like controlling lights, stereo accessories air or hydraulic suspension basically anything that is electronically controlled... we have a few fairly important people that have shown some interest that will help us get it out into the world once we actually have something fully working.

 

^^^That is SICK!!!

 

Why thank you sir, your compliments highlighted by noticeable capitol lettering are greatly appreciated

 

Cool deal, I'd love to see it run real-time OBD info. That would be pretty sweet for data logging.

I wasn't dissing your idea any, I was just curious on how you were going to use it. Sounds pretty sweet

 

wow the blazer set up is badass! can't wait to see the finished product in the mazda

 

Lol! This is pretty cool

 

I gotcha man, just wanted to fully explain everything i want it to do for me and for anyone else who might have wondered to, wasn't making a stab at you or anything

 

Impressive mod.

Reminds me of a video I saw on YouTube.... a guy installed an iPad in his dash.

 

This is sick. You got me thinking now lol.

 

This is sweet I wish I knew how to refab the bezel to fit an lcd..and deck....Looks like i will just be bolting down my old laptop stand and putting in a new deck with an aux in......sucks because I really like the look of stock...great work

 

Theres a few impressive ipad installs iv seen, everyone thinks my blazer has one for some reason. mp3car.com has a whole dedicate forum for ipad installs and projects you should check them out sometime.

Its really not as tough as you would think man, im only about 15 bucks into this project considering i already had all of the hardware and i had some left over fiberglass filler, as long as you take your time and be patient with it and start with a good plan, it can be done.

 

I just ordered 2 pairs of Polk's DB571 coaxials , Iv always been a huge polk fan but never had any polk gear, this is the first time in a whiiiile iv stepped away from my arc audio swag lol.

Also, you guys should check this ebay store out, its where i ordered the speakers from and also a remote start alarm a few weeks ago.

csb electronics items - Get great deals on Car Specific Dash Install Kits items on eBay Stores!