DIY Network

Mobile A/V System: Rear-Seat LCD Monitor From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-311

The newly installed rear LCD-panel.

In this segment of DIY's Weekend Mechanic, host Bruce Bonebrak installs a ceiling-mounted 7-inch LCD monitor in the rear seat of a mini-van. This is the second LCD monitor installed as part of this mobile A/V-system upgrade.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.) and the installation kits, some of the specialty tools used in this episode included cordless drill, wire cutters and strippers, utility knife and wire hook. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools will is optional, but may be very helpful for this project.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Project: This job requires some wiring and soldering, but the installations are all fairly straightforward and not unlike installing a home stereo-system. We gave it a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish this job. Depending on the system you choose and your vehicle, your work time could vary. Allow yourself a full weekend to complete this project properly.

advertisement

Pedestal-Mount LCD Monitor

• The rear LCD panel is installed onto the van ceiling using a versatile pedestal-mount (figure A). The mount comes with adhesive backing already in place, and it can be attached to a windshield or dash. We opted to attach ours to a plywood base-plate (as with the forward LCD panel installed in the previous segment) installed above the van's headliner just behind the rear dome light. The attaching plate was also concealed by the headliner so that only the pedestal itself was visible.

• Once attached to the ceiling, the mount slides into a slot built into the back of the LCD panel (figure B). The wires at the back of the panel include the video-out line, two power leads and a ground wire. Wiring this unit is fairly simple.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  
  

• Start by removing the rear dome light and disconnecting it's wiring harness.

• To make the installation easier, remove the passenger-side rear seat (figure C). If that is not possible, try laying the seat all the way back. Also remove the seatbelt retainer and pillar trim from the passenger side of the vehicle.

  With the trim removed, you can drop down the headliner just enough to slide in the plywood LCD-mounting board. We cut our plywood panel to size so that it would fit through the rear dome-light opening. The pedestal mount should be positioned so that it can be secured to the plywood and centered behind the dome light (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  
  

• Once you've determined the positioning and measured how far the mount stem will be from the headliner edge, mark the location on the headliner using the mount itself as a template. Also mark the center-point of the light hole to ensure that the mount will be centered. Carefully outline the area that will need to be cut out and removed (figure E). Cut out the area using a razor knife.

• Measure and mark the location where the mount will be centered on the board, then secure the mount at that location by peeling off the adhesive backing and pressing the mount into position (figure F). We also used 1/2-inch wood screws to secure the mount to the board. We then backed the board with foam tape to ensure a tight fit above the headliner and to prevent the board from rattling when the van is on the road.

  Important: If you use wood screws, make certain that they do not extend beyond the back of the board.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  
  

• Pull down gently on the headliner -- only a few inches -- and insert the board (figure G). Push the board back until the mount stem rests securely in the cut-out slot.

• Attach the slotted mount on the LCD panel to the mount on the board, and position the panel to the side (figure H).

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  Figure I

  
  

• Now you can wire the LCD panel. First, extend the video cable, then crimp on an extension for the 12-volt power cable, the orange accessory-wire that turns on the LCD, and the ground wire (figure I).Wrap all cables in automotive electrical tape.

• Feed the wrapped wires across the headliner and over to the roof pillar. These wires will also be routed to the front-seat area.

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896