Scenyx Entertainment Community

sicknasty413

Feb 1 2009, 12:08 AM

Greetings,

Picked up my new car Friday (though it isn't new, lol). It's a 1999 Mercury Cougar. It's in ridiculously good condition. Here are some miscellaneous facts about it-

-V6
-Power windows, locks, and mirrors
-Working heater and AC (aka, the polar opposite of my last car)
-Relatively new radio/deck
-Relatively new front speakers
-Relatively new tires

Here are some pictures-
IPB Image

Let me know what you guys think

Cheers,

hamwbone

Feb 1 2009, 02:40 PM

Nice

I miss my smalled 2 door (eclipse) but i dont miss steping down low into the car and sitting on my balls once a week... lol.

What you upgrading from?

sicknasty413

Feb 1 2009, 10:31 PM

lol my ol' p.o.s. 1978 Oldsmobile Omega haha

throwingks

Feb 1 2009, 10:55 PM

You gotta mod the steering wheel! And, name the car Snarf.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO3ZbQiGNkk

sicknasty413

Feb 2 2009, 05:17 AM

^ hahahahaha you're right

sicknasty413

Feb 3 2009, 06:55 AM

Alright, so I've had the car for a few days, and I love it. It's awesome. I drove to school today for the first time in like 2 months. haha.

But now I need some entertainment in it. lol. It has a relatively new deck, but I mean, come on, it doesn't even have an iPod port thing (or anything else that would allow me to hook up an MP3 player). So I'm looking at getting a new deck, but I think I want one of those flip-out screen deals. Though I'm not too sure if it'd fit, plus it seems as if the gearshift would be completely in the way. I really want some type of screen though so that I can hook up a slimbox or a computer. Being an ultimate nerd, I need these types of things on-the-go. lol

Any recommendations for flip-outs (I have no idea what they're actually called)? I don't really need one with GPS, but it wouldn't hurt. One that would allow for a future addition of GPS would be kind of cool too. But I honestly don't travel much, so it's not that big of a deal. I'd really like to find one with multiple inputs (especially HDMI, since a lot of computers don't have composite, but a lot can go from DVI->HDMI), HD Radio (well, I'm not sure, anyone know about HD Radio?), Bluetooth definitely, and an iPod port thing (that is compatible with an iPod Touch).

I think having a computer in the car would be pretty sweet. Anyone know of any mobile computing solutions? Mini-box.com seems to have some decent solutions, but the prices are kinda eh. I wouldn't mind building my own rig, but I don't know.

I don't really have any money right now, so this is all kind of theoretical/down the road. haha.

hamwbone

Feb 3 2009, 03:28 PM

i lovvvvver HD radio, nothing better then free stations. try to get it built into the deck, dont get any HD radio ready shit.

bucko

Feb 3 2009, 06:16 PM

QUOTE(sicknasty413 @ Feb 3 2009, 06:31 AM)

Alright, so I've had the car for a few days, and I love it. It's awesome. I drove to school today for the first time in like 2 months. haha.

But now I need some entertainment in it. lol. It has a relatively new deck, but I mean, come on, it doesn't even have an iPod port thing (or anything else that would allow me to hook up an MP3 player). So I'm looking at getting a new deck, but I think I want one of those flip-out screen deals. Though I'm not too sure if it'd fit, plus it seems as if the gearshift would be completely in the way. I really want some type of screen though so that I can hook up a slimbox or a computer. Being an ultimate nerd, I need these types of things on-the-go. lol

Any recommendations for flip-outs (I have no idea what they're actually called)? I don't really need one with GPS, but it wouldn't hurt. One that would allow for a future addition of GPS would be kind of cool too. But I honestly don't travel much, so it's not that big of a deal. I'd really like to find one with multiple inputs (especially HDMI, since a lot of computers don't have composite, but a lot can go from DVI->HDMI), HD Radio (well, I'm not sure, anyone know about HD Radio?), Bluetooth definitely, and an iPod port thing (that is compatible with an iPod Touch).

I think having a computer in the car would be pretty sweet. Anyone know of any mobile computing solutions? Mini-box.com seems to have some decent solutions, but the prices are kinda eh. I wouldn't mind building my own rig, but I don't know.

I don't really have any money right now, so this is all kind of theoretical/down the road. haha.

I was looking into this a while ago, when I was car browsing, it's best if you have a double din car (2CD rack basically) which yours has, I'm sure you could modify the gear shift so it's smaller right?? TS may no about that, you can also build a small computer in your boot (using mobile like VIA) and run wires to the front placing the display to where you would like it. Apparently you can get diag software to, so if anything appears wrong on your engine the computer display would pick it up. I was thinking of doing this if I did get a second hand car, so it might give me a hint at what's wrong.

Also for Ipod get an FM transmitter (or whatever radio waves you use) there about £30 here and you just tune your radio into your Ipod also if another (say friends car) is following or infront they can listen to on some on the same channel.

sicknasty413

Feb 5 2009, 01:43 AM

Thanks for the replies

@ hamwbone - Sounds good. I'll definitely find one with HD built-in

@ bucko - Good idea about the diagnostic software, that'd be really interesting. As for an iPod FM transmitter, eh... a few of my friends have them and they're not that great, but I guess it depends which brand you get. I'd much prefer a permanent iPod solution, or -at the very least-, one with a 2.5mm (or is 3.5mm?) jack.

bucko

Feb 5 2009, 11:15 PM

QUOTE(sicknasty413 @ Feb 5 2009, 01:19 AM)

Thanks for the replies

@ hamwbone - Sounds good. I'll definitely find one with HD built-in

@ bucko - Good idea about the diagnostic software, that'd be really interesting. As for an iPod FM transmitter, eh... a few of my friends have them and they're not that great, but I guess it depends which brand you get. I'd much prefer a permanent iPod solution, or -at the very least-, one with a 2.5mm (or is 3.5mm?) jack.

I looked into to it the other day, you need at least OBD2 for software readouts on a PC

OBD1 is pretty good though if you just get a code scanner.

Here is some links I found that may be of interest (regarding OBD2).

http://www.chetcodigital.com/vGauge/vDash.htm

Edit another software app, see the PDF some good screens.

http://www.palmerperformance.com/products/pcmscan/index.php

^ software looks really good but many more software as well

http://www.sterntech.com/obdii.php

^ an open source OBD2 code reader

I think you can download info from this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-OBD2-OBD-II-Diag...tem?refid=store

^ I think this is for VW cars but other similar items exist

It's really cheaper to get a £14 code reader and check it up on the net but for geekness stuff that I like the software readouts look amazing, and I have a netbook to. apparently the connection has to be 3feet from the drivers pedals by international law. It be nice to have it running on a car computer as well, but it would pay for it self. It's what most car repair places use anyway apparently and you can fix it your self and wipe the engine code so your car can pass MOT

once you update the log books you have fixed it.

ubernewb

Feb 6 2009, 10:38 AM

sorry, but that's not a double din opening.. you could make one fit, but you're looking at quite a bit of modification and fabrication in order for it to not look of complete ass.

besides, engine monitoring and management simply isn't worth the expense unless you are running a heavily modified car.

get yourself a basic indash and call it a day.. leaving yourself open for gps is good, but nowadays it's better to just get one at the beginning if you're thinking about it at all. buying it in seperate pieces will end up costing you quite a bit more in the long run. and then there's no guarantee that the deck you have today will work with the nav add-on you buy later on.

sicknasty413

Feb 8 2009, 09:42 PM

Not a double din, say what!? What size is it then? I'm car-illiterate, so bear with me. lol

And a basic in-dash? Aren't those all double din?

throwingks

Feb 8 2009, 10:12 PM

Single DIN is about 7" x 2". Double DIN is about 7" x 4". That looks to be in between 2" and 4", So you would have to shave to make a double DIN fit.

lordvader129

Feb 9 2009, 12:08 AM

QUOTE(throwingks @ Feb 8 2009, 01:48 PM)

Single DIN is about 7" x 2". Double DIN is about 7" x 4". That looks to be in between 2" and 4", So you would have to shave to make a double DIN fit.

its probably the ford-sized opening, which is bigger than DIN but smaller than double DIN (although from the pic it looks larger than ford, but IIRC ubernewb is an expert in this catagory)

QUOTE(sicknasty413 @ Feb 8 2009, 01:18 PM)

And a basic in-dash? Aren't those all double din?

they make single DIN dvd players/screens

IPB Image

Mikesshunk

Feb 9 2009, 04:11 AM

I'm loving the license plate. Probably the geekiest one I've ever seen.
Nice car by the way.
And @ lordvader, I'm pretty sure that would be a Ford sized opening. I don't know much about cars but if I'm not mistaken, doesn't Ford own mercury?

sicknasty413

Feb 9 2009, 05:54 AM

I understand what you're all saying, but perhaps (just maybe) you guys are mistaken. Let me explain. That's obviously not the factory-installed dash that the car came with. So my theory is that the black plastic thing was used to convert the double din opening into a single one, so that the single din dash could be mounted. Perhaps (just maybe) this adapter is making you guys think that it is not double din. I don't know.. just thinking out loud.

I went out and measured the opening, sans the black adapter thing, and it measured to be 4in. Then I measured the opening, counting the black adapter thing, and it measured to be about 3.5in. So if a double din dash doesn't need a similar black adapter thing for mounting, then one should fit, but if it does need something like that, then I can see that it wouldn't fit.

But who knows. Like I said before, I'm car-illiterate. lol

lostboyz

Feb 9 2009, 07:28 AM

im assuming ubernewb knows what hes talking about since he is (or at least was) an installer

throwingks

Feb 9 2009, 07:36 AM

I don't know for sure, but it looks like a 1 1/2 to me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKXTN...me=&seller=

yaazz

Feb 9 2009, 08:43 PM

My suggestion if it turns out to be double din:
Put a 7 inch touch screen in the dash, make yourself a mobile car pc, mount it under the dash.
Fit PC with WIFI, GPS, DVD, and any other fancy shit you can think of
Awesomely pimping car stereo for cheap!

This is what I am doing for my next car....

sicknasty413

Feb 10 2009, 08:55 AM

@ lordvader129- Yeah, I know they make those single DIN screens that flip out and such, I just thought "in-dash" referred to the screens that were completely.. you know.. in the dash. I'm probably completely wrong, but that's just what I always thought. I may end up going with single DIN screen like that though. We'll see.

@ yaazz- haha yeah, that's what I hope to do.. eventually. But I'll be going off to college soon, so idk if I want to bother (as I doubt I'll be taking my car). We'll see.

Dano2k0

Feb 10 2009, 09:40 PM

Don't know if youve seen mine or not, but its a motorised single din pioneer unit, has onboard GPS and ive got a 6 disk changer in the boot.

Please excuse the at this point in-progress work, the glovebox was out on the left at the time of pics.

IPB Image

A great unit, don't know how you'd get on with one in your car, i didn't take much notice of the dash.

Not a bad looking car either by the way.

sicknasty413

Feb 10 2009, 11:47 PM

That's a nice setup you have there. Hopefully I can get something similar. And I totally just freaked out, I was like, "Why the hell are there speedometers and other gauges and such on the right!?!?" Then I remembered you're not from the U.S. haha.

throwingks

Feb 11 2009, 12:16 AM

^ No, he just reversed the image. That is a Reenoip deck. They are really good.

lordvader129

Feb 11 2009, 12:23 AM

QUOTE(sicknasty413 @ Feb 10 2009, 03:23 PM)

That's a nice setup you have there. Hopefully I can get something similar. And I totally just freaked out, I was like, "Why the hell are there speedometers and other gauges and such on the right!?!?" Then I remembered you're not from the U.S. haha.

heh, i thought the same thing, when i read the part about his glovebox being i though "theres a dashboard in a glovebox..." then i came to a conclusion that made much more sense, lol

Dano2k0

Feb 11 2009, 12:42 PM

Haha, yeah sorry really should have put in my post i'm from the UK so to excuse everything been on the other side of the car

commandersafi

Feb 13 2009, 06:41 AM

Heres my little setup...I like to keep things simple though, no touch screen headunits for me

lordvader129

Feb 13 2009, 07:00 AM

QUOTE(commandersafi @ Feb 12 2009, 10:17 PM)

Heres my little setup...I like to keep things simple though, no touch screen headunits for me

heh, wheres the audio cable going?

and what year is that (thinking 95ish?) and is it a GT?

commandersafi

Feb 13 2009, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(lordvader129 @ Feb 13 2009, 12:36 AM)

heh, wheres the audio cable going?

and what year is that (thinking 95ish?) and is it a GT?

The audio cable is going to my center console for my ipod/iphone (usually i have my nano in there because thats my in car ipod, but sometimes i take it out to charge it and forget it so i use my iphone)
IPB Image

And its a '00. Not a GT, but it has a couple tricks up its sleeves

. And a nice BIG addition will be put on around summer time (that is of course if i dont decided to get rid of this car and upgrade to a GT...I'm kinda torn as to what i should do atm)
IPB Image

grim_d

Feb 13 2009, 03:47 PM

^

ever been on busted?

car looks very much like some dude who gubbed some weed to try not get done.

lordvader129

Feb 13 2009, 09:13 PM

QUOTE(commandersafi @ Feb 12 2009, 11:02 PM)

And its a '00. Not a GT, but it has a couple tricks up its sleeves

. And a nice BIG addition will be put on around summer time (that is of course if i dont decided to get rid of this car and upgrade to a GT...I'm kinda torn as to what i should do atm)

heh, i was off, the dash looks exactly like my 98 GT except mine has a little trapdoor over the cig lighter, i guessed yours was older because it didnt have the door, lol

of course now my car needs a new engine, so im debating getting a new engine (and potentially being in this position again in a year) or getting an 05 or 06 GT

lostboyz

Feb 14 2009, 12:53 AM

the didnt change the interior on the mustang until the current model since the mid 90s

lordvader129

Feb 14 2009, 01:40 AM

QUOTE(lostboyz @ Feb 13 2009, 04:29 PM)

the didnt change the interior on the mustang until the current model since the mid 90s

after some research i find it was the 94-98s that had the little door over the lighter (i thought it was 96-later)

i also though in 99 they switched to a double din radio bezel, but i guess that was later (i know 02s have them) so thats why i thought his was older

anyway, its a nice stang commandersafi

i wanted to get those same wheels for mine, lol

commandersafi

Feb 14 2009, 02:13 AM

QUOTE(lordvader129 @ Feb 13 2009, 02:49 PM)

heh, i was off, the dash looks exactly like my 98 GT except mine has a little trapdoor over the cig lighter, i guessed yours was older because it didnt have the door, lol

of course now my car needs a new engine, so im debating getting a new engine (and potentially being in this position again in a year) or getting an 05 or 06 GT

I'd say get the 06 GT. First because their record is really clean (the 05 had some problems with teh weather stripping and minor engine problems). And I think the S197 mustangs interior is so much nicer than the new edge mustangs.

QUOTE(lordvader129 @ Feb 13 2009, 07:16 PM)

after some research i find it was the 94-98s that had the little door over the lighter (i thought it was 96-later)

i also though in 99 they switched to a double din radio bezel, but i guess that was later (i know 02s have them) so thats why i thought his was older
anyway, its a nice stang commandersafi

i wanted to get those same wheels for mine, lol

Thanks. And i love the wheels too, I get compliments on them daily. The comment that comes up the most is "Daymn, those are some wide tires!"

sicknasty413

Feb 16 2009, 12:25 AM

Thanks for jacking my thread guys

So I've been lookin' around at flip-out single DIN units (since I guess we're at the consensus that my car doesn't have a true double DIN opening?).. so I was wondering what you guys thought of this.

QUOTE

General Features:

* In-dash DVD, CD, MP3 Player with BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH Capability, USB, SD Slot, iPod Connection Cable and Remote
* iPod interface cable included for iPod controls, charging and playback
* Built-in HD Radio Tuner allows the reception of high quality HD Radio signals for clean and clear reception with no subscription fee or additional tuner purchase required
* Built-in Bluetooth technology supports hands-free calling with a compatible Bluetooth phone
* Flip-out retractable face
* 7" LCD touchscreen display
* Wireless remote control included
* Blue button lighting
* Power Output:
o Peak: 60 watts x 4 channels
o RMS: 18 watts x 4 channels
* MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
* 1-year Manufacturer's warranty

Playback and Audio Features:

* Playback of CD, CD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW (including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files), SVCD, VCD, DivX, DVDs, DVD+Rs, and XviD
* Picture-in-picture capable
* Dual-zone capable
* Dolby Digital and Pro-Logic II/5.1 with Time Delay
* DVD signal-to-noise: ratio 95 dB
* FM sensitivity: 10 dB

Expandability Options:

* 3 Sets of 4V preamp outputs (front, rear, and subwoofer)
* Navigation Ready: Jensen NAV101 navigation add-on module required and sold separately
* XM Satellite Radio Ready: A subscription is required for service as well as the Jensen XM Radio Package
* HD Radio Ready: FREE HD Radio tuner module included for clear radio reception and no subscription fee
* Bluetooth Ready: Built-in Bluetooth wireless technology
* iPod interface cable included for iPod controls, charging and playback
* Included remote-mount MediaLink4 auxiliary input module: includes USB connector, minijack, iPod cable connector, and RCA jacks
* SD Card reader
* 2 Audio/video inputs
* 2 Video outputs
* Rear camera input

It's $420, what do you guys think? The only thing I noticed about it was that it's RMS output is only 18w per channel

For an extra $200, you can get the same package, but it also includes their GPS module.

IPB Image

commandersafi

Feb 16 2009, 02:33 AM

QUOTE(sicknasty413 @ Feb 15 2009, 06:01 PM)

Thanks for jacking my thread guys

lol sorry 'bout that

lordvader129

Feb 16 2009, 02:57 AM

QUOTE(sicknasty413 @ Feb 15 2009, 04:01 PM)

Thanks for jacking my thread guys

So I've been lookin' around at flip-out single DIN units (since I guess we're at the consensus that my car doesn't have a true double DIN opening?).. so I was wondering what you guys thought of this.
It's $420, what do you guys think? The only thing I noticed about it was that it's RMS output is only 18w per channel

For an extra $200, you can get the same package, but it also includes their GPS module.

IPB Image

that looks cool, same kind of setup i had been shopping for to use in my old car for a long time

i like the little input box so you can mount it somewhere handy

sicknasty413

Feb 16 2009, 04:03 AM

Yeah it looks pretty sweet. I see 2 problems though. I'm not sure if there's enough clearance, height wise... And my gearshifter would definitely be in the way of it opening... So idk what I'd do lol

throwingks

Feb 16 2009, 04:30 AM

Carputer:
https://www.xenarcdirect.com/product.php?pr...=249&page=1

sicknasty413

Feb 16 2009, 05:31 AM

haha that's awesome.. I think I'd rather build my own setup though.

So yeah, I just drove back from my friend's house and was looking at the possibilities of a single DIN flip-out.. and I don't see it happening. If my current deck was replaced with a single DIN flip-out, it'd have to stick out at least 2in.. and that's just ugly. If it was possible to flip the black converter box thing so that the single DIN mounting area was at the bottom (oppose to the top, like it is now), it may be able to fit and open (in reference to height, but it'd still be cutting it close).. but like I said, the gear-shifter would totally be in the way of it opening.

So now I'm only seeing the possibility of somehow mounting a double DIN screen, if anything. The damn gear-shifter would still be in the 'viewing' way.

This is so troublesome. lol