[K Hamlet]

I have not noticed any posts about adding DVD capabilities to the 300C. Here is what I came up with. I wanted to keep all the features that come with the stock head unit (Nav, CD changer, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, etc) and use then at the same time as video, but I also wanted DVD, so instead of removing the OEM deck and replacing it, I added a flip down Sony unit. This is their Dream System which consists of a seperate DVD player and flipdown unit (only $700 at Goodguys). It has very good quality video. I used this unit because the flipdown is small and I felt it would fit in the stock Sunroof/overhead light/sunglass holder area. I removed the stock overhead light setup as a unit (it snaps into place) and had to trim the plastic support bracketry under the headliner some. I also had to fab up a mounting bracket, very easy. I have not got around to relocating the Sunroof or garage door opener switches yet. The neat part is that the stock opening in the headliner is unmolested. The DVD player is mounted to the bottom of the package tray (pointing forward) so it can be accessed inside the car by lowering the seat back. For back seat viewing I added a seperate Pioneer unit to a canabilized mount I had left over from a previous I.C.E. install. It mounts to the pillar just behind the passengers head. The audio comes from an F.M. Modulator (until someone comes up with a hardwire fix), and the Sony unit also comes with wireless headphones that read IR from the flipdown unit. The remote sends IR control info the the flipdown unit so direct line of sight is not needed for the DVD player. There are additional headphone jacks in the Sony breakout box (where all the connections are made). So let me know what you think and if you have any questions I will try to answer them.

 

[mileshoover]

Great work on a nice mod. No one else has even come close.

Two things -- VA (my location) is an annual inspection state; having the LCD up front where the driver can see it would never fly; and with no valid inspection, no driving would be legal.

Likewise, wouldn't the CHIP's in CA get upset about the forward unit's location for the same reason and its possible interference with forward visibility? I believe it is a FED law about driver viewing of that type of screen/programs. A state could lose FED funding, etc., among other things.

 

[K Hamlet]

DVD Viewing

Same issues here is Ca. A wire is hooked up to the emergency brake switch. The video only works if the brake is set. Rear unit works all the time. I can pipe sound through speakers if I want to listen while traveling or the passenger can use headphones.

When my wife wants to spend some extra time in a store, no problem. I just go out to the car and catch some Osbornes (short time period) or a movie if some heavy duty shopping is going on.

 

[LWOOD]

Well aren't you crafty. Martha Stewart got nothin' on you!

 

[Arabian300C]

A question … asks it self
How much is it cost?

What's the system brand's name?

 

[K Hamlet]

Install cost

I have not noticed any posts about adding DVD capabilities to the 300C. Here is what I came up with. I wanted to keep all the features that come with the stock head unit (Nav, CD changer, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, etc) and use then at the same time as video, but I also wanted DVD, so instead of removing the OEM deck and replacing it, I added a flip down Sony unit. This is their Dream System which consists of a seperate DVD player and flipdown unit (only $700 at Goodguys). It has very good quality video. I used this unit because the flipdown is small and I felt it would fit in the stock Sunroof/overhead light/sunglass holder area. I removed the stock overhead light setup as a unit (it snaps into place) and had to trim the plastic support bracketry under the headliner some. I also had to fab up a mounting bracket, very easy. I have not got around to relocating the Sunroof or garage door opener switches yet. The neat part is that the stock opening in the headliner is unmolested. The DVD player is mounted to the bottom of the package tray (pointing forward) so it can be accessed inside the car by lowering the seat back. For back seat viewing I added a seperate Pioneer unit to a canabilized mount I had left over from a previous I.C.E. install. It mounts to the pillar just behind the passengers head. The audio comes from an F.M. Modulator (until someone comes up with a hardwire fix), and the Sony unit also comes with wireless headphones that read IR from the flipdown unit. The remote sends IR control info the the flipdown unit so direct line of sight is not needed for the DVD player. There are additional headphone jacks in the Sony breakout box (where all the connections are made). So let me know what you think and if you have any questions I will try to answer them.

Just reread the quote for cost. I did the install myself. Very easy mod, good weekend project.

 

[Z2SO4]

That is a really nice install, made me reconsider what I wanted. I was actually thinking of putting something else in the sunglasses holder, but this looks like it could work really well.

If you don't mind doing a walkthroug it would be much appriciated!

 

[Tibbs]

I'd like to offer a stupid question: Why not move the screen farther back, between the seats, so the rear passengers can see it better (assuming they are the intended audience)?

We just put a 10.4" in our Jeep, anything smaller and the kids needed Hubble telescope implants for viewing. I was going to do the same to the C, but after driving the Jeep with the screen down, and not being able to use the rear view mirror for anything but reading the manufacturer's label, I decided against it. Right now I'm considering two head rest screens and then a screen on the passenger visor to distract the spouse's attention away from the speedometer. But a lot of these units come with a screen in the dash unit itself. I had assumed this was for small cars that lack space...but now I'm curious, do you actually park and sit in the car and watch DVDs?

 

[Billy94Z]

Someone needs to figure out how to make the navigation unit play dvd's quick and cheap.

 

[carre']

Someone needs to figure out how to make the navigation unit play dvd's quick and cheap



there is a way to make navigation work with dvd. tyr looking for NAV-TV.

 

[K Hamlet]

That is a really nice install, made me reconsider what I wanted. I was actually thinking of putting something else in the sunglasses holder, but this looks like it could work really well.

If you don't mind doing a walkthroug it would be much appriciated!

No problem, First remove the stock sunglasses holder (snaps in place) disconnect the wire harness (lights, sunroof, Homelink or however equipped)
Since the base of the Sony flipdown is flat and the headliner is curved you have to remove a moon shaped piece from the headliner support (molded plastic). I used an air powered body saw (a mini sawzall). This will allow the headliner to flaten out when the flipdown is installed. You will have to fab up a bracket to attach the flipdown mount. I used two L shaped metal peices left over from a headunit install kit. I screwed the L shaped brakets to the flipdown mount and slid the bracket/mount into the opening and screwed it in place. One wire bundle comes from the flipdown and goes to the DVD player, I routed that around the front of the headliner, down the front passenger pillar, under the sills, to the trunk. Try to find a couple longer screws that mount the flipdown (it takes 4), this will allow you to hang the unit in alignment then replace those with the shorter screws. Of course you may want to install the DVD player to a different location. I hung mine from the rear deck facing forward so it can be accessed from the inside by flipping the seat back down. I have yet to relocate my sunroof switch. Trying to figure something trick out.

So there it is, an easy mod with fairly clean results. If I made this clear as mud, just post another question and I will do my best to answer it.

 

[K Hamlet]

DVD watching

I'd like to offer a stupid question: Why not move the screen farther back, between the seats, so the rear passengers can see it better (assuming they are the intended audience)?

We just put a 10.4" in our Jeep, anything smaller and the kids needed Hubble telescope implants for viewing. I was going to do the same to the C, but after driving the Jeep with the screen down, and not being able to use the rear view mirror for anything but reading the manufacturer's label, I decided against it. Right now I'm considering two head rest screens and then a screen on the passenger visor to distract the spouse's attention away from the speedometer. But a lot of these units come with a screen in the dash unit itself. I had assumed this was for small cars that lack space...but now I'm curious, do you actually park and sit in the car and watch DVDs?

I rarely watch a whole movie, but I watch auto related DVD's, the Ozbounes, Simpsons, you know good high quailty brain food while my wife in in the store or waiting inline at the drivethru. It is actually amazing how often I do use it. I have a sunroof so that is as far back as I could go, I did install a Pioneer 7" widescreen to the piller just behind the front seats for my rear seat passengers. Occasionally my wife views it while I'm driving, The screen rotates to keep me from watching while driving.

 

[rickshemic]

check out navtv.com they are working on one now that lets you use your nav screen.

 

[gshug]

check out navtv.com they are working on one now that lets you use your nav screen.

Boyz i have already turned my NAVI into a TV and DVD player it's great. A friend of mine does here In Brooklyn

 

[Z2SO4]

Mind filling us in as to how this can possibly be done short of driving down to brooklyn? Thanks.

 

[upstate]

Can a unit be shipped and done and returned? How much was the mod?

 

[Midnight Blue C]

i did some similar work, figured id post it to possibly give ideas and feedback to others...

to start, I had the mirros on my sunvisors taken off, and replaced with two 6.9 inch flat panel TVs, one for both the left and right side... I also had a slim DvD player installed stealthily in my center arm rest compartment, where i can control it via remote...it was fabricated nicely to rest flush against the side of the inside of the compartment, utilizing one of the side 'dips' in the box... if you have a C, you know what im talking about. Next, on the bottom of the REAR of the console, i had a RF modulator fabircated to fit with the jacks Completely Flush with the console, so i will be able to just throw whatever game system/camera/ipod into the backseat and plug it in. This is good because i will both use my PS2 and my brothers XBOX, so i did not want to go with any permanent fabrications, although my shop does great work with taking out your glovebox, shaving the handle off, and creating a hole for the interface of whichever game system you use, but its more permanent. Anyway, i also will just throw My Ipod into the Audio switch as well for easy hookup... Next, because my TV's have Two Inputs, i had a stealth black rocker switch put under the dash to the left of the drivers legs which would control which TV would feed into the AUDIO...

As stated in another post, i previously had a custom box made for the trunk holding a JL 10w7 and a JL 1000 watt amp, also with a sub-level control added inside the center arm compartment, and goddamn does it pump... Sounds great to watch a movie too...

For those worried about safety, i dont watch movies while driving, but i DID have it wired so its possible, the girlfriend likes to watch movies in the front while i drive

any questions let me know, im very happy with everything ive done... im sorry i dont have pictures to offer, i dont own a digital camera, or any camera for that matter but i have plenty of friends who i can get to help.

 

[K Hamlet]

Pictures

I, for one would love to see some pics of all your mods, sub, screens, modulator, the works. Please see if a friend can help you take and post them.

I doubt that I am alone in wanting to see pictures.

Thanks

 

[Redman]

Here's another solution which solves the State regulation problem:
http://www.mobilevideo4less.com/replacementheadrest.html
Installed two of these Headrest replacment monitors in the family SUV and they work great.
MobileVideo claims they can match the color for the 300Cs!
At that point, you can install a slimline DVD player under the front seat and a custom bracket for the PS2 right behind the back seats in the trunk. Run the controller cables forward in-between the seats, and voila - Spongebob defeats the Flying Dutchman between roundtrips to Dairy Queen.
Aint America great?