Dave's Astra G with Car PC
- Thread starter Dave One
- Start date
Dave One
Regular Member
MID conversion started
At long last I have started my MID conversion. This is the stalk controlled Multi-Function Display (MFD) that provides range, fuel consumption, engine temp and other such information.
I was keen to retain the original loom to allow a 'return to standard' and eventually managed to source a 32 pin plug from a donor Astra, as mentioned earlier in my autobiog. I worked out that a PCB header would have the correct spacing to allow me to create a patch lead for all the wires that needed to be connected to the Triple Information Display (TID) - original wiring. That's about as far as I've got but hope to do some more later this week.
PCB header pins.
The loom with patch lead thus far
Fitted to TID plug, but not fully pushed in - just showing the spacing. Notice pin 2 not connected - this is radio information and if left off the date will remain showing when the aftermarket headunit is switched on.
The other wires labelled up ready for car installation
.
At long last I have started my MID conversion. This is the stalk controlled Multi-Function Display (MFD) that provides range, fuel consumption, engine temp and other such information.
I was keen to retain the original loom to allow a 'return to standard' and eventually managed to source a 32 pin plug from a donor Astra, as mentioned earlier in my autobiog. I worked out that a PCB header would have the correct spacing to allow me to create a patch lead for all the wires that needed to be connected to the Triple Information Display (TID) - original wiring. That's about as far as I've got but hope to do some more later this week.
PCB header pins.
The loom with patch lead thus far
Fitted to TID plug, but not fully pushed in - just showing the spacing. Notice pin 2 not connected - this is radio information and if left off the date will remain showing when the aftermarket headunit is switched on.
The other wires labelled up ready for car installation
.
Dave One
Regular Member
HID Ballast location
I have recently taken my front bumper off to tidy up the HID ballasts, especially now I have three pairs. The ballasts are all ultra slim 35 watt units. The drivers side didn't present any problems at all but the passengers side is really tight for space........
The drivers side HID ballasts.
The drivers side Fog HID ballast is secured by sticky pads and a ty-wrap.
The dipped and main sat nicely next to each other.
The passenger side main (the Silver Phillips ballast) could fit where the drivers side did but the dipped had to go behind the headlight near the washer bottle (not ideal but......).
And the passenger side Fog HID ballast was also secured with sticky pads and ty-wraps (pic taken before ty-wrap applied).
I have recently taken my front bumper off to tidy up the HID ballasts, especially now I have three pairs. The ballasts are all ultra slim 35 watt units. The drivers side didn't present any problems at all but the passengers side is really tight for space........
The drivers side HID ballasts.
The drivers side Fog HID ballast is secured by sticky pads and a ty-wrap.
The dipped and main sat nicely next to each other.
The passenger side main (the Silver Phillips ballast) could fit where the drivers side did but the dipped had to go behind the headlight near the washer bottle (not ideal but......).
And the passenger side Fog HID ballast was also secured with sticky pads and ty-wraps (pic taken before ty-wrap applied).
Attachments
Dave One
Regular Member
GSi/coupe interior lamp fitted
I originally changed my standard interior lamp to a Vectra B smoked interior lamp but wasn't all that keen on it.
The GSi/coupe interior lamp was easy enough to install as I already had the ignition live feed from the cigarette lighter and up the A-pillar. I little searching on AOC gave me the necessay connections, particularly for the map reading light to work.
The GSi/coupe interior lamp fitted.
I wasn't keen on the colour of the bulbs, especially after the effort with the externally HIDs and number plate bulb. Light on.
I fitted white LED 501 bulbs. Combination shot.....
Complete change. Interior light on.
Map reading lights on.
Next up is the GSi rear interior lamp.
I originally changed my standard interior lamp to a Vectra B smoked interior lamp but wasn't all that keen on it.
The GSi/coupe interior lamp was easy enough to install as I already had the ignition live feed from the cigarette lighter and up the A-pillar. I little searching on AOC gave me the necessay connections, particularly for the map reading light to work.
The GSi/coupe interior lamp fitted.
I wasn't keen on the colour of the bulbs, especially after the effort with the externally HIDs and number plate bulb. Light on.
I fitted white LED 501 bulbs. Combination shot.....
Complete change. Interior light on.
Map reading lights on.
Next up is the GSi rear interior lamp
.Attachments
Dave One
Regular Member
Car PC Voice Recognition
It's been a while since my last post but I have been tinkering with the Car PC a little just lately, and why not! I'm using a front end called 'Ride Runner' which has a voice recognition plug-in called 'RRVoice'. The plan is to remove an alarm sensor in the interior light to accommodate the USB mirophone. I still need to train the Microsoft Speech Application (SAPI) a little more to ensure the plugin is as error free as possible .
The RRVoice application can be configured to interpret voice commands to operate application function such as 'Sat Nav' to load the Satellite Navigation application or 'Music' > 'Library' > 'Jump to N' > 'Scroll down' > 'Add folder' to Enter the Audio Player > Audio Browser > N in the catalogue of Music > Next folder down > Load the folder. Alternatively one could say 'Play Album Now 78' at any front end menu to load and play Now 78.
The only problem I have now is that the Voice Recognition doesn't currently work on Windows 7, the Operating System I plan to migrate to within the next month. I have contact the developer and the RRVoice application is due to be enhanced soon.
I've also been busy developing my Car PC starting circuit to accommodate remote start from a key fob to complement the ignition following (normal mode), permanent live (maintenance mode) and refuelling 'push and forget' (time delay prevent shutdown whilst ignition removed) already available.
Car modifications
I have also purchased a few bits lately and plan to get them fitted soon. The parts purchased include a Mk4 GSi steering wheel and colour coded side skirts (advertised as in very good condition), as well as Heko wind deflectors (new from LMF). The steering wheel will be Opelised prior to fitment. Hopefully I should have them next week as they have been posted .
More to come............
It's been a while since my last post but I have been tinkering with the Car PC a little just lately
, and why not! I'm using a front end called 'Ride Runner' which has a voice recognition plug-in called 'RRVoice'. The plan is to remove an alarm sensor in the interior light to accommodate the USB mirophone. I still need to train the Microsoft Speech Application (SAPI) a little more to ensure the plugin is as error free as possible .The RRVoice application can be configured to interpret voice commands to operate application function such as 'Sat Nav' to load the Satellite Navigation application or 'Music' > 'Library' > 'Jump to N' > 'Scroll down' > 'Add folder' to Enter the Audio Player > Audio Browser > N in the catalogue of Music > Next folder down > Load the folder. Alternatively one could say 'Play Album Now 78' at any front end menu to load and play Now 78.
The only problem I have now is that the Voice Recognition doesn't currently work on Windows 7, the Operating System I plan to migrate to within the next month. I have contact the developer and the RRVoice application is due to be enhanced soon
.I've also been busy developing my Car PC starting circuit to accommodate remote start from a key fob to complement the ignition following (normal mode), permanent live (maintenance mode) and refuelling 'push and forget' (time delay prevent shutdown whilst ignition removed) already available.
Car modifications
I have also purchased a few bits lately and plan to get them fitted soon. The parts purchased include a Mk4 GSi steering wheel and colour coded side skirts (advertised as in very good condition
), as well as Heko wind deflectors (new from LMF). The steering wheel will be Opelised prior to fitment. Hopefully I should have them next week as they have been posted .More to come............
Dave One
Regular Member
Car PC - ODBII Elm327 interface unit upgraded
For the past few years I have been using a 'cheap as chips' OBDII Elm327 interface unit but recently (well, not so recently - back in december) got hold off a more reputable interface unit, an ElmScan5 USB. Prior to installation I needed to check the wiring loom to ensure the same pin-outs.
The added complication is that I have the 12v supply routed from the Car PC dash power supply and only use the car wiring for the earth and data line. This was done on the original unit installtion due to the location of the plug and meant that I needed to dis-assemble the car connector to solder from the back. The OBDII connector remains accessible should it be required for diagnostics at the main dealers.
The Elm327 interface unit
The ElmScan5 USB interface unit
Heko wind deflectors
I treated myself to a new set of Heko wind deflectors too. I can't wait to get these fitted, and the Mk4 GSi steering wheel and colour coded side skirts which are still en-route (well the neighbour has singed for them but I'm won't be back until Wednesday).
I have a few more parts ordered and a few other electrical mods to finish. Hopefully I'll make some headway soon.........
For the past few years I have been using a 'cheap as chips' OBDII Elm327 interface unit but recently (well, not so recently - back in december) got hold off a more reputable interface unit, an ElmScan5 USB. Prior to installation I needed to check the wiring loom to ensure the same pin-outs.
The added complication is that I have the 12v supply routed from the Car PC dash power supply and only use the car wiring for the earth and data line. This was done on the original unit installtion due to the location of the plug and meant that I needed to dis-assemble the car connector to solder from the back. The OBDII connector remains accessible should it be required for diagnostics at the main dealers.
The Elm327 interface unit
The ElmScan5 USB interface unit
Heko wind deflectors
I treated myself to a new set of Heko wind deflectors too. I can't wait to get these fitted, and the Mk4 GSi steering wheel and colour coded side skirts which are still en-route (well the neighbour has singed for them but I'm won't be back until Wednesday
).I have a few more parts ordered and a few other electrical mods to finish. Hopefully I'll make some headway soon.........
Attachments
Dave One
Regular Member
MID conversion done at last
I finally found a couple of half days over the past two weeks to complete the MID conversion I've been planning for months..........
I haven't connected the coolant or washer sensors as yet but plan to soon, and I'll never fit the oil level sensor. The only issue thus far is the 'brake pad' warning I'm getting despite their fitment (I'll investigate this soon) and the Unit Code that'll need to be Tech 2'd.
First of all I had to remove the heater/blower to get access to the bulkhead connector X2. Even though I haven't connected the coolant or washer sensors I want to pre-install the wiring for future use.
I used a donor bulkhead connector (X2) to supply the extra pins required for fitment. I had previously checked that the cruise control wiring was connected to the bulkhead connector (X2) from the ECU plug and hoped that the necessary wiring would be in place for the MID. The pic below shows the added connector pins (Yellow - MID and Red - Cruise Control).
The ECU fuel injector signal, coolant level, washer level and brake wear indicator wiring extended for the MID.
The instrument panel connections (Tacho, Fuel Gauge and Coolant Temperature) needed to be connector, so I removed the instrument panel. Next up was the connection to the brake switch 12v for the brake light check on MID start-up. Lastly, I needed to earth the two sensors (coolant and washer level) to be connected soon, the oil sensor that is never going to be connected, and the lamp check control (not to be connected either). The result was:
Last up was the code check. Unfortunately, and not unexpectidly, the code was 025 which is for a Z20LET - I'll need Tech 2-ing to set it to 003 (Z16XE 205/50/R16)
Cruise Control X2 completion
I've been more than happy with my Cruise Control ever since I installed it last year, except one thing - the wiring through the bulkhead to the ECU. Whilst I had the bulkhead connector (X2) dis-assembled for the MID pin insertions and done the Cruise Control pins too.
In the pic below you can see where the retrofitted loom went through the engine compartment firewall (now redundant), and the new connection to the donor pin loom going to the bulkhead connector (X2).
There is still more to come...................
I finally found a couple of half days over the past two weeks to complete the MID conversion I've been planning for months..........
I haven't connected the coolant or washer sensors as yet but plan to soon, and I'll never fit the oil level sensor. The only issue thus far is the 'brake pad' warning I'm getting despite their fitment (I'll investigate this soon) and the Unit Code that'll need to be Tech 2'd.
First of all I had to remove the heater/blower to get access to the bulkhead connector X2. Even though I haven't connected the coolant or washer sensors I want to pre-install the wiring for future use.
I used a donor bulkhead connector (X2) to supply the extra pins required for fitment. I had previously checked that the cruise control wiring was connected to the bulkhead connector (X2) from the ECU plug and hoped that the necessary wiring would be in place for the MID. The pic below shows the added connector pins (Yellow - MID and Red - Cruise Control).
The ECU fuel injector signal, coolant level, washer level and brake wear indicator wiring extended for the MID.
The instrument panel connections (Tacho, Fuel Gauge and Coolant Temperature) needed to be connector, so I removed the instrument panel. Next up was the connection to the brake switch 12v for the brake light check on MID start-up. Lastly, I needed to earth the two sensors (coolant and washer level) to be connected soon, the oil sensor that is never going to be connected, and the lamp check control (not to be connected either). The result was:
Last up was the code check. Unfortunately, and not unexpectidly, the code was 025 which is for a Z20LET - I'll need Tech 2-ing to set it to 003 (Z16XE 205/50/R16)
Cruise Control X2 completion
I've been more than happy with my Cruise Control ever since I installed it last year, except one thing - the wiring through the bulkhead to the ECU. Whilst I had the bulkhead connector (X2) dis-assembled for the MID pin insertions and done the Cruise Control pins too.
In the pic below you can see where the retrofitted loom went through the engine compartment firewall (now redundant), and the new connection to the donor pin loom going to the bulkhead connector (X2).
There is still more to come...................
Attachments
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aimg710.imageshack.us_img710_5285_p1030175aoccolourcoded.jpg -
aimg84.imageshack.us_img84_1249_p1030178aoc.jpg
Dave One
Regular Member
Car PC remote activation
For a while I've been wanting a way to remotely activate my Car PC so its up and running by the time I get into the car and turn the key. I came across a project where the fellow forum member had connected up a Keyless Remote Entry System with a boot release function which inspired me - lets face it a 12v signal to the boot release soleniod could be utilised to fool the refuelling 'push and forget' circuit into operation.
I needed to adapt the circuit to allow the current circuit to trigger despite the PC not being on (not being able to activate whilst the PC wasn't on was a fundemental requirement for the refuelling 'push and forget' circuit). The result was a quite elegant (even if I do say so myself) circuit as shown below:
With the circuit being complete I need to install the Keyless Remote Entry System. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get the system to deadlock as yet but the lock/unlock and boot release functions are working fine. This is the unit installed:
And the key fob:
And key extended:
Headlamp washer installation preparation
I thought I would make a start on preparing my wiring for the headlamp washer installation. As with all the major mods I've done so far, the lack of dash loom has meant inserting spare pins from a donor bulkhead connector (X2). I still need to locate fuse 3.9 for the main 12v feed and attach the wash/wipe demand line but have the 'lights on' power squared away.
I have all the parts, either in the post or at home ready. I'm hoping to have them installed soon.....
For a while I've been wanting a way to remotely activate my Car PC so its up and running by the time I get into the car and turn the key. I came across a project where the fellow forum member had connected up a Keyless Remote Entry System with a boot release function which inspired me - lets face it a 12v signal to the boot release soleniod could be utilised to fool the refuelling 'push and forget' circuit into operation.
I needed to adapt the circuit to allow the current circuit to trigger despite the PC not being on (not being able to activate whilst the PC wasn't on was a fundemental requirement for the refuelling 'push and forget' circuit). The result was a quite elegant (even if I do say so myself
) circuit as shown below:With the circuit being complete I need to install the Keyless Remote Entry System. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get the system to deadlock as yet but the lock/unlock and boot release functions are working fine. This is the unit installed:
And the key fob:
And key extended:
Headlamp washer installation preparation
I thought I would make a start on preparing my wiring for the headlamp washer installation. As with all the major mods I've done so far, the lack of dash loom has meant inserting spare pins from a donor bulkhead connector (X2). I still need to locate fuse 3.9 for the main 12v feed and attach the wash/wipe demand line but have the 'lights on' power squared away.
I have all the parts, either in the post or at home ready
. I'm hoping to have them installed soon.....Attachments
Dave One
Regular Member
Replacement tailgate and GSi spoiler (at last.......)
I managed to get hold of a replacement Star Silver 3 (Z157) tailgate and GSi spoiler from a forum member (thanks 883283) for £95 delivered.
In the house awating fitment:
Ready to fit, I obviously needed to remove the tailgate. Fortunately, the house in Bristol has a garage so it didn't matter if it rained..........
The next task was to changeover the rear wiper and motor, locking mechanism and wiring..........
Tailgate finally fitted.
and chrome Coupe boot strip and Opel Blitz done.
GSi spoiler bolted on ........
Parts awaiting fitment
I've managed to collect a few parts over the last couple of weeks that need fitting but I won't have time for a couple of weeks .
An Irmscher Double D back box.
A GSi steering wheel - Opelised.
A set of Star Silver 3 (Z157) door handles.
I managed to get hold of a replacement Star Silver 3 (Z157) tailgate and GSi spoiler from a forum member (thanks 883283) for £95 delivered.
In the house awating fitment:
Ready to fit, I obviously needed to remove the tailgate. Fortunately, the house in Bristol has a garage so it didn't matter if it rained..........
The next task was to changeover the rear wiper and motor, locking mechanism and wiring..........
Tailgate finally fitted.
and chrome Coupe boot strip and Opel Blitz done.
GSi spoiler bolted on ........
Parts awaiting fitment
I've managed to collect a few parts over the last couple of weeks that need fitting but I won't have time for a couple of weeks .
An Irmscher Double D back box.
A GSi steering wheel - Opelised.
A set of Star Silver 3 (Z157) door handles.
Dave One
Regular Member
Insignia washer jets fitted
I have had a pair of insignia washer jets for about a year and a half now. I tried fitting them a while back but 'bottled it' as I didn't want to damage the scuttle panel or the washer jet clips.
I decided to 'man up' today and do it - and it was easy enough after ensuring the washer jet clips were out of the way, and providing a short sharp tap with a hammer. The replacement was straight forward and probably took ten minutes from start to finish. And I've got to say I'm surprisingly pleased with the results.
No pics I'm afraid but I'm sure you all know what the insignia washer jets look like.
I have had a pair of insignia washer jets for about a year and a half now. I tried fitting them a while back but 'bottled it' as I didn't want to damage the scuttle panel or the washer jet clips.
I decided to 'man up' today and do it - and it was easy enough after ensuring the washer jet clips were out of the way, and providing a short sharp tap with a hammer. The replacement was straight forward and probably took ten minutes from start to finish. And I've got to say I'm surprisingly pleased with the results
.No pics I'm afraid but I'm sure you all know what the insignia washer jets look like
.
Dave One
Regular Member
Colour coded door handles and trims fitted
Today was nice day so I thought fit my recently acquired set of colour coded Z157 Star Silver 3 door handles and trims. I got these from astra-parts.co.uk and was pleased with the service and condition of them.
A quick reminder of the car as standard.....
I followed a guide from Ffoeg that I found whilst searching and was surprised how easy it was.
I got mine off undamaged.
I gave the area under the door trims a clean and the colour coded Z157 Star Silver 3 door trims were fitted.
Front door handles first.....These were easy enough as I had to change the door looms just before christmas for my electric wing mirrors.
The rear handles were a right pain and I had fun getting the c-clip off the window winder. When I eventually got the near side c-clip off it catapulted across the drive and was lost for twenty minutes or so.
Once done I was very pleased.
A set of colour coded Z157 Star Silver 3 side skirts awaiting fitment.
Today was nice day so I thought fit my recently acquired set of colour coded Z157 Star Silver 3 door handles and trims. I got these from astra-parts.co.uk and was pleased with the service and condition of them
.A quick reminder of the car as standard.....
I followed a guide from Ffoeg that I found whilst searching and was surprised how easy it was.
I got mine off undamaged
.I gave the area under the door trims a clean and the colour coded Z157 Star Silver 3 door trims were fitted.
Front door handles first.....These were easy enough as I had to change the door looms just before christmas for my electric wing mirrors.
The rear handles were a right pain and I had fun getting the c-clip off the window winder. When I eventually got the near side c-clip off it catapulted across the drive and was lost for twenty minutes or so.
Once done I was very pleased
.A set of colour coded Z157 Star Silver 3 side skirts awaiting fitment
.
Dave One
Regular Member
Reverse camera installed
I decided to spend a little time on the Car PC by installing a reverse camera. I wanted to try and shield the camera as much as possible so from debris and water spray so placed it between the spare wheel housing and the rear bumper. The camera works well in low light too.
The camera is powered by the 12v reverse camera line. When the AV video line is detected as live by the monitor the active video channel is automatically changed, thus displaying the reverse camera imagery only when reverse is selected. Here's some photos:
The view on the monitor
The reverse camera location
It's not very visible from a distance
I decided to spend a little time on the Car PC by installing a reverse camera. I wanted to try and shield the camera as much as possible so from debris and water spray so placed it between the spare wheel housing and the rear bumper. The camera works well in low light too.
The camera is powered by the 12v reverse camera line. When the AV video line is detected as live by the monitor the active video channel is automatically changed, thus displaying the reverse camera imagery only when reverse is selected. Here's some photos:
The view on the monitor
The reverse camera location
It's not very visible from a distance
Dave One
Regular Member
Colour coded side skirts fitted
I was hoping to fit GSi side skirts but they need some work doing to them first so I got hold of some normal colour coded side skirts. I didn't know what type of clips would be waiting for me so I took the original side skirts off one evening and fitted the colour code side skirts the following evening after getting the replacement clips.
Original side skirts removed and replacement clips fitted
Colour coded side skirts fitted (pics from all four corners)
GSi steering wheel fitted
I changed the steering wheel badge from the Vauxhall Griffin to the Opel Blitz prior to fitment. I took the opportunity to remove the old badge properly that allowed me to secure the new badge in with the three legs properly inserted and superglued.
A few more bits are in the post so more to follow......
I was hoping to fit GSi side skirts but they need some work doing to them first so I got hold of some normal colour coded side skirts. I didn't know what type of clips would be waiting for me so I took the original side skirts off one evening and fitted the colour code side skirts the following evening after getting the replacement clips.
Original side skirts removed and replacement clips fitted
Colour coded side skirts fitted (pics from all four corners)
GSi steering wheel fitted
I changed the steering wheel badge from the Vauxhall Griffin to the Opel Blitz prior to fitment. I took the opportunity to remove the old badge properly that allowed me to secure the new badge in with the three legs properly inserted and superglued.
A few more bits are in the post so more to follow......
Attachments
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Dave One
Regular Member
Car PC update
It's been a while since the Car PC has had any attention. It was time to remove the DVD slim-slot drive and replace it with a Solid State Drive (SSD). At the same time I took the opportunity to upgrade the Operating System (OS) from XP Pro to Win7 Pro. Boot times haven't become faster but normal usage has.........
The SSD ready to replace the DVD slim-slot.
And in.
And some more....
PC cover going back on.
And more pics to identify the Car PC case and size.
I still have the XP Pro setup on the HDD by means of backup until I'm satisfied.
Car mods
The opportunity for some black angel eyes presented itself (Thanks Scotty).
My most recent purchase was a pair of smoked Irmscher Rear Lights that have been detango'd (Thanks Markb - pics borrowed from Markb too....)
I've got some more mods happening very soon including coverting the Angel eyes halo's to white LEDs........
It's been a while since the Car PC has had any attention. It was time to remove the DVD slim-slot drive and replace it with a Solid State Drive (SSD). At the same time I took the opportunity to upgrade the Operating System (OS) from XP Pro to Win7 Pro
. Boot times haven't become faster but normal usage has.........The SSD ready to replace the DVD slim-slot.
And in.
And some more....
PC cover going back on.
And more pics to identify the Car PC case and size.
I still have the XP Pro setup on the HDD by means of backup until I'm satisfied.
Car mods
The opportunity for some black angel eyes presented itself (Thanks Scotty).
My most recent purchase was a pair of smoked Irmscher Rear Lights that have been detango'd (Thanks Markb - pics borrowed from Markb too....)
I've got some more mods happening very soon including coverting the Angel eyes halo's to white LEDs........
Attachments
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Dave One
Regular Member
Black angel eye headlamp fitted
I purchased a pair of Depo black angels eyes(big thanks to Scottyt -a really helpful member). The first job was to remove the front bumper and current GSi headlamps......
Thought I'd take a pic of both sets next to each other.
I'd also decided to change the standard bulbs in the halo rings to white LEDs. This is how they looked as standard.
This is how one headlamp looked with just the left halo changed to white LEDs.
And in the dark.....
After white LED fitment they were ready to be fitted.
They really make a difference to the look of the front-end.......
I purchased a pair of Depo black angels eyes
(big thanks to Scottyt -a really helpful member). The first job was to remove the front bumper and current GSi headlamps......
Thought I'd take a pic of both sets next to each other.
I'd also decided to change the standard bulbs in the halo rings to white LEDs. This is how they looked as standard.
This is how one headlamp looked with just the left halo changed to white LEDs.
And in the dark.....
After white LED fitment they were ready to be fitted
.
They really make a difference to the look of the front-end.......
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Dave One
Regular Member
Dave One
Regular Member
Headlamp washer mod done
After waiting for Vauxhall to get hold of a GSi washer jet from Germany for nearly 10 weeks I managed to get hold of all the parts needed for the headlamp washer mod (big thanks to Ian - bigphilbaby - for getting the parts needed). This mod coincided with the headlamp change too.........
First up was changing the washer bottle for one that accomodated the headlamp washer pump.
Next was all washer pipework..........and clips to hold it in position.
There was some concern when the non-return valve that turned up wasn't the one that was ordered but this shouldn't have caused any concern as it worked prefectly..........
Lastly, I needed to put the GSi washer jets onto the bumper. The bumper has a marking on the inside to show the correct location (Windrew has a How-to that he plans to publish the fairly good pics). Some carefully drilling meant the washer jets sat in the right position..........
The end result shows the headlamps clearly too (and I know the car really needs a clean but when you clocking 500 miles plus a week...........)
After sorting the wiring out the headlamp washers worked prefectly first time. I was surprised at how powerful they are...........
After waiting for Vauxhall to get hold of a GSi washer jet from Germany for nearly 10 weeks I managed to get hold of all the parts needed for the headlamp washer mod (big thanks to Ian - bigphilbaby - for getting the parts needed). This mod coincided with the headlamp change too.........
First up was changing the washer bottle for one that accomodated the headlamp washer pump.
Next was all washer pipework..........and clips to hold it in position.
There was some concern when the non-return valve that turned up wasn't the one that was ordered but this shouldn't have caused any concern as it worked prefectly..........
Lastly, I needed to put the GSi washer jets onto the bumper. The bumper has a marking on the inside to show the correct location (Windrew has a How-to that he plans to publish the fairly good pics). Some carefully drilling meant the washer jets sat in the right position..........
The end result shows the headlamps clearly too (and I know the car really needs a clean but when you clocking 500 miles plus a week...........)
After sorting the wiring out the headlamp washers worked prefectly first time. I was surprised at how powerful they are...........
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Dave One
Regular Member
Irmscher smoked de-tango'd rear lights fitted
The fitment of the irmscher smoked de-tango'd rear lights (purchased from Markb - thanks bud) a few weeks ago marked the end of a busy week on the car. I already had the silvertec indicator bulbs and the replacement is really straight forward. Anyways, here's the pics........
None
One
Both
And a closer look.........
The fitment of the irmscher smoked de-tango'd rear lights (purchased from Markb - thanks bud) a few weeks ago marked the end of a busy week on the car. I already had the silvertec indicator bulbs and the replacement is really straight forward. Anyways, here's the pics........
None
One
Both
And a closer look
.........
Dave One
Regular Member
Car PC USB soundcard upgrade
I recently decided to upgrade my Car PC sound solution starting with the USB external soundcard. I had an external Creative Soundblaster MP3+ (USB 1.1) being run from an exclusive USB port. I've upgraded to an external Creative Soundblaster X-Fi (USB 2.0) still on an exclusive USB port.
I went out to the car when I had finished the headlamp washer mod but the current card had a USB B connector, whereas the new card had a USB mini-B. I searched the interent and finally found the adapter I'd be hoping to find. At just under £1 and £2 for postage I thought I may aswell order 3...........
The adapter....
The external Creative Soundblaster X-Fi (USB 2.0)....
In situ.....
Win 7 found the driver straight away and I've had no issues with it. I'm looking to add an amp and lose the head unit, as it only gets used to amplify anyways.
I had some work done on the car today but I'll update with pics soon........
I recently decided to upgrade my Car PC sound solution starting with the USB external soundcard. I had an external Creative Soundblaster MP3+ (USB 1.1) being run from an exclusive USB port. I've upgraded to an external Creative Soundblaster X-Fi (USB 2.0) still on an exclusive USB port.
I went out to the car when I had finished the headlamp washer mod but the current card had a USB B connector, whereas the new card had a USB mini-B. I searched the interent and finally found the adapter I'd be hoping to find. At just under £1 and £2 for postage I thought I may aswell order 3...........
The adapter....
The external Creative Soundblaster X-Fi (USB 2.0)....
In situ.....
Win 7 found the driver straight away and I've had no issues with it. I'm looking to add an amp and lose the head unit, as it only gets used to amplify anyways.
I had some work done on the car today but I'll update with pics soon........
