DIY Network

Mobile DVD System: Components Installation and Completion From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-211

	In-dash DVD system with rear headrest monitors.
	The gaming system is secured inside the modified glove-box.

In the final phase of this multimedia upgrade on a 2003 Nissan Frontier, Andrew Totolos installs a gaming system into the car's glove box. He then finishes up the wiring to connect all components: in-dash DVD, headrest monitors and gaming system. Finally, he reinstalls the seats and gives the new A/V system a trial run.

Tools and materials

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used to complete this entire project include:

DVD head-unit with flip-out in-dash monitor
LCD monitors with flush-mount kits for the head rests (2)
Power inverter
Gaming system
Rotary tool
Wiring harnesses
Extension wire
Barrel connectors
Eyelet connectors
Splice connectors
Spade connectors
RCA cables
Hook-and-loop tape
Utility knife
Marker
Wire ties
Wire coat hanger
Electrical tape
Straight edge

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Installing the Gaming System

• To install the game system, first pop out the glove box and bring it to your worktable.

• Remove all of the screws that hold the faceplate of the glove box into place (figure A) and pull it off to expose the basic box.

• Then hold the game system up to determine the best position for mounting in the glove box and mark the plastic.

• Next, mark the depth of the gaming system onto the box for cutting, and then use a straight edge to connect the dots (figure B).
  

  Figure C

• Use a rotary tool to notch out the plastic following the cut marks.

• Once you get to the notch in the plastic start the cut from the other end and join the two cut lines across from the back side (figure C).

• You can use a piece of leftover material as a bracket to hold the other side of the gaming system in place. Just cut it down to size and fit it to the other side of the box.

• Once the bracket is in place just screw it down.
  

• Mark where the cables will need to pass through the back of the box, and cut a hole that's large enough for the cable ends to pass through.

• Finally, screw the customized compartment back onto the glove box door (figure D), slide the gaming unit into position (figure E) and it's finished.

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  	Figure F
  	Figure G

Once the wires are all up front, tuck them under the front carpet to route them towards the back of the front console and then you can put all of the trim pieces back into place (figure I).

Figure H

Figure I

Finish up the under-seat wiring by looping the video signal out of the first monitor control unit (figure J) into the second one, and then plug the game system transformer into the power inverter unit (figure K).

Figure J

Figure K

When you can reach the wiring behind the unit, disconnect the existing RCA cables, antenna, and wiring harness from the back (figure M).

Figure L

Figure M

	Figure N
	Figure O

In the car, plug the wiring harness into the stock harness (figure Q).

Figure P

Figure Q

Finish up the connections by plugging in the antenna (figure S).

Figure R

Figure S

Pop the console back on.

Figure T

Figure U

	Figure V
	Figure W

Reinstalling the Front Seats