Hey all. Long time lurker, very little poster
I'm in the middle of a bunch of things with my car, but I thought I'd share my progress with the Nexus 7 (2013) install.
I was going to go with a 2012 as it's slightly larger, but I couldn't get it to communicate with the PC, even after installing a new USB port in the tablet. So I bought a 2013 and there's lots of hardware advantages anyway.
So I found an OEM bezel from Japan (at a gob smacking cost! You don't want to know!) that has the large screen opening and thinner vents. It's the perfect width for the Nexus, but too tall and leaves an ugly gap.
After experimenting with a bunch of ideas, I made myself an ideal template for a fascia plate...then I came across a simple generic double din fascia plate on ebay for church change which was almost the exact same size as my template. So I bought it and attacked it with my Dremel and Stanley knife.
So far so good. It all fits, just needs a slight bit more trimming across the top to sit completely flush.
There's a slight gap at the bottom where the bezel kicks back. I've got some hard black felt which I'll cut out and use in that gap. I think/hope it will do the job while still retaining that OEM look. We'll see.
My biggest problem has been the learning curve of rooting the damn tablet in the first place. I'd never done anything like that before. I'm quite tech savvy, but with Windows, not Android or Linux. So it took a bit of getting used to. I found an awesome program called Nexus Root Toolkit which took care of a lot of the problems for me. It's running fast charge and the function where it turns off/hibernates when the ignition is off (sorry for my lack of correct terminology)
So far I've installed Timur's Kernel (I'm not worried about having the "latest and greatest" Android versions), Torque which is connected to an ODBII bluetooth adaptor and I'm still trying to work out the best driving launch screen setup app. None seem to be really fitting the bill for me...but I don't know why.
As for connections, I'm going to run a Jaycar Powertech 12v - 5v converter wired to turn off with the ignition, an OTG split cable to connect the power and a Behringer UCA202 audio converter which will run into the Aux In on the back of the McIntosh system.
All I need to do now is to connect it all up (and possibly relocate the USB out of the Nexus, which will require some soldering and is no problem for me)
I'm looking for ideas on apps for phone connectivity (tablet talk?) and anything else that anyone with experience has found comes in handy.
As for why I'm doing this. It's simply because I want to. I dig little projects like these and solving all the problems that come with it. I'm inquisitive! It's definitely not from a cost perspective...I can tell you that straight up.
Now to figure out how to hold it all in place!!