ICE: head unit/heat question

[RNRMF]

OK, I am thinking about putting my H/U in where the switches normally go like this (but neater!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/TheMiniKid/radiodash2.jpg

and having the switches on a center console type-thing. My only concern is that the H/U will be directly above the heater unit, does anyone know if the heater creates enough heat to affect a H/U and if you think it does would putting an aluminium plate between the two dissipate the heat enough? Any other thoughts like having a PC fan blowing over the H/U you can think of?

Cheers,

Darren.

[Iceman]

I would say no it would not generate enough heat as the heater blows down. So the heat generated above will be minute. Now also it is dependiant on what head unit you have as well as the later Alpine head units have fans in and so do a few others so these would be best in that situation. But like i said i would not see you having any problems i think head units can stand about 60-70 degrees so fine mate.
FAZ

[RNRMF]

Sweet! It's a JVC H/U, no internal fans but it does have a meaty heatsink down one side. Will prob try and get an Ali plate between the 2 anyway, just to be safe.

Now where did I leave that angle-grinder...

[Iceman]

If i was you mate i would not worry as that will make the air flow gap even smaller just leave it and see if you have any problems. If you was very worried you could mount a fan on the top and suck the hot air away from it and maybe wire it to the heater switch fused obviously. Then it will only come on when you put the heater on so no horrible wine all the time. Great place to put it though seen a few minis like it looks great.
FAZ

[RNRMF]

Good thinking. I'll just see how it goes with the heat, if I get it in there!! Not sure how much chopping about is required but i'm pretty sure the hole won't be big enough! Maybe i'll take a look at the weekend.

[miniman]

I think i read somewhere that aluminium is one of the best conductors of heat- hence saucepans etc

[Iceman]

No the hole is definately not big enough but i am sure it won't be that much. I suppose the most cutting will be on the corners dremel would probably be easiest.
FAZ

[RNRMF]

I think i read somewhere that aluminium is one of the best conductors of heat- hence saucepans etc

Yup, thats why a lot of things have aluminium heatsinks to kep them cool, like amps, computer chips etc.

I was hoping that I could get away with just taking the corners out a bit rather than having to chop the bottom half off or something seeing as the bottom looks fairly structural and I didnt want to weaken it. Will take a look at the weekend

[t boy]

you could take the head units outer casing of putit in the hole then build around but thats more work then just cuting it

[STEALTH GT]

WHAT ABOUT STICKING INTO THE HEADLINING ABOVE THE MIRROR IN A CASING MADE FOR IT. IVE SEEN THIS DONE BEFORE.
GOOD POINTS :-
DONT HAVE TO REWIRE SWITCHES AND CHOKE AND BITS,EASY TO REACH,CAN RUN ALL WIRES THROUGH HEADLINING,DIFFERENT.
BAD POINTS :-
HAVE TO COMMIT TO CUTTING HEAD LINNING, ADDS UPPER WEIGHT,BIT OF A PUZZLE ON HOW TO MOUNT IT .

[Iceman]

Also seen this done but it would have to be very secure wouldn't want that to hit you on the head in a crash:p .
FAZ

[RNRMF]

I did think about that, i'm sure some kind of adhesive would hold a fiberglass enclosure on securely enough and I don't have a headlining at the mo so that wouldnt be a worry!

I think the switch replacement way will look neater though, a bit more subtle.

[penneyben]

mounting it to the headling is what i wanted to do if i got a cb. so it would be american truck style.

[STEALTH GT]

HA HA COOL ! :cool: 10-4 GOOD BUDDY !

[edmcscolbran766]

never seen a h/u mounted there b4, looks quite cool if u can do it

Stephen