Richard Reece has been busy turning his Insight into a "techno-mobile" (my term, not his). Here are pictures of his work, along with his description of what he's done so far. Watch out folks, it sounds like he's only just begun!

Center Console

"I have modified my center console area to accept a CD head Unit, Equalizer and 4in LCD display. The work is at the 90% level as I still need to sand a few edges and get some rubber end caps for the plastic but it doesn't look too bad. The files section is nearly full but I can e-mail pictures for those that are interested (The camera I borrowed created nearly 1M pictures even after I cropped the image). It may not be for everyone but it works for me. The following are the pro's and con's of the modification:

PROs

• Addition of a equalizer and video display
• One could also use the area for additional gauges like oil pressure and oil temp (I wonder if we could find digital gauges similar to the dash display)

CONs

• Replaces factory cup holders (I added a armrest that includes cup holders although not versatile as the factory ones)
• My simple enclosure has square corners vice the rounded finish used throughout the car.

Rear View Camera

One more picture of the camera mounting location. I am considering one under the car for parking obstruction checks. Anyway the camera covers the blind spot nicely but its not as versatile as the LCD panel. I have thought about connecting the LCD panel to a laptop placed under a seat. I could run a moving map display, spreadsheet for mpg records, access to MP3 files etc. Know of any steering wheel mounted mouse/keypads?

Electrochromic Mirror with Thermometer & Compass

here is a picture of the Donnelly Mirror. They sell for 189 - 249 depending on the web site but I found the best deal from a regional distributor in Atlanta at 189. Since the Insight and S2000 share a non standard Honda mirror button you will need to replace the windshield button as well. (I removed the Honda Button and ordered the GM button (10.00 and attached it to the glass to mount the mirror) Note: Group buys are welcome but they wanted 20+ mirrors before it would have saved anyone money due to reshipping costs. Anyway the mirror includes a compass display and outside temperature and it is an electrochromic mirror meaning that it dims to eliminate glare. The compass and temp displays are just a bit brighter green than our Insight dash but it fits the Insight well and is a great replacement for the factory equipment. Knowing the outside temp (possible ice or A/C need) as well as your direction is useful to me. Besides the most technology driven car deserves the best mirror. Details on the mirror can be found at: http://www.donnelly.com/products/interiorvisionsystems/prismaticcompass.asp

Armrest

Another recommended change is the addition of a armrest. I field tested the www.husco.com product and here are two pictures of it. I highly recommend the armrest as it allows for fore - aft movement as well as installation in the position which is most comfortable for you. It comes with built in cupholders although they are not the most versatile available. They will hold a small or medium cup OK

What Else?

Other modifications I have made include:

• Added a Sony CD changer. I hollowed out the filler block as has been previously suggested. Note: I found that using a torch allows you to apply heat to shrink areas for small volume changes as well as provide a finished edge.
• Added a Sony amplifier on the passenger side seat firewall. I think John Wayland has a better solution but I wanted to use the Sony amp and it was too big for under the seat. As a result I used some hardwood flooring and put it under the passenger side dash. The hardwood flooring protects it as a foot rest.

Future Modifications:

• Desire to tint the windows to reduce heat load and reduce glare.
• Should be installing the Shoebox sub next weekend.
• Possibly raise seats as others have done.
• Desire to hook up a GPS with a remote antenna that could send the video to the LCD panel.
• Possibly a underbody camera facing forward.