Installing a car monitor is a process that can be handled by individuals with a moderate amount of experience in performing any type of mechanical work. Most of these projects require simple hand tools, including but not limited to: a wire crimping and stripping tool, a flat heat screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver and a pair of needle nose pliers. Other items of interest are a utility knife, a socket set and a torque wrench.
When all is said and done with these types of monitors, there are still 3 main components that comprise a system. A monitor, the audio system and the DVD player compose a typical kit. But there are 4 different types of installations which all have various degrees of difficulty.
A 2 DIN Monitor system will be installed in the dashboard of the vehicle. This designation of 2 in front refers to the fact that the slot size is the standard double deck. It is mounted into the dash which more than likely means that other components will likely have to be shifted around in order to make room for this newcomer. This does have the largest viewing area among all of the different models, so it is likely worth the extra effort to install this particular type in the car.
This variety is typically made up of a flat screen viewing area and a DVD player built in. There is also an amplifier integrated in the system to provide the necessary power. It may take a fair amount of modifications to support the unit in the dash before the final mounting is secured. Of course, this style also indicates a lot of re-routing for the existing wiring. Many times the unit will be the wrong size for the existing space, and there will have to be some serious alterations of the space in order to make it appear to be a custom fit in the dashboard. A great idea for interested purchasers is to make detailed measurements of their dash in order to make sure it can accommodate this type of monitor. This will save time and money in the long run.
A 1 DIN Monitor system is very similar to the 2 DIN because it needs special modifications of the dash as well and the wiring needs to be move in order to accommodate the main unit. However, the 1 indicates that the size needed is only one half of the 2 DIN unit. However, this may still indicate a custom sizing of the dashboard in order to make sure that the fit is tight and doesn’t look out of place when everything is secured for the last time. The 1 DIN is composed of a color viewing screen, DVD player and amplifier. It can be just as effective as the 2 DIN model.
Another model is the Alternative Design Car Monitors. They are a lot easier to install than the previous 2 but still present some installation problems. As with the other two types previously discussed, the wiring has to be hooked up to the proper power supply in the vehicle, and the pre-existing wiring harness probably have to be relocated in order to make the necessary room for the unit in the dashboard area. This model requires screws, wires and adhesives to fully complete the installation.
The final type of monitor is the Clip-On, and is the easiest to install since it is portable and can be moved between cars. They can have a number of different locations, including the headrest, sun visor and sometimes arm rests. They are powered up by a connection to the cigarette lighter .
All of these monitor systems can be handled by an individual with a minimum amount of mechanical knowledge. They typically will take one afternoon for the more complicated style, while the clip-on is simply a matter of plugging the unit into the cigarette lighter to work.