This is by far the easiest project we've ever covered in Tricks of the Trade, but sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. This 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid didn't have a navigation option from the factory, so we're adding an aftermarket Alpine navigation system with real-time traffic info to battle the mean streets of L.A. Since this is a leased vehicle, we couldn't do anything to the car that couldn't be reversed easily when the lease expires. The final product is clean, hidden from thieves and very easy to use. This type of project is easy to do without any special tools or skills, so try it out for yourself. Send questions to techpanel@primedia.com with Tricks of the Trade in the subject line, and check out stevebrownuniversity.com.
 Our 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid...  Our 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid dash has a large flip-top pocket just below the climate controls in the center console. This is a perfect spot to add our navigation monitor. |  First, remove the pocket from...  First, remove the pocket from the dashboard. Unscrew a few Phillips head screws above and below the pocket. |  We used an Alpine TME-M770S...  We used an Alpine TME-M770S monitor for our navigation install since it has touchscreen and remote control options for the Alpine nav system. This monitor is slightly too wide for the opening. |
 To make the monitor case slightly...  To make the monitor case slightly narrower, we'll begin by carefully disassembling the monitor with a small Phillips screwdriver. |  Remove the back casing of...  Remove the back casing of the monitor and disconnect the small Molex connector for the built-in speaker. |  Finally, remove the two screws...  Finally, remove the two screws holding the circuit board and LCD in place. Now, carefully lift the circuit board/LCD assembly out of the front part of the case. Be careful not to bend or pull on the very fragile ribbon cable between these two components. |
 Now we can reassemble the...  Now we can reassemble the two halves of the monitor case without the circuit board/LCD assembly. Use a die grinder, file or sandpaper block to carefully trim about 11/416" off of each side of the monitor case. Remove small amounts and check the fit several times to avoid removing too much material. |  If you're using an angle die...  If you're using an angle die grinder to do the work, these 24-grit 3M Roloc discs, which are available at most home improvement retailers, work wonderfully on plastic. |  Once the monitor case fits...  Once the monitor case fits properly, we can reassemble the monitor. |