Cadillac CTS-V - Moddin guage cluster and radio

Well I have gotten to the point where I am done with annoying pointless DIC messages, swapping tpms sensors every six weeks, and those peeling buttons. I'm going to pull the guage cluster and block the left side DIC as well as a warning light or two, disable the chimes for the whole car, and put in a new radio using a pac harness. I don't care about being able to use onstar, and you can still set your TC and stability mode without the radio so those are non issues. I just wanted to make sure I'm not going to disable anything that I've forgoten about while doing this, if something comes to mind let me know, or if there is something I should do while Im in there...

Edit: In order to keep track of oil psi, temps, etc I will be grabbing an edge insight CTS. I have had good luck with these before in my truck as a standalone digital guage that covers everything.

Aero force interceptor will cover many parameters like oil press, engine temp etc.

You can use the base CTS DIC to run the displays and warning messages. Then hook up an aftermarket radio.

Hmmm... I considered doing this to my car but I think i like having the full function of the stock unit. Not to mention the dash kits for aftermarket screens obviously get rid of all the buttons which makes the dash look rather naked and cheap to me. Plus side is gettin rid of chipped buttons but for people like me who have a perfect face plate and perfect buttons, that's not a concern.

Curious to see how it turns out though so post pics when u get it done bud.

My thought at the moment is to do a lot of soldering and fanagaling, in order to hopefully get a stock CTS dic into the glovebox, or under the armrest. In the process of doing this for my truck as well, once I get working on the V I will post pics. Possibly even moving the Tach guage screen into the glovebox as well, this being the screen that annoys me the most. What can I say little blinky pointless lights drive me insane haha.

Hmmm... I considered doing this to my car but I think i like having the full function of the stock unit. Not to mention the dash kits for aftermarket screens obviously get rid of all the buttons which makes the dash look rather naked and cheap to me. Plus side is gettin rid of chipped buttons but for people like me who have a perfect face plate and perfect buttons, that's not a concern.

Curious to see how it turns out though so post pics when u get it done bud.

Agreed

Dr Speed great tip on the base cts cluster, I think I may try this route myself.

I modded my NAV unit by removing the 6 disc changer and added in an aftermarket single din head unit which is running my stereo primarily to retain the stock messages and controls for the car. It's great because I now have Bluetooth, way better navigation, multiple RCA out, hard drive installed for movies and all my music, headrest monitors and backup camera. However I'm not a huge fan of the look, I would prefer to get a double din unit in.

however I agree that the aftermarket dash kits ruin the look, kind of cheapens things.

What are Custom Bumber speed holes?

What are Custom Bumber speed holes?

Holes in your bumper that make you go faster......But seriously just an annoying reminder that some states are socialist states that make you run a front tag so they can take your picture and your money more expediently.

Haven't gotten around to doing this with the caddy yet, but as proof of concept I got the wire loom for the truck done and working here are pics. DIC from the guage cluster can be relocate. Hard part of the mission done.