The only option my car didn't have that I really wanted was HUD. Thanks to Gene Coggins I picked up a dash, guage cluster, and HUD projector from a parted out car. It took almost 2 hours total, but today I pulled my stock dash, installed the new guage and projector, and reinstalled the HUD style dash. Everything worked perfectly and it looks as clear as any HUD I've seen in other Vettes - even with my "non-HUD" windshield. Just thought I would share

Ok, here goes a brain dump off the top of my head, I'll clean it up and double check it later.
HUD Installation on my 1999 Hardtop

Drivers side:

Remove the center console cover (radio, A/C controls) as per the shifter install instructions. Remove the hex screws ( I think I used a 6mm) holding the dash on; one of the upper left; one on the upper right; one on the lower right.

Use a flat head to pop of the Trunk Release plate. Disconnect the switch and remove the screw inside with a phillips.

Remove the two hex heads on the lower dash piece and then remove the entire piece.

Remove the two upside down vertical torq screws from the guage cluster to the dash.

Pop the grill off the top of the dash. Remove the two hex screws - one on each end.

Remove the a-pillar. It's a snap-in design and requires a up and over type pull. Remove the hex head screw in the dash that was below it.

Remove the small plastic cover on the vertical left side of the dash - use a flat head to gently pry open the plastic fitting on top. Remove the hex head on the left vertical side of the dash.

Remove the two hex heads on the lower dash piece and then remove the entire piece.

Passenger side:

Remove the a-pillar. It's a snap-in and requires a up and over type pull. Remove the hex screw in the dash.

Remove the small plastic cover on the vertical right side of the dash - use a flat head to gently pry open the plastic fitting on top. Remove the hex head on the right vertical side of the dash.

Open the glove box and remove the four hex heads that are on the upper lip, going vertically straight up into the dash.

Back to drivers side

Put the steering wheel all the way down and gently start pulling out and up on the dash. When you have a little clearance, disconnect the Hazard lights harness (pressure release on driver side disconnecting it from the green recepter portion.)

Remove the two hex heads beneath and furhter back into the guage cluster mounting it to the dash frame. Pull out the guage cluster a little and remove the wiring harness, pressure release on the outside.

Mount the HUD projector in position - the non-HUD cars have the same structure and the projector will only orient in one way, but lack the front two mounting posts. I used two small course wood screws through the front two mounting locations and used a simple bolt and nut combo on the bottom front post mount of the proector. Place the wiring harness out of the way.

Install new HUD guage cluster; plug in wiring harness first, orient and reinstall two hex head mounts. Attach HUD progector wiring harness (small connector on top center of cluster.

Reinstall new dash with HUD bezel. Rever the process above and bolt the sucker back up.

Entire process took me < 2hours and it was my first time to do it and had no manuals to reference.

 

I wonder how hard it'd be to get that hud to work on an F-body? How does it connect to the PCM?

 

Any pics? I'm curious how it looks.

 

jMX: The guage cluster on the C5 talks over the obdii data bus, the hud projector plugs into the back of the guage cluster to get its data.

Eric

 

[quote]Originally posted by 66ImpalaLT1:
<strong>jMX: The guage cluster on the C5 talks over the obdii data bus, the hud projector plugs into the back of the guage cluster to get its data.

Eric</strong><hr></blockquote>

[homer]D'oh! Stupid smart cars <img src="images/icons/frown.gif" border="0"> [/homer]

 

I have a 98 coupe, always wanted a HUD, does anyone know if the HUD will work on a 98, or do I have to also install 99+ gauges?
Thanks
Ira

 

You will have to get a 1999 guage cluster.

 

[quote]Originally posted by 66ImpalaLT1:
<strong>jMX: The guage cluster on the C5 talks over the obdii data bus, the hud projector plugs into the back of the guage cluster to get its data.

Eric</strong><hr></blockquote>

So does that mean it's easy or what?

 

My recommendation for those wishing to add HUD to their cars is to buy a HUD guage cluster and a HUD projector and to swap them both. They can be had either new or used from a parted out car and it makes the installation much simpler. I saw a thread on Corvetteforum.cc recently in which someone claims they bought a HUD projector and their non-HUD guage cluster did not have the correct connector for the HUD projector.

-Jeremy

 

Godspeed, What's the going cost for used HUD parts, I'd like to convert my '98 also...
Shirl

<img src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" border="0">