Question about HUD
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Cary North Carolina
Question about HUD
If anyone has seen some of my prior posts, i do not currently own a corvette (dad is gettin' there though, gettin' most of the money together! yay!).
We have been looking actively in the Raleigh area of NC for all C5 coupes, auto or manual. The thing is, pretty much all of them (except 1) does not have the HUD. After personally test-driving a 'vette that has had the HUD, my dad and i are determined to purchase one that has it in it. My question though is, if we find the perfect 'vette (really good price, all other options, good color) but no HUD, how much is it typically to install afterwards? I've seen previous posts about it, but what is the total cost after everything is done? We might be willing to settle for one that does not have the HUD, providing that it's not too costly afterwards.
Thanks for reading,
Einn
We have been looking actively in the Raleigh area of NC for all C5 coupes, auto or manual. The thing is, pretty much all of them (except 1) does not have the HUD. After personally test-driving a 'vette that has had the HUD, my dad and i are determined to purchase one that has it in it. My question though is, if we find the perfect 'vette (really good price, all other options, good color) but no HUD, how much is it typically to install afterwards? I've seen previous posts about it, but what is the total cost after everything is done? We might be willing to settle for one that does not have the HUD, providing that it's not too costly afterwards.
Thanks for reading,
Einn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,301
Likes: 6
From: LAND OF OZ Kansas
I think it's expensive to install, plus why would you want two sets of gauges when the ones in the instrument cluster are so nicely done. It is nice to have, but if the car doensn't have it, it will not hurt the looks of the car at all IMHO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville Florida
If anyone has seen some of my prior posts, i do not currently own a corvette (dad is gettin' there though, gettin' most of the money together! yay!).
We have been looking actively in the Raleigh area of NC for all C5 coupes, auto or manual. The thing is, pretty much all of them (except 1) does not have the HUD. After personally test-driving a 'vette that has had the HUD, my dad and i are determined to purchase one that has it in it. My question though is, if we find the perfect 'vette (really good price, all other options, good color) but no HUD, how much is it typically to install afterwards? I've seen previous posts about it, but what is the total cost after everything is done? We might be willing to settle for one that does not have the HUD, providing that it's not too costly afterwards.
Thanks for reading,
Einn
We have been looking actively in the Raleigh area of NC for all C5 coupes, auto or manual. The thing is, pretty much all of them (except 1) does not have the HUD. After personally test-driving a 'vette that has had the HUD, my dad and i are determined to purchase one that has it in it. My question though is, if we find the perfect 'vette (really good price, all other options, good color) but no HUD, how much is it typically to install afterwards? I've seen previous posts about it, but what is the total cost after everything is done? We might be willing to settle for one that does not have the HUD, providing that it's not too costly afterwards.
Thanks for reading,
Einn
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 661
Likes: 2
From: Centerville IA
My brother installed HUD in his '99 FRC. He did it himself after buying the parts from a Forum vendor. He did not change the windshield, it works fine with the original windshield. I think he spent in the 5-6 hundred dollar range. The cost was higher than he planned as his '99 is an early VIN# and needed a part that later models have installed. I believe this is accurate info.
By the way, he really likes the HUD in the car.
By the way, he really likes the HUD in the car.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Glen Carbon IL
When I was looking for my Vette I really wanted HUD as well. I found one that has it installed (2000 Vert), but honestly I hardly ever use it. You can also forget about seeing it in bright sun or if you wear polarized sunglasses (it is very dim). I think if you find a great car that has everything eles you are looking for in it, get it- HUD or not!
Good luck on your search!
Good luck on your search!
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: CA
Late '99s and up are HUD ready. It only takes the projector an a specially made 11 pin harness to work. No reprogramming is necessary. A forum vendor has this conversion available as a kit. I did my car, '99 vert, and it worked great. His instructions are very detailed and easy to understand. You DO NOT need a HUD windshield. The regular windshield works fine, even in direct sunlight. I think I paid about $250.00- 300.00 for the kit from him. I'm not positive about that though. Early '99s and older need a HUD compatable insturment panel and reprogramming of the speedo. This adds several hundred bucks to the job. The vendors name was Josh as I remember.
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Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
I installed the HUD in my 1998 Vette..bought the parts on the big auction site ...Projector,HUD instrument cluster,connecting cable ,dash bezel for about $250 total. Sold my old cluster for $75.00...also just cut the opening in your current dash and glue on the bezel..Whole effort took one afternoon. Very easy to do .I shhould tell you that you do have to remove the entire dash assy and the assoc mouldings but if you follow directions it is not difficult. Don't need the HUD windshield...stock windshield works fine.
If you take your Vette to the Daytona track or where ever and at 140mph or so it is a secure feeling not to have to take your eyes off the track to see you speed.
If you take your Vette to the Daytona track or where ever and at 140mph or so it is a secure feeling not to have to take your eyes off the track to see you speed.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
The first C5 I ever drove was a 2001 Vert with HUD. I knew I was in the market for a C5Z and after 2001, HUD came as standard equipment on the Z's. Regardless, I knew whatever car I ended up with would have to have it. Sure, you can't always see it if you're driving in direct sunlight, but I honestly can't tell you the last time I looked down at my actual speedometer to see how fast I was going or to check my gas gauge. When its all right in front of you, you just don't want to take your eyes off the road. Then the fun part - try getting in your wife's car that doesn't have HUD and remind yourself you have to look down!
Anyway, not sure of the install process but it seems others here are familiar and have done it. Since its obviously doable, go find the car you want and focus on that - not the HUD. If it has it, great. If not, looks like you can always add it later.
Anyway, not sure of the install process but it seems others here are familiar and have done it. Since its obviously doable, go find the car you want and focus on that - not the HUD. If it has it, great. If not, looks like you can always add it later.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
I was desperately looking for a vette with the HUD, but couldn't find one that had it, or the performance axle that was within a reasonable distance, or in my price range.
So I bought a really clean 2004 Coupe without the HUD or performance axle, and honestly I don't miss either at all. My friends all have Z's so they have all the bells & whistles, but for the driving that I do, I'll never tap the limits of this car.
I've toyed with the idea of retrofitting a HUD kit, but I'm worried that I'm not that handy...
So I bought a really clean 2004 Coupe without the HUD or performance axle, and honestly I don't miss either at all. My friends all have Z's so they have all the bells & whistles, but for the driving that I do, I'll never tap the limits of this car.
I've toyed with the idea of retrofitting a HUD kit, but I'm worried that I'm not that handy...
