Hi,

I ordered my FRC in 1998. At that time you could not order FRC with head up instrument display. I am looking to add it to my car. I have a 2001 instrument cluster and am looking for the other parts needed. Can anyone give me an idea of what all I need and what is required to make it work?

Thanks

 

Hi there I think frcs started in 99 correct? so you must have at least a 99
that being said I think all 99+ clusters are HUD compatible, so you dont need the 2001 cluster unless its a zo6 cluster and you want to install that.

youll need the projector, trim ring around the projector, 11 pin harness, hud switch
Thats all

If you are switching clusters for whatever reason you'll have to switch the main boards inside to get the mileage, its real easy

good luck, its one more nice feature to have and look at, I wouldnt want to go without it as it makes the ride more interesting

 

I recall reading somewhere that a special windshield is required for HUD. Anyone else know about that?

 

I have a 99 FRC with serial # around 6200 and it wasn't HUD compatible so the cluster had to be made hud ready and the cluster mileage had to be change to the correct mileage. I have a brother that also has a 99 FRC with a late year production number that I think will be HUD ready. Not a difficult project just do a search and you can find all the information that you will need step by step. About the windshield, yes there is a HUD windshield but I haven't changed mine and it works fine.

 

Original HUD cars have a different material windshield for it but it seems to work just as good on regular windshields. I installed hud in my 98 which didnt have it and my 01 has it and I cant tell any difference so its not needed in my opinion.

Also I forgot to mention above youll have to cut the dash for the projector but the factory lines for the projector should be underneath to guide you

 

Based on a prior post here on the forum, here's what you will need:

• HUD projector - 10279814. You will have to drill 2 small holes in the dash to mount it. Even the 97,'s and 98's have the seat for the projector.
• HUD Projector Bezel - 10425223. You will have to cut a hole in the dash and the bezel is there to cover the hole. Its very easy to do though because even the 97 and 98's have the cut marked out under the dash pad. The bezel simply covers the hole.
• HUD Enabled Cluster – This is a must for a 97-99 owner that currently doesn’t have a HUD enabled cluster. The cluster may be HUD ready or it could have come from a HUD equipped car. If it is only HUD ready you will need a HUD switch and 11 pin wiring harness.
• HUD Switch - Part # 12198648.
• The very important 11 Pin wiring harness which is not available from GM, you will have to find a harness, or you will have to build your own using your existing harness.

You might want to contact forum member Pace This for advice - he used to sell the kits to do the retrofit. I have also heard that GM will no longer just sell all the components to install a HUD in a car that was not originally equipped with one. Might want to check with a dealer on this.

 

1. HUD cluster (which you said you have)
2. 11 pin harness (you can find em on ebay I think i may even have an extra one)
3. HUD dash bezel ($22 new also found on fleabay cheaper)
4. HUD control panel (you already know where I'm gonna say to look)
5. A very sharp razor to cut the dash- its already outlined on the underside of the dashpad
6. THE STEP BY STEP HOW TO from the forum. Do a search. Its a Godsent.
7. 7mm, 10mm and T-15 torx
8. HUD Projector (about $90 on fleabay)
9. 6 pack of cold beer

Don't worry about the windshield. The non-HUD windshield works fine in both the conversions I've done.

Carolina corvettes or Karstuffs can reprogram the cluster to the correct mileage. I'll shoot you Josh Meeks email if you want. Great guy. Total Vettehead.

Start to finish, about a 4 hour job. Even a knucklehead like me can pull it off. Its easier than you think. I promise. You'll love it. Best mod I've ever made to mine.

 

The regular windshield works fine.

 

Thanks 97C5owner,

I'm glad you numbered the instruction. I might have started with the
6 pack anticipating the challenge. Now if I can find the How To and start sober? Please shoot me Jash Meeks email.

Thanks again!

 

you dont need to pay to send the cluster out for mileage reprogram, you just switch out the main board. i can imagine how many people have paid for this, and its not cheap either

 

You have my attention. I did the relocation of my airbag light during the conversion. How much more involved is switching out the board than this? Is any soldering required?

 

I have been thinking about doing this, glad this was posted, it seems easier and less expensive than I thought. I wonder if my son would miss his HUD out of his grand prix

 

What is the airbag light relocation for? Where did you move it to?

The board is right there, its a few screws and a few electrical connectors, direct swap.
I enjoyed dismantling that part actually.

 

Do i have to do the airbag relocation on a 1998 c5