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. :)

:cheers:

 

Very cool. I would've thought the addition would be more difficult...only 2 hours. :cheers:

I am also suprised that the visibility is good without the "special HUD" windshield.

Very informative...thanks

 

I have pulled C5 interiors several times. The dash is PITA, I hadn't pulled one before and didn't have a service manual. Most of the time was spent tracing down all the little screws and bolts holding it in. Buttoning it back up only took about 30 minutes or so.

I did polish the projector and my windshield inside and out with Zaino - looks great to me. If/when I need to replace my front windshield I'll go for the 2002 Z06 HUD one.

-Jeremy


[Modified by Godspeed, 8:47 PM 12/2/2001]

 

I'm impressed.

Good job!

:cheers:

 

I'm impressed too! Congrats :cheers:

-BlackJack :flag

 

awesome.. um, your really fast ;)

 

Thanks guys. I may do a quick brain dump to outline the steps in removing the dash, and installing the HUD pieces for anyone else interested in doing so.

I wish the hardtops had the Sports Seats option like the coupes. That's the only other OEM option I want and would like to swap a set of them in soon. Since I'm putting a rollbar in right now they would be perfect to use for the five point restraints. Either that or I'll be getting some Forza I/II's.

-Jeremy



[Modified by Godspeed, 9:22 PM 12/2/2001]

 

Please do. I'm about to go through the same upgrade, and I'd appreciate your comments/instructions!

Thanks!
Kent

 

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 on the dash under the a-pillar.

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 entire dash.

Remove the two hex heads below and further 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 up and out of the way.

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

Reinstall the new dash with a HUD bezel.

Reverse the dash removal procedure above and bolt everything back up. :)

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




[Modified by Godspeed, 12:25 PM 12/3/2001]

 

I've been wanting to do this also. Can you guys tell me who to talk to about getting the parts needed. E-mail me if your uncomfortable posting their info on the net. Thanks. :cheers:

Jerry

 

I purchased my parts used from the For Sale section - keep an eye on it and you see then come up from time to time in cars that are being parted out. They can also be purchased new from GM at your local Chevy dealerships. :)

 

Congrats, that thing is cool. And much easier to keep an eye on at 100+ hehe.

I too am surprised that it's visible on a normal window though... mine has the HUD "stock", and if you lean too far to either side or sit really high in the seat (like standing up) you can't see it at all it just dissapears. Maybe it's the Zaino. ;)

:cheers:

 

I wonder how hard it would be on a '97 or '98?

 

Congrats. Very impressive. I really thought the windshield was important to the HUD.

 

Very Impressive. How much was the parts alone.

 

I dont beleive the harness is even there to plug into for a 97 or 98.

 

Yes you can do it. White 98 did it to his 98 Vert :cheers:

Jerry

 

:cheers: Good to know that this works! :seeya

 

Didnt say it couldnt be done, just that I dont think the harness is there for 97-98. Thus requiring a lot more work and possibly even computer switchout.

And didnt some 98's get the HUD? I cant remember on that one.

 

I believe it should work for a 1997-1998 if you add a HUD guage cluster and a projector. The wiring harness for the guage clusters are the same. The projector plugs into the guage cluster. I haven't done it, but think it should work.

-Jeremy