HUD Feature Question

[dougtoth]

My brother in law really likes the HUD feature.
He has a 2001 Bonneville SLE and would like to install this feature on his car.
Has any one ever tried this conversion?
I believe you have to change the windshield but not sure what else has to be done like wiring harness,relays or switches.
It sounds like it could possibly be done but at what cost and how difficult to do this?

[Kajidono]

I've seen others mentioning doing it, even on older models that never had huds. Personally I'd put one in and see for myself if I really needed a new windshield. As many times as I've been blinded by the reflection of paperwork laying on my dash, I'm not entirely sure the glass isn't reflective enough as it is. You do need the instrument cluster and top dash piece with the window in it from a donor car, and the little motorized mirror that aims it upward and the switch that controls it. Not sure about the wiring between the switch and the mirror, but whatever you have should work fine as long as you have the plugs to splice into. The cluster just projects the readout upside down on the back of it, so it should work by just plugging it in.

I wouldn't think it'd cost much, depends on what the junkyard charges for all those little parts. I could be wrong on the details but it's doable.

[ddalder]

It has been done. You need a projector, projector bracket, control, new upper dash pad, different HVAC ducting for around the projector along with wiring/connectors and miscellaneous hardware (mounting screws).

The HUD in these cars can be difficult to see at the best of times during the day. They rely on a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) and mirrors to project the image. The VFD has never been able to generate enough light output to make them very good. If you don't have the correct windshield, it will work but the image quality will be fuzzy and overall performance even worse.

The HUD is completely separate from the instrument cluster. It is a dedicated projector all by itself. Some connections are hardwired to other signals in the vehicle (left & right turn signals, high beam indicator) while other information displayed is based on modules sending signals over the Class 2 serial data bus (speed, radio information, low fuel and check gages). Oh, and for the record, "gages" is spelled wrong! lol

If I didn't already have it, I'd only add it to be able to say my car has HUD. Quality and usefulness for any other reason is somewhat of a waste of money/resources.

Newer HUD technologies used in vehicles such as the Grand Prix GXP is far better.

[dougtoth]

Thank you for the replies.
We are going to pursue when and if it gets warmer. (3 degrees in Milwaukee area today)
Will advise back how it works.

[ddalder]

One thing I didn't mention is that when you purchase the new upper dash pad, make sure you get the two defrost vents that snap into the top of it. I assumed the wrecker would include them, but the single piece unit currently in the vehicle will not work. Harofreak00 would probably have everything you need, and he will be familiar with things like the HVAC duct parts unique to this project. Send him a PM or contact him through www.bonnevillesunlimited.com.

[dougtoth]

Thanks again.
The car we are looking at does have all the components in it.(at least it did as this past Sunday)
It is located at the local LKQ.
We have found their prices to be fairly reasonable and really good when they have their 40% off sale.
Will advise on how we make out.

[Brutus]

I think you can get a HUD on ebay.
Just type in HUD.
I don't know a lot about them, but that might be an easier option.