HUD in F-Body??

**blackhawk01** · 12-02-2007, 07:26 PM

Has anybody tried it? Im sure it couldnt be that hard to do...well..lol I dont THINK it could be. I think it would be a really cool idea,,i mean hell the GTX's have them..

**blackhawk01** · 12-02-2007, 08:02 PM

what if you were able to cut a hole in the dash..mount some kind of bracket to hold this up at the right height where just the glass part is sticking up...?

http://www.defi-shop.com/product/vsdx/vsdx_top.html

I think that would be pretty neat

**basballny2** · 12-02-2007, 08:10 PM

the 1 thing i miss about my 97 GTP

**predator** · 12-03-2007, 03:18 AM

im 99% sure it can be done... i think there was a big group buy around here like a year ago for the hud unit...

prettys ure its just cut hole... mount... plug in...

-me

**Method** · 12-03-2007, 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by predator

im 99% sure it can be done... i think there was a big group buy around here like a year ago for the hud unit...

prettys ure its just cut hole... mount... plug in...

-me

Nothings ever that easy, trust me! Had one in my 01 GTP. Fun stuff!

**blackhawk01** · 12-03-2007, 03:58 AM

thats where I saw them at..after I raced that GTX i saw it and it got me thinking "now why would they put a HUD in that car but not in an F-Body?..they are (were) like the second fastest produced GM vehicle???

**35thAnniZ28** · 12-03-2007, 09:24 AM

doesnt the glass play a factor in the numbers being visible

**99blueZ** · 12-03-2007, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by 35thAnniZ28

doesnt the glass play a factor in the numbers being visible

I bet it does. The f-bodies windshield might be at too sharp to sharp of an angle for it to properly project on it.

**TransAm11973** · 12-03-2007, 01:45 PM

you cant just have the glass showing its gotta be a big hole if your gonna use the one you posted. The beam has to have enough clearance to shine on the glass. so you are gonna have a hole the size of the bottom black base, maybe a bit smaller b/c it projects on an angle. I would do more shopping b/f you get one. IMO I just wouldnt want a big hole in my dash. Plus I dont beleive it wil be super easy to hook up either, just and FYI. Ever found one that is red? let me know whats up, I think its a cool idea though.

**stevenm357** · 12-03-2007, 04:16 PM

Great Idea I would love to have that when i get my Trans Am

**SENN13** · 12-03-2007, 04:37 PM

Seone said something about the windshield angle in our cars being to sharp or something. The Corvettes have HUD and I'm pretty sure the windshield angle on the Corvettes is severe than the Firebirds and Camaros, right?

**blackhawk01** · 12-03-2007, 08:01 PM

i would think so...I just dont see why they wouldnt have put the HUDs in the F-Bodys..or at least have it as an option...that would have been freaking awesome

**Kalepsis** · 12-03-2007, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by SENN13

Seone said something about the windshield angle in our cars being to sharp or something. The Corvettes have HUD and I'm pretty sure the windshield angle on the Corvettes is severe than the Firebirds and Camaros, right?

Actually, the windshield angle in the corvettes is a degree or two less than in our TAs. The HUD unit from the corvettes or a grand Prix could be mounted in our cars if two conditions exist: 1) there must be enough space under our cramped dash. Remember, in the Camaros and TAs, the engine takes up a lot of space under the dash, unlike the GP or Vette, whose engines are farther forward in the engine compartment; and 2) the HUD must be angled precisely and focused for that angle, which would likely require fabrication of a bracket that will hold it there and not allow it to shake at all. I work on fighter jets, so I'm a little familiar with HUD operations. If you don't focus the HUD, it'll look like one of those projectors in high school when you angle it too far up the wall... the bottom will look okay, but the top will taper out and the words will be really fuzzy.
I think it's a great idea, something I'd like to do myself, so I'll take my dash out this weekend and see if there's enough room under there. If you're going to put that aftermarket HUD in the car, there should be enough room to cut the hole and drop it down so that the top of the base is flush with the dash's plastic, then just put a rubber gasket around the edge to make it look nice and clean. Another thing I'll consider trying. Looks like I have some work to do.

**Kalepsis** · 12-06-2007, 01:42 AM

Well, I just bought a HUD and switch from an 01 GP on ebay for $60... I'll work out the wiring and the sensor input with my schematics and I'll keep everyone posted... whether or not I can actually retrofit the thing to my TA. Should be an interesting project, to say the least.

**TransAm11973** · 12-06-2007, 02:51 AM

we want pics too

**oreowizard** · 12-06-2007, 05:07 AM

please do keep us informed!!

**ls1_ss** · 12-06-2007, 12:32 PM

can be done, lots of work though. There is a company that makes a unit to put on top of the dash but I forget who?

**Kalepsis** · 12-07-2007, 02:11 AM

Blackhawk01 posted the link for the Defi on-dash unit a little farther up, here it is again:

http://www.defi-shop.com/product/vsdx/vsdx_top.html

And yes, I'll post as many pics as I can take... Assuming the sensor inputs are compatible with the unit and I can splice the wires to tap the signals. ls1_ss, you said it can be done, do you know who did it? I'd like to know as much as I can about it before I start pulling the dash open.

P.S. It might take me a while to actually DO the project... I have a couple other pressing matters I'm taking care of with this car (as you can see from the headlight pic), as well as an 88 Crown Vic and a 67 Galaxie to work on at the same time. Patience is a virtue, my friends.

**johnh** · 12-07-2007, 10:43 AM

The Windshield glass is different on the GPs for HUD/non-HUD cars....but I don't know how well it work work with Normal glass....

**blackhawk01** · 12-08-2007, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Kalepsis

Well, I just bought a HUD and switch from an 01 GP on ebay for $60... I'll work out the wiring and the sensor input with my schematics and I'll keep everyone posted... whether or not I can actually retrofit the thing to my TA. Should be an interesting project, to say the least.

that would be awesome please keep us updated...if that is the case and its that cheap I will do it as well