HUD Kit
11-16-2011, 11:24 PM
#21
Instructor
lol....wasn't me!
I guess the old saying is you can't have your cake and eat it too. For me to install a HUD by not cutting the duct it would increase the time to around 5 hours. This doesn't include the fact that loosening the dash you'll very easilly damage the dash or other compenents. I personally don't care to do it as it's a complete PITA but will do it but the price will not be $575.00 parts and labor installed. As it is the kits sell for around $420.00 shipped, so not alot of mark up on my part to begin with especially when you count travel & travel time etc...
If it is something you care to tackle yourself have at it and I'll help you out as much as possible. I will give a bit of warning as well. I had a guy out in Georgia call me today that installed one and has major problems now (dealership doesn't even know what he did wrong). I can only help so much over the phone with out seeing things for myself or knowing what was damaged during installs.
(you screw it up its on you, I screw it up I have to pay for it and fix it.)
Any questions concerns etc... feel free to contact me.
Andrew
832 457 9253
If it is something you care to tackle yourself have at it and I'll help you out as much as possible. I will give a bit of warning as well. I had a guy out in Georgia call me today that installed one and has major problems now (dealership doesn't even know what he did wrong). I can only help so much over the phone with out seeing things for myself or knowing what was damaged during installs.
(you screw it up its on you, I screw it up I have to pay for it and fix it.)
Any questions concerns etc... feel free to contact me.
Andrew
832 457 9253
11-16-2011, 11:39 PM
#22
Safety Car
Anyway, if you have big hands, they can get pretty beat-up.
I did my own HUD install 2 years ago:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...my-09-1lt.html
It's a nice project. Working slowly & carefully, it took me about 8 hours over 2 days, with 3 trips to Ace Hardware for tools & what-not (back then, the HUD kit didn't include all the fasteners). I was especially cautious with the wiring, doing it in daylight to see the right wire-colors, and triple-checking everything.
And I spent a good half-day or so beforehand, researching & reading & digesting the instructions.
Of course, knowing what I know now, I could easily do it MUCH MUCH faster.
And I would definitely do the cut-the-duct method! It's a simple, single cut; the duct is re-installed; and, the HVAC system works exactly the same before & after.
BTW, my HUD has worked perfectly, no glitches, no problems. VERY pleased with this mod.
11-17-2011, 02:03 AM
#23
Former Vendor
Unless he is too far away -- or you want a DIY project -- let Andrew do it.
Anyway, if you have big hands, they can get pretty beat-up.
I did my own HUD install 2 years ago:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...my-09-1lt.html
It's a nice project. Working slowly & carefully, it took me about 8 hours over 2 days, with 3 trips to Ace Hardware for tools & what-not (back then, the HUD kit didn't include all the fasteners). I was especially cautious with the wiring, doing it in daylight to see the right wire-colors, and triple-checking everything.
And I spent a good half-day or so beforehand, researching & reading & digesting the instructions.
Of course, knowing what I know now, I could easily do it MUCH MUCH faster.
And I would definitely do the cut-the-duct method! It's a simple, single cut; the duct is re-installed; and, the HVAC system works exactly the same before & after.
BTW, my HUD has worked perfectly, no glitches, no problems. VERY pleased with this mod.
Anyway, if you have big hands, they can get pretty beat-up.
I did my own HUD install 2 years ago:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...my-09-1lt.html
It's a nice project. Working slowly & carefully, it took me about 8 hours over 2 days, with 3 trips to Ace Hardware for tools & what-not (back then, the HUD kit didn't include all the fasteners). I was especially cautious with the wiring, doing it in daylight to see the right wire-colors, and triple-checking everything.
And I spent a good half-day or so beforehand, researching & reading & digesting the instructions.
Of course, knowing what I know now, I could easily do it MUCH MUCH faster.
And I would definitely do the cut-the-duct method! It's a simple, single cut; the duct is re-installed; and, the HVAC system works exactly the same before & after.
BTW, my HUD has worked perfectly, no glitches, no problems. VERY pleased with this mod.
11-17-2011, 02:46 AM
#24
Drifting
11-18-2011, 10:15 AM
#25
Former Vendor
11-18-2011, 07:14 PM
#27
Former Vendor
11-18-2011, 09:07 PM
#28
Safety Car
Depending on the extent of the damage, I believe it's not impossible to repair this. But from all the threads I've read, I wouldn't bother trying.
Get a new HUD from partstaxi.com or gmpartshouse.com. Don't waste your time with a used one... it's probably broken, which is why it's for sale.
From another thread:
...If the HUD is damaged, there's lots to consider:
1. To fix it, the HUD has to be removed. Maybe it can be repaired. But will the repair work? And how long will it last? Might as well get a new one -- I think it's about $225 from partstaxi.com.
2. One method to remove & replace the HUD involves removing the dash. I believe this is a 6-8 hour job at a dealer. Detailed instructions & pics here: http://www.theredlion.us/C6%20HUD%20...%20Rev%202.pdf
3. Another method involves "cutting the duct." MUCH simpler and far easier. An experienced installer can do this in an about an hour. The duct is re-installed, so HVAC functions are not affected.
4. DIY if you're handy. Lots of forum members have added HUD to 1LT/2LT cars; your job would be easier b/c you don't need a new wiring harness. Here's a thread with tips, pics & links: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...my-09-1lt.html
5. Maybe there's a forum member near you that's done this job and could walk you thru it...
1. To fix it, the HUD has to be removed. Maybe it can be repaired. But will the repair work? And how long will it last? Might as well get a new one -- I think it's about $225 from partstaxi.com.
2. One method to remove & replace the HUD involves removing the dash. I believe this is a 6-8 hour job at a dealer. Detailed instructions & pics here: http://www.theredlion.us/C6%20HUD%20...%20Rev%202.pdf
3. Another method involves "cutting the duct." MUCH simpler and far easier. An experienced installer can do this in an about an hour. The duct is re-installed, so HVAC functions are not affected.
4. DIY if you're handy. Lots of forum members have added HUD to 1LT/2LT cars; your job would be easier b/c you don't need a new wiring harness. Here's a thread with tips, pics & links: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...my-09-1lt.html
5. Maybe there's a forum member near you that's done this job and could walk you thru it...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...d-shaking.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...d-shaking.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...on-window.html
Last edited by CO Lightfoot; 11-18-2011 at 10:10 PM.
11-21-2011, 07:59 PM
#29
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Sep 2003
Location: Farmington CT
Posts: 6,126
Received 160 Likes
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Cruise-In VII Veteran
I've done dozens of C5/6 HUD installs since 2003; just been busy with some motor swaps/Forced Induction builds lately
I have the best supplied harness available, 85 shipped, all others are not on par
I have the best supplied harness available, 85 shipped, all others are not on par
11-21-2011, 08:12 PM
#30
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Steve, I am looking at the kit from Gene at GMpartshouse do you supply him the wiring harness by any chance?
11-22-2011, 02:21 AM
#31
Instructor
It seems like all the kits use crimp type tap connectors. I think that I might wire mine up using a weatherpak connector. I think that it would make for a more reliable connection to the car harness. I do like those labels. We use something at work that is similar to label aircraft harnesses with part numbers.
12-22-2011, 10:45 PM
#32
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Sep 2003
Location: Farmington CT
Posts: 6,126
Received 160 Likes
on
125 Posts
Cruise-In VII Veteran
You could do it yourself if you go slow and take your time.
Personally, if I was to have a HUD installed, it would be by the pull the dash method. Actually, from what I gather, you don't have to really remove the dashboard, just remove more fasteners and pull the dash out a bit. Some people cut a HVAC duct, but I can't imagine damaging and then repairing a HVAC plenum as a professional piece of work.
Personally, if I was to have a HUD installed, it would be by the pull the dash method. Actually, from what I gather, you don't have to really remove the dashboard, just remove more fasteners and pull the dash out a bit. Some people cut a HVAC duct, but I can't imagine damaging and then repairing a HVAC plenum as a professional piece of work.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...post1579543742
Please also understand that the A10 also gets to use 'speedtape' during certain tasks over in a warm desert climate, sometimes in an unfriendly area
I've been upgrading HUDS on Corvettes since 2003, I have learned a few things over the years
btw: I believe the person you are referring to is painted onto the hog in the pic below?
No biggie.
12-22-2011, 11:44 PM
#33
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Please read post #3 in this thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...post1579543742
Please also understand that the A10 also gets to use 'speedtape' during certain tasks over in a warm desert climate, sometimes in an unfriendly area
I've been upgrading HUDS on Corvettes since 2003, I have learned a few things over the years
btw: I believe the person you are referring to is painted onto the hog in the pic below?
No biggie.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...post1579543742
Please also understand that the A10 also gets to use 'speedtape' during certain tasks over in a warm desert climate, sometimes in an unfriendly area
I've been upgrading HUDS on Corvettes since 2003, I have learned a few things over the years
btw: I believe the person you are referring to is painted onto the hog in the pic below?
No biggie.
12-23-2011, 10:38 AM
#34
Melting Slicks
If I were to install a HUD (I have one in my vert) there is no way I'd pull the dash or let someone else do it. There is just too much risk of developing rattles afterward. I was going to travel to Orlando to have a HUD installed in my 1LT '08 coupe but then I traded it.
There is nothing wrong with cutting a duct. A/C ducts in your house are all sealed and held together with aluminum or duct tape and it lasts for 20-30 years.
If the forum installers have done many dozens using the "cut" method successfully I think that is pretty good evidence that it is a valid method.
There is nothing wrong with cutting a duct. A/C ducts in your house are all sealed and held together with aluminum or duct tape and it lasts for 20-30 years.
If the forum installers have done many dozens using the "cut" method successfully I think that is pretty good evidence that it is a valid method.
12-23-2011, 12:07 PM
#36
Safety Car
I agree with some guys that it seems like a hack job but take into consideration that the duct we are refering to is only 3 inch diameter and only feeds the drivers left vent. The HVAC tape permenantly fixes it back to stock and there are ZERO issues after the work.
Taking the dash out is the correct way but remember 2 things could and usually do happen when you do this if youre not a tech type guy.
1. The dash is a pretty exact fit and when done by a novice will rattle
2. you can almost be assured there will be a few scratches on the dash/center column/steering wheel etc....
To each there own but again take all my posts for what they are "FREE" and if you dont like the answer then just dont listen. have a safe CHRISTmas
12-23-2011, 03:45 PM
#37
Melting Slicks
