*WARNING* Graphic photos - HUD Projector Install
 

I put a bit of a warning up because most will never want to see their car like this. I spent a good part of yesterday and a little bit of today to tear down, create a temp. fix and put back together.

Now there is some good and alot of bad that will come along with this.

First things first, This is no where near as simple of an install as the c6 was and I don't ever forsee there being a "cheat" to bypass this either. So I'll start with saying that you will have to remove the entire dash(worse than even doing a camaro) to even get to the HUD projector location. Thats not really the bad part. The bad part is the dash that comes with a 1LT is not the same as a 2LT or 3LT. There is not a simple pop out like c6 had or even perforations like the c5 had.

Here is the low down, I had to actually take measurements and use a drimmel to cut out the hole for the projector to project through. I then had to devise a bezel. With there being a different dash for the 2lt and up I ended up using a highly modified c6 dash bezel to hide the cut hole and still give it a decent appearance. This is a temp. fix until I can make a nice looking bezel or price of dashes come down.

So pricing break downs for those wanting HUD from a 1LT standpoint:
HUD projector: Around $500
HUD switch: around $30
Dash if not cutting: Around $800+ shipping (freight)
Harness: I can't give the cost on that as I'm still working on it and there are 2 harnesses instead of the 1 for the c6
Labor: There is alot of labor to this. I had the Dash completely out in around 3 hours with out ever doing it before. It took me 4 times as long to put it back together because it's like a puzzle and if you don't put the right pieces back in the right order they won't fit right and you'll have to take apart ...

Here are some photos of the build, destroy, modify and Fix.

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...014_102222.jpg

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...014_140604.jpg

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...014_181603.jpg

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...015_162851.jpg

When its all said and done, as long as it works and you don't have a handful of nuts and bolts left over, I guess its all good. Hahahah

Ya, I would never like to see my car looking like that.

The good news is, is that it's all back together. I also found a loose connection my steering wheel controls for favorites buttons that wasn't connected so now I have that function. woo hoo!

That looks scary. :eek: So I guess the C6 price of aftermarket HUD install is out of the question. :lol:

I'm working on another option but need to finish working with the engineers.

Don't you also need a special windshield for the HUD To work? My C5 uses some kind of gas layer in the windshield to project off of. Maybe things have changed?

not really, most folks would never be able to tell you the difference between a HUD windshield and non.

OK, interesting. Thanks very much for posting the photos. You are brave. I'm not sure I would have the guts strip it down like that even when I was in my 20s. :)

Man looks to be a PITA!

Not something I would bother with....I have the HUD in my present c6 and I my last c5..

Either 2lt the ccc7 order or just live without HUD.

If in time this conversion becomes easier or as I believe you find a less I depth way to make the conversion...then I'll be on board.

Thanks again.

The lesson here is to just bite the bullet and order the HUD from the factory!!:eek:

Why you would you put yourself through all that trouble? Buy it in the first place.:crazy:

Wow!!!!

Is HUD not on all C7's? If not, what package do you have to order?

2LT or 3LT

I figured it would not be as simple in the C7. Looks like you are well underway to getting it working. Give me a call if you think I can help with anything. My schedule has been a bit crazy with work and trying to close on the house and prepare for the move, but there's always a chance. Good luck!

It sounds like you spent twice what it cost to just order plus then you are covered by warranty hope it works for you!

:ack: what is the point of this? :crazy2:

Oh I understand why you did this!!! I applaud you!!! Can I ask how old you are???? Years ago I would have maybe done this project but with age I got somewhat less ambitious!!!

Also......... how long did you drive the car before you considered doing it? I ask because frankly with the stock dash the car has to me a HUD is not really needed. There is so much better information in the dash pod......... HUD is so secondary.

I know I will appreciate it on the track but not on the street.

Excellent job!!!! You should be proud!!!