My wife and I took a trip today in our '97 convertible 30th Anniversary edition. We were doing a lot of exploring and both remarked how much we missed the compass rear view mirror that my Avalanche and her Suburban has. Did this option ever make it into an F-body? I’d hate to give up the integrated map lights in a swap. I’d have to have both to make a switch. Is it do-able?

 

Even if it wasn't an F-body option, I'd imagine you could get the mirror from another vehicle that has one, install it on your car, then all you would need to do is run the wire to a power source. Someone feel free to chime in if I'm FOS.

 

Exactly...
Ive taken the rear view mirror out of my 25th ann. with the lights on the underside of it and put it into my 84 z28, it took alittle bit of fooling around with the wires in the roof console setup to get it working right with the doors opening and such but it was well worth it, im sure anything is possable.

 

Has anyone seen a mirror with map lights *and* a compass/temp guage? I'd be willing to try some engineering to get it to work, if I knew where to get one.

 

they sell them in the aftermaket, made by the same company that makes them for the manufacturers, I have one in my 90 K5 Blazer

I'll find you a link

EDIT:

the company is Gentex , and the one I have is auto-dimming as well

here is one site http://www.compassmirrors.com/


search google for " rear view mirror compass " and you get lots of hits

 

Dave,

That's excellent! If I can't find one here, it doesn't exist Thanks for the info.

 

Great price on the site. I had been looking at the compass mirrors here:
http://www.autoanything.com/driving-...A2087A0A0.aspx

 

I just installed a 50-GENK60 on my Z28 convertible. Wasn't too bad. I was going to write up some instructions, but didn't think there'd be any interest.
Paid $350 (ouch!) But it has everything; 3X homelink, temp, compass, autodim, map light.
Maplight works just like original; goes on with door or via switch.
The display can be a little hard to see on a sunny day with the top down.
Looks very OEM.

Only goof... I did it in my garage and when looking for an ignition wire, I managed to splice into the auto headlamp wire. Took a couple weeks to figure out why the display only worked when I first started it (in the dark garage) and at night.

Here's a couple pictures of the kit and the mirror.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48...llP1050170.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48...050167crop.jpg

 

Please write up some installation tips and procedures. I really want one of these for my 01.

 

i've got one with compass/temp/map lights/auto-dim in my z28, it was super easy to install...the hardest part is running the wires....you just need +12V from the battery and one that is switched from the ignition, and a good ground. then you run the wires for the temp sensor (if yours has the feature) all the way to the front of the car...I just went through the firewall by the computer (ecm/pcm) and up the A-pillar on the passenger side, tucked it all under the headliner...works awesome and is great for finding your way when you get lost

 

ZeeVert,

Were you able to use any of the original wiring harness, or did you have to remove it? How about the wired connection -- did the OEM tie-ins work for the new mirror?

Finally, does pressing the Homelink buttons move the mirror? My Avalanche has this option, and I love it. The Avy's are on a roof console. I am concerned about the location on the mirror.

Great to hear from someone who's been there!

 

I had to go back to my notes:I'm pretty sure I normally use my thumb on the button and back-up the mirror with my fingers. After you asked that question... I'm not sure. Anyway, I went to the car, and there is no way you'd move the mirror pushing on the outer buttons. The pivot(s) are pretty tight.

I've been trying to get a decent picyure of the installed mirror, but it seems to be impossible.

 

By the way... Me and my wife do the same. Half the fun is getting lost and finding your way home. But I needed that compass.
The other reason... "It sure is hot. I wonder how hot it is". We got's to know!

 

Exactly! I take it you think the cost was worth it? It is a pretty expensive part.

A pic would be nice, if you can manage it.

 

what so good about having a compass in your car, if you dont mind me asking?