im scared to cut my dash for HUD

[guitarpro_1st]

ahhhh if yah havnt done it yet just cut away theres no way of learning without trying it.....just word of advice dont cut the whole too big too small is better than too big lol j/k

[94_240sx]

just word of advice dont cut the whole too big too small is better than too big lol j/k

There's this trim that goes on top of projector, so any flaw will be covered by it.

[jdm_master_X]

DEAD THREAD REVIVAL!

anybody have news on that template? I might be buying a HUD soon....maybe. thanks!

[amolao]

I will post one in a couple of days, gotta play with it to make sure it prints at the perfect size. I installed mine almost a year ago and no cracks whatsoever. Just go slow while cutting and watch the corners. I guess it also helps to have a fairly good dash to begin with.

[Dandrift89]

so im to lazt to read everything btu wont you need a new windshield? from what i understand it wond project with stock windshield.

[Coolwhip]

it'll project, just not a nice during the day. The sunlight usually kills the image. But at night it's the same regardless on which windsheild

[94_240sx]

I've also heard that it helps if you put small piece of metalized tint film which is highly reflective on the windshield where it projects.

[Coolwhip]

that works, defi includes it with their HUD units

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Bumpity bump bump. I am also interested in this even though I don't have a vert.

Btw, for a noob like me, how long do you think a dash swap would take? Idk, I'm not too excited about cutting into my mint dash.

[1SickSilvia]

Bumpity bump bump. I am also interested in this even though I don't have a vert.

Btw, for a noob like me, how long do you think a dash swap would take? Idk, I'm not too excited about cutting into my mint dash.

It took me about an hour to take out the dash and thats with a few coronas when I took breaks, so basicly I was d***ing around. To put it back, shouldnt really take much longer just make sure you connect everything back properly, including the vents, etc. I think there is a write up somewhere on the forum, good luck

here is a little helphttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=228005http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=341232

[AZ89two4Tsx]

^ Would it be better to just try and cut into my current dash. I just don't want to screw up my perfect dash. I might just run the digital cluster w/o the projector.

[1SickSilvia]

^thats also a good option

[amolao]

Modified by amolao at 3:28 PM 1/9/2009

Right click and select print. Cut your own template out of cardboard or tape. If using painters tape it will let you play with the location until ready to start cutting. Take your time and use the other pics or a friends car to estimate the right location and angle. This is critical if you want the reflector's trim piece to sit nice and flush.

Go slow and easy during the cutting. Cut the top vinyl layer very carefully, then peel the middle foam layer until reaching the hard plastic bottom layer.
Modified by amolao at 3:38 PM 1/9/2009

[94_240sx]

Thanks for doing this. This will help a lot!!

[amolao]

You're very welcome, Sir.....

A few points to remind everybody:

There is no need to take the dash out. Only the gauge cluster comes out to gain access to the underside of the dash.

The reflector must sit all the way down against the hard plastic bottom layer for the trim to sit nice and flush against the dash.

Make sure to print the template following the steps listed. If you open the file using photoshop, etc. it will change the dimensions of the "jpg". After printing cut the template siloutte off from the sheet of paper and stick your reflector in it to verify for proper size of the final product.

I'm not responsible for any cracks or damage to your dash. If your dash is in fairly good shape, you should have no problems. If your dash takes the usual punishment from extreme sunlight and hot weather, it will eventually crack sooner or later......

[amolao]

You're very welcome, Sir.....

A few points to remind everybody:

There is no need to take the dash out. Only the gauge cluster comes out to gain access to the underside of the dash.

The reflector must sit all the way down against the hard plastic bottom layer for the trim to sit nice and flush against the dash.

I'm not responsible for any cracks or damage to your dash. If your dash is in fairly good shape, you should have no problems. If your dash takes the usual punishment from extreme sunlight and hot weather, it will eventually crack sooner or later......

[94_240sx]

I usually heat up this kind of knife with a torch or lighter to cut plastic piece on my car. It's much easier that way.


Modified by 94_240sx at 9:35 AM 1/9/2009

[amolao]

Because of the proximity of the windshield and if you leave the dash on, the best tools to use are X-acto knife blade for the first two layers and a dremel/small sawblade for the tough plastic. Just a suggestion....

[94_240sx]

Because of the proximity of the windshield and if you leave the dash on, the best tools to use are X-acto knife blade for the first two layers and a dremel/small sawblade for the tough plastic. Just a suggestion....

I try to stay away from Dremel because it makes such a mess. I usually run vacuum cleaner right next to it when I cut plastic and put strong magnet when I cut metal. Of course, I do that when I have to cut something on the car.

[justclay]

This may be somewhere else on the forum, but how much does the HUD cost and what vitals does it display?

[94_240sx]

This may be somewhere else on the forum, but how much does the HUD cost and what vitals does it display?

On eBay they go for about $200-300 for the working USDM cluster. Problem is it's not easy to find WORKING unit since most of them are busted.

[justclay]

Interesting...you'd think that this would be a more common upgrade, with more aftermarket support. Steve Jobs should get his *** in gear.

[rsagen]

I was wondering if there is a way to change the color of the HUD that goes on the window. I dont no if everybody elses is also green but that is the worst color. I was looking for a blue or red.

[94_240sx]

I was wondering if there is a way to change the color of the HUD that goes on the window. I dont no if everybody elses is also green but that is the worst color. I was looking for a blue or red.

No. impossible to change color.

[rsagen]

that sucks. im going to try to figure something out tho....

[94_240sx]

that sucks. im going to try to figure something out tho....

Well, you can try to coat the small window on HUD unit with some red vinyl, but it's not going to be as bright as original.

[rsagen]

thats what I'm thinking. I got some thin red plastic I put on already. (under the main cover on top of the whole) it doesnt look too bad but I'm going to wait till later tonight to decide if I want to keep it or not.

[94_240sx]

Alright, I had access to HUD dash, so I spent some time to come up with this template. This will also help to find perfect spot since it will align with a window vent. I have scanned 1:1 scale pattern in PDF, so all you need to do is print out, cut the template, mark the dash and cut. Now, I feel more comfortable with cutting my perfect dash.

Eikon, I'll email you the PDF. Can you post the link for us?

[rsagen]

well anyways my HUD crapped out.... Piece o s***!....

if anybody is in the Edmonton area and wants a HUD dash i will swap you!

[rsagen]

ps my dash is in pretty good shape