Installation of HUD in 1997 PAU

[cstruc]

So I finally thought I would post my experience installing my Heads Up Display in my 1997 Park Avenue Ultra. I got the unit a few months ago, but it was too cold to consider doing anything, so in late March I took a few days and went to install it. Since I had lots of room and some time I opted to pull the entire dash out, I also chose this method because the unit I bought from a 2001 Park Avenue, so I wasn’t sure how it was going to fit. First I started off by taking my kick plate off.



Then I went to finish taking off the rest of the dash.



It was then that I discovered that in order for the unit to sit as low as I wanted I was going to have to make some major modifications. I decided that removing the front driver defrost vent was the only way to get it where I wanted it, so I tentatively placed it where I thought it would fit. Wiring was up next, so I decided to go simple and just hook up the power and VSS wire. My car didn’t come with the wiring for the HUD (the extra three wires on the instrument cluster harness), so I just opted to go for the basics. After I got it all hooked up and tested it was time to mount it.



I ended up removing the vent and cutting a couple pieces of tubing to redirect the airflow around the HUD unit (as you can see in the picture below). It certainly took some effort, but it was eventually done. I then roughed up the metal beam that runs across the dash with the Dremel, and used some of the JB Weld metal stick (the stick putty you mix together and mould), to make some mounts to hold it into place.



I ended up cutting part of the dash cover in order to get it back into place, so I made some cuts, fit it into place. Test it again, cut more. After many attempts I got it back into place and the unit mounted.



Here’s a side view of it in place (the glare guard hasn’t been installed yet).



I ended up cutting the glare guard into two pieces to fit around the unit. I also had to cut some vents into the left piece where the “defrost” air now comes out of in lieu of the original vent. But everything fits in relatively well. I’m still going to make a little pod for it like the originals have (one day) to make it look cleaner and to cut out the glare from streetlights on the plastic at night. But it works! I ended up putting the switch in to the flat section next to my drink holders in the middle console. It took some effort to get the wires under the carpet and into the console, but it was the best option since I couldn’t find the triple switch to mount in the headliner.

This is certainly not a project for anyone that isn’t very comfortable with taking apart their dash or heavily modifying parts. It took me the better part of three days to get done (by myself), but seeing those little numbers floating in the window makes me very proud. I don’t have any problems with seeing doubles or any other problems. My glass seems to have a flat spot that is perfect for reflecting the image! Below is the final image right after installation.



I also added the rain sensor module for the windshield wipers (got it off of eBay for $20). I just plugged it in and it worked right away! Great way to end the project!