HUD Question

Hi guys,
I've got an 03 GTP with no HUD. I want to install a used one, but just learned that the windshield is different for HUD and non-HUD vehicles. My question is, can I install the HUD in an 03 without having to change the windshield? I really want to know this before i take a chainsaw to my dashboard!
Also, is there any chance the wire harnesses will NOT be there when I open the dash? All advice is welcome!

I don't believe you can install a hud without the windshield swap, because the hud image is reflected off a special coating on the film between the two panes of glass that make up the windshield. I may be wrong, but it would suck to go thru all that work only to learn that this is true. I also doubt that the wiring is there, as the hud and non-hud cars show a different dash harness in the GM computer.

I saw a link at clubgp that has instructions on how to install HUD if you dont have it. It didnt say anything about the windshield being different and the car in the example had the plug needed for hookup. Do a search there.

Richtazz is right, the windshields on the Grand Prix with the HUD are different. They have special coating that allows the numbers to be reflected back. They are a lot more expensive than the standard windshield too. Without the proper windshield the HUD probably won't work.

Been talking with the dealer about putting in the GTX. They haven't said anything about changing out the windshields. BUT in the state of Florida your insurance company has to change it for free, if there is a mark of anykind. I'm sure the dealer could find that mark.
BUT I don't think it has to be changed. I will check some more.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/1998PontiacGrandPrixGTP002.jpg

Can't find anything that says you have to change WS. Did find this that Big-L sent a while back on how to in stall. Maybe you can find something in this.
http://cncgp.clubgp.com/performance/hudinstall.html
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/1998PontiacGrandPrixGTP001.jpg

There is a special film that will not cause a blurryness or distorted view. Also this not too

Heads up Display (HUD) also requires a special windshield. This type of dash display projects information such as vehicle speed, signal lights, and warning lights onto a special area of the windshield. To the driver, the projected display appears to float in the air outside the car, but it is actually just projected on the windshield. HUD allows the driver to monitor important vehicle information without having to take their eyes off the road. Early windshields built for HUD had a small transparent projection screen in the lower drivers side of the glass. The latest windshields look like regular windshields but the glass in the area of the projections has been tested for optical clarity. As can be expected, these windshields cost more than the standard unit.

94, Where did you get this at? It's not that I don't beleive you, it's just I can't find anyone who puts's it in writing. If you have anything in writing, send it to me, please. Like I said, I want to have it done.
Thankshttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/1998PontiacGrandPrixGTP004.jpg

http://www.automotive.dupont.com/en/caseStudies/case042.html?breadcrumb=%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbs p%3B%26gt%3B%26gt%3B%3Ca%20class%3D%22breadCrumbLi nk%22%20href%3D%22http://www.dupont.com/%22%3EDuPont%20Home%3C/a%3E%20%26gt%3B%20%3Ca%20class%3D%22breadCrumbLink %22%20href%3D%22http://www1.dupont.com/NASApp/dupontglobal/corp/markets/marketsMain.jsp%22%3EIndustries%3C/a%3E%20%26gt%3B%20%3Ca%20class%3D%22breadCrumbLink %22%20href%3D%22/en/index.html%22%3EDuPont%20Automotive%3C/a%3E%20%26gt%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22../../../en/systems/autoSystems.html%22%20class%3D%22breadCrumbLink%22 %3EAutomotive%20Systems%3C/a%3E%20%26gt%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22../../../en/systems/interior/interior.html%22%20class%3D%22breadCrumbLink%22%3E Interior%3C/a%3E%20%26gt%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22../../../en/systems/interior/cockpitSystems.html%22%20class%3D%22breadCrumbLink %22%3ECockpit%20Systems%3C/a%3E

If link doesn't work for some here is the info using a DUpont film.

Delphi Delco Electronic Systems of Kokomo, Indiana, (USA) is the world’s leading supplier of automotive Head-Up Display (HUD) units made with a wedge-shaped PVB interlayer to achieve optimal visibility for driver navigational information. Butacite® provides a wedged-shaped PVB interlayer, which aligns a primary inner surface image from the driver position with a second dimmer image produced by the outer surface of the windshield. These two images are aligned into one image to eliminate any chance for “ghosting.” In a conventional, non-wedged windshield, images may separate (or “ghost”) due to refraction through the glass layers.



Materials Selected and Why



DuPont™ Butacite® wedged PVB interlayer was chosen because it provides the best cost-performance choice for today’s automotive manufacturers for HUD technology.



Benefits Gained




Reconfigurable HUD units
Improved cost-performance factor promoting mass commercialization
Eliminates windshield image “ghosting”
Expanded display range for alphanumeric driver information

Yes there is a special film in the windshields with a HUD.I had to have mine replaced after a trip, since a semi thru a rock out of its tire and cracked our windshield.If you dont belive us :wink: you can look up our windshields at this site.When you fill out the Vehicle Info and get to the body style then click on the drop down and it will first show 2dr,4dr then on the drop down it shows 2dr,4dr with heads up.Ive read on clubgp that some have had the windshield replaced with the wrong one and they could hardly see the numbers on the HUD and had to take it back since the company installed the wrong windshield.

www.windshieldstogo.com

Thanks Larry
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/1998PontiacGrandPrixGTP004.jpg

Thanks everyone for the all the info.
This mod is a little pricier than I thought... I'm glad it got discussed before unwary newbies (like me) get in over our heads!

I have done the HUD install on my 00 se. I even had to wire my own harness as my car didn't have the plug already there. As far as the w/s I didn't need to changeit. From what I have heard is that it helps with the blurryness but i haven't seen a problem at all.