newer model rearview mirrors

[blazin_blazer]

i have 3 1996 chevy suv's sitting in my yard, plus i drive a 96 tahoe which is why ive scooped up these other suv's. today i was following my garmin gps directions when it told me to turn west onto such n such drive. had it not been for my rearview mirror i would have turned wrong.

then i started wondering how easy would it be to put one of these mirrors out of 1 of my parts trucks into my 80 k5. do these mirrors use the ecm to know the direction or is it as easy as running a hot wire to mirror & it will work? that would be sweet but im thinking it will be more involved or i'd see it being done on all old vehicles. plus, it has the auto darkening feature..anybody done this mod?

 

[TREA18]

I bought a mirror with the compass in it off ebay and just hooked up wires and it works great. It was one thing I wanted when I re did my 88', and I really like knowing what direction I'm going too. I've gotten myself out of "lost" situations just by knowing what direction to go.

 

[dyeager535]

They are Gentex mirrors. On the basic ones (auto-dim, compass, or compass/temp) everything is internal to the mirror itself, except the temperature probe.

Not sure what particular styles/features are out there (apparently many) but I've got a Gentex 177 which is temp/compass. Only needs a few wires. Here is the info off of the 7 pin style:

PIN 1 PINK POWER +12 volts
PIN 2 BK CHASSIS, GND
PIN 3 LT GRN BACKUP LIGHTS
PIN 4 PIN 6 DR GRN/WT TEMP PROBE
PIN 7 BK/WT TEMP PROBE
Note: Pin 3 is to be connected to the backup lights to turn off the auto dim feature in reverse. If you intend not to use this feature connect the LT GRN wire to chassis ground. If this pin is floating the auto dim will not work properly.

I have read that the Pin 3 deal doesn't matter, some have said auto-dim still works.

I haven't measured/compared yet, I've been told the mounting "button" glued to the windshield is slightly different than our style.

 

[dhcomp]

They are self contained.

Search for gentex.

If you go to my build thread under the burb forum ,there is more details.

You can order new harness plugs on ebay for cheap to help out .


The auto dim wire pin 3 is to turn autodim OFF when you put it in reverse. I tied mine in, but it takes a bit for it to lighten up.

Cool feature, and its a green wire headed down the drivers side of the trans tunnel in the engine compartment.

I love mine, temp probe included.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260975

Instlal is shown.