I have an overhead console in my 87 Formula. In the front there are those absolutely useless manual adjust nuumbers & such. I am thining about buying a Digital compass & Outside Air Thermomteter (OAT). Has ANYONE done this, or does anyone here have any ideas how to do it.

Right now I am considering snatching one from a Minivan or Truck that has one, modify it to fit in the front of the overhead console. Then I would change the color to amber to match my instruments.

Lets hear your ideas...

John

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G O D BLESS AMERICA
87 Formula Yellow/Black

5.1 TPI Automatic
Baer 12" brakes 4 wheels, KYB AGX Adjustable Shocks & struts, Custom Leather interior, WAAAY TOO MANY MODS TO LIST

87 Formula TPI (5 Speed) Yellow/Gray STOCK

1967 Buick Riviera 430hp Turns high 14's (Not bad for 4300 lbs)

83 Camaro
83 T/A

http://www.3rdgenformula.com

 

I do know that the newer full-size silverados have a compass built into the mirror. A friend has a 97 or a 98, and there is a compass built into the upper right side of the rear-view mirror.

otherwise, your best donor vehicles are chevy blazers and gmc 4 door jimmys, i do know they were available with the overhead compass and outside temperature

 

Getting one from a Jimmy or something similar is what I was thinking.

Summit sells a kit to install the self dimming rearview mirror with the compass & OAT. Since I already have a self dimming mirror, I thought about getting one and using the components but I thought a price of $200 is steep when I already have the most expensive part. That would be the equivelant of buying a whole car, so I could take a couple of bolts.

keep em coming...

 

I am not sure what it is exactly, but I do believe its a compass and outside temp digital readout...out of the newer VW bugs. The reason i like them, is because the readout lights up in blue. I dunno...just a nice, different color...I'd rather have it blue, than green. JMO.

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1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
180 Degree Thermo
Manual Fan Switch
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

Cool idea I wanted to get one for my Van never though to rig one for the car as well. Iv'e seen the mirror temp/compass on the chevy trucks and the overhead console in the Fords. I wanted to get an overhead console for my car that I had seen in the new chev trucks it comes with the temp/compass and a spot for sunglasses, garage openner and a place for your cd's.

[This message has been edited by Timbo89GTA (edited October 19, 2001).]

 

It doesn't have the OAT but at www.markscustomkits.com they sell a compass like what's in Knight Rider. It's a bit pricey though at around $400. Just an idea for ya.

What about the overhead console from the new Chrysler Town & Country vans? They have a built in OAT and compass. It also has a spot for sunglasses, garage door opener and a few other pockets. It reads out in a bluish green tint.

 

That is definately a neat idea, unfortunately not quite what I am thinking about. $400 is a bit steep for their compass, and $50,000 for a turnkey car that is ready to drive??? OUCH!! I think the Kitt car is awesome looking, don't get me wrong, but I will enjoy someone elses.

John

 

Don't really know how big of an area you are trying to cover...but i have seen a compass/clock/outside therm. device at Kmart i think it was around 15 bucks or so..the size was about 2in.X 6in. i believe.

 

Was that K-Mart deal LED digital or Liquid Crystal? I need an LED one. Color does not matter, new LED's are easy to swap to whatever color I want.

thanks


John

 

I installed a digital LCD inside/outside air temp guage from a Freightliner truck in my '82 Z28. It's pretty cool. I installed it when I installed my trans temp guage. The trans temp guage has been very handy.Both are 2" round guages side by side below my center dash vents. I'll get a photo if you want?

 

okfoz..It's been a while since i have been back to K-mart..i'm a Wal-Mart freak now..hehehe..as far as the type of background/numbers..i'm pretty sure it was analog(like a wrist watch)..i recently ordered an overhead console for my Bird from IROCZDAVE..can't wait till it arrives..the litle numbers are useless huh?..as soon as i get mine i will check it out..if i have an idea of what to use or something that you have in mind i will be sure to shoot it your way,appreciate the same from you..Thanx!!

Brent

 

thanks for the input...

John