Add on overhead compass/temp?

[Deezul1]

How hard is it on a 97. there isnt any extra wiring up there just the map light wires.

 

[illflem]

I can't remember the the cost but do remember that I was shocked at how much the OEM temp/ compass was if you wanted to add it later. I think I'd look elsewhere for one, I've seen many non-OEM add ons for less than $100. The wiring is no big deal.

 

[Blakers]

I would go with a GPS instead of a compass anyway. I have a Garman GPS 12 that works great velcroed to my dash. They're about $150 at Walmart and they do MUCH more than work as a compass. You can get better ones with built-in maps, etc. Walmart also has the little temperature gauges for inside/outside truck for about $12.



Blake

 

[Cooker]

The dealer wants hugh $$$ for this install because they say you "need" to replace the trucks wiring harness.



I installed the overhead compass/thermometer on my truck, that was not factory equipped, because I wanted the clean factory look and I find the outside air temp very useful.



I looked at other alternatives and the other option I was considering was the light sensitive rearview mirror with the temp/compass. The mirror was $250 + a few extra bucks for the harness. I think it would have looked nice and been functional. but I didn't like the price for what seem like such little conviencience.



So I found a factory O/H console from a salvage yard that had the comp/temp in it. I also got the light sensitive mirror and the wiring harness from the same wrecked truck. The truck I got the parts from no longer had the factory temp sensor (it had been cut off) so instead of looking all over hell I decided to get a new one at the dealer.



I think I paid $50 for the O/H console with the harness, $5 for the mirror, and the snesor was $17 at the dealer.



The install was very easy once I sat down with the manual for a while and mapped out all my wiring connections. Removing the headliner and A-Pillar helped with running the wires, but I don't think you have to do it. The actual install of the console and completing all the wiring connections prolly took me less than 2 hours.



If you need more info or have any questions just drop me an email. If you plan in trying the install let me know and I can send you the wiring schematic that I came up with.



-Ryan