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View Full Version : Late Model Rearview Mirror in 68 Firebird...



Wildthing
06-24-2008, 02:54 PM
This weekend I watched the show where Year One built the Firebird for 'AJ'. In one very brief shot I saw the Rearview Mirror was a modern one just like the one in my '02 pickup. (It's the one that has electronic compass and external temperature sensor in an electric readout (possibly auto-dimming too!!)).

Has anyone else installed one of these in their classic vehicle?
How hard are they to wire?
Got pics?
Would you recommend doing it?

SaturnVUEguy
06-24-2008, 03:30 PM
have that same mirror in my Saturn, love the thing. Would be nice to see in some PT cars

dropit69
06-24-2008, 05:07 PM
i just put a newer 98 mustang mirror in my 73 ..has map lights ..no compass or anything but could easily do it..

Chevelle LT1
06-24-2008, 07:37 PM
I know that if you get a mirror from a Nissan it's pretty easy to do. You just need the sensor for the ambient temperature, and the compass function is wholly integrated into the mirror. Wiring the ambient temperature function is a cinch, you can have a built-in auto dimmer function, and I think you just have to drive in a circle a few times for the compass to calibrate itself. Easily done in an hour or so...

~ Jason

tumper93
06-25-2008, 07:21 AM
I took the mirror out of a used car here at the dealership I work out of and put in my Dodge Ram 2500. It is a no brainer to wire, power ground, and two wires to sensor mounted under the hood, compass is built into the mirror. I would go to the junk yard and get one and put it in, it really is that simple. If you need a wiring diagram let me know and I will email one to you.

BonzoHansen
06-25-2008, 11:38 AM
Yeah, I suspect attaining a wiring diagram and the harness&sensors is the hardest part of this. Or the headliner if you have bows, lol. I have a couple 4th gen mirrors here that just have map lights I plan to install (someday, lol). IIRC a ground, switched hot & constant hot

DarkoNova
06-25-2008, 04:33 PM
That's awesome. Any recommendations on cars to get the mirrors out of? Preferably with an idea of where the ambient temp sensor is, too.

Matt

Taylor1969
06-25-2008, 07:19 PM
Lets see some pics guys!

Chevelle LT1
06-25-2008, 08:07 PM
Again, if you go with a Nissan, you also have the universal garage door opener included, as well as the auto-dimmer function. The sensor is typically mounted on the radiator support.

Syclone892
07-02-2008, 06:56 PM
I would recommend looking going to the junkyard and look at the 99 yukon denali etc, there are quite a few options for mirrors. I put one in my daily driver sonoma gt from a 99 denali, it has the compass and temp sensor all on at one time. I also got one that has either compass or temp displayed at one time I believe from an 02 suburban.
The most difficult part is make sure you get the pigtail with the mirror, you can buy from dealer but its a big harness for over $60.
There is a ton of info on the internet about these so you probably could find the wiring diagram there but if need be email me and I will get you what you need.
Also not sure with the other ones but I know the ones I got has a wire that goes to the reverse lights so it will turn off the auto dim when you are in reverse.
Like everyone said its just 2 wires for auto dim and compass to work, 2 more for the temp sensor and 1 for reverse.
I got a temp sensor for a '00 grand prix with auto climate control, it was like $10 and the connector is available at autoparts stores, I think its the same as a coolant temp sensor, just take the sensor to a store and match up what you need. The gm pigtail is like $20 not worth it when you can find it for $7ish elsewhere.
I looked into this a lot over the last couple months so feel free to email with any questions you may have and I will answer to the best of my knowledge.

Good luck! My dad used to own a 68 bird and I miss it so much, he sold it probably 14 yrs ago and I still have the guys # and try every year to buy the thing back but he wont sell.