Rear view mirror with compass!
 

2024 Edit:


Since I'm getting bombarded with emails now, this thread needs an update.



The source mirrors for the conversion have become very scarce, so I stopped searching for them and stopped doing the conversions *years* ago. As of 4/29/24 I have a couple of adapters remaining, that's all.



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After many months of trial and error, and lots of bad ebay purchases, I've come up with a plug-and-play option for a rear view mirror with a compass, with the correct display color to match the C4 dash illumination. The mirror also retains the map lights, and the courtesy light function of the map lights when the door opens. I also added an orange LED for the ambient light on the console, just like the stock mirror. Mirror also has electrochromic auto-dimming.

I have also developed a plug-and-play harness, to adapt the mirror right into the stock C4 wiring, without the end user needing to cut a single wire.

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...1/IMG_0430.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...1/IMG_0431.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...1/IMG_0434.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...1/IMG_0439.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...t/IMG_0545.jpg

And here's the excellent adapters that Carter machined up for me! Really nice workmanship on these pieces!

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...r/MVC-019S.jpg


I also can now make the same mirror with an outside temperature readout as well, great for the guys with manual AC without the temperature display in the dash! Pricing not finalized for this option yet, but I expect it to come in around $100 more than the compass-only mirror.

-Andrew

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Im in how do I buy one Andrew? Great idea

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

As for the mounting issue, I'm working on that too. Carter is looking over some adapters I've come up with, to see if we can produce a small batch at a reasonable cost per unit. This would allow mounting to the stock location on the windshield header, without having to glue a button to the windshield.

Daryll, PM sent.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Awesome:cheers:

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I assume the power button is the on off feature for the compass? Obviously the north arrow bottom is for adjusting.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

COOL.. I would like one like that but with the temperature (remember I have a C60 car)

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Hmm, I forgot about you C60 guys. Let me see what I can find, I might be able to find an existing mirror to make that work too. The temp sensor wiring would have to be run separately, since the stock wiring obviously doesn't provide for that.

Andrew

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Jeff, after a cursory search, far as I can tell so far, the options for including temp with compass will require losing the map lights / courtesy lights function, and may also require having nonfunctional OnStar buttons on the mirror.

There is an option that has map lights, and a display for compass/temp below the mirror, like this one:

http://www.cipausa.com/images/interi...1_20111021.gif

It's a bit pricey, but it may be the only way to get all the functionality.

Mirrors with comp/temp are easy to find, if you don't care about the map lights. I could modify one of those for you (change display color+add ambient LED) if you wanted.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

sorry you lost me at auto dimming. I hate that

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

There is a button to turn that off, you know :cheers:

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I love that feature!

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

i find it incredibly annoying

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I find environmentalists more annoying lol. Got it but as Andrew states just turn it off

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

but then you can't dim it when you want to. i'll take an old fashioned toggle

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

what models are you looking at?

I seem to recall the 1999ish Chrysler Sebring had the temp with maps lights.. but I could be wrong

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

The Sebrings had compass with map lights, but I didn't think they had temp too.

the mirrors I'm using are from the Chevy HHR.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I like it and would be interested in a plug & play system with the Carter mount, when you have them readily available.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

This looks awsome. I am very intrested. Let me know when you have a final cost. :handshak:

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Thanks! :cheers:

Without the adapter to mount the unit to the windshield header (meaning you need to mount it to the windshield itself, or fab up your own mounting adapter), the price will be $149. That includes free shipping, and of course the plug&play harness.

I am not sure when my adapters will be ready, or even how much they will cost. Carter is working on it and as soon as I know anything I'll update this thread with the cost of the mounting adapter.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I want one with the adapter. Sold

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Excellent. Thanks for working on this Andrew. I'm in.

Gary

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Yeah I am interested in one or at least the Carter mount..

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Andrew you can add me to the list. Perhaps two? Have one c-4 with a dodgy rear mirror.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I'm curious on what the adapter looks like.

I've done this mod on my 89 (Dimming, Compass and Homelink). But glue a button to the windshield.

Also the three wires on the rear view mirror:
(hot - all the time)
(hot - when the door is opened)
(ground)
I ran a wire to a ignition switch source. So my mirror will turn off by itself.

I'm guess the compass has a switch?
I like the orange LEDs

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

The later C4 courtesy lights (door open) are triggered by a switched ground, not a switched power. 5 wire harness - constant power, switched power, ground, switched ground, dash illumination.

There's a switch on the front of the mirror housing (the right switch with the "N" and an arrow). This toggles the compass display on and off. the other button toggles the auto dim on and off.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

OK, guys I appologize for taking so long. Was not aware there was this thread going on and have been busy on other peoples stuff with the occasional look at Andrews idea and ponder.
Well, for all you chomping at the bit I have officially started on the adapter today and have it disected, programmed and the test one half way finished. Hope to be done tomorrow if doo doo does not happen.
Hang in there just a wee bit longer it'll be worth it ;)

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

OK folks, after discussing production costs with Carter, and in light of the apparent scarcity of the source mirror (I've had a lot of trouble getting a hold of very many at a reasonable cost), I've got to price the mirror and adapter combination at $199, which will include USPS priority mail shipping in the lower 48.

I am going to open up pre-orders at this point. Paypal can be sent to agchoset@gmail.com, and as soon as the adapters are finished and sent to me, mirrors will start to ship. For a $5 discount, you can send a check or money order, PM me for mailing address.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

First to buy and first to pay ;) :cheers:

PAYPAL GIFT INCOMING

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Next in line ...

payment sent

Thanks to Andrew and Carter for making this possible :cheers:

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

And here's the excellent adapters that Carter machined up for me! Really nice workmanship on these pieces!

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...r/MVC-019S.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...r/MVC-020S.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/v...r/MVC-021S.jpg

Anyone who pre-ordered, your kit will be shipping within a few days.

Thanks!

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Andrew, I want the whole kit with bracket.

I'll paypal you.

Brett!

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Just got my mirror kit!

http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u...mirror2769.jpg

Thanks Andrew :handshak:

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Andrew,

Thanks for making a cool option available for our cars. I needed a replacement mirror glass so this is even better. Payment sent.

Craig

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

Is it possible to have a button for the garage door opener?

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I can do a mirror for you that has built-in homelink (3 buttons for garage doors / gates), orange compass display, and auto dim, but it won't have map lights/courtesy lights. I can install an orange LED for ambient illumination of the console. Unfortunately once we start adding options we've got to take something out - there's not any easy way to jam all that stuff into a mirror housing.

PM me if interested.

Andrew

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I love this mod!!!!! Been running mine for a couple of weeks now. Did my Valentine V1 Hidden Display Mod at the same time. Thanks Andrew for doing this!!!! Thanks to Carter for making the adapter bracket as well. Love that Amber Compass and Auto Dim!!!!! GC

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

If you dont want to lose the lights as Andrew suggests because the white LED lights are really helpful. I suggest getting the Mirror as Andrew currently sells it and buying the Homelink 3 botton Sunvisor that is avialable on Ebay. I did that as well!!! So you can have the best of both worlds.

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

What is an Ebay???:confused:

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

I like the garage door opener on the sunviser idea!!!
:cheers:

Re: Rear view mirror with compass!
 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-96-c4-c...df5d20&vxp=mtr