TimC
03-21-2016, 06:37 PM
Friday I went out to the not so local Pull-A-Part to see what could be found. Specifically I was looking for a rear view mirror and was wanting one with built in lights. Since I'm using two underdash LED strips and an LED panel at both body mounts near the upper windshield and the rear hatch I decided to use one of the GM mirrors with a built in compass and outside air temp display. Some of the units also have the Homelink built in but didn't find one of those. I started looking at random cars and found a visor mounted Homelink transmitter in a ~2002 Jaguar. Here are the units when I got them home and hooked up for testing
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/AA288E93-A120-41CC-851E-6409BB51D6A6-6945-00001264A9B313DA_zpsidb1tttl.jpg
After you get the unit open (getting the bezel off is a pain)
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/B8818FDE-BB54-463C-8E83-2BFA71F25654-6935-0000126038614C4A_zpsbftdkxkl.jpg
At first I wanted to remote mount the HL and soldered an old USB cable to the DPST switch and two leads for power. That's all it needs is +12V and a ground. Remember to retain access in case the need for reprogramming arises. Since I decided to mount it directly to the left of the steering wheel I reused the existing trim bezel after touching up with some black paint. The two tabs on the outside edge in line with the buttons are all that holds the bezel in place so be careful in your trimming so the transmitter doesn't move around too much. The case makes a good guide for laying out the holes on the aluminum.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/3E94BE60-A98B-4AFA-982D-FE9D8EAAA9E9-6935-000012602C3AF421_zpsu1aygxmn.jpg
Here it is in testing and final mounting
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/12483EFE-431A-4DB5-94A3-AB0571171ADE-6935-000012603E38D799_zpsdu5nfzwh.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/52400A6B-7330-466A-A50F-21A0F3C5A4C4-6935-00001261A82D3A89_zpsu9lgx1lo.jpg
I'll add more after I get the mirror completed. If the mirror idea is of interest do a little searching to find out what year and models are best and don't forget the air temp sensor behind the grill. Trucks seem to be the easiest to get to sensor.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/AA288E93-A120-41CC-851E-6409BB51D6A6-6945-00001264A9B313DA_zpsidb1tttl.jpg
After you get the unit open (getting the bezel off is a pain)
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/B8818FDE-BB54-463C-8E83-2BFA71F25654-6935-0000126038614C4A_zpsbftdkxkl.jpg
At first I wanted to remote mount the HL and soldered an old USB cable to the DPST switch and two leads for power. That's all it needs is +12V and a ground. Remember to retain access in case the need for reprogramming arises. Since I decided to mount it directly to the left of the steering wheel I reused the existing trim bezel after touching up with some black paint. The two tabs on the outside edge in line with the buttons are all that holds the bezel in place so be careful in your trimming so the transmitter doesn't move around too much. The case makes a good guide for laying out the holes on the aluminum.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/3E94BE60-A98B-4AFA-982D-FE9D8EAAA9E9-6935-000012602C3AF421_zpsu1aygxmn.jpg
Here it is in testing and final mounting
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/12483EFE-431A-4DB5-94A3-AB0571171ADE-6935-000012603E38D799_zpsdu5nfzwh.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/coyote5150/52400A6B-7330-466A-A50F-21A0F3C5A4C4-6935-00001261A82D3A89_zpsu9lgx1lo.jpg
I'll add more after I get the mirror completed. If the mirror idea is of interest do a little searching to find out what year and models are best and don't forget the air temp sensor behind the grill. Trucks seem to be the easiest to get to sensor.