rchadhaney
Member
Hey everyone, I just finished my first real "mod" to my 2012 Express and so far really like it. As we all know the Express model doesn't come with an overhead console that would have the map lights and compass and the rearview mirror does not have auto-dimming.
For a short time I investigated adding the factory overhead console but decided it wasn't worth the it for me. So my solution was to put a **** #36300 Rearview mirror with compass, auto-dimming, and map lights. I ordered the mirror off of Amazon for $156.xx (You have to watch they raise and lower the price, at one point it was over $2xx.xx)
So the mirror came in a few days ago and I went to work installing it last night. Everything went smooth except that there wasn't any wires I could attach to in the headliner, and I managed to put two small scratches in my left pillar cover, which drives me nuts they are barely noticeable but I'm so particular I'll probably have to get a new pillar cover now......
So anyway the steps I took was:
1. Remove visors and visor covers
2. Remove left and right pillars.
3. Install mirror, run wires (that come with mirror) across the headliner and then down the pillar.
4. Remove the left cover on the side of the dash.
5. run wires down into there, this is where i attached my ground wire using a small bolt and attaching it to the metal of the dash.
6. I then tapped into the power wire for the 12volt accessory in the center of the dash for the positive, This works because the compass only gets power while the key is in and on.
btw - When i said MODE I Mean MOD!!! fml
For a short time I investigated adding the factory overhead console but decided it wasn't worth the it for me. So my solution was to put a **** #36300 Rearview mirror with compass, auto-dimming, and map lights. I ordered the mirror off of Amazon for $156.xx (You have to watch they raise and lower the price, at one point it was over $2xx.xx)
So the mirror came in a few days ago and I went to work installing it last night. Everything went smooth except that there wasn't any wires I could attach to in the headliner, and I managed to put two small scratches in my left pillar cover, which drives me nuts they are barely noticeable but I'm so particular I'll probably have to get a new pillar cover now......
So anyway the steps I took was:
1. Remove visors and visor covers
2. Remove left and right pillars.
3. Install mirror, run wires (that come with mirror) across the headliner and then down the pillar.
4. Remove the left cover on the side of the dash.
5. run wires down into there, this is where i attached my ground wire using a small bolt and attaching it to the metal of the dash.
6. I then tapped into the power wire for the 12volt accessory in the center of the dash for the positive, This works because the compass only gets power while the key is in and on.
btw - When i said MODE I Mean MOD!!! fml
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