Dash Swap - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Ruby_ · 10-19-2020, 10:38 PM

Hello everyone! Longtime reader, first time poster! I’ve had my 2011 Camaro LT convertible for over 9yrs and I’m just now starting to mod things out! The first big project I really want to do is a dash swap. I want to swap out my plain-Jane dashboard for the more luxurious one that has the leather trim, the speaker in the center, and the HUD hole already cut. Everything I’m reading is giving me mixed messages and I really want a straight answer as to whether or not this is even possible before I spend $500+ on a new dash. Will these dashboards fit my LT? Is it as simple as plug and play, or will i need to do some cutting/drilling regardless? Just how bad can this swap really be? For reference, my VIN number is:

2G1FB3DD4B9168261

I’ll be posting more as I start working on my projects

gm2376 · 10-20-2020, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruby_

Hello everyone! Longtime reader, first time poster! I’ve had my 2011 Camaro LT convertible for over 9yrs and I’m just now starting to mod things out! The first big project I really want to do is a dash swap. I want to swap out my plain-Jane dashboard for the more luxurious one that has the leather trim, the speaker in the center, and the HUD hole already cut. Everything I’m reading is giving me mixed messages and I really want a straight answer as to whether or not this is even possible before I spend $500+ on a new dash. Will these dashboards fit my LT? Is it as simple as plug and play, or will i need to do some cutting/drilling regardless? Just how bad can this swap really be? For reference, my VIN number is:

2G1FB3DD4B9168261

I’ll be posting more as I start working on my projects

anything is possible...but i am also pretty sure you need a new windshield for the hud to work properly.

gtstorey · 10-20-2020, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gm2376

anything is possible...but i am also pretty sure you need a new windshield for the hud to work properly.

You don't need a new windshield for the HUD to work, but it will be clearer.

InFiD3ViL · 10-20-2020, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtstorey

You don't need a new windshield for the HUD to work, but it will be clearer.

Right. There is a chance he will get a double image, but it's not terrible or unreadable from what I have seen. They sell small stick on clear reflective surfaces for HUDs that can make a big difference in clarity.

As for the dash swap, I am fairly certain it is a direct swap, regardless of sub-model type. Obviously, there will need to be some harness work/adapters and programming needed to make the HUD work and wires ran for the center speaker (Not worth it, imo - screws up the front soundstage), but this is a swap that has been done many times. The main complaint I hear is that it's a very time consuming swap, but if it's something you really want, who cares? I have also considered this swap for the HUD and leather insert, but I have so many other things I want to do first that it will have to wait.

gm2376 · 10-20-2020, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtstorey

You don't need a new windshield for the HUD to work, but it will be clearer.

didn't say you need it...but it will not be clear and will have the image reflected.

lemontwist · 10-20-2020, 11:11 PM

i used the hud for a little while but the novelty wore off i keep it off. i upgraded my radio and dumped the center speaker. i would leave it alone it's not worth the cost and work IMO. i had a 1993 cutlass supreme that had a HUD (same style) they never really caught on.

gtstorey · 10-21-2020, 07:37 AM

To me, adding the HUD was well worth it, but that is at least partially because I tend to drive with my hands covering the regular speedometer.

mikeman · 10-21-2020, 12:16 PM

I thought about adding HUD, but for the effort involved I don't think it's THAT great. However, the updated '12+ style dash with the leather insert is pretty cool. I never really liked the all plastic (rather stark looking) early dash design in the 5th gen.

InFiD3ViL · 10-21-2020, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeman

I thought about adding HUD, but for the effort involved I don't think it's THAT great. However, the updated '12+ style dash with the leather insert is pretty cool. I never really liked the all plastic (rather stark looking) early dash design in the 5th gen.

I would like to swap to the dash with leather insert as it looks clean and classy, but sometimes I think that all-black plastic dash looks good. It reminds me of the early 70s muscle cars. It's kinda hard to express exactly what I mean, but it gives the interior a tough classic look. A T-handle shifter would probably add to the appearance, imo.

The materials used and feel of the center console? That's a different story entirely.

lemontwist · 11-02-2020, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I would like to swap to the dash with leather insert as it looks clean and classy, but sometimes I think that all-black plastic dash looks good. It reminds me of the early 70s muscle cars. It's kinda hard to express exactly what I mean, but it gives the interior a tough classic look. A T-handle shifter would probably add to the appearance, imo.

The materials used and feel of the center console? That's a different story entirely.

i have had both and i liked the 10-11 dash better.

Machh5 · 11-03-2020, 08:38 AM

I have HUD and at 1st I thought it was great, now I don't even look at it. I do like the leather dash insert and had to replace it because it started to bubble all over.

10-19-2020, 10:38 PM	#1
Ruby_ Drives: 2011 Camaro convertible LT Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Delray Beach, Florida Posts: 4	Dash Swap Hello everyone! Longtime reader, first time poster! I’ve had my 2011 Camaro LT convertible for over 9yrs and I’m just now starting to mod things out! The first big project I really want to do is a dash swap. I want to swap out my plain-Jane dashboard for the more luxurious one that has the leather trim, the speaker in the center, and the HUD hole already cut. Everything I’m reading is giving me mixed messages and I really want a straight answer as to whether or not this is even possible before I spend $500+ on a new dash. Will these dashboards fit my LT? Is it as simple as plug and play, or will i need to do some cutting/drilling regardless? Just how bad can this swap really be? For reference, my VIN number is: 2G1FB3DD4B9168261 I’ll be posting more as I start working on my projects

10-20-2020, 11:11 PM	#6
lemontwist Drives: 12 2SS/RS L99,11 2SS/RS LS3totaled Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: mooresville nc Posts: 1,048	i used the hud for a little while but the novelty wore off i keep it off. i upgraded my radio and dumped the center speaker. i would leave it alone it's not worth the cost and work IMO. i had a 1993 cutlass supreme that had a HUD (same style) they never really caught on.

10-21-2020, 07:37 AM	#7
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,143	To me, adding the HUD was well worth it, but that is at least partially because I tend to drive with my hands covering the regular speedometer.

10-21-2020, 12:16 PM	#8
mikeman Banned Drives: 2015 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: My Garage Posts: 1,125	I thought about adding HUD, but for the effort involved I don't think it's THAT great. However, the updated '12+ style dash with the leather insert is pretty cool. I never really liked the all plastic (rather stark looking) early dash design in the 5th gen.

11-03-2020, 08:38 AM	#11
Machh5 Account Suspended Drives: Camaro Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: US Posts: 120	I have HUD and at 1st I thought it was great, now I don't even look at it. I do like the leather dash insert and had to replace it because it started to bubble all over.