Thermometer, compass solution?

[woytovich]

I'm looking for a solution to put a compass and outside thermometer into my 60. I'd like to avoid the $200+ rearview mirror systems (cause of cost) and I'm not too keen on the "Wayfinder" brand of gadgets. I'd like something that integates well into my grey FJ60 interior... direct 12v power is a requirement.

Are there other junk-yard available options? I'm open to all suggestions.

I'm not afraid of having to build a mount/bezel to get something to go into my dash... I've even considered building a small enclosure to go on top of the dash ala the 4Runner/mimi inclinometers to hold additional instruments...

Other things on my list of things to add to the 60 are a permanent mount for my old Garmin GPS V (to use mostly for it's compass, (clock) and speedometer functions) and an FJ62/80 clock.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Randy88FJ62]

My old 2000 explorer had a digital temp readout and a compass that fit into a plastic overhead console. Maybe you could source the parts and integrate it? I think it's too much circuit work for me and you'd also have to read the explorer FSM to find out the wiring and where the sensor was. I bet you can do that cheap as the parts will be readily available. The only downside would be research time figuring out the parts and wiring.
Thats all I've got, I know it isn't the perfect solution you were looking for. Just throwing out ideas.
-Randy

 

[woytovich]

Thanks Randy... just the kind of thing I'm looking for... Our Chrysler Town & Country had the same thing... the detective work might be too much... maybe someone has already done some/all of it out there... retro fitting that sort of thing into some other restoration... We'll see what turns up.
Thanks

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I forgot to mention that the overhead console also had two map lights integrated as well. I think it would be a useful project / modification. We could all use overhead map lights. You've got me thinking now. So many projects to go after.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I did a quick search online and found a chrysler overhead console that came with all the wiring. It had temp and compass (it sold for $50.) My guess is that you can find a used console and harness and modify it to fit on your cruiser. That looks like the cheapest and cleanest bet. Find a brand that you like and you're good to go.

 

[woytovich]

oh, oh... where did you see that?

 

[Randy88FJ62]

oh, oh... where did you see that?

Here is the page I found when searching. It's sold but it gives you an idea. It also has a picture of the whole unit sold as one piece (including the wiring harness and sensors.)

FOR SALE: Overhead Console

 

[ToyotaDon]

Hey, I saw a cool display in a '98 Subaru Forester S the other day. Here's how one reviewer described it back in the day:

One oddity found on our test car was the Gauge Pack, which amounted to what Whitmore called "an Atari 2600 video display." A little car icon is situated on the compass side of the display, pointed toward an indicated North, East, South, or West as cheesy green lights running on either side of the icon illuminate sequentially to indicate vehicle movement. To the right is an exterior temperature readout and a barometric pressure display that Whitmore guessed "would be perfect for storm chasing through Kansas in May."

Another one:

The optional electronic compass / altimeter / thermometer gauge pack mounted at the top center of the panel is the only slightly bizarre feature. (And it's at least entertaining.)

Here's a picture, the display is in the upper center of the dash.

And here's a close-up I found on Cars 101. Not sure what it would take to get one, or how much wiring you would have to do, but you asked for all suggestions.

There's another one here.

Okay, here's one more link to the Forester version of MUD.

 

[MoCoNative]

I have seen those Forester guages, they will get on your nerves fast actually. Far too much graphics and light for the info it is giving you. A simple readout of direction would suffice, and or the heading degrees. The temp and altimeter is awesome on it though, I did like those, although Foresters also have outside temp in the dash cluster under the speedo.

The guage pack can be had, but is kind of pricey, and I know that the compass feature will not wok properly, unless you can figure it out. I think you can get it to show directions, but the rows of green lights coming past the car icon will not work. See as you drive, they pulsate, or whatever you want to call it, to show motion. When you stop, they stop. This is determined by the speed sensor. I don't have a clue how to set that up. Otherwise the compass would be easy to hook up, and temp sensor is in the grill I believe, altimeter is porbably right in the cluster.