BUILD THREAD 81 Buick/Olds Turbo Wagon 02/15/2024 More Parts!

[Longroof79]

Jim,
It will be nice to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I think as much work as we all put into our rides, we're never really finished. There's always upgrades we want to perform.

 

[liquidh8]

Jack, that is the truth, they are never done. But isn't that part of the hobby?

Well, the weather has been crappy here for a few days, and will be crappy for a few more. So I didn't get a whole lot done, other that try and clean up the garage a bit so I can find my sh*t.

I picked up a pair of aluminum bumper brackets. They are a bit short for my needs, but the price was right and I don't have to fab a pair up. I'll get some 1" ID aluminum tubing to extend them to where need.



I also picked up an auto dimming mirror with temp and compass display, this was kinda on a whim. I really like the auto dimming feature in the newer vehicles, so this caught my eye. The downside is I have to add 2 more wire to my c100 bulkhead connector at the firewall for the temp sensor. Glad the car is not together yet.





I had to do some research to get the wiring/pin out for it, and figured I'll post it here so I don't lose it.

It is a Gentex GNTX-177

pin 1 = pink - 12vdc switched
pin 2 = black - ground
pin 3 = light green - back up light trigger (+)
pin 4 = grey - auto dimming side mirror (not used)
pin 5 = pink - auto dimming side mirror (not used)
pin 6 = dark green/black - temp sensor
pin 7 = brown - temp sensor

The temp sensor part number is 15047946
The temp sensor plug with 12" wire is 12101856

The sensor and pigtail can be had on Amazon for cheap.

 

[liquidh8]

Started fitting stuff to the aluminum radiator support. The weather has been crappy, so no front bumper work yesterday.

 

[Longroof79]

Jim,
I always thought those mirrors were cool. I should have considered one before I put the headliner and garnish molding back on.

 

[liquidh8]

Jim,
I always thought those mirrors were cool. I should have considered one before I put the headliner and garnish molding back on.

Jack, I wasn't going to use one at first. I have a mirror with map lights in there now. But after driving the Denali around, I absolutely love the auto-dim feature, the temp feature is a plus also. So, I have to add 2 wires to the fuse box plug (c100) for the temp sensor. But the way I look at it, I am glad I am doing it now and not after the interior is in. Just like you said!

 

[Blake442]

Definitely a good upgrade.

My old Caprice had the dimming mirror and I loved it.
If I wasn't so absurdly lazy I'd put one on my wagon too! lol

 

[liquidh8]

Blake, if I was further along in the build I don't think I would be doing it.

 

[oldsofb]

Is the GNTX-177 on the outside of the housing somewhere, or do you know from looking it up? I may do this upgrade myself since I happen to have mine blown apart as well. Was that the only style auto dim GM used? I think I said this already, but loving the build by the way.

Hutch

 

[liquidh8]

Is the GNTX-177 on the outside of the housing somewhere, or do you know from looking it up? I may do this upgrade myself since I happen to have mine blown apart as well. Was that the only style auto dim GM used? I think I said this already, but loving the build by the way.

Hutch

Hutch,
The GNTX-177 is on the rear of the housing. The letters/numbers are raised just a but but you can see them. GM used multiple different styles, there a few different types on eBay also. I can never find one at my two local pick-a-parts, so I just bought one from a board member over on Malibu Racing.

Thanks for the compliments on the build. It'll be in paint this summer.

 

[motorheadmike]

Never commented before... but I am a big fan of this build. Keep it up!