Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

My OEM mirror was crapping out, so I picked up this Gentex auto-dimming mirror with temp, compass, and map lights from AutoAnything. My 79 K15 was not listed but an 80 model was, so I took a calculated risk. As it turned out, I only had to replace the supplied set-screw to match the style of OEM mirror. (no screw head - just an allen wrench hole) VOILA - It fits perfectly! I used aluminum tape to hold the wiring until the headliner and trim can be installed to cover it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...cture004-2.jpg

Here is a side perspective, which shows the "optional" wire cover. In my opinion, this is not optional:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...cture005-2.jpg

Here is a bottom perspective, which shows one of the map lights turned on. As you can see, the light is a mixture of 2 colors:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture007.jpg

Here are a couple more pics showing the temp sensor placement. The kit comes with wire ties and flex loom:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...cture001-4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...cture002-6.jpg

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Cool mirror. I love the versions that I have become used to in my late model GM trucks...:)

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Thanks! Gentex seems to have a lock on the market with their patented auto-dimming mirrors. My 06 Dodge Magnum has a similar mirror sans the map lights, but it has bluetooth (button and microphone) integrated into the car's computer.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

neat. we have a similar mirror on our 2000 tahoe. realy nice to have the temp sensor does yours have a compass function too?

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Sure does. Visit the Gentex website link above.... You will be shocked (I know I was) to see all of the different combinations of features available.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

The mirror looks good, But what's your plans for covering the unsightly wires and silver tape ?

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Cool 'modern' mod. :cool:

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Headliner and trim will cover it...as stated in the first post.

Sweet mirror and mod, I like it!

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

It is tempting to look at the pics only and comment. I had already pulled the headliner and trim, so I could run the Sirius antenna wire. You can see it routed down the passenger A-pillar. The headliner is being replaced, as well. The cargo light has already been replaced.

I am taking a top-down approach to restoring the interior - more or less.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Sorry bmartin, I did read it but guess that part didn't soak in....:hc: Old age !!! :whine:

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

No worries! :alc:

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

that is a sweet mod........where's my list?

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Thats cool, looks good.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Hey, bmartin -
Did you take any pics from the front of the truck? If not, how does it look from the outside?

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

That thing is way cool! How much did it set you back?

I've gotta replace the windsheild in my GMC, and there definitely isn't any point in putting the loose stocker back in when I can put in something with a temp gauge, compass, and auto-dimming...

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Quite honestly... I didn't take any pics from the front because you cannot hardly tell it is there. It is far enough up into the tinted band that the bulk of it is masked. However, if you are really concerned about this, then I can take another couple of pics to demonstrate this.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

I ended up making my purchase through AutoAnything (see link in original post). They often have discounts, coupon codes, free shipping, et cetera, to bring some of the cost down. However, I still paid a little over $200 with the optional wire cover. It was shipped directly from the Mito Corporation.

Keep in mind this auto-dimming mirror is not motorized. It is actually electro-chromatic meaning it works kinda like Transitions eyeglass lenses. The compass and temp actually appear to hover on the mirror at night - they also auto-dim.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

I am hoping to get the headliner replaced early next week, so I'll post more pics then.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Thanks for the feedback, bmartin.

No need to snap any pics, unless you get a shot or two from the outside in your next go around.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Okay, I finally remembered to take some pics of the finished headliner showing the covered wiring. The wires are still visible right at the top of the windshield, but hopefully it isn't too ugly.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture011.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture012.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture014.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture018.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture019.jpg

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

As requested, here are a couple of pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture020.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture021.jpg

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

bmartin -
The headliner looks really good. :cool:
Your interior is looking nice.
The exposed wiring don't look unsightly. (But, if you wanted to mask them a bit, maybe you could use something like black heat shrink. But, you would have tear into it again.)

Thanks for the exterior angle shots. You're right. The tint band does cover the wiring/conduit.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

very cool. nice job

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

I am thinking maybe a very short section of small diameter flex loom might work there.

The interior is definitely a work in progress. I am working on the rear window next. The old slider is a security problem and leaks water when sprayed with a hose or heavy rainfall. Then, I'll move on to each door - vent window delete, power window/lock retrofit, trim panels, tint, weatherstrip replacement, etc.

Re: Gentex GEN-K31 rearview mirror installed!
 

Thanks. I hope others see my little project and try it on their own trucks.