How do I rebuild the HUD bushings on a Chevrolet Corvette C5?

A falling or completely dropped HUD mirror is a classic issue on the C5 Corvette. The factory plastic pivot points and bushings get brittle and snap, causing the mirror to drop out of alignment.

Difficulty: Moderate (The fix itself is easy, but getting the HUD out requires tearing down the dash).

Here is how you can tackle rebuilding those bushings:

Parts and Options

You have a couple of routes for sourcing the replacement pivot bushings:

• Buy a Repair Kit: You can pick up a C5 HUD repair kit for around $20. These are readily available through most Corvette parts vendors, Amazon, and eBay ¹.
• DIY / 3D Printing: If you want to handle it yourself, some owners have successfully 3D printed a replacement bushing for the right side of the HUD mirror (STL files for this can be found on 3D modeling sites like THANGS) and used a steel rivet shank to repair the left side ¹.

The Procedure

To actually install the bushings, you have to pull the HUD unit out of the car.

1. Dash Disassembly: You cannot access the HUD without pulling the dash apart ³. Based on standard procedure for the C5, this means removing the center console, the radio/HVAC bezel, the driver's knee bolster, and the instrument cluster surround.
2. Remove the HUD: Once the cluster bezel is out of the way, you can unbolt the instrument cluster and the HUD projector unit to pull them from the dash.
3. Open the HUD Housing: Disassemble the plastic HUD housing on your workbench to access the mirror assembly.
4. Replace the Bushings: Drill out or remove the broken factory plastic pivots and install your new bushings or steel shanks to secure the mirror back into its pivot points.

⚠️ Crucial Warning

While you have the HUD open, keep your fingers completely off the mirror ³. The reflective coating on that mirror is incredibly delicate. The oils from your skin can damage it, and trying to wipe it clean will almost certainly scratch or strip the coating off entirely. Handle it strictly by the edges or the plastic backing.

Take your time on the dash teardown—the 20-year-old plastic tabs in the C5 interior are notoriously brittle.