I was just wondering what the best way to do this would be (push the projection matrix and use glOrtho() or some other way) I've seen it vaguely explained elsewhere but nobody got really specific. Using glOrtho() and pushing the matrix seems like the best way to go, but I don't know how you would switch between the two while drawing (glOrtho and gluPerspective), thanks for the help as always

I'm sure someone else can give you more detailed info if you need it, but basically, you are right.

For each visual update (every frame) draw all your perspective stuff first, then push that projection matrix and switch to glOrtho() and draw there, then pop, flush, repeat.

cool, thanks aaron.