Viet Nam Vett

Thinking of dumping the old dash Cluster since I have to replace some of the gauges and get the speedo done. This Dash Is Strictly Digital... No Mechanical Parts and or Stepper motors to fail.

Just wondering if any one here did and install that might be able to comment on the installation. The kit is complete except for dimming control on the fly. Their is a Separate control (DIM-1) you can add remotely for adjustments on the fly. Here's a Link to the dash..

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd187.htm

This unit pop's into your dash housing. It also comes with a Speed Sensor that pop's onto the speedo drive at the tranny and converts the rotation to pulses for the digital speedo.

BADBIRDCAGE

I have seen it in their catalog but never in person. I like it.

Viet Nam Vett

Thanks Cage Man... Most Vette suppliers don't carry the one in my link. Summit Racing sells it for $973. and change. List is $1054.57 with the dimmer control.

The Very few Vette suppliers that sell it want list price. Trying to beat the $973.00 price. I have been searching for a few hours and it's not looking like I can find a better price.

I've Googled the heck out of the part number ( VFD-3-63C-VET) but can't seem to find many or a lower price. Tried most of the Corvette suppliers ...but no luck.

427Hotrod

I've got the "analog" VHX version in my car. Works nice. When I went EFI I used Holley's crank trigger system for ignition so lost the tach drive distributor and when I went turbocharged I needed a boost gauge. So having everything contained in one unit (along with A/F readings) made the Dakota package perfect.

JIM

biggd

Same here, I installed one in my 67 Coupe a few years ago and I love it. They have more variations to choose from now. They have some that look more retro than the one I have. It works flawlessly and wasn't that difficult to install but you will be cutting up your dash harness. As long as that doesn't bother you.

Viet Nam Vett

Thanks for the reply Jim & 427Hotrod....

I like the analog gauge look as show here on ebay..


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dakota-Digit...dV8dgV&vxp=mtr

But Those units all though they contain modern electronic components also contain modern "Stepper Motors" that move the dial indicators. To me that is still asking for trouble down the road when dealing with Hot and Cold.

I know all new modern cars use this type of drive and seem to be reliable and of course in your case's it has proven to be true also.

I have printed the install manual and it looks straight forward as far as installation goes. To be honest..I like the look of the analog rather then the Blacked out digital when power is off.

Also where did you mount your control box or brain for your unit. The only place I can probably fit it in is behind the radio on the tranny hump.

I would assume the ribbon cable form the brain to the dash is long enough to reach.

Maybe I'll do the analog look even though it is more bucks. Let me know on your Brain /Control box mounting locations.

Thanks for taking the time to reply..

Regards: Mark

Frankie the Fink

I'm talking a bit out of school here having never done this...but I know Mike Coletta has used the Dakota gauges in C1s and C2s. You could PM him and ask about what you are considering....he's the guru on this sort of thing.

biggd

That's where I mounted mine.

Viet Nam Vett

Thanks Frankie....

Don't have his handle for PM Is that his User Name....(Mike Coletta)?

I have a Dakota Digital A/C Temp gauge so I know the quality is up their.
It's a Good Product. I think I'm going to go with the analog digital one. And They Make a Clock to match.

Alloy Black face with white numbers ..I like the Look... More bucks..

Viet Nam Vett

Cool...so you had no problem with the ribbon cable from the brain to the dash cluster as far as length and or fitment problems?

Viet Nam Vett

Oh Yeah... Trying to find the best price I can on this unit. Could anyone of you steer me to a Low price seller. The only one I could find so far is Summitt racing. But their discount is miniscule.

biggd

It's plenty long enough.

Viet Nam Vett

Thanks:

427Hotrod

Mine is mounted behind where the radio would go...no radio in mine. I've got the dash module, O2 Module and Boost Module stacked on top of each other with velcro strips. Of course I also have 4 Holley EFI coils mounted in that area too running up the trans tunnel!

JIM

Frankie the Fink

Yup, "Mike Coletta"....forum user id.

JackTripper

Not for me. I'd rather keep it old school. However, this would be great for a restomod.

Mike (Naples)

I've also got the VHX set but with silver faces and blue lighting. The display connects to the brain via a single Cat5 cable so you have a lot of flexibility as far as location. There's plenty of space behind the clock, which is where I mounted mine. And you'll find that you also have a lot more room behind the instrument pod with the new gauge set.

ACCURATE

Viet Nam Vett

I'm running the MSD Atomic EFI. Puter controls are on the side of the TB and the programer is mounted on the passenger side fire wall next to the hood latch. The programing Palm unit is movable and the hand held. once set does not need to be plugged into the programer.

In my case I have it console mounted on the ashtray cig puter outer hole for on the fly changes. It can also be removed simply by picking up the ash tray and removing one screw.

I have a radio and after market A/C, so I also have flex duct running all over the place. Their ain't much room under my dash due to all the gack I've added over the years.


Looks like a true rat's nest. So it looks like the brain will fit behind the radio. Also did not realize the Digital/Analog set uses a Cat cable ...Even better then dealing with a Ribbon set up.

Viet Nam Vett

Exactly..My car is a Restomod...5 speed trany...ZZ502... All MSD Ignition and EFI... 66 Grill...67 Gas tank Filler Cap.. 200 Watt 4 speaker radio (Stock Appearance) After market A/C...Moded heavy duty anti sway bars and heavier front springs in the front. The rest of the chassis is stock.

So I guess I fit into the category. "Chocolate and Vanilla" I have all the old original parts.

So Like they say ..It's your Corvette... Do WTF your want....