dakota digital
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 185
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From: kill devil hills nc
dakota digital
i just installed new dakota digital instrument cluster in my 66 vert. it's the VRX model, looks and fits great. All the gauges work fine except the fuel gauge. I sent email to them and they stated that it will not work with 63-67 fuel sending unit. i find this hard to believe. the 63-67 sending units has two wires and ground compared to others which only has 1 wire plus ground. he stated that 63-67 was voltage related vice resistant. So i guess i need to put a 68-70 sending unit in. I cant believe they have a complete bolt in instrument cluster and the fuel gauge does not work. Anyone have any experience with this?
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
fuel gauge
i just installed new dakota digital instrument cluster in my 66 vert. it's the VRX model, looks and fits great. All the gauges work fine except the fuel gauge. I sent email to them and they stated that it will not work with 63-67 fuel sending unit. i find this hard to believe. the 63-67 sending units has two wires and ground compared to others which only has 1 wire plus ground. he stated that 63-67 was voltage related vice resistant. So i guess i need to put a 68-70 sending unit in. I cant believe they have a complete bolt in instrument cluster and the fuel gauge does not work. Anyone have any experience with this?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 380
From: Waltham Ma.
i just installed new dakota digital instrument cluster in my 66 vert. it's the VRX model, looks and fits great. All the gauges work fine except the fuel gauge. I sent email to them and they stated that it will not work with 63-67 fuel sending unit. i find this hard to believe. the 63-67 sending units has two wires and ground compared to others which only has 1 wire plus ground. he stated that 63-67 was voltage related vice resistant. So i guess i need to put a 68-70 sending unit in. I cant believe they have a complete bolt in instrument cluster and the fuel gauge does not work. Anyone have any experience with this?
Last edited by biggd; Oct 17, 2014 at 02:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: kill devil hills nc
This has come up before, there is a way around it. I can do some digging in my tech file for the solution. Feel free to contact me at j.olsen@dakotadigital.com kessler!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
My Christmas Present (to self): 1978- 82 Chevy Corvette VHX Instruments
I am seriously considering installation of a Dakota Digital VHX instrument kit (Red) this winter.
I am reviewing the kit and find that I really don't need any of the extras (unless to integrate the system with my car).
My assumptions:
I will have to replace the oil pressure sensor/can. Can I use the existing wire?
I will have to use the temp sender with the kit. Can I use the existing wire?
What is the challenge with replacing the mechanical speedo with an electronic sensor that calibrates with rear gears/tires/(overdrive?)?
Any experience with DD install in the 78-82 Corvette? Lessons learned/to share?
Much appreciated. I will probably pull the trigger later in November IF I can keep the cost within reason (the kit is about $1,500).
A few questions from reading about the system today:
I read that fuel tank sender unit must be 'direct wired'. Is there a wire that I need to identify in the current harness that connects to the rear of the existing gauges that I may splice/connect to? Will I have to install an aftermarket fuel tank sender?
Speed (electronic), oil and water sensors are included. what's it take to use them?
Can I avoid the mechanical speedometer connection? What does that do to the cruise control?
Thanks for any info!
I am reviewing the kit and find that I really don't need any of the extras (unless to integrate the system with my car).
My assumptions:
I will have to replace the oil pressure sensor/can. Can I use the existing wire?
I will have to use the temp sender with the kit. Can I use the existing wire?
What is the challenge with replacing the mechanical speedo with an electronic sensor that calibrates with rear gears/tires/(overdrive?)?
Any experience with DD install in the 78-82 Corvette? Lessons learned/to share?
Much appreciated. I will probably pull the trigger later in November IF I can keep the cost within reason (the kit is about $1,500).
A few questions from reading about the system today:
I read that fuel tank sender unit must be 'direct wired'. Is there a wire that I need to identify in the current harness that connects to the rear of the existing gauges that I may splice/connect to? Will I have to install an aftermarket fuel tank sender?
Speed (electronic), oil and water sensors are included. what's it take to use them?
Can I avoid the mechanical speedometer connection? What does that do to the cruise control?
Thanks for any info!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: kill devil hills nc
the kit came with the new oil sensor and water temp sensor. just install in correct hole in block and manifold. It also came with a new sensor for the transmission for speedometer, that was also easy. they (dakota digital) are working on a solution for the "unique" 63-67 sending unit. i hope to hear something soon. i am out of town and can send pics when it get home. all in all pretty easy install.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 650
Likes: 71
From: Saginaw MI
Speedway Motors makes an interface unit that should convert the correct signal, here it is:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Fuel-G...ule,66534.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Fuel-G...ule,66534.html