1973-1987 Chevy C10 & GMC Truck Dakota Digital Gauge Cluster Install - Gone Digital

The best spot we found to mount the Dakota Digital control box was on a brace above the steering column and behind the stock speedometer cluster. Spacers were used under the black Phillips screws between the brace and the control box, so the aluminum ears would not be bent.

Special attention was paid to cleanly routing the stock Chevy gauge wiring harness to the Dakota Digital control box.

To connect the Dakota Digital tachometer an additional wire (blue) had to be run from the tach terminal on the GM HEI distributor (Davis DUI in this case) through the existing speedo cable hole in the firewall and connected to the tach terminal on the control box.

To mount the two pushbutton switches necessary to set the Dakota Digital instrument readings we used existing holes located under the dashboard. One hole was the correct size and the other had to be drilled out slightly.

Next, to obtain a flush fit we used a stack of three 3/8-inch SAE washers and one big mother that allowed the switches to be tightened down completely.

Next, the black serrated collars on the two switches were flipped so they mounted flush into the dashboard holes. If that don't look clean, nothing does!

The last step before installing the Dakota Digital gauge cluster into the dashboard was to plug it into the control box. We left a large loop of the lengthy wire loose to ease the installation and reached behind the dashboard to tuck it away.

So as not to damage the Dakota Digital gauge cluster we cautiously checked to ensure it fit properly. It was necessary to bend the dash sheetmetal outward to clear it (this might vary from truck to truck).

The protective covering was left on the Dakota Digital lens until the last possible moment.

After the covering was peeled off we installed the stock Chevy gauge panel.

Then we installed the super-trick-looking Dakota Digital aluminum trim plate insert by drilling four 1/8-inch holes into the four lower holes and using the eight stainless steel screws included with the aluminum trim plate.

Calibrating the Dakota Digital gauge cluster was facilitated by following the instruction manual and calling (605) 332-6513 and asking Dakota Digital's tech support a few quick questions. Stay tuned because we're going to install Dakota Digital's cruise control and LED C10 taillights next.