Thanks to the new instruments...
Thanks to the new instruments from Dakota Digital, we don't have to look to the bottom of the dash and aftermarket gauges to get important information about our truck's status. A new woodgrained and chrome trim piece from LMC replaced the shabby original.
As part of the update to our Hot Rod Hauler we decided to deep-six the next-to-useless stock gauges (the only one that ever moved was the gas gauge), the aftermarket gauges mounted below the dash that were difficult to see, and the column mounted tach.
We had decided on Dakota Digital instruments and once we saw them in the original cluster, we were glad we did. However when we went to install them we discovered our truck had a pre-existing problem. It seems it’s not uncommon for older Ford trucks to have damaged ignition switch plugs and ours was no exception. With age comes a certain amount of corrosion of the connector, which results in increased resistance that manifests itself in the form of heat. In some cases the ignition will get warm to the touch, in many cases it’s not unusual for the ignition switch plug to be damaged—such was the case with ours.
To ensure Dakota Digital’s instrument panel, the new HGM transmission control, as well as all the other electrical items in the truck operate properly, the wiring has to be in good shape. And that meant we needed a new ignition switch and plug—we got both from LMC Truck (in addition, we added a small fuse panel from Painless Performance to power the added components. See the transmission story in this issue).
With the wiring repaired and the Dakota Digital instrument panel installed it was simply a matter of following their instructions to calibrate them. As their explanation on what to do is clear and concise, there’s no reason to repeat it here. However, we will add this: calibrating the speedometer can be done a number of ways, but the simplest and most accurate is to use a GPS.
The new instruments have certainly improved the looks of the dash as did the new instrument panel and glovebox trim from LMC. And having gauges that actually provide information is a treat. All the instruments, including the tach are easy to read. The oil pressure gauge will blink whenever it drops below 10 psi, however, that value is adjustable. Indicator lights for high beam and turn signals are incorporated into the speedometer, and others such as a “cruise engaged”, a wait-to-start light for diesel engines, a gear position indicator (requires Dakota Digital sender GSS-1000/2000/50000), brake warning, and check engine can be activated.
Our Hot Rod Hauler is shaping up, but we’ve still got more to do, so it’s back to the shop until next month when we’ll have more to report. CCT
The original gauges never...
The original gauges never really indicated much. The only one that really moved from one extreme to the other was the gas gauge. The column-mounted tach gave way to a new one in the Dakota Digital display.
We had to find a spot under...
We had to find a spot under to mount the Dakota Digital control box. We decided to mount it under the dash; the screws holding it are hidden by the upholstered foam pad.
This is the back of the stock...
This is the back of the stock instrument panel; note the angled plug at the bottom. That’s where the stock dash panel harness plugged in.
This is the plug on the harness...
This is the plug on the harness that connects to the stock instrument panel.
A test light (alright, an...
A test light (alright, an old clearance light with a couple of leads attached) was used to find the turn signal, high beam and fuel sender wires. They would be cut and attached to the Dakota Digital control unit. The rest of the wires were cut and capped with insulated butt connectors.
The wires from the original...
The wires from the original dash harness and those supplied for the new Dakota Digital senders were connected to the control box. The blue plug at the lower right is for the ribbon cable from the instrument panel.
This is the back of the Dakota...
This is the back of the Dakota Digital display; all it takes to connect it is plugging the cable into the control box.
The new instrument panel didn’t...
The new instrument panel didn’t quite fit the opening in the Ford dash.That was cured by cutting a 1/16-inch off the two bottom mounting tabs. Once trimmed, the panel slid in place and was secured with the stock screws.
These are two momentary push...
These are two momentary push buttons used to calibrate the Dakota Digital speedometer and other functions. Since the control box is mounted out of sight, we marked the back of the switches so that we would know one from the other.
For the proper operation of...
For the proper operation of the electrical system, we installed a new ignition switch from LMC Truck. They can also supply a new plug to replace damaged originals.
While we had the dash apart,...
While we had the dash apart, we checked a few other things. Over the years, the fuel gauge would only read about ¾ even when full. The problem turned out to be a damaged fuel selector switch. We got a replacement from LMC.
This is the plug on the heater...
This is the plug on the heater and A/C blower motor switch. High resistance in the switch had created enough heat to damage the plug.
We ordered a new fan switch...
We ordered a new fan switch from LMC but forgot to order a plug, so we cut the damaged wires and added individual connectors.
The fan motor and gas tank...
The fan motor and gas tank switches mount to the heater control assembly. Replacing them made the gas gauge function properly and the fan motor to run noticeably faster.
For transmissions with a cable...
For transmissions with a cable drive speedometer, Dakota Digital offers this electronic conversion.
Dakota Digital’s instruments...
Dakota Digital’s instruments require specific senders and cables. This is the oil pressures sender, which has three contacts. The cable includes a sheath over the wires to prevent interference that would result in inaccurate readings.
Same with the temperature...
Same with the temperature gauge, a Dakota Digital sender is the only one that will work. Both senders include weather-tight connectors.
Along with the senders are...
Along with the senders are a variety of adapters.