So you've replaced that old stock, worn out Flathead or six-cylinder engine with a new, fuel-injected, computer-controlled LS1, replaced those old, dim bulb lights to fancy LEDs, and got rid of all that cloth-covered wiring with a fancy new kit, but those analog gauges just don't seem to fit the part, do they? Sure you could cut the dash up and replace the cluster with a set of new gauges, but that old, stock cluster has grown on you, so what are you to do? Well Dakota Digital has just the answer.
For the last 20 years, Dakota Digital has manufactured the highest quality digital instrumentation for the aftermarket enthusiast with kits that are tailored to everything from '32 Fords to muscle cars and everything in between. Their latest venture however, has taken their technology a step further, with the ability to transform any original gauge cluster to a true blue, 21st century, fully digital readout without sacrificing the aesthetic of that original gauge cluster.
Using vacuum fluorescent technology, the computer controlled gauge cluster gives the driver up to the minute, accurate information on the operation of the vehicle, and provides the status in an easy to read, illuminated display regardless of the conditions or time of day. Emitting a blue/green light that can be filtered to a variety of colors, the display boasts excellent daytime visibility and can automatically dim under nighttime driving. Using microprocessor technology, the digital cluster gives the driver additional features and benefits not typically found on other types of instrumentation.
We followed along as they replaced the original, analog gauge cluster of a 1949 Oldsmobile and found that not only could they adapt the benefits of their digital technology, but they could also retain the aesthetic of the stock Olds cluster.
Here's the stock 1949 Oldsmobile...
Here's the stock 1949 Oldsmobile gauge cluster as it arrived from the customer. The fuel level, speedometer, odometer, oil pressure, and water temperature functions will be retained while a voltmeter gauge will replace the old ammeter.
Looking at the back side of...
Looking at the back side of the cluster, the mechanical oil pressure port and speedo cable attachment is visible, as well as the light pods and electrical connections for the other three gauges.
Disassembling the stock gauge...
Disassembling the stock gauge cluster is the first item on the list. All factory hardware is retained and given back to the customer with the completed project.
Here's the gauge cluster and...
Here's the gauge cluster and lenses separated from the housing with the factory hardware.
The stock gauge cluster and...
The stock gauge cluster and housing are then carefully measured and programmed....
.....into an AutoCAD program...
.....into an AutoCAD program to allow for the creation of the new components.
This screen shot shows the...
This screen shot shows the dimensions for the cluster programmed into the AutoCAD with the respective individual gauges in their place. The circuit board, front lens, and subpanel are created using this technique.
Using the dimensions programmed...
Using the dimensions programmed into the AutoCAD, paper templates.....
......are made to verify fitment...
......are made to verify fitment with the original housing and cluster.