Overhead Console Gauges Installed

[Tinbender]

Finally received the Gauges from Dakota Digital about 3 weeks after they said they were sent. Then delayed installation because of fishin. I perferred the gauges in the over head console, it makes a neat package and is convenient to monitor. (See Sig Pics) Dakota Digital still has some problems with quality control as the engraving on the lens is not consistant on both gauges and I spent several hours tracing an intermittent problem that turned out to be a bad crimp on the EGT thermocouple wire. They were the only company that had a rectangluar gauge.

[mdrag]

Tinbender,

Great install!! Those gauges look really slick up there - that's the best looking install I've seen so far.

[pepperidge]

Tinbender,

Looks great!! Howmuch did they set you back?

Do you know if they make a dual purpose guage like Spa Does?

Thanks

[CSDMAX]

Tinbender,

One word, SLICK!! I just ordered the same gauges online (www.dakotadigital.com)last night. Pics look great. I'm thinking I might have to call them up and change the order from the round to the rectangular gauges.

Anything unsual about mounting and setup compared to the "Got gauges?" article?

[Mike O.]

Tinbender,
I agree, that is a slick looking gauge installation! For those of us considering this same type installation, wold you give the part numbers used? I'm thinking ODY-12-1, SEN-12-3, ODY-09-1, and SEN-09-1. Is that correct?

Would also appreciate comments on step-by-step install if you did-it-yourself to go along with the fine photos already provided.

Thanks in advance.

[CSDMAX]

Tinbender,

Another question..Did you mount both EGT Amp and Boost sensor side by side with an added piece of sheetmetal to attach to the Aluminum bracket? You pic oes not show it clearly even though you indicate that they are both mounted under dash.

[NickLeinonen]

nice setup.. how easy is it to read from the drivers position?

[Tinbender]

To answer a few questions;
Pepperidge, $288.35 at the door. They have some dual gauges, but nothing I was interested in. (www.dakotadigital.com)

CSDMAX, If you ordered the gauges I would suggest you call and make sure both gauges are from the same lot. The engraving was slightly different on the two gauges. Not bad at a glance, but definitely noticable. The Installation of the thermocouple and boost tap was exactly as described in Jim's "got Guages" article. Also unless you want to make your own wiring harness, (sensor/amp to gauges) you can order an extension from Dakota Digital. The wire they supply is only about 18" long. I had to add about 45" to it. I cut the wires about 8" from the sensor and amp and spliced in a section, soldering and using shrink tube. That way I had only to use their connector at the gauges. Yes both sensor and amp sit side by side on the panel under the dash between the parking brake and the parking brake release. Over all about 6 hours and a six pack. Trouble shooting the intermittent bad connector crimp was another few hours and a couple more six packs.

Mike o, Dakota Digital P/N ODY-12-1,& SEN -12-2 for the EGT Gauge. ODY-09-1 & SEN 09-1 for the Boost Gauge. Both are Teal Display color. Good Match. As I stated I used the information from Jim Bagley for the hookup to the engine, and made my own wiring harness as all wires need to be extended, also tied the power, ground and dimming wires togather to save running any more wires than necessary. The hardest part was mounting the gauges, as the panel is flimsy plastic. I first laid out me hole leaving about 1/4" between the gauges so the mounting brackets had some thing to hold against. I then cut the hole for the body with a scroll saw. I used a flat bottom router bit in a drill press to flatten the edges so the gauge would lay flat in the curved surface. Not hard but tedious and time consuming.

NickLeinonen, Easy, just a glance at the rear view mirror and you got the engine readings too.

Also the gauges have adjustable warning limits

Bob
Any direct questions e-mail me; jenisrc@att.net [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 07-05-2002: Message edited by: Tinbender ]</p>

[David Utz]

Looks great! This is exactly the set up I've been looking at. Now that you have done, is there anything you would have done differently?

[Tinbender]

David, I don't think I would do anything different, overall it made a nice installation.

The only thing I'm unhappy about is the engraving on the gauges. I should have forgot about the installation and sent the gauges back and had them match the engraving, but I was in a hurry to get them installed. The difference probably wouldn't be noticed by most, but I know it's there.

Bob

[Alli-max]

I'm SOLD!!!! I really like those gauges, and will prolly have to get some myself!!!

Now... let me play the "better half" for a second... Quit fishing / playing with your truck and clean the garage!!!!

[ 07-07-2002: Message edited by: Alli-max ]</p>

[Tinbender]

Clean the garage, that's for a rainy day. You know it never rains in Seattle !!!! Besides I got the grass mowed, checked off a couple items on the Honey Dew List and it's time to go fishin again.

[ 07-07-2002: Message edited by: Tinbender ]</p>

[CSDMAX]

Well I still don't have gauges from Dakota Digital yet and they are on backorder for 3-4 weeks. This blows!!!
Anyway, took the schematic drawings from DD's website and made the cutouts in the panel. As you said, this is a delicate process. I also made up the wire harness for the power, ground and dimmer. Thats all set.
So.... on to THE HARD PART, or at least so I thought. Got my 1/8" up to 7/16" bits, 1/4" NPT tap, 1/4" NPT plug and went to work. NO PROBLEM. Pulled the wheel well and drilled for black gold, PRE TURBO that is, right on the ex. manifold. I figure, even though I didn't have the Gauges, TC, etc., I could drill, tap, and put a matching 1/4 NPT plug in it until the parts come in.
Now...if only I can get my parts before my trip to California....it will be a breeze to finish the install.

[Tinbender]

CSDMAX, I think it was about 3 weeks before Dakota Digital sent my gauges. They said they were a shelf item and would be shipped imediately, but supposedly found problems and was delayed. Maybe they are doing something about the engraving that's delaying shippment. Did you say anything to them when you ordered your gauges?

You shouldn't have more than an hours work when you recieve the package from DD. LOL

Bob

[ 07-18-2002: Message edited by: Tinbender ]</p>