Digital Dash

[Smartalec]

ive been toying around with the idea of changing the dash..
would like to go for a digital dash of some sort, but what would look best, an also how would i be able to connect up a digital speed from a cable speedo.. would i have to put sensors on the tail shaft or something??
i liked one from an old ford of mine, had digital everything. would look snazzy if i got another , but then need the dash to go with it i think..
what does everyone think..
let me know,
thanks alec.

[hotrod]

You could build a custom dash with something like the following and there are any number of digital gauges on ebay, probably cheaper as a set from a 'hotrod' supply shop.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DAKOTA-DIGITAL-SOLARIX-SPEED-TACH-SLX-01-6_W0QQitemZ250438511077QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3a4f4c69e5&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318

[silverado]

A speedo is dead easy, you just mount a cable driven speedo modulator to a bracket near the gearbox and drive it with a short cable.

There is a pic on here someplace as someone else has done this, cant remember who though.

Cheers
Rusty

[Rogue Trooper]

If you have a look at the NZ Van Show pics in the gallery, Jeff's van specifically, you will see he has used a Commodore Calais digital instrument panel. (At least I'm pretty sure it's out of a Calais.

Sorry the pictures not more detailed.

[Smartalec]

I just had a look at Jeff's van, an that's exactly the look im wanting to try an design for mine..
star trek eat your heart out.
is there anyway to get blue prints.. or photo's on what parts he used an from what cars there from.
since bedford parts are hard to get, im getting used to having many car brands in my beddy, currently ford,mibishita, an holden..lol

so who knows how to track down jeff ?

[Rogue Trooper]

PM Garry. He's on here as SundownerNZ. Jeff is a member of VANZ as far as I know so Garry may be able to help you contact him or perhaps provide furthur details.

[Smartalec]

A speedo is dead easy, you just mount a cable driven speedo modulator to a bracket near the gearbox and drive it with a short cable.

There is a pic on here someplace as someone else has done this, cant remember who though.

Cheers
Rusty

so even digital dash's are cable driven.. so could i use any speedo modulator? as im off to upullit to get a seatbelt for the miss's car (dam dog chewed it), so i might as well make it a parts hunt for the beddy
so pics would be great

[silverado]

Some modulators are cable driven, some mount directly in to the side of the gearbox.

I would suggest you get the correct modulator for the instument cluster you use as they may well be signal specific and will most certainly be calibrated.
Some use a simple mag pulse, while others use the more complex hall effect sensor.
Then there are some other trickery ones that use pulse width modulation,but dont get hung up on all of that just get the right one for the speedo you use.

It's easier if you take the whole lot from one vehicle, ford falcon and holdung commode digital units would be easy.
The other really nice one is Misti Diamante but a little more complex i think.

Cheers
Rusty

[Smartalec]

yep jeff's van has a ford digital dash, the local whreckers have 4 around the place at $40 each, unknown condition  , but i now need to find out where the ford speed modulator is located without having to search for it first. (i have no idea what it looks like still)
i love whrecking yards.. they might rip you off , but you find great stuff..hehe 

[Smartalec]

i hope this is correct after all my studying of the bedford manual.
please tell me if anything is wrong..
i also have done the same for the dash but did it too the wrong dash (xe), back to the drawing board.