From the June, 2011 issue of Custom Classic Trucks / By Ron Ceridono
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


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