Custom built Gage / Cluster Panel

[jus10inbrla]

So after much reading wiring diagrams here, other sources, and viewing what is a available for direct swap in, i opted to build one myself. With the dakota being 1100ish, new vintage 850ish, and the intellitronix just not looking appeasing .. None retained all indicators, and that honestly was the deal breaker for me. So i got to work.

Found a company who seems knowledgeable / reputable, and went to ordering gages slowly.

 

[jus10inbrla]

First thing i did was measure original cluster. I believe it was like 6 3/4 x 12.5, will confirm tho.

laid out several particle boards, placed gages all over. Found the best fit

 

[jus10inbrla]

Let me back up for a minute, and say the way i found the exact dimensions inside was placing the bezel around and marking all the drive shaft, side cutout, and exact working room inside the space

 

[jus10inbrla]

Once i was pleased, cut a sheet of road sign to those measurements. Then laid bezel on top to find cut points again

 

[jus10inbrla]

if anyone would like exact measurements, i have it all written down. The speedo / tachs are 85mm, others are 52mm. Indicators are 12mm

 

[jus10inbrla]

All gages have the white backlit.


Indicators are
left turn (green)
right turn (green)
hi beam (blue)
seat belt (red)
low battery (red)
check engine (red)
parking brake (red)
4x4 (green)
cruise (green)

 

[jus10inbrla]

I also added a momentary off push button To kill power to speedo / resets trip

 

[jus10inbrla]

I alcohol cleansed backplate, Then primed. Painted black . When i went to paint second coat of black… this iswhat i found. My dad swears he didnt do it, but i also dnt think the cold made it pop like that either. either way i really like the detail work

 

[jus10inbrla]

Im at my stopping point for now. The truck side is fully wired in with molex connector. Im going to the deer camp tomorrow thru monday, then i will install the gages on back plate and put them into the male molex.

 

[jus10inbrla]

Off topic but Even had a chance to stop this duck egg stealer / trying to get to the chickens as well while i was in the shop