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Alternative gauge cluster

Wietse

Wietse

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Hi guys,

New here to the forum.
As i am looking into doing something with the gauge cluster as it has the normal issues.
Speedo gauge is jumping all over the place and really doubt the accuracy of the other gauges i want to go for some upgrade.

See link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/68-70-Mopar...ash=item3f694a388a:g:YkEAAOSwIgNXut1W&vxp=mtr

Is this kit worth the money? Anyone else has this installed?
I really like the classic style looks, and would really like the benefits of having it electronic without any issues.
As per description, it comes with a sensor for oil pressure and coolant temperature.
I will have to purchase a separate speed sensor that goes on the original location on the tranny.
But how does it work for the RPM sending unit?
Anyone has an idea of how this is connected and where?
Also i will have to run some wiring to get the Volt meter to work as i still have the amp meter. (which does work btw). :)

Any recommendations?
 
Indeed, i also had the Dakota digital in mind but must say i prefer the looks of the other one.
It is pricey, but just wondering if it's worth it compared to getting an refurbished original dashboard.
 
You can easily install the electronic circuit board into your existing tach if you're at all handy with a soldering iron. It also helps if you're not afraid to get in there and do such things yourself!
Your speedometer is only an issue when it comes to the actual cable or gear installed in the transmission. It's mechanical and simple. Those are the only two issues I can see for it to be jumping around.
Your ammeter should work. It's wired directly to the battery and alternator.
Your other gauges are connected to a circuit board and gain power through a voltage limiter. I recommend updating your limiter to electronic/solid state through:
RTE
Tach boards are also available here...conveniently enough!
If you decide to use any gauges from Charger Specialties you'll have to use their voltage limiter. Ask me how I know! Charger Specialties
I refaced all of my gauges and dash bezels myself. Saves a fortune and I'm quite happy with the results. check out the thread here if you're interested:
Rallye Instrument Cluster Restoration
 
Thx Lionized,

Looks like your dash was in a worse state then mine, visual wise.
I have a soldering iron and have done some repairs in the past so i will be able to get that stuff installed myself.
Noticed that on the before pictures the gauges are kinda yellow instead of white, where you able to clean that up to get it back to clear white?
After a good clean up that yellow will come off?
I will reconsider i think and buy a voltage limiter and tach board as you mentioned, i also will need new light bulbs i guess.
The speedometer cable looks new actually so it will most likely be the gear then.
I need to find a new drive gear for the speedometer, i did a quick search on Summit racing and Ebay but did not find any assembly's. (believe the drive gear is plastic?)
 
Tach added to 66 Barracuda dash. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nvu-40151-01/overview/

2012-09-04 tach installed and vacuum gauge.JPG
 
Wietse said:
Thx Lionized,

Looks like your dash was in a worse state then mine, visual wise.
I have a soldering iron and have done some repairs in the past so i will be able to get that stuff installed myself.
Noticed that on the before pictures the gauges are kinda yellow instead of white, where you able to clean that up to get it back to clear white?
After a good clean up that yellow will come off?
I will reconsider i think and buy a voltage limiter and tach board as you mentioned, i also will need new light bulbs i guess.
The speedometer cable looks new actually so it will most likely be the gear then.
I need to find a new drive gear for the speedometer, i did a quick search on Summit racing and Ebay but did not find any assembly's. (believe the drive gear is plastic?)
Click to expand...
I refaced the gauges using decals:
Premium Dash Decals

I believe you can find speedometer gears through Classic Industries. You'll need to know how many teeth the gear is, however.
 
Thx for the tip!

That will be a nice winter project when the weather is no good for taking the car out for a drive.
Never knew the had so many different speedometer gears.
I will have to pull mine to see what is required.
Anyway, good info on keeping the gauges stock and give them a nice refreshment in looks and operation!
 
Is your speedometer close to correct now? If it is your gear is close or correct. If you go aftermarket electrical then you would not use a speedometer gear, just a sensor. Also the current pricing makes it harder to do minor corrections of gears.
 
To be honest I have no clue if the gearing is correct.
The speedometer is jumping all over the place at any speed.
Another difficulty is that I am trying to compare the speed with other cars in MPH, while I know the allowed speed limit in km/h. :)

I will check first what the condition is, if it is obviously damaged I will replace it with same size that came out and then I can check for accuracy.
 
The cable looks fairly new but I have not removed it yet so you might be right.
To me it looks like the issue has been there for some time already and tried to fix it with a new cable.
When I am back home I will pull the cable and gear and see what I come across.
 
It's easy to pull the actual cable out of the housing. Look for rust, and at the ends of the cable for condition, including the gear end, to be sure it's not slipping. Should be lubed with graphite powder.
 
Is the section where the speedometer gear sits also filled with transmission fluid or is this a dry section?
What lubricant should be used for the transmission anyway?
I do not have all the options as you guys as these are most of the time very hard to get in Europe.
 
Trans automatic? Would take ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Don't know what fluid choices you have there. Yes, it's wet, where the speedometer cable goes in, but only a small amount will come out...

If you have a service manual for the car, look under the trans section. There is a gear chart, telling which gear is used, going by rear end gears, and tire size. IF the speedo cable is in good shape, and the plastic gear, it needs to be 'indexed' correctly, by the adapter/lock at the trans, where the cable mounts.
If all that is good, probably a bad gauge...but, not usually the case.
 
Would ATF from Valvoline do?
I use this in the transmission of my Infiniti FX50S, I kinda got stuck to Valvoline over the past years for all types of oil I am using on my cars. (still got plenty standing around and easy to get as my favourite car parts shop has everything from Valvoline)
Never had issues, but I am afraid of putting some aggressive (acid?) type of oil in the Torqueflite that it causes seal failures.

I refered to the manual regarding the adjustment and the required teeth count, I see what you mean.
 
Wietse said:
Would ATF from Valvoline do?
Click to expand...
Yes, sir. Just look at which ATF it is...meaning Dextron, Ford type, other. Many of the guys use Ford type, but Dextron is also used stock. I've used Valvoline all my life, never a problem.
On your speedo stuff, I just suggested checking your cable first, since it's the easiest part to check, and easy to get the gear end wrong. If it's right...just go from there.
 
Yeah, I think what I use for the FX is Dexron type.

I will check out the cable first before I dive into the gearing.
Thx for the help so far!
 
Just looking to order a kit to redo the gauges, but now I realize that they are having 2 different types of voltage limiters, the IVR3 and IVR4.

http://rt-eng.com/rte/index.php/Main_Page

Would there be any way of knowing what type I need for my '69er Coronet?
I am not at home for the next few weeks otherwise I would have pulled it already...

Edit: The Coronet is mention after all, being it in small letters on the Dodge section of the list. IVR4 it is :)
 
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