Digital Gauges:

[Captain D]

Just curious if anyone here opted to run these digital gauges...? Hoping that the prices come down some as I'd like to try em' out in my 69.' A lot for gauges, no bezel, switches, etc. & unsure on how best to calibrate. Thanks for looking & feedback...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dakota-Digital-68-70-Dodge-Charger-Analog-Gauges-Silver-Red-VHX-68D-CHG-S-R/351929481478?fits=Year%3A1969%7CModel%3ACharger&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item51f0a1b906:g:AzAAAOSw8t5ddTBS

[green69rt]

I chose to use the Dakota Digital setup for a couple of reasons.  The fuel gauge is a continuig problem but with the DD set you can custom calibrate it.  Also, the current meter has been a problem.  I completely eliminated that with DD.  Beyond that, it looks nice.

But it doesn't replace all the switches so take that into your thoughts.

[Kern Dog]

I did this conversion in my '70. GREAT upgrade! I was due to restore my gauges anyway and the price was about the same. I opted for the blue tinted bulbs:

[Kern Dog]

The instructions were great. I did the install in 2015. This was the first time I had delved this deep into anything this "involved". I bypassed the ammeter, replaced the main feed wire coming in through the bulkhead and did a few other upgrades to the wiring under the hood.
I have my gauges out right now to repair a burned wire that is unrelated to the gauges....BUT I decided that this was the best time to correct another mistake:
When I calibrated the speedometer, I was NOT aware that the display uses a SIX DIGIT configuration. I tried to key in 43017 and it came up 430, 170. I didn't notice right away. Once you pass 100  miles of operation, the display cannot be reset EXCEPT by the manufacturer. Mine was mailed back to them and currently awaiting recalibration and return shipping.
The features are great. Low fuel warning, clock, trip odometer, all sorts of cool stuff.
Send me a PM if you have any questions you don't want to ask here.

[Captain D]

Wow, that sure is a sweet upgrade indeed - thank you for posting! I would imagine that you get better / more accurate readings, no doubt.

However, how extensive is the mounting assembly under the hood though? I've pulled & reinstalled the cluster, sure, but the updated wiring as a separate entity may be above my skill level. Reason being, I'm just trying to calculate & plan ahead the 'total' cost, say, the kit right off the bat being $1k + labor if I need to take it elsewhere for the wiring.

Thank you for your time & info as it gives me food for thought...

[Kern Dog]

Prior to this, I didn't have much wiring experience aside from some soldering and general parts replacement.
This kit is actually easy to install. There is a water temp sensor that uses it's own included wiring, the oil pressure too. The speedometer uses a speed sensor that fits in place of the cable. You use the existing wiring for the gas gauge though you do need to add a negative ground. The Voltmeter replaces the ammeter and it only needs a 12 volt feed.
All of the wiring feeds into the "Brain Box".

[Kern Dog]

I mounted the VHX box behind the gauge cluster on the steering column support.

[Captain D]

Thank you for your reply + info once more - yes, certainly tempting. About how long would you say it takes for the actual wiring? Couple hours ballpark? Thank you again for your time and info.👍

[Kern Dog]

The swap can be done in a day if you are experienced. I did mine over several days but also did several other things at the same time. I like to take care of some tasks when stuff is apart. I repainted the lower dash plastic panels, made a few wiring changes, tried in vain to get the heater working, etc.

[NHCharger]

Wow. that looks nice. Another item added to the wish list.

[krops cars]

I wish they would do a tic toc tach.

[Kern Dog]

There IS a clock in an LCD display at the bottom but I get what you mean.

[Hemidog]

It's awesome, love the accurate indications.

[green69rt]

 

[krops cars]

I pot a set in a Monte Carlo.

[Mopar Nut]

The instructions were great. I did the install in 2015. This was the first time I had delved this deep into anything this "involved". I bypassed the ammeter, replaced the main feed wire coming in through the bulkhead and did a few other upgrades to the wiring under the hood.
I have my gauges out right now to repair a burned wire that is unrelated to the gauges....BUT I decided that this was the bets time to correct another mistake:
When I calibrated the speedometer, I was NOT aware that the display uses a SIX DIGIT configuration. I tried to key in 43017 and it came up 430, 170. I didn't notice right away. Once you pass 100  miles of operation, the display cannot be reset EXCEPT by the manufacturer. Mine was mailed back to them and currently awaiting recalibration and return shipping.
The features are great. Low fuel warning, clock, trip odometer, all sorts of cool stuff.
Send me a PM if you have any questions you don't want to ask here.

Greg, I wanted to warn you about this word before the grammar police (Kern Dog) catches it.  

[Kern Dog]

Is "Delved" the wrong word? I did not mean "Dived".
I did screw up BEST though.
***************************************************************************************************************************

Dictionary:
Search for a word
delve
/delv/
Learn to pronounce
verb
past tense: delved; past participle: delved
1.
reach inside a receptacle and search for something.
"she delved in her pocket"
Similar:
search (through)
hunt through
scrabble about/around in
root about/around in
ferret (about/around) in
fish about/around in
poke about/around in
dig in
grub about/around in
go through
burrow in
rifle through
scour
ransack
turn upside down
turn inside out
rootle around in
fossick through
roust around in
2.
ARCHAIC
dig; excavate.
"when Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?"
*********************************************************************************************************************************
That DD cluster looks great with the K/HR speedometer!

[Mopar Nut]

That DD cluster looks great with the K/HR speedometer!

[Hemidog]

That DD cluster looks great with the K/HR speedometer!

Thanks 

Another thing that is great about the cluster is the fuel gauge. You can set up for different Ohm values. I have the VDO sender in my tank.

[John_Kunkel]

To me, the term "digital" doesn't really fit that display; although it comes from Dakota Digital, the display is steam gauges whereas digital would have digits on the display.

[Kern Dog]

I thought that as well. I guess for them, the "digital" part refers to the function, not the form. The gauge cluster is powered by a single Cat-5 wire instead of the wire plug the factory used.

[comet_666]

I like my DD set up, only issue I have ever had is the speedo stopped being accurate..like not working at all really. I'm sure I just have to reset it back up.
I love being able to put whatever I want wherever I want as far as temp gauge (digital numbers) and such from under tach to under speedo.

[krops cars]

I wish I could build my own gauges. I have a great design idea just no clue how to go about it.