New Dakota Firebird 70-81 Gauges Review w/ Photos

[BBATCAR]

I thought I'd post a couple photos and brief review on the Dakota Digital 70-81 Firebird Gauges. The first two photos are the finished interior and the next 2 photos are the gauges lit up during the install testing. The last photo are the wiring modules hidden under the dash. Additional photos, sorry about the quality...

There is so much to say about these gauges. With the ignition off the gauges look very close to factory. Once started the LED lighting brings the dash to life. Yes there is some modern touches but you have up tp 8 different digital readings at your fingertips, displaying two readings at a time in the small window. You can add several different modules that can be added to the display. The one I personally added was for AFR readings using an O2 sensor to monitor my carb A/F. Your modules and gauges can be controlled through your phone app or toggle switch under the dash. I also have electric cooling fans on my radiator and control my on/off temps for one or both fans. My car runs at 190* and rarely over 200* unless I'm really driving the car hard on a hot day.

The best part is all your gauges work perfectly and precise, including your clock that keeps time and easy to set through your phone app. High beams, signals and all other functions display though bright icons through your gauges. The gauges come with warning alarms such as low fuel or you can set your water temp to go off when you want (mine is 210*). If the alarm goes off it will buzz, a red light will also light up but everything remains blacked out and you cannot see any icons on your gauges until the alarm engages. The needles and gauge face colors can all be custom set. I found the warm white and grapefruit color needles match the stock gauges perfectly. Yes, They are pricey and I did opt to pay someone to install them along with additional modules but versus restoring my old gauges I am very happy with the results. The warranty is lifetime! I know this may not be good for the purist but for most applications it beats bouncing needles or failing stock gauges. I hope this was useful.... If there is something specific you would like to know or see, please let me know...

Dakota Gauges with AFR Module by Elliot S, on Flickr

Dashboard Restoration Complete by Elliot S, on Flickr

Dakota 2 by Elliot S, on Flickr

Dakota 1 by Elliot S, on Flickr

Modules by Elliot S, on Flickr
-AT START UP-
Start up by Elliot S, on Flickr
-CUSTOM DISPLAY SETTING Examples-
Custom Window2 by Elliot S, on Flickr

Custom Window by Elliot S, on Flickr

[silver78]

Nice upgrade! Very good choice.  Can you post a pic with dash lights on and no outside light.  A "nighttime" view if you will.
Also can you dim them like the factory dash lights?

[ryeguy2006a]

Very cool!! That panel they made for the modules is really clean. Where is that mounted?

[BBATCAR]

Very cool!! That panel they made for the modules is really clean. Where is that mounted?

Thanks, it is mounted directly under the steering column. They built a plate that has a lip like a hinge and only one screw to hold it in place, it is tucked behind the steering column factory plastic panel. The toggle switch of the gauges is on the bottom of the panel so you can just reach under the steering column to change the custom displays or to get into set up mode.

[BBATCAR]

Nice upgrade! Very good choice.  Can you post a pic with dash lights on and no outside light.  A "nighttime" view if you will.
Also can you dim them like the factory dash lights?

I'll post a couple night photos and post them on my original post. When the headlights are turned on, the gauges will dim some automatically. I did add the optional dimmer to be able to freely dim them to my taste. I usually don't drive at night but nice to have feature and costs around $30 for the dimmer switch. The shop installed the dimmer at the bottom dash. Easy to reach but hidden away.

InkedInterior Dash 2 w dimmer_LI by Elliot S, on Flickr

[kentucky yeti]

Very nice, and great write-up and pics.  Mine are backordered until August 1.  I ordered them March 22nd.

[Jack]

I like, very nice upgrade.

[BBATCAR]

Very nice, and great write-up and pics.  Mine are backordered until August 1.  I ordered them March 22nd.

Yep, ordered mine as soon as they launched and still took months... everything is like that 1-1/2 years still waiting on door panels.

[Updated71]

The thing I don’t like about my Speedhut gauges is that unless you’re looking straight on it at there level part of the gauge is obscured by the bezel due to the angle. These being more factory looking - hashes pulled in toward the center a bit from the edge- shouldn’t have that issue. Curious to hear any others thoughts on them if anyone else got them.