TAC Tech > Interior

Finally some interior upgrades

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N PRGRES:
First off the list for upgrade is gauges. I have gone back and forth many times on these over the years between, having the stock ones redone, Dakota Digital, and Speedhut.  I pulled the trigger on the Speedhut gauges. There are a few different reasons.

The biggest hurdle was finding a place to redo the stock ones. Finding a resto shop for pre 1980 is easy but after that it’s more difficult. Yes, I could swap to a pre 80 gauge pack, but if I am doing that, why not just go for a more reliable aftermarket set? 

Second, I want cruise control back as I plan to eventually take the car on day trips. Aftermarket cruise sets rely on a VSS input, and the stock setup doesn’t allow for this. Speed hit does make a box to convert the signal but again, it seems like extra effort.

Third, I really dislike Dakota digital gauges. The font looks off to me. The rpm gauge works different and the clock is ugly. Am I being petty, probably, but since I have to look at them, I’ll get something I like.  Plus the DD cost is a bit over the top for my budget.

So that leads me to the Speedhuts. They aren’t 100% perfect but in my opinion, at least on looks, they are a fairly close match. Yes I’ll miss the clock, and my oil pressure and temp gauge will be on the sides of the gauge as opposed to the bottom, but these are things I can live with. 

The dual gauge will require some modifications to fit but Randy Combs will be handling that when he does the instrument panel.  The gauges are a 4” classic style. Black with white letters and the “antique” backlight option just to make it a bit easier on my eyes.

5th T/A:
I have a 1980 with the 85MPH speedometer. Wouldn't mind something that goes a little higher and gages that read more accurately but I am hung up on keeping the original look. But I would still love to see how your gage upgrade turns out when you are finished! 

stros:
I wouldn’t hesitate going for the Speedhut gauges either.  I installed 3 of them in my console.  I wish I’d also used them for my main gauges.  The lighting is so much better in them than the stock ones- it’s no comparison.

I replaced my broken speedometer with one of the Classic Industries repop ones just to still have the clock.  The clock adjustment needle is super brittle and I’m always nervous adjusting it.  I could’ve lived without the clock.

Totally agree with your assessment of Dakota vs Speedhut as well.  You can customize the Speedhut ones so they still look a bit retro.  Dakota reminded me a bit of the 1980s digital dashes but maybe they’ve improved recently.

N PRGRES:
Some activity other than my others posts on here.  Speedhut Gauges arrive today, very excited about these.  They "resemble" the stock gauges as far as marking as such but they look a little different.

Taking the glass to the tint shop tomorrow.  I'll take the drivers side window and a spare rear window I have.  Once they are done, they are ready to reinstall.  I'll do the passenger side in a few weeks.  Rear will be limo tint and fronts will be 20%.

This isn't "interior" but I will also be swapping out the chrome door locks and handles to black.  I always thought these looked weird since there is very little chrome on car.  I'll post photos as I get them

FormTA:
Can't wait to see how the dash comes out. Ya. I want to tint my windows as well. That rear glass is a doosy. I can barely get the lower trim screws in let alone apply tint with it installed.

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