Notices
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Auto shift indicator

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 2, 2003 | 12:47 PM
  #1  
Jim Larson's Avatar
Jim Larson
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Auto shift indicator

Has anyone used an automatic shift indicator from a donar car/truck that might fit (with modification of course) into a area in an OEM dash out of a '61-'64 F100? I think I would like to have something small and vertical that would let me know what gear I am in. I know Lokar makes something like that, but I am still searching. I did discover that some gauge manufacturers even make a small guage that gives the shift indications, but by the time you buy the gauge and the sensor, it is about $100. And by the way, if my original request is possible, do any of you know if there are any special sensors I would need to scavange out of the local bone yard if I can find the shift indicator? I am not sure what all goes into setting up the auto shift on the floor and knowing how that might translate into showing what gear you are in on the dash. I don't want to have to look on the floor to check the gears. Thanks to one and all for your input.
Jim
 
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2003 | 03:35 PM
  #2  
big1's Avatar
big1
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
Auto shift indicator

What transmission are you using? If I understand you right you want something on the dash to look at that will let you know what gear your in?
 
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2003 | 03:52 PM
  #3  
51dueller's Avatar
51dueller
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Auto shift indicator

I think Dakota Digital has a small one letter gauge that does that.
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2003 | 09:49 AM
  #4  
Jim Larson's Avatar
Jim Larson
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Auto shift indicator

Thanks for your input. I am running a C-4 tranny and have a Lokar shifter. I have written to them about what they have an as yet have not heard back from them. I will check out Dakota Digital, maybe they might have something. I have to admit, I like the thrill of the chase, and the more I see what others have done to make their trucks their own creation, the more I want to add something that may not be so commercial. That is why I was investigating something I could adapt that might be a little off the beaten path. I suspect one of my biggest problems will be a lack of knwoledge as to what I woud actually need to take off a donor rig once I saw something I liked. What elelctric stuff would I need to look for besides the actual shift light mechanism. Thanks again, these forums have never let me down, there is just too much knowledge out there. Jim
 
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2003 | 08:34 PM
  #5  
arnolan's Avatar
arnolan
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: SE Kansas
Auto shift indicator

I know nothing about electronics....but anyway. How about rigging up some sort of electric relay to your shifter, so that every notch (drive, reverse, etc) is set to turn a light on? When you pull out of drive, that light goes out, and a new light (new shifter position) goes on.

Maybe by making the actual shifter the connector between the power and light? Your shifter would be something like a six or five pole (is that the right word?) switch that turns a different light on....

That way, you could create your own color of led light, your panel for the lights, etc.

Anyone out there can draw up a simple schematic or figure out what I am trying to describe in better detail?

Just a thought...

R.A.Nolan
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2003 | 10:04 AM
  #6  
Jim Larson's Avatar
Jim Larson
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Auto shift indicator

Mr. Nolan,
You are right on in what I really want to do, but I don't have any ideas on how to go about this. Maybe someone will look at this post and show us how to in some simple schemactic diagram. Are you sure you don't know about "elecrticks"? Thanks for your help. Jim
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2003 | 02:23 PM
  #7  
arnolan's Avatar
arnolan
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: SE Kansas
Auto shift indicator

Jim,
Nope. I know nothing about them thare "elektric doohickmajigs." What gave me the idea is that our Saturn (2001) LS1 has the same type of thing that I describe. I would take it apart...but the wife will scream. Lol.

I might be able to ask a few people that I have contacts with, but doubt it will get us very far.
 
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2003 | 11:04 AM
  #8  
Jim Larson's Avatar
Jim Larson
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Auto shift indicator

Mr. N,
I am wondering now if the Saturn mechanism might be worth a search in the bone yard. Do you feel the mechanism out of the Saturn might operate as you have suggested in your previous post? By the way, Lokar did respond and they claim they have nothing that works on a C-4 tranny. I was really surprised as I thought they would have something that mated to their own shifter. It looks like Dakota Digital might also have something, but I am not sure I want to part with aroung $150. Thanks again for your help. Jim
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-3

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-6

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 7, 2003 | 12:24 PM
  #9  
arnolan's Avatar
arnolan
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: SE Kansas
Auto shift indicator

Heck, I am sure allmost any new model car that has an auto shifter on the floor will work. Of course, you will just have to dig into one and look. I remeber my 85 mustang that I had was a mechanical identifing mechanism...It was next to the shifter on the tranny tunnel and it moved with the shifter. It had a read plastic dial that moved with the shifter. Even that type of set up would work, I think.

Probably anything from late 80's on up will owrk great. Of course, the older the car, the fewer electronic gizmos there will be to mess with.

Let me know what u figure out.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:50 AM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE