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

 

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?

 

I think Dakota Digital has a small one letter gauge that does that.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.