Dakota digital dash
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 326
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas
I will most likely be using Dakota in my F100 build.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-build.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-build.html
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 21
From: Northern Illinois
maybe some day you will but I doubt it https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...an-update.html
Yes he wanted to know what people think OF THE DAKOTA GAUGES. Not how to cluster**** an 80's setup into the truck.
What a @#$%tard. Guys like you are the prime reason I don't post at this site much anymore.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 1
ya and that sucks. the few that have been around here awhile and have been messing with these trucks longer than some us have been alive. stick around scott we need guys like you. not scared to tell me it wont work, how it works, or who to talk to to find out how to make it work.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Middle Tennessee
ya and that sucks. the few that have been around here awhile and have been messing with these trucks longer than some us have been alive. stick around scott we need guys like you. not scared to tell me it wont work, how it works, or who to talk to to find out how to make it work.
Please! I agree wholeheartedly!
I really have enjoyed this site sooooooooo much in my short time! I don't want it like the other sites I used to use.. ie all the good guys run off.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 12
From: Wichita Falls TX
I had a 1983 Thunderbird Heritage with a digital dash that sure looked a lot like that. So bad. 
David
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 12
From: Ford, WA
I also agree that the Dakota gauges look cheesy.... For the price the Dakota should be a full on LCD setup.. Not 1980's style LED displays..I prefer the stock gauges.. Got a nice gauge cluster out of a 1990 econoline van
New User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Build some more of these
Have you ever thought about making these and selling them? I'd buy one (just the frame; I would buy my own gauges).
shoot me an email if you would be interested.
jeffheavner@gmail.com
shoot me an email if you would be interested.
jeffheavner@gmail.com
Built my own panel and filled it with auto meter sport comp II gauges.
I have around $500.00 and change or so in my gauges. The issue with Dakota is the extra modules you have to add to the price of the gauge panel to get everything to work. After I added it up it was going to be well north of 1k to get a functional set of gauges.
I have around $500.00 and change or so in my gauges. The issue with Dakota is the extra modules you have to add to the price of the gauge panel to get everything to work. After I added it up it was going to be well north of 1k to get a functional set of gauges.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
Nope. It is not that hard to make. The hardest part is gauge layout. Other than that you could make one with some cardboard for the design as I did. Then use a hacksaw to cut the aluminum or steel, and some hole saws.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
I'm a newb here myself but definitely not scared to render a opinion if asked. I am also careful to listen as to what is being asked. The beauty of this Forum and these trucks is that you can build them any way you want too. With brand new F150's retailing at a all time high of 60+ thousand dollars anyone asking about a gauge cluster or aftermarket plugin for their classic should make the monetary decision for themselves. The product is either a cost effective solution or not for that buyer, sometimes cost plays no part in their decision, it's what they want. I will not insert my economic advice in where it's not asked for. They have obviously looked at the product and know what the costs are.
I absolutely recommend the Dakota Digital Gauge Package, they obviously come in two models, complete digital or like the one I purchased and installed in my 76, digital all the way but I wanted the needle gauges. Dakota also gives you all the digital sensors and sendors in the kit, plus they offer upgrades such a GPS etc. In the 70's & 80's me and my friends always wanted a tach in out trucks, so we bought the round tach and used a hose clamp to attach to the steering column...now that was ugly but it was cheap and it worked. Dakota Digital gives you a stock look and there is your tach!..I always said this is what Ford should have done. But that's me. YES, that's a aftermarket RetroSound Radio in my dash, along with the wedge speakers, amp and subs behind the seat. That too was not offered in 1976 or in 1985 but I did not want to cut a pristine dash. Again , like you, build it how you want too.
Here is a friend of mine who has a Pro-Street dent. This is Bad A$$ for sure and it looks terrific!..He built it how he wanted and has more in it than the Dakota system.
Your question was about Dakota Digital...yes I have one and absolutely love it and would buy another one. It's sleek, fits perfect and easy to configure. Good luck on your decision.
I absolutely recommend the Dakota Digital Gauge Package, they obviously come in two models, complete digital or like the one I purchased and installed in my 76, digital all the way but I wanted the needle gauges. Dakota also gives you all the digital sensors and sendors in the kit, plus they offer upgrades such a GPS etc. In the 70's & 80's me and my friends always wanted a tach in out trucks, so we bought the round tach and used a hose clamp to attach to the steering column...now that was ugly but it was cheap and it worked. Dakota Digital gives you a stock look and there is your tach!..I always said this is what Ford should have done. But that's me. YES, that's a aftermarket RetroSound Radio in my dash, along with the wedge speakers, amp and subs behind the seat. That too was not offered in 1976 or in 1985 but I did not want to cut a pristine dash. Again , like you, build it how you want too.
Here is a friend of mine who has a Pro-Street dent. This is Bad A$$ for sure and it looks terrific!..He built it how he wanted and has more in it than the Dakota system.
Your question was about Dakota Digital...yes I have one and absolutely love it and would buy another one. It's sleek, fits perfect and easy to configure. Good luck on your decision.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham Al
Resurrecting this thread. I really love the look of the analog gauges with white faces. Anybody have a pic of this setup in a dentside? Also is anyone using this dash in conjunction with the fan controller?
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,354
Likes: 48
From: Great American SouthWest
I absolutely recommend the Dakota Digital Gauge Package, they obviously come in two models, complete digital or like the one I purchased and installed in my 76, digital all the way but I wanted the needle gauges. Dakota also gives you all the digital sensors and sendors in the kit, plus they offer upgrades such a GPS etc. In the 70's & 80's me and my friends always wanted a tach in out trucks, so we bought the round tach and used a hose clamp to attach to the steering column...now that was ugly but it was cheap and it worked. Dakota Digital gives you a stock look and there is your tach!
For the price, I'd like to think the Daakota Digital gauges are accurate, but I have no experience with them
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 79
From: A dirty little town in OR
I didn't know that Dakota offered an "analog" version of it's gauges til just now when I looked it up (mentioned by BA63).
I like that much (MUCH) better than the LEDs.
Also check out Classic Dashes, they have full bezels that you can buy for $179 bare, or add your choice of AutoMeter gauges...it'll cost ya. I think their pictures are copyrighted, so posting a pic is a no-go.
Found this aluminum insert on ebay for under a hundo, shipped. I like it best as far as price goes...3-400 bucks for gauges (or more, depending on your taste/budget), and some black wrinkle-finish paint and yer DUN...
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham Al
Dakota didital
I'm a newb here myself but definitely not scared to render a opinion if asked. I am also careful to listen as to what is being asked. The beauty of this Forum and these trucks is that you can build them any way you want too. With brand new F150's retailing at a all time high of 60+ thousand dollars anyone asking about a gauge cluster or aftermarket plugin for their classic should make the monetary decision for themselves. The product is either a cost effective solution or not for that buyer, sometimes cost plays no part in their decision, it's what they want. I will not insert my economic advice in where it's not asked for. They have obviously looked at the product and know what the costs are.
I absolutely recommend the Dakota Digital Gauge Package, they obviously come in two models, complete digital or like the one I purchased and installed in my 76, digital all the way but I wanted the needle gauges. Dakota also gives you all the digital sensors and sendors in the kit, plus they offer upgrades such a GPS etc. In the 70's & 80's me and my friends always wanted a tach in out trucks, so we bought the round tach and used a hose clamp to attach to the steering column...now that was ugly but it was cheap and it worked. Dakota Digital gives you a stock look and there is your tach!..I always said this is what Ford should have done. But that's me. YES, that's a aftermarket RetroSound Radio in my dash, along with the wedge speakers, amp and subs behind the seat. That too was not offered in 1976 or in 1985 but I did not want to cut a pristine dash. Again , like you, build it how you want too.
Here is a friend of mine who has a Pro-Street dent. This is Bad A$$ for sure and it looks terrific!..He built it how he wanted and has more in it than the Dakota system.
Your question was about Dakota Digital...yes I have one and absolutely love it and would buy another one. It's sleek, fits perfect and easy to configure. Good luck on your decision.
I absolutely recommend the Dakota Digital Gauge Package, they obviously come in two models, complete digital or like the one I purchased and installed in my 76, digital all the way but I wanted the needle gauges. Dakota also gives you all the digital sensors and sendors in the kit, plus they offer upgrades such a GPS etc. In the 70's & 80's me and my friends always wanted a tach in out trucks, so we bought the round tach and used a hose clamp to attach to the steering column...now that was ugly but it was cheap and it worked. Dakota Digital gives you a stock look and there is your tach!..I always said this is what Ford should have done. But that's me. YES, that's a aftermarket RetroSound Radio in my dash, along with the wedge speakers, amp and subs behind the seat. That too was not offered in 1976 or in 1985 but I did not want to cut a pristine dash. Again , like you, build it how you want too.
Here is a friend of mine who has a Pro-Street dent. This is Bad A$$ for sure and it looks terrific!..He built it how he wanted and has more in it than the Dakota system.
Your question was about Dakota Digital...yes I have one and absolutely love it and would buy another one. It's sleek, fits perfect and easy to configure. Good luck on your decision.
