Digital Dash Install

I wanted to clean up the interior, simplifying the dash and hiding any unnecessary features.  The old stereo, column mounted tacho, and oil and temp gauges had to go.

Deciding on what dash to go for was a hard choice, there are many custom aftermarket clusters that fit in the 55-56 dashboard.  Here are just a couple:

I decided to go with the Dakota Digital dash, partly because of the cost, which was pretty reasonable, and also because it includes the clock and chrome bezels for the dash cluster and passenger side cluster. I was also attracted by some of the programmable features like 0 to 100, qtr mile, trip and service displays.  Glenn Rulach, a friend from the Chev club who runs www.airide.com.au, supplied the dash. He made sure I got the custom Purple KPH lens.

The first step was to remove the old dash and replace all the wiring. The majority of the time was spent getting all the right wires to the Dakota controller box.  I got distracted by all the extra wiring I didn't need, so that all came out and was tidied up. 

The actual dash display connects to the controller box via a 3 foot data/ide cable, which makes the install easy to hook up and enables the controller box to be remotely located, in this case inside the drivers kick panel.

The dash comes with new oil and water senders, plus a speedo convertor that screws to your trans speedo output.  I also picked up a new fuel sender and dash control bezels from Ron Wicks at Classic Chev.

The stereo is now in the new sheet metal glovebox, made by Al, a mate who is always helping me with the Chev.

Futher improvements to come include new shifter, steering wheel, carpet and insulation.