Who has Dakota Digital gauges? Are you happy with it?
 

We are in the middle of completely rewiring our 64 GTO. The original gauge cluster works great, but I’m on the fence of whether or not to upgrade to a set of Dakota Digital RTX gauges while I have the dash apart. I’m curious to know others’ experiences with Dakota Digital. How was the install? Are you happy with the quality?

I like dakota to but look at speedhut gauges. make em anyway you want and great quality.

I have DD RTX gauges in my car. I can't comment on the install too much since I didn't do it, but my mechanic said he loves working with them. They look great and function perfectly. Very bright, easy to see.that's really the main reason I got them. They have a lot of functionality that I don't really use. I love them.

https://youtu.be/aZsiJm1HETI?si=aivftaj0wy-w1xTF

Wow...I didn't realize they would look so nice

Can you get a 160 speedo?

That is a 160 speedo.

I have the RTX gauges in my 64. One of the best upgrades I made and super easy to install.

I've historically been anti-aftermarket gauges, but they've come a long way since the days of shoehorning a set of Autometers in the dash. The ones like jhein has that mimic the stock appearance look really nice. I feel like gauge and dashboard styling is such an important part of the personality of a car and I hate to see originals replaced with something that doesn't acknowledge the era of the car, but I'm also a big nerd about era-correct fonts.

I installed them in my Phoenix 2 years ago because I needed reliable gauges. Love them! Accurate, easy to read, reliable. Instructions for installation are well thought out. Makes installation not too hard. One thing you would need is to have a location to mount the processor that is fairly close to the gauge cluster. I highly recommend!

I agree, which is why I like the DD RTX gauges so much, especially for the 2nd gen Birds. It even has the same readouts and layout for said readouts. There's a new, more affordable competitor called New Vintage that makes period-correct, stock-look digital gauges for the 2nd gen, but they omit the volt meter and the two side gauges become the oil pressure and coolant temp rather than the combined gauge in the center; while the center gauge just becomes a fuel gauge.

I emailed you a video

Great video. Thank you for sharing. The gauges look really nice. Electrical isn’t my best skill, so I’m hoping the install won’t be too difficult. Where did you end up mounting the control box?

There are two posts behind the gauges that the computer fits perfectly between. Dakota Digital tech support said I could use zip ties to suspend the computer between them. I did that and it worked out perfectly once I cleaned a place off the firewall for a good ground.

I like the gauges, but I wish they would step up to automotive wiring connectors like weatherpak, etc. that would make them perfect.

I have the BIM that talks to the Atomic EFI, through a cat 5 cable. A really nice feature btw. However the cat 5 connection is really delicate and soldered to the board on the control unit. I broke it trying to get it installed. I will say that the customer service at DD is first rate. They had me send it in and they fixed it in a day. Can’t say enough good things about their customer service

Now that I have them installed, I really like the look and features of the unit. I think the durability will be ok, and it was fairly easy to install. I really like that you can change rear end gearing or trans and easily set the speed to be correct.


So overall I’m happy with them. I’m just not a fan of the wiring connections.


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Lifetime Warranty too as long as you don’t get them wet which I find to be a strange caveat. When I got mine I broke one of my mounting ears off installing it and I called and asked if it was covered. I too sent mine back and they sent them back in a new case within 5 days.

I have the VHX in my 64 and really like the look and functionality. The RTX even more retro look with modern function. Easy to install. Only hint of regret, and that is too strong of a word, is the large digital sensors that take away from the under hood look, in my opinion. Also weird to have a computer, no matter how small and simple, in a vintage Pontiac. I am really happy with the upgrade.

I'm running the DD RTX in two second gen birds, w/bin modules that connect to Holley EFI (which cuts down on sensors needed & adds functionality). Easy install and set-up...and they work flawlessly.

I installed them in my 70 camaro. Main reason was to get rid of the aftermarket gauges under the dash and tach on the steering column. Really like the Dakota digital. Wiring was fairly straight forward. But i was an electrician for 35 years and did a lot of equipment with inputs and out puts. Just keep in mind you have to cut original harness so might be difficult to put stock gauges back. I would get a schematic for the car which will help a lot (knowing what color wire does what).
If i remember right I had to get a different speedometer sensor for the tko 5 speed.

Other aftermarket brands.....
 

My 67 was completely rewired with American Autowire wiring kit. I purchased a gauge kit from New Vintage USA 'FIREBIRD PERFORMANCE II WHITE'. Complete disaster. The oil gauge died while driving the car and thought I damaged the engine. I had to take it out and send them the unit They 'repaired' it and sent it back. After a few weeks it died again, then the mileage screen died. I had to send it back again, the tech guy called and said they could fix it. Installed it again, didn't last long. F that, after arguing with them for days, they finally sent me a new one. Now the fuel gauge on the other unit doesn't work and the RPM needle does not always reset.

So, I am looking to replace these **** gauges. Sounds like everyone likes DD, any other brands I should look at for an easy conversion?

Thanks