66 Mustang gets a Dakota Digital Dash

[@allhailinternalcombustion]

That car belongs in a museum! It's the first car in history where they gave you enough speedo cable so you don't throw out your back or shred your wrists pulling the cluster.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

LOL that"s so true!!

[@michaelrousselle6080]

Great set of gauges, install in a 1973 Chevelle SS, did not destroy the original dash connector used T taps, Instructions were great

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

I'm not a fan of the T taps but that's just me, seems like another possible iffy connection. I see your logic for not cutting up an original harness though.

[@sometimesleela5947]

I realize they have to use set-screw connections so the same box can be used for multiple models, but it sure would be nice if they made small pigtails that would plug into the original harness connectors. Also, Kiwi, thanks for not showing chopping off the harness ends; that makes me cringe.

[@Jstme303]

I don't think I could bring myself to do it.@@sometimesleela5947

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

I'm a retired mechanic and I have to say, your explanation and tutorial on installing the Dakota gauge cluster is spot on. easy to follow and understand and great tips on how to identify wires and such. Thanks...🤓

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man, means a lot !!!

[@justralphajerseyguystuckin3671]

Hey Chris, glad to see you back and doing vids again. I hope the latest surgery went well and you're on the mend. Thanks for sharing this vid with us, Cheers my friend.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man, coming right now! Hopefully be good for a while....!😁

[@tarstarkusz]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 I didn't know you were sick. I hope all is well and you stay not sick.

[@DanEBoyd]

I always forget to reference-mark the damn steering wheel and shaft... I also knew to put a rag over the steering column when removing the instrument panel, to avoid scratches. And then the one time I pulled the cluster on my old '68 Cougar, yep, I forgot that too!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Easy to forget !! Thanks for watching!

[@jayh1947]

Nice to see/hear you back.................Jay

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Cheers mate!

[@robertbeckler5058]

Just was checking you and tony out. Had to click off and come over here to check it out.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Well thanks for dropping in. Hope you're enjoying it !!

[@robertbeckler5058]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 I'm keeping my 78 ranger as old school as I can. But I want to start on my 68 ranger next year and plan on modernizing it more since it's no longer stock anyway. Lots of fun stuff to do

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

@@robertbeckler5058 your options are only limited by your imagination. Oh and the thickness of your wallet😬 😎

[@HamptonHughes-j4e]

Kiwi, I have a Dakota digital cluster in my 66 Chevelle. The RTX cluster looks analog until you turn the key. Excellent cluster and perfect for upgrading an analog with issues. They require a separate ground all the way back for sending units as well. The ground is essential with all the different electronic points in the gauge cluster ie: gas, temp, amp, and speedo. lots of pulse readings and resistance readings. New wiring harness is a great addition when doing the cluster. Awesome tech support.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

I really like them. In particular the programmable service intervals and the warning lights/buzzer system. An added layer of protection for your baby!

[@nickbruni8041]

Glad to see that the “ upper valve job “ went well …. But that crazy accent is still there ;) 😂👍🏼⛽️

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Yeah that's here to stay 😁👍. Thanks for watching

[@shotsrodder]

Great job explaining how to install it 👍 cool panel

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Glad you liked it!

[@lessharratt8719]

What a cluster.... Hehe. Nice job.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

LOL thanks for watching👍😎

[@romemancer7905]

On a trip to the wreckers one day in my 63 futura...289 4 speed my daily driver when i was young...parking next to a stock looking 1960 falcon...i was shocked to find it fitted with a fuel injected 5 litre H.O. motor from a fox body mustang and the Falcon also fitted with a Dakota digital dash...the year was 1984...this guy was ahead of his time ...

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Wow he was indeed !!! I don't realize Dakota had been around that long.

[@rheidtech]

Im appalled at this.. Its just me... and Uncle Tony im sure. Lol. Nice seein ya. 🥃🎩

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

LOL yes Tony does not approve this message🤣😂. Cheers mate!

[@mexicanspec]

Me too. The original gauges were beautiful.

[@barrycuda3769]

Uncle Tony's a dinosaur........... and so am I.

[@andrewstoffel1170]

Great video, grateful you can still do this with everything else going on.

[@bcbloc02]

My tatse I would never give up the analog stuff but hey at least it is a product that works!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Ya build ya car how you like it right.... 👍😁

[@SpeedyG289]

Thanks for another good video. Cheers.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@1998dodgejd]

Dakota Digital is nice stuff, not cheap but very good, install one in my 49 ford. Works great 10 years now.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Good stuff isn't cheap but divide that cost over 10 years of trouble free use it's not so bad....👍😎

[@frednerk5959]

Well done that man! still haven't found a radiator cap for Casper! Watched this on POETS DAY!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Poets Day ??

[@frednerk5959]

POETS day is Friday. Piss Off Early,Tomorrows Saturday! 😁

[@1971_Chevelle_SS]

Getting ready to install a Dakota in my sons 78 Bronco, just about done with a complete painless wiring installation. I’m glad you mentioned the grounding of the gas gauge. I already have the harness wrapped in loom and run in the frame and didn’t read the Dakota recommendation for a full run ground wire until afterwards. I was wondering if I should take it back out to add a wire, but thought about just running a shot length screwed to the dash frame like you did. Makes me a little more comfortable knowing you’ve already done that way without issues. Nice video!

[@kwslife116]

I usually drop the steering column when doing a job like that. Makes it a little easier and ya don't scratch everything. Looks good bud. 👍

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Dropping the column is a good idea unfortunately the early Mustang column is part of the box so it doesn't drop down when unbolted

[@kwslife116]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 Oh Ok

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Great video! Am I glad I misunderstood the video title. I thought the owner wanted a digital dash out of a Dodge Dakota truck! (Didn’t think they had them, nor did I think it would look good in this car! Lol! What really was installed looks great!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Yeah that would have been a spectacularly bad idea😁. Came out nice though

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 Yes it came out nice. (The other idea with the Dodge Dakota, well sometimes customers want weird things, we have all seen it)

[@duotronic6451]

VDO analog black with white markings gauges. ❤

[@alrui]

Kiwi, fix the guys ignition key so it points the right way. That would drive me nuts:-)

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Agreed, got a new one coming. The old one is not locking into its slot in the dash 👍

[@glennnickerson8438]

Always liked the look of the rally-pac! One of those options you didn't see that often in original cars...

[@1080sucks]

Never really noticed one before, looked pretty good

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

They're a really cool looking add on, just a little hard to read. Well maybe if I had a 20 year olds vision.......😀

[@5798Mike]

Great content Thanks

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Cheers, thanks for watching!

[@throttleblip1]

I got NVU gauges for my mustang like the looks of 6 gauges vs 5 and did not have to use any boxes. wired up easy

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

NVU is good too. Dakota is more interactive though if you like that.

[@garyhosier4765]

Sure, go ahead, brag about your big hands! Nice vid. Useful.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

I thought it was big feet for bragging rights....🤣😎👍

[@garyhosier4765]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 guess it doesn’t matter. They’re all small! 😂

[@garyhosier4765]

You know the old saying, “it’s not the size of your wrench but how hard you work it!”

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

They look nice 👍

[@oldtimerf7602]

Where ya been Kiwi??? I was getting worried!! Great vid as always!!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Had a little medical issue to take care of but I'm back now😁

[@blackenigma1054]

cool upgrade!👍🏿😂

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks Man!!

[@markroscoe4936]

Looks like a cool project 👍👍I was a bit concerned the "digital" bit might look a bit weird in a classic.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Yeah it's a balance, you don't want a "Knightriders KITT " type digital dash but you don't want a stuttering speedo and gauges that have more trouble making up their mind than a wo..... ahh you know what I mean😉😁

[@LanceChapin]

I noticed you have a brake booster with the Willwood master cylinder. Do you have a link on where I can get one. Thank you.

[@Mr.Avuncular]

Kiwi on the amp wires just label and set aside and isolate,just in case you They want to go back original what's your thoughts?

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Yup that's the way to do it!

[@donthompson2188]

Do you know the master cyl piston diameter? Also, did not the TKX come with a speed sensor? Mine did.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

1 1/8" bore. When we ordered the TKX kit it was spec'd for a cable drive speedo so no. The trans conversion was quite a bit earlier, if you look back I did a video on it.

[@allenmenard777]

now I found you

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Welcome aboard!!

[@johna1160]

Any Yank familiar with British cars knows the term grub screw. We call them set screws. If you've been around a while, and have twisted wrenches enough on both American and British vehicles, eventually you become bi-lingual! Picked up bonnet and boot easy enough, but identifying the car's roof as a hood took a minute.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

I've never heard the roof referred to as a hood. The roof was referred to as a "turret" many years ago. A British term I believe.

[@Philbytronic]

I think they refer to a "convertible top" as a hood.

[@barrycuda3769]

Are you familiar with "Shooting brake" ?

[@joan4906]

"If I can do it, you guys can do it".....................Not a hope in hell of me doing that. I can't stand wiring 🥺

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

LOL. I was like that now I quite enjoy it. I try and do it when I can be sure of no interruptions though.

[@kennethiman2691]

A ground is a ground. Have no idea why they would want a specific spot. The entire chassis a ground.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

You have a valid point but I've found a lot electronics manufacturers specify dedicated power and ground supplies.

[@tarstarkusz]

The classic car customer is nearly always wrong. They always want to do something ridiculous that should not be done. Who in god's name wants a digital dash in a sixties muscle car? Only someone with more money than brains.

[@lessharratt8719]

I thought so to but they look like analog gauges. I like it now.

[@tarstarkusz]

@@lessharratt8719 YES. That did lesson the blow. I thought he was going to be installing a literal digital dashboard. Still, I think it is pointless and detracts from the car. But ultimately it's the owner's property to do with as he pleases.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Each to their own right... Now if he'd wanted one of those giant tachs with the big shift light all up your face..... well let's just say that video would have been on a different channel not mine !

[@Thunder_6278]

Don't trust new technology, I have a friend with a '84 T-bird w/ optional digital gauges, doesn't work. Can't find replacements. May have to sell the car. How nice.

[@rickyfulks889]

Nice to have so much cash ya can waste it on trivial things

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Hey, one man's trivial is another man's. Gotta have. I gotta have good brakes, UTG not so much and I'm pretty sure that's an argument neither one of us will ever win..... thanks for watching man!