Classic Squarebody Restoration! Factory look with modern tech! The new Dakota Digital RTX install!

I worked for quite a while trying to get my stock gauges to read and register temps and pressure but I had no luck! I decided to install a Dakota Digital RTX system and couldn't be happier. The colors and fonts match the original gauges but the accuracy and features are next level
Here are some links that have diagrams and additional information for wiring of our squares!
www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techi...
forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smf...
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Gear, merch, and parts all over on www.merricksgarage.com
If there is some item or product you saw in this video, it is more than likely to be found in either my Amazon Store or if it is a Milwaukee Tool over on Acme Tools
www.amazon.com/shop/jwmerrick
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=636038...
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bit.ly/MerricksGarageInstagram
Link to the seat bracket mounts for late model GM third row for your Blazer!
www.merricksgarage.com/new-pr...

[@slamcool]

This RTX system is definitely gonna end up in my blazer ❤️

[@kylewest100]

I’m digging the battery’s and switch pro in the back. So much room and beats crawling around in the dash.

[@MerricksGarage]

totally. Next time I have to rewire a build I am putting the fuse box where I can actually get to it! The wheel well in the back is perfect for the batteries, and it honestly cleans up a ton of space up front, Plus easier to get to it!

[@kylewest100]

@@MerricksGarage currently using my wheel well as a fluid and tool storage area but I’m definitely doing this.

[@bibleortraditions]

Use a label maker to mark each wire. A common font and label width will look nicer than painter's tape. Also adding two electrical buses. One for a ground, one for power.

[@CountryMileGarage]

I used the VHX from Dakota Digital and they came with some of the sensors and a speed sensor and all you need to do is calibrate and all set. For tach I was able to use the stock Cummins one and choose the 4 cylinder setting. And please lose the wire splicers now that you are wiring everything up lol ... good stuff keep up them videos coming

[@calholli]

This is actually, pretty cool. That wiring though... good lord. lol

[@MerricksGarage]

it tidied up decently well. There comes a point where you just go, well that's a mess and cover it back up! ha ha

[@jasonhouk701]

Looken great man! So awesome having such a cool beast to go on trips with the fam and create one of a kind memories.

[@MrDMV816]

Very nice breakdown great job!

[@danielfiske9849]

Always love your videos. Keep going the channel will grow.

[@lorenshultz1]

That ROCKS!!!

[@scottamy6496]

Gorgeous looking setup! I love what Dakota has done with this RTX system, much better than their other spaceship looking stuff.

[@MerricksGarage]

exactly. The older stuff just looked so out of place. This is perfect. I am looking forward to driving at night (once I get my headlights fixed properly!)

[@rustybarbacles355]

Lets do this. Merricks Garage!

[@dixiemae5042]

Wow. Looks OEM 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@txgaspimp9321]

great job bud

[@dixiemae5042]

The light controller and the various lights they all on your Amazon link

[@kevinbelport4926]

Hoping they have a system like that for a 1998 Suburban.

[@lazynow1]

This is an awesome video....!!!!!!!!

[@j.j.clingman4083]

Merrick I baught the Dakota gauges for my 1969 Chevy 1Ton 4x4 and I absolutely love them!! I will most likely be getting another Dakota gauge cluster for my 1981 GMC 1Ton 4x4 also sometime very soon!! I just got done getting the suspension all set up correctly so that I didn’t have all old saggy leaf springs!! And of course I went with no one better than OFF ROAD DESIGN and Stephen Watson!! I absolutely love there stuff and when I order parts from him they no exactly what I need and have never let me down!! I did go with there front leaf springs that they make so that I would have much better flex in my 1TON!! There was a total of 8 leaf springs in the front pack that they sent me!! It definitely rides a lot better than it used to for sure!! Not as bouncy as it was before I had changed the front out!! And the rear I went with there 2”1/2” rear shackle flip kit just like I had done on my 1969 Chevy 1Ton!! I absolutely love watching your builds as I have also been doing builds of my own for the past several years also!! They just don’t build them like they used to and that is why I definitely love the old school vehicles much better than the new ones!!! Remember keep up all the hard work buddy and I am definitely weighting to see what you end up working on next!!!

[@MerricksGarage]

thanks man! Stephen is great! Dakota is killer. Squarebodies for life!!

[@bibleortraditions]

Haha... Your gas gauge was the only one to work, and it always shows empty. I had teal colored Dakota digitals on my teal and white 72 K5. Once my new purchase 74 K5 shows up, I am putting in my second set.

[@TheLimitedmod22]

Doing a '85 c20 now with dual fuel tanks....which is different than the "normal tan wire" at pin #7. On dual tanks....verify pink/black & pink/white are connected through switch valve (underside of truck on frame) amd use Pink wire at Pin 7. Hopefully, this saves someone an extra day like it took me to trace & find 😂

[@stevendallman8126]

You essentially have a PLC in your truck

[@404standup]

very nice! not seeing the rock lights listed on your amazon page- do you have a brand recommendation for those? thanks!

[@chaytonbrown3215]

Do you have cruise control?

[@vicz5818]

Very informative. Everything is covered but why are you using scotch locks? You want a clean look solder your connections.

[@lazynow1]

That seems to be a problem across the automotive industry not having things looks factory, so things looks cheap and aftermarket

[@eddiehamele5459]

What brand is the A pilar cluster

[@MerricksGarage]

GlowShift

[@ambrosebrower8760]

Cool video but I’m gonna have to disagree about the wire taps. Those will cause you grief, the only question is when

[@slamcool]

Oh before I forget, you have a TOTO system now and I think they and compatible with the after market 360 Birdeye view camera systems I think, maybe that could be a sick upgrade not only for parking but maybe rock crawling :D

[@MerricksGarage]

I just wish it would actually work. Thing bricked itself a month or so ago

[@slamcool]

@@MerricksGarage osh 😔 not cool

[@frankyfrank6387]

Just got the rtx gauges for my 87 squarebody what wire on the headlight switch for the running lights do you hook up on the rtx brain

[@TheLimitedmod22]

Pin #2 gray wire on all 73-87 Squarebody trucks.

[@MotleyMan-kr1xo]

Where did you find the pillar gauge pod? I own an 87 and need one for my truck to place three more gauges

[@MerricksGarage]

glow shift

[@jonnysprojects6549]

Where can you get the wiring schematics from that's 1 thing I've been struggling with 👍

[@MerricksGarage]

check the links in the description. I posted up a bunch

[@trondvidardalseng894]

Where do you put signal from turbo boost in those three "boxes"?

[@MerricksGarage]

I have a separate Autometer gauge in the apillar for boost.

[@Fackletard]

Hey Brother. Did you find those plans for the K5 seat brackets? Was waiting for you to email them to me a while back but never received them. Will you please send me those plans, sir? Would really appreciate it very much!

[@MerricksGarage]

dang. Totally forgot. They are on the hard drive of my old computer. What was your email again.

[@OnSafari3]

Awesome build... are you building and selling these suburbans for folks?

[@MerricksGarage]

Yup

[@OnSafari3]

@@MerricksGarage what are the details to get started or what is your process for this

[@MerricksGarage]

Email me or head over to merricksgarage.com

[@krewpunk]

Curious why did you choose a suburban over say a pickup like k20 or k30

[@MerricksGarage]

I have always loved the Burbs and no one really builds them like this. Wanted something different

[@krewpunk]

@@MerricksGarage well it's awesome well done man!

[@Tanner731]

no heat or ac?? F THAT!

[@MerricksGarage]

its coming... but here on central coast, rarely any need for either. When I head inland.... that's a different story

[@bigloads3600]

1500 for those gauges... hard pass

[@TheLimitedmod22]

Money well spent...doing a set now for a customer on '85 c20....everything works now with this unit installed

[@bigloads3600]

@@TheLimitedmod22 for that much money I hope so hahaha