Dakota Digital VHX Gauges

[Hugh Mongus]

Where did you guys mount the two push button switches? I also read a post from 2012 saying not to put the temp sender in the head due to inaccurate readings. Should I put it in the manifold?

Thank you!

[leftybass209]

you will get a bunch of different responses for where to put the temp sensor. My logic is, the manifold is very rarely the part that gets warped or blows a gasket when your engine overheats, it's usually the heads and head gaskets, which are far more expensive to replace than a manifold, so why check it's temperature? I'm sure there are other logical arguments to be made, that it just one. As far as your gauges, while I don't have them myself, I have seen clean routing for switches under the lights and wipers switches, utilizing the stereo pull knobs if you have another sound option, in the ash tray, and underneath the lip of the dash.

[TBONE1964]

What I would do to be sure is call tech support at Dakota Digital and ask them where they recommend you place the temp sender.

As far as the two push button switches, I would believe that is a personal preference.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Hugh Mongus

Where did you guys mount the two push button switches? I also read a post from 2012 saying not to put the temp sender in the head due to inaccurate readings. Should I put it in the manifold?

Thank you!

The gauges for the 67-72 have the buttons already mounted in the gauge panel. It's personal preference on mounting the temp sender. That's where GM mounted them on all of the new LS motors...

[Hugh Mongus]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

The gauges for the 67-72 have the buttons already mounted in the gauge panel. It's personal preference on mounting the temp sender. That's where GM mounted them on all of the new LS motors...

My gauges came with two momentary switches that I believe are used to calibrate everything once installed. One side goes to the brain and the other side goes to ground. They are black plastic push button switches labeled SW1 and SW2.

I understand mounting the switches is personal preferences I was looking for recommendations. I had thought about mounting them under the bottom lip of the dash, but I really didn't want to drill holes.

[Hart_Rod]

Mine came with the switches also, but you don't use them on the VHX setup. They are located in the center display...

[Hugh Mongus]

I just got off the phone with their tech support. He said they are required to calibrate and setup the gauges once they are installed.

[Hart_Rod]

That is correct, but you use the 3 buttons on the front to do that....

[Hart_Rod]

http://www.dakotadigital.com/PDF/VHX-67C-PU.PDF

[Hugh Mongus]

Ok, I'll try it without them. I would rather not drill holes in anything if I can avoid it.

Thanks.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Hugh Mongus

Ok, I'll try it without them. I would rather not drill holes in anything if I can avoid it.

Thanks.

The gauges come with a pigtail that plugs into the back of the display and then has 2 wires that you plug into the brain box (where the toggle switches used to plug in). There should be an instruction sheet in your package that shows how to wire it up.

[RManson]

Use them to calibrate and set up the gauges, then tuck them back up into the wiring harness and tie them out of the way. They don't need to be "mounted" anywhere permanently.

[Hugh Mongus]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

The gauges come with a pigtail that plugs into the back of the display and then has 2 wires that you plug into the brain box (where the toggle switches used to plug in). There should be an instruction sheet in your package that shows how to wire it up.

Thanks for this. You were right. I didnt need the other switches at all.

[Hugh Mongus]

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Hugh Mongus

Nice. Do these have the blinker lights in the original location?

[Hart_Rod]

Nice. Do these have the blinker lights in the original location?

[Hugh Mongus]

Yes. They look pretty good. I was a little disappointed because one of the black plastic pieces with the arrow cut out was tilted a little bit and the arrow points up slightly. There really isn't any way to straighten up since the whole unit is sealed.

Overall I think they are awesome. They were especially easy to install and setup.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Hugh Mongus

Yes. They look pretty good. I was a little disappointed because one of the black plastic pieces with the arrow cut out was tilted a little bit and the arrow points up slightly. There really isn't any way to straighten up since the whole unit is sealed.

Overall I think they are awesome. They were especially easy to install and setup.

Did you talk to Dakota Digital about that?

[Hugh Mongus]

I haven't yet. I just noticed it last night after I got them hooked up.

[PipsC10]

I have the new set-up with the analog clock in the center. I had to mount the sw1 and sw2 buttons in order to scroll through the lcd display to switch the read outs from clock, tach, 0-60 time, 1/4 time etc.. I mounted them flush with the brace that goes under the steering column. They are tucked away where they cannot be seen but easily can be reached and the display switched while driving. Ill get a pic of them mounted tomorrow

['68 Newtricks]

ohhh that looks good, same color combo I got, except no clock.
Will be installed sooner or later

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by Hugh Mongus

My gauges came with two momentary switches that I believe are used to calibrate everything once installed. One side goes to the brain and the other side goes to ground. They are black plastic push button switches labeled SW1 and SW2.

I understand mounting the switches is personal preferences I was looking for recommendations. I had thought about mounting them under the bottom lip of the dash, but I really didn't want to drill holes.

I mounted mine on the bottom side of the dash using an existing hole. I took a piece of 1/4" aluminum flat bar and drilled my holes in it, see pic. They're easy to access and hidden.

[Jonlopes]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Mine came with the switches also, but you don't use them on the VHX setup. They are located in the center display...

Is it me or is it odd to have 2 digital clocks 6" from each other?

Nice looking set-up though.