Dakota Digital 1973-79 Ford Pickup, 1978-79 Ford Broncos, 1978-89 E-Van Truck HDX Instruments - HDX-73F-PU
In 1973, Ford turned the bump into a recess, and the “dentside” pickups were born. The triple-square instrument systems have always been tricky to update, but this direct-fit system brings 21st century tech to the vintage truck. Supplied sensors and available expansion modules allow this system to mate with the drivetrain of your choice, while the full-color TFT message center provides additional info at a glance (bezel is NOT included).
Available with your choice of black or silver alloy gauge-face styling, each HDX system allows the user to select independent illumination colors for the gauge readings and needles, as well as the message centers. Calibration and personal settings are manipulated with the built-in, capacitive-touch buttons, or the Bluetooth app for Apple and Android devices. Each needle hub is black nickel plated spun-aluminum to match the buttons. All HDX instrument systems feature dead-faced indicators (turn signals, high beam, check engine, cruise control, parking brake, plus two user-definable), and a red, settable warning light for each gauge. With the central control box, installation is greatly simplified with vehicle-harness sourced signals and supplied, solid state sending units connecting cleanly to their respective terminal. Scroll through the listing below for a more in-depth look at the HDX series!
MDX-73F-PU Metric system (KM/H and degrees Celsius) is available as a custom option for no additional cost, but may take approximately 12-20 weeks to build. Some systems may take a little longer due to COVID-19 and high demand affecting production.
The HDX series from Dakota Digital is the latest in aftermarket automotive instrumentation technology. HDX takes personalization and usability to a whole new dimension while retaining your favorite features from the wildly popular VHX-series such as LED backlighting for the numbers, tick marks and dead-faced dash indicators (turn signals, high beam, check engine, cruise control engaged and parking brake). Illuminated needles and a lifetime warranty are still part of the deal as well. These features add up to a clean, easy to read instrument system in all conditions. Precision stepper motors provide accurate needle movement along with a full-sweep at key-on, and the needle hubs are black nickel plated spun-aluminum.
Calibration and personal settings can be manipulated with the lighted, capacitive-touch buttons integrated into each HDX system, or the Bluetooth app for Apple and Android devices. With the instrument system dialed in, including calibration of the speedometer and fuel gauge, the system can calculate your remaining fuel range, expressed in miles to empty. Every kit is supplied with an optional buzzer for feedback each time a button is pressed. Further, the buzzer can emit a warning tone for each reading at a user-defined set point to coincide with the dead-faced, red warning lights incorporated into the gauge faces.
Vehicle integration through a central control box has become a calling card for Dakota Digital, and the advantages are substantial. Most notably, installation is greatly simplified; two power (constant and switched) and one ground connection get things up and running, while vehicle-harness sourced signals and sensor inputs run cleanly to their respective terminal. Supplied, solid state sending units with weather-tight harnesses ensure trouble-free operation. The control box allows for easier service, a nicer-looking finished product, in addition to an abundance of technology packed into a vintage dashboard.
HDX System Includes:
Analog Gauges
Speedometer - 0-160 MPH (optional metric version 0-260 kmh). Split scale provides resolution of a 120MPH speedometer, with a top end range of 160MPH.
Tachometer - 0-8000 RPM
Oil Pressure - 0-80 psi
Water Temperature - 100-260ºF (optional metric version 40-120ºC)
Fuel Level - E, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, F
Voltmeter - 9-17 VDC
Digital Message Centers
Standard Displays:
Odometer (One time user settable, Million Mile)
Dual (A/B) Trip Meter (0-9,999.9)
Clock (12 hour)
Estimated Range/Miles to Empty
Performance Meters:
0-60 MPH Timer (0-100 kmh)
1/4 and 1/8 mile time
1/4 and 1/8 mile end speed (trap speed)
High speed recall
High RPM recall
Gauges:
Speedometer (0-255 MPH / KM/H)
Tachometer (0-9,990 RPM)
Oil Pressure (0-100 psi displayed in 1 psi increments)
Water Temperature (100-300ºF / 40-150ºC displayed in 1ºF/ºC increments)
Voltmeter (9-17 VDC)
Fuel Level (0-99% full)
Built-In Indicators:
Turn Signals (Left/ Right)
High Beam
Check Engine
Parking Brake
Cruise Control (On/ On & Engaged when vehicle is equipped)
Gear Position (Optional GSS-3000 sensor required, sold separately)
4 x 4 (When vehicle is equipped)
Wait to Start (When vehicle is equipped)
Two Auxiliary input indicators with user-programmable labels
Each analog gauge sweep contains a red LED indicator for quick notice of a warning condition (except speedometer)
Lighting:
Colors
Over 30 user-selectable color options allow you to independently change the needle color, sweep color and digital TFT display color.
Brightness
Both daytime and nighttime brightness can be easily controlled through the HDX setup menu, allowing you to choose your preferred lighting intensity level, toggled by the activation of the headlight switch. If on-the-fly rotary type control is desired, the DIM-1 (sold separately) is a common accessory to add this functionality.
Themes
With 12 factory preset color themes, you can quickly create a beautiful looking system. Or, for the ultimate in customization, choose all of the color zones yourself.
Technology
Full LED backlighting provides a strikingly visual gauge package, with sharp contrast for ease of viewing both night and day. Full RBG backlighting allows you to create the specific color you want, with a unique daytime and nighttime theme if desired. Whether your goal is an OE look or something truly bold, the HDX Series lets you make the choice.
Included Sensors:
Water Temperature - 1/8" NPT, ground isolated sensor with a 10 ft harness.
Oil Pressure - 1/8" NPT solid state sensor with a 10 ft harness.
Cable Drive Speed Sensor/Generator - Replaces GM style speedometer cables with a 10 ft harness. Tremec and Ford style adapters available upon request.
Bushings - Each kit comes with 1/8" to 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" NPT bushings along with bushings for 12mm and 16mm x 1.5 threads.
Calibration and Use
Pushbutton Control
All HDX Series Instrument Systems included LED-lit onboard capacitive touch pushbuttons through the gauge face. These pushbuttons provide quick and consistent access to all functions, either in driving mode or while in the setup menu. Button-press feedback is available through the TFT Message Center, or through the included buzzer. Additionally, remote mounted switches can be wired into the HDX system if this proves more accessible based upon seating position. The HDX series can also be completely configured through the Bluetooth app, suitable to Android and Apple devices. Download the free app to your tablet or smart phone, sync your device to the HDX system, and enjoy quick and convenient menu navigation and real time gauge readouts for diagnostic use or a secondary display .
Calibration
All calibration settings are handled through onboard capacitive touch switches or the remote Bluetooth app. While many calibration settings exist, the speedometer and fuel level are completed in most cases (unless GPS-50-2 is used, negating the need to calibrate the speedometer - GPS-50-2 is available for purchase separately) through a few taps of the pushbuttons and a short test drive of the vehicle.
Which extra items that are not included with this kit does Dakota Digital recommend that you consider?
Because Dakota Digital includes the required sensors for the Oil Pressure, Water Temperature and Speedometer with all its instrument systems, in many cases no additional parts will be required. However, you may wish to consider the following optional items, available for purchase separately in our store:
GSS-3000 - Universal Gear Position Sensor
All Instrument packages contain a gear shift indicator display allowing the transmission gear position (Park, Reverse, etc.) to be shown within the message center. The GSS-3000 accommodates automatic transmissions with 2- 4 forward gears and enjoys a simple and straightforward installation.
Although Dakota Digital instrument systems are programmable for both day and night intensity levels, the DIM-1 will allow rotary, or on-the-fly brightness adjustment added convenience.
Dakota Digital instrument systems are designed to utilize a stock or aftermarket fuel level sensor. If a universal or replacement sensor is desired, the SEN-06-1 is a great choice.
BIM-01-2 - ODB II/ Can Interface Module
The BIM-01-2 OBD-II (J1850/CAN) Interface connects directly to the ECM diagnostic port to extract engine and transmission data and supply it to the instrument system, making installation a breeze.
BIM-17-2 - Compass w/ Outside Temperature Module
The Dakota Digital BIM-17-2 makes it easy to add compass and outside air temperature information to your instrument system. Readouts are visible in the instrument system's message centers; sending units and mounting hardware included.
More info about this system and pics are available below.
The following pictures show some of the backlighting color options you can select from once you receive the system, and what they look like both during the day and at night. Bezel shown in any pic is NOT included:
Silver Alloy Style:
Black Alloy Style:
Indicators on:
Examples of Nighttime views:
White Hot Night:
Emerald Night:
Fire and Ice Night:
Ice and Fire Night:
Ice White Night:
Wild Rose Night:
Wild Aqua Night:
Yellow Flare Night:
Back of Unit:
