Modern dash look

[Timebender]

As much as I love my DeLorean, to me, as a designer, the gauge/dash panel leaves little to be desired, I think even by 1980's standards. But maybe that's just me. So I was thinking about, if I were to redesign the gauge cluster, so it looks modern, grand tourer/exotic car, not all digital futuristic (because as cool as something like the dash is in the new Stingray, it's going to get tired looking), classic, and timeless, what would I design.
And this is my first whack at it, using gauges from Speedhut. Also, I decided to go with a stainless steel backplate vs the current plastic, or as other customs do - machine turned metal (though it's kind of interesting from an aviation standpoint, and the doors are like wings), or carbon fiber.

Anyway, first shot at a redesign concept.
Comments are welcomed.

http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=88795&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=ac5bbf983af9d483f355c20459d9f2bf

[DMCMW Dave]

turned metal (though it's kind of interesting from an aviation standpoint, and the doors are like wings), or carbon fiber.

Anyway, first shot at a redesign concept.
Comments are welcomed.
]

Is that a photograph or drawing???

[kajcienski]

That's quite different! I think I like it... I'm just so use to the original that it is hard to swallow this. My only comment would be whatever you do, it would (in my opinion) be best to tie the design into the AC panel and if an auto, the shift plate. It would be a shame to do a beautiful custom job and then have to look at the original AC panel. Just some thoughts :) I prefer OEM in my own car, but love what others come up with like this!

[Timebender]

Is that a photograph or drawing???

Photo of a dash I found online, with custom gauges I created on the Speedhut website, then all Photoshopped together. About a 10 minute job more or less.

[Timebender]

That's quite different! I think I like it... I'm just so use to the original that it is hard to swallow this. My only comment would be whatever you do, it would (in my opinion) be best to tie the design into the AC panel and if an auto, the shift plate. It would be a shame to do a beautiful custom job and then have to look at the original AC panel. Just some thoughts :) I prefer OEM in my own car, but love what others come up with like this!

I agree- when doing a design, it needs to be tied together throughout. I like the old dash to a point, but I would think if they had had more time, and being Lotus based, they would have gone with something more European feeling - or more exotic car feeling.

[Rich_NYS]

I like it, but I think it would look better with less gauges.
Also, it gives me an odd vibe because the size/shape/placement of the right half mirrors the left half. How would it look with only one big gauge (speedometer) placed in the middle?
Otherwise....pretty cool!

[BTTF-1]

The Dash is awesome!

ED:strongman::chairshot::strongman::partyhat:

[Timebender]

I like it, but I think it would look better with less gauges.
Also, it gives me an odd vibe because the size/shape/placement of the right half mirrors the left half. How would it look with only one big gauge (speedometer) placed in the middle?
Otherwise....pretty cool!

True, you could always go with one big gauge in the middle, they even make a combi gauge with all the readings in one large face. This first shot was taking the existing dash and replacing the current gauges with the round ones, and changing the back panel from plastic to stainless (or stainless look). Thus the sides mirroring each other, plus I was trying to keep it symmetrical and balanced. Lots of other options to play around with.

More to come.

[Timebender]

Concept #2. The turn signals as well as high beam indicators are in the gauge.

http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=88803&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=ac5bbf983af9d483f355c20459d9f2bf

[tc connors]

I always thought the Esquire series of gauges from Classic Instruments would look complement the dash.

34031

On the downside, they are fantastically expensive.

[Timebender]

Concept #3http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=88806&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=ac5bbf983af9d483f355c20459d9f2bf

[Rich_NYS]

#3 looks cool!

[Timebender]

Concept #4

http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=88809&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=ac5bbf983af9d483f355c20459d9f2bf

[Lou and "Boo"]

Liking concept one the best.

[refugeefromcalif]

After seeing the 4 concepts, (So far), I like number one the best.
Modern, but more like stock. :D
I prefer one guage for speedo and another for tach.

George

[Alan]

Agreed. Number 1 is best to me, too. I love the stock but refreshed look, too.

[davidc89]

I like the 1st as well. I like the look of the square gauges as well. it would give it a more of a modern/vintage look. Keeps it true to the original styling. I am excited to see what comes of this regardless!

[Ras12]

#1 looks best to me. Follows the existing gauge and warning light location, just in a more updated, high performance/luxury feel.

[kajcienski]

#1 here too :)

[Domi]

Number 1 as well, maybe you could add an oil temp next to the volt gauge?

[Farrar]

Nice work! I've been looking at Speedhut for custom gauges for years. Been waiting for the GPS speedometers to come down in price, or figure out a way to adapt the signal from the auto trans to function as a VSS sensor input.

One of the things I didn't like about a lot of Speedhut's gauges was the little LEDs for turn signal/headlamp indicators. Looks cheap and "kit car" for my taste. I was planning to do what you did and use the stock lenses for those.

(However, my idea was part of an entire dash rebuild, which never got off the ground because I started having other problems with the car, and I suck at PhotoShop, so I don't have any cool pics to show. Sorry.)

[burch]

I like number one as well. Nice update with a lot of original feel.

[Timebender]

Number 1 as well, maybe you could add an oil temp next to the volt gauge?

Possibly. Is the current temp gauge we have now measuring oil temp or water temp? Speedhut does have a oil temp gauge, and so I'd use that if that's the standard without making the dash too busy.

[Timebender]

Nice work!

One of the things I didn't like about a lot of Speedhut's gauges was the little LEDs for turn signal/headlamp indicators. Looks cheap and "kit car" for my taste. I was planning to do what you did and use the stock lenses for those.


Thanks Farrar!

My favorite is the first one as well - feels old school muscle car (my son's 1970 Camaro has a similar gauge cluster), but feels updated and fresh.

Regarding the little lights, those are only, as far as I could see, on the multi-gauge setup. My 2013 TDI Beetle has the high beam indicator in the same spot - top middle of the speedo, and to me at least, it feels less obtrusive. I might make one design change on number one by making the turn signal indicators and high/low beam smaller and round with flush mount LED's.

But thanks for all the great responses from everyone so far!

Greg

[davidc89]

I think it would be cool with a black ring around the gauges instead of chrome. Also if the DMC logos would be illuminated it would give it a more updated look.

[Timebender]

34055
I think it would be cool with a black ring around the gauges instead of chrome. Also if the DMC logos would be illuminated it would give it a more updated look.

I had tried that on one of them with the black bezel, thinking it might work. To me at least, it didn't.

On the gauges, the DMC logo does light up at night.

[Timebender]

Dash Concept 1 with dash mount LED's (with chrome bezels) for the indicators.

http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=88840&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=ac5bbf983af9d483f355c20459d9f2bf

[Timebender]

Dash Concept #1c - smaller LED indicators

http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=88845&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=ac5bbf983af9d483f355c20459d9f2bf

[davidc89]

I was thinking the corner DMC logo would look cool illuminated as well. Could you incorporate the turn signal indicators in the speedometer gauge? That might be the look you are going for. Either way, I really like your artistic vision. Its a very cool concept!

[Timebender]

Thanks David.

Gauges and signals - I don't know if Speedhut does that - they might probably as a special order.

DMC logo lighting up - I'd make it so it looks metal during the day but lights up at night. That can easily be achieved with a small piece of metallic plastic that's brushed with a bright light source behind it. There's a similar thing with my fellow R2 Builders who have incorporated what we call a magic panel - the panel on R2's dome that looks metal, but in some shots lights up red. I'd have to laser cut the logo out (in the mockup it's embossed probably by CNC), so it could be cut out by CNC, though laser would be much more detailed, add in the metallic plastic behind it, and then an LED behind a colored diffuser (Blue or green to match the dial colors).

[Timebender]

Concept 1d

http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=88853&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=ac5bbf983af9d483f355c20459d9f2bf

[davidc89]

Idea: would it be possible to cut out arrows for turn signals and do what you described for the DMC logo in the corner? Or something similar? I am not the biggest fan of just a single led light for the signals, but I do like it as a high beam indicator in gauge.

[Timebender]

Sure, anything is possible with money. The turn signals in this are now the LEDs in the corners. But yes, with money any design can be made possible.

[dmc6960]

Are you hard set on changing the look, or would you be contempt with backlighting the stock appearance?

[davidc89]

I realize that, just fueling the ideas.

[Dangermouse]

Comments/suggestions (one man's opinion)

Prefer the general look of #1 like everyone else
Don't like the single LEDs for indicators and main/dipped beams
Too many "DMC" logos, possibly lose the one one the left?
Could the warning lights for oil, volts and fuel be incorporated into their gauges (like the fuel one already seems to be?) and move the BRAKE to the left

That would leave it a bit lop-sided, though.

nice work, btw

[Timebender]

Good points Dermot. And thanks too!

[Timebender]

Are you hard set on changing the look, or would you be contempt with backlighting the stock appearance?

Maybe not contempt, but probably content. Do you know of a way now that the Arizona kit is no longer made?

And maybe eventually when I can afford it, I'd make a second dash with this design style so I could swap out and back.

[dmc6960]

Maybe not contempt, but probably content. Do you know of a way now that the Arizona kit is no longer made?

And maybe eventually when I can afford it, I'd make a second dash with this design style so I could swap out and back.

What kind of designer are you? What are your specialties? I have a project from years back which I have not yet given up on. Built new gauges out of solid-state processors and drive GM-style stepper motors to move the needles. Electronics would open up room for flat-panel backlighting (just like Dave M's LED HVAC panel). Speedometer would be driven off of a VR sensor replacing the angle drive. Would accept all stock sensor inputs with no other changes.

Read up, let me know what you think.
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1160

Been a long time since I've updated it, but I've still been tinkering from time to time when I have time.

[Michael Babb]

#1 looks the best to me! Love the updated but true to stock look,

[Timebender]

What kind of designer are you? What are your specialties? I have a project from years back which I have not yet given up on. Built new gauges out of solid-state processors and drive GM-style stepper motors to move the needles. Electronics would open up room for flat-panel backlighting (just like Dave M's LED HVAC panel). Speedometer would be driven off of a VR sensor replacing the angle drive. Would accept all stock sensor inputs with no other changes.

Read up, let me know what you think.
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1160

Been a long time since I've updated it, but I've still been tinkering from time to time when I have time.

I'll have to take a look. My design background covers everything from product design/industrial design, user experience, graphic design, visual design, and a little bit of mechanical engineering. Plus other stuff in there I probably missed.


EDIT- I remember your project actually. Any progress?

[alexwolf1216]

Thanks David.

Gauges and signals - I don't know if Speedhut does that - they might probably as a special order.

DMC logo lighting up - I'd make it so it looks metal during the day but lights up at night. That can easily be achieved with a small piece of metallic plastic that's brushed with a bright light source behind it. There's a similar thing with my fellow R2 Builders who have incorporated what we call a magic panel - the panel on R2's dome that looks metal, but in some shots lights up red. I'd have to laser cut the logo out (in the mockup it's embossed probably by CNC), so it could be cut out by CNC, though laser would be much more detailed, add in the metallic plastic behind it, and then an LED behind a colored diffuser (Blue or green to match the dial colors).

This is so funny, I just put together my magic panel this weekend and I had the exact same thought.

[Timebender]

This is so funny, I just put together my magic panel this weekend and I had the exact same thought.

Rotopod had one on display at SW Celebration. Every time he and Michael come out to Senna's for R2LA and bring something new, I really want to add that to R2's dome.
I'd love to get the magic panel but don't want to hack up his styrene dome right now, with May 4th, Comic Con and D23 around the corner...

[alexwolf1216]

Yeah my build is still nice and fresh. 34080

[Timebender]

Another concept. This time I wanted to just see what it would look like if I where to minimally update the dash. The ticks have been replaced by colored arcs that change from green to red or green/yellow/red depending on the current gauge state. I had thought about making those graded, but it made more sense from a UX perspective to keep them one solid color, thus affording the driver a clear visual cue as to the state of each readout.

Also changed the trip and odometer to blue vacuum fluorescent displays.

https://gsdesign1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/delorean-dash-mockup-5.jpg?w=2000&h=

[Timebender]

And #6

https://gsdesign1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/delorean-dash-mockup-6.jpg?w=2000&h=

[Alan]

I like the unnumbered one before #6... not as much as #1, but a close second.

[Rad Dad]

First choice #1. Second choice #5. If I weren't spending so much money with Dave and Julee right now, I'd send to a pile of cash in a plain brown envelope. My wife usually get's upset when I day dream about new things to do to 16867......but she looked at this thread and said "GO"!

[Timebender]

Wow, really? I showed these to my wife and her reaction was "why can't you put that much energy into things that need to get done around the house?"

Meanwhile, thinking about how to do the muscle car look combined with #6.
I'm a designer, and just can't stop designing stuff.

[1batt4u]

Definitely concept #1, but gauges look like 60's-70's, would try and find something a little more modern.

[Tomcio]

I love the set number without a number. Would that be #5? Looks very 'modern' but keeping to the original style. This is the one I would go with.
As for #1, it looks to "old" for my taste and I don't believe it goes well with the style of the car. The D is all angles and round gauges just don't fit.

#6... umm, no. Reminds me of the old "indiglo" gauges from the '90s where they would light up the whole interior at night. Too much light. Besides, I think it suggests replacing the engine with a gas tubine - 51000 rpm ;)

#5 is the best!

[tom kish vin. 4357]

My vote goes to #5

[Timebender]

I'd been thinking about putting a gas turbine in the D....

[dmc6960]

If you find a vacuum florescent display of the correct size for the odo and trip counters, let me know. I searched for a few years and couldn't find any commercially available new units.

[Timebender]

Sometimes you just need to have something you can get off the shelf made. There's a few companies that sell VFD's, and looks like they do custom ones as well. Dakota Digital can probably do something.

[Tomcio]

Why stick with old technology such as VFD? They need relatively high voltage, are not the best looking in my opinion and they burn in over time. You can use something more modern like small OLED screens. There's a bunch of them available on eBay and are about $5 each. Here's an example I found doing a quick search for "OLED":
http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-91-inch-15P-Pins-128x32-OLED-LED-LCD-Display-Module-White-SPI-Interface-/161197919549?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2588250d3d
I'm not endorsing the seller or the product in any way. This is just an example of what's available.

There are other displays as well. Blue, white, blue with yellow line on top and many others. They are easy to control and look really nice. Here's an example of what I got when I was experimenting with one:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=34123&stc=1

Yes, it is a dot matrix display meaning you can add graphics, special font or even animation. Cool... one more logo ;)
Cool welcome screen/animation for the odometer display anyone?

[Timebender]

Why stick with old technology such as VFD? They need relatively high voltage, are not the best looking in my opinion and they burn in over time. You can use something more modern like small OLED screens. There's a bunch of them available on eBay and are about $5 each. Here's an example I found doing a quick search for "OLED":
http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-91-inch-15P-Pins-128x32-OLED-LED-LCD-Display-Module-White-SPI-Interface-/161197919549?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2588250d3d
I'm not endorsing the seller or the product in any way. This is just an example of what's available.

There are other displays as well. Blue, white, blue with yellow line on top and many others. They are easy to control and look really nice. Here's an example of what I got when I was experimenting with one:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=34123&stc=1

Yes, it is a dot matrix display meaning you can add graphics, special font or even animation. Cool... one more logo ;)
Cool welcome screen/animation for the odometer display anyone?
OLED's! How could I have been so careless? OLED's!!!

Okay so yes. I'm ashamed I hadn't thought of that actually.

[Timebender]

And now Dash Concept #7.


This is quickly going from an $800 dollar material cost to God only knows how much....

The high beam indicator is supposed to animate, as are the turn indicators. I might change those to one in the middle that animates left or right, or changes color to red and pulses out to its edges for hazards.


https://gsdesign1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/delorean-dash-mockup-7-lobeam1.jpg?w=2000&h=

[Alan]

Conceptually I like #7. With this technology, could the background colors and intensities be selected? That would clinch it for me as my favorite.

[refugeefromcalif]

Driving home today I was thinking about this thread. I looked at my dash and noticed, (again), I couldn't see my turn signal indicators, or the volt and oil pressure gauge.
The way I set my steering wheel, (It also tends to Droop over time), and where my head height is, I can't see half of the upper gauges/lights... :dead:

George

[Timebender]

Conceptually I like #7. With this technology, could the background colors and intensities be selected? That would clinch it for me as my favorite.

I don't see why not.

[Timebender]

Driving home today I was thinking about this thread. I looked at my dash and noticed, (again), I couldn't see my turn signal indicators, or the volt and oil pressure gauge.
The way I set my steering wheel, (It also tends to Droop over time), and where my head height is, I can't see half of the upper gauges/lights... :dead:

George
Yeah and I think that's going to change for everyone. In my old turbo bug, if I adjusted the wheel to be lower it cut off a good portion of the display. Can't wait to get mine back from Danny's, though all this is a design exercise and most likely will never see the light of day - unless I win the lottery.

[Farrar]

I really like the "light arc" concept. I'd make them multicolor, though, with different colors on the gauges similar to stock. For example, in the battery arc, white in the middle and red at either end. I'd work this up, but I suck at graphics. I could sketch it, though.

BTW, Timebender -- I love the avatar. Just yesterday I was behind someone with a plate frame that said "My other car is a TARDIS." :D

[Timebender]

I get that - the idea here was the gauge acts as a visual cue - green for good, yellow for warning, and red for, well, bad.

Meanwhile, here's #8 (I just can't stop as I'm SO close..).
The idea behind this was a stainless steel fridge I recently saw. No interface at all, but then suddenly a blue display appeared as of out of nowhere, from behind the metal, like some magical writing on the metal itself. I was impressed to say the least, so thought I'd try that here.

So, this is in the same vein for all the indicator lights - btw the LAMBDA is missing in all as my D has a Corvette engine, but you get the idea.

https://gsdesign1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/delorean-dash-mockup-8-states.jpg?w=1400&h=

[Farrar]

These mockups, beautiful as they are, remind me of the old joke that the primary function of the design engineer is to make things difficult for the fabricator and impossible for the home repairman. LOL I will definitely keep my dash simpler, but if I had the ability I'd do something along the lines of your "hidden indicator lights," as well -- albeit behind a matte black panel instead of a stainless grained one.

[Timebender]

BTW, Timebender -- I love the avatar. Just yesterday I was behind someone with a plate frame that said "My other car is a TARDIS." :D

Thanks, found it somewhere out there in the ether- and being a time bender (which btw is NOT a time traveler...) but I love all time travel stories, I thought this was kinda cool.

Btw, you do voice overs? Wow! (I'm an amateur at best with one IMDB credit).

You have a great voice. :)

[Farrar]

Btw, you do voice overs? Wow! (I'm an amateur at best with one IMDB credit).

You have a great voice. :)

Thanks! Getting far off topic now, but yes, I do voice overs. I've been in radio for about 15 years. I am also an actor, having done some local theatre, local video productions, and a TV pilot. Someone told me that I should strike out on my own as a voice talent, and so I started a few years ago. The demo reel on my website is made up of audition material. Strangely enough, the most recent gig I got was recording announcements for a train station in California. Go figure! LOL

[Timebender]

Train station in Ca, yes, odd to say the least. I used to be a video producer, so when I'd look for voice talent and present a few to a client, they'd almost always say, "Can we just use your voice?" which I never got, but it seems to be good enough I guess (some people say I either sound like Jim Henson or Will Farrell- both of whom I could resemble as well - Henson when I had a beard).

Anyway, my IMDB was for a character voice for an independent animated film. To me voice acting is much more of a kick then narrating.

Now back on topic!!

[movieman1026]

I get that - the idea here was the gauge acts as a visual cue - green for good, yellow for warning, and red for, well, bad.

Meanwhile, here's #8 (I just can't stop as I'm SO close..).
The idea behind this was a stainless steel fridge I recently saw. No interface at all, but then suddenly a blue display appeared as of out of nowhere, from behind the metal, like some magical writing on the metal itself. I was impressed to say the least, so thought I'd try that here.

So, this is in the same vein for all the indicator lights - btw the LAMBDA is missing in all as my D has a Corvette engine, but you get the idea.

https://gsdesign1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/delorean-dash-mockup-8-states.jpg?w=1400&h=

I feel like if this were made, the tach would need a green/yellow/red variant to mimic the BTTFIII boiler gauge lol

[Timebender]

These mockups, beautiful as they are, remind me of the old joke that the primary function of the design engineer is to make things difficult for the fabricator and impossible for the home repairman.

YEP! And software developers as well. If they're really good, they should be able to make anything I can design. Some have been able to, and lesser one's have not.

And I think I've found my new quote for now!

[Timebender]

I feel like if this were made, the tach would need a green/yellow/red variant to mimic the BTTFIII boiler gauge lol

If I had a BTTF DeLorean, that could be a nice mod, as if when the DeLorean was struck by lightning before being sent back to 1885, that caused the tach to completely get fried from the electrical impulse, so Doc had to replace it with a gauge he made.

[MSpieler]

I’ve been reading through this thread and I really dig the concept of an updated dash. I could see this project be very easy to breadboard with the x27.168 stepper motor, controller and an Arduino (see Adafruit kit (https://www.adafruit.com/products/2424)). I’m currently investigating parts for creating my own hybrid style dash, leaving the speedometer and tachometer with an original analog / mechanical look but all other gauges would be displayed on an LCD screen.

Here is an example of a proof of concept for a simple Arduino driven LCD gauge monitor. (YouTube Link (https://youtu.be/Mw6Cf_TSfcA))

I’ll keep digging for resources and share my findings :)

[Timebender]

Thanks for sharing and yes! Please do share more what you find. I wonder if the adafruit solution would work with a gps so we could get rid of the angle drive, the way the Speedhut model does.

[MSpieler]

Looks like Adafruit has a GPS breakout (https://www.adafruit.com/products/746) board that can do 10Hz (location updates per second), but I don't think it can obtain a signal as fast as the SpeedHut gauges (Adafruit + warm/cold ~34sec Vs. SpeedHut ~2-3 sec). I'll scope out Digikey and Element14 for some other possible GPS options, but I think there could be a better electromechanical option, like a digital pick up/sending unit from a motorcycle.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I think you need a GPS with an accelerometer which it uses to get faster more accurate MPH readings. My Sony GPS has one and it's MPH readout follows the stock gauge.

[Timebender]

A colleague of mine, who has done amazing UI work for movies like Star Wars, suggested I try Carbon Fiber vs. brushed metal.

I kinda like it.


https://gsdesign1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/delorean-dash-mockup-cf.jpg?w=2000&h=

[MSpieler]

A colleague of mine, who has done amazing UI work for movies like Star Wars, suggested I try Carbon Fiber vs. brushed metal.

I kinda like it.


https://gsdesign1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/delorean-dash-mockup-cf.jpg?w=2000&h=

I have to agree with you there! I think sticking with the dark background and using stainless steel hardware as subtle accents is rather striking. Nice iteration!

[MSpieler]

I think you need a GPS with an accelerometer which it uses to get faster more accurate MPH readings. My Sony GPS has one and it's MPH readout follows the stock gauge.

Great point! I've seen some triple axis accelerometer kits, using the ADXL335 for Arduino and Beaglebone. Might be fun breadboard project :)

Also kudos to you Bitsyncmaster on all your work on your solid-state relay updates! Awesome stuff!

[Domi]

Looking really good!

[Timebender]

Thanks Domi!

[Timebender]

This will be the last one I do, which I think brings class and style altogether. However if I could afford it, I'd do one like this and one like the swept digital/analog (#5 I think) with the carbon fiber so I could switch back and forth when I want.

All the gauges are available on Speedhut (http://speedhut.com). The nice thing is the speedo gets rid of the angle drive, as it's GPS, but then from what I understand you lose the LAMBDA count too (?). But if you're doing an engine swap, that's a non-issue anyway.

Hope you had as much fun looking at these as I did making them (wonder if I should bring back my F1 Motoworks design company...).

Greg

http://astromech.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=89639&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=22e3bfd4a6e958826cd63c91642282f1

[Shep]

The nice thing is the speedo gets rid of the angle drive, as it's GPS, but then from what I understand you lose the LAMBDA count too (?). But if you're doing an engine swap, that's a non-issue anyway.I would strongly advise against eliminating the angle drive in favor of GPS unless you want to run into a boatload of legal issues. While GPS is highly touted as accurate, it still has bugs, glitches, weak signals, startup time, etc., and that would put any such device in violation of federal law on the subject. That's why most of the vendors haven't swayed from the stock setup one inch, instead either making the setup more reliable or providing the same functionality.

Here's a relevant excerpt:

A person may not advertise for sale, sell, use, install, or have installed, a device that makes an odometer of a motor vehicle register a mileage different from the mileage the vehicle was driven, as registered by the odometer within the designed tolerance of the manufacturer of the odometer;(source (https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/32703))

I say "most" because a certain not-on-this-forum vendor, according to this, has been actively committing federal crimes for several years by selling improperly calibrated units (even advertised as such). DMC and DPI are sensible enough not to tempt fate here. Anyways, that's a whole 'nother rabbit hole that I won't get into right now. Point is, for speed indication, it can work, but for mileage, you'll need something mechanical tied to the car.

One last note: I believe you're referring to the Lambda Counter (which is also called the "Service Coutner", seen here (http://store.delorean.com/p-7045-service-counter.aspx)). This is the box that sits between the angle drive and the speedometer. It's the beigeish-yellowish-looking box with the two black cables going into it under the dash. Basically it counts up to 30,000 miles and once there, closes a connection and illuminates the "LAMBDA" light on the top-right of the dash. If you're redesigning the whole thing to eliminate the mechanical readout of the odometer, I'd skip the fancy box and just do the wiring manually. :)

[Timebender]

Good info on the whole GPS speedo thing. Never knew that. As far as the Lambda counter, yes I knew that was the service light activator - so the question is do the guys who have done the engine conversion kept it it? I'd guess yes, as it's not tied to the engine in any way.
Anyway, moving on to other design work. :)

[papanoel]

I know the Corvette C4 digital gauges were expensive and unrelaible but I thought a version of it would look cool in a delorean.

http://www.gregterzian.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/corvette_dash.jpg

I guess corvettes didn't go faster than 85 either :giddy: lol

[Timebender]

Ditto- We had an 85 'Vette and loved it - 6 speed with overdrive. I've always thought about how to get one of those in a DeLorean, and I'm pretty sure I saw pics of someone's from the past DeLorean Car Show. Would've kept it but our daughter decided to be born, and there was no room in there for her car seat and us.

[nkemp]

I scanned through this thread and I'm hoping not to repeat something already posted but ....

The original instrument cluster seems less outdated than many dashes eventually look (look at any 80'ish instrument cluster and you'll see what I mean compared to the D's instrument cluster. The D's aged looks much better). I think that is because it did not use the round format but rather the flat panel look. As such, the D's instrument cluster looks pretty darn good today as it did many years back.

Where it looks dated is that it is not backlit and is somewhat hard to read at night. The binnacle somewhat dates it as well. One could argue that it is an 80's analog version of the LCD instrument cluster versions available on some cars today.

SOOOOO ... my thoughts and likes are towards the flat panel with gauges set on the rectangular segments ... or a completely flat display with gauges .... but not round displays. That is my opinion and yours may (probably does) differ :smile:

[nkemp]

And I forgot to mention that all the prototypes shown in this thread look nice...I just prefer the non-round look the best.

[Timebender]

Thanks Nick!

Actually, one of my favorite looks from the 80's that I was totally excited about was the blue LED displays of the new aftermarket car computers that you hooked up and sat on your dash. There had been a whole article in one of the magazines - maybe Popular Science? I got a smaller one and hooked it up to my crappy little Datsun 510 Wagon, which it worked pretty okay - it gave mpg, how many miles were left, etc.

There's a dash mod out there now that's very similar - this one from Intellitronix. Something about the blue glow that I dig.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2pCyI6J9JiE/maxresdefault.jpg

[Tillsy]

That's pretty awesome ;)

[Henrik]

… and a truly italian dash?
35092

[nkemp]

… and a truly italian dash?
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=35092&stc=1

tmi ! :-)

[Alan]

tmi ! :-)
1+

[SS Spoiler]

I had thought of lining the passenger kneepad with 12 gauges in two rows.
lots of possibilities, water pressure, brake pressure, oil temp, clock,transmission
temp, barometer, compass, outside air temp, AC air temp, nerd detector, GPS,
radar scanner, NSFW detector, wind speed, tire pressure, ammeter, gas milage,
gas temp, accelerometer, vacuum gauge, fuel pressure, flux capacitor, ohm meter,
stall warning, depth gauge, tilt meter, pitch gauge, direction finder, and the list
could go on..........

[Timebender]

Okay....

[SIMid]

I'm on my work computer so I can't do any photoshopping.

What about running all the warning lights along the bottom in a row?
Add the DMC logo in the middle at the top.
Large tacho in the middle, rev counter to one side. The other side, all the auxiliary gauges?

Tomi has an awesome idea, can pretty much design any gauges you want.

But in this new age of dashes, you have to take a look at Audi's new virtual cockpit.
http://www.audi.com/com/brand/en/vorsprung_durch_technik/content/2014/03/audi-virtual-cockpit.html

[Timebender]

I'd say go for it as far as Photoshopping your own idea, there's always room for new GOOD ideas (unlike the Microsoft MS Word 5 Italian version in an earlier post...).

This is another one I quickly mocked up in a few minutes using the Intellitronix gauge set.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=35134&d=1435092401

35134

As far as the Audi dash, it's cool and all, similar to the new Stingray dash. nVidia offers a whole app to build the dash and then the hardware to run it. But if the display dies, or the computer craps out, all your looking at is a black shiny piece of plastic.

So....

[Farrar]

you have to take a look at Audi's new virtual cockpit

Thank heaven they put the media player right at the top. Drivers are constantly forgetting what music they're listening to, and it is vital to vehicle operation and road safety that they know this information at all times!

</sarc>

[Timebender]

Thank heaven they put the media player right at the top. Drivers are constantly forgetting what music they're listening to, and it is vital to vehicle operation and road safety that they know this information at all times!

</sarc>
I especially like whole 3D model of the car right in front me so I don't forget what I'm driving. That, and when I spend that much money on a car, I want the dash to feel like I'm selecting my car in Gran Turismo on my Xbox...

</sarcx2>

[SIMid]

I especially like whole 3D model of the car right in front me so I don't forget what I'm driving. That, and when I spend that much money on a car, I want the dash to feel like I'm selecting my car in Gran Turismo on my Xbox...

</sarcx2>


LMAO!!

Cool dash though. Bloody expensive if something goes bang with it.

[Timebender]

When I was looking for a new daily driver a couple years ago I had been looking at used TT's- the one I tested had problems with the center dash readouts. Turned out those little guys affect a lot of things and if one dies, since it's all one computer module with a display, the whole car dies as well.
Nice move Audi.. Nice move.

[Henrik]

....there's always room for new GOOD ideas (unlike the Microsoft MS Word 5 Italian version in an earlier post...).

You're giving me too much credit. It was done entirely using simple screenshot snips on a Mac.... for those that have a little sense of humor.

[Timebender]

You're giving me too much credit. It was done entirely using simple screenshot snips on a Mac.... for those that have a little sense of humor.

I know...