10 Posts - Page: 1

Temperature and fuel gauge not right

My gauges are reading low. The temperature gauge does not work at all, except for I have seen it move very slightly when in hot traffic. And the fuel gauge was reading empty the other day but took hardly any petrol at the bowser. I read on the 1200 forum that the gauges run through a voltage regulator.
 
First things first I can't see how to take out the instrument cluster, and if I do, can I fix it myself?
I have had the exact same issue and changed the voltage reg from another dash to fix the problem.
 
It is an easy swap if you have a spare dash to rob for the part.
 
 

  • Turn heater and wiper switches to middle position so they are pointing straight out.
  • Undo threaded rings on wiper and heater switches (straight cir clip pliers work well for this)
  • Undo philips screw ontop of dash (early model dash)
  • Dash should pull out a little bit now, but dont pull anything just yet.
  • Reach under dash and unscrew the fitting on the end of your speedo cable (should be a collar on end of cable and should be able to unwind by hand)
  • From memory this should allow you to pull the dash out a little further so you can unplug the big round wiring harness plug.
  • Dash should come out now.
  • Undo philips screw that is holding voltage reg down and carefully pull voltage reg off.

Assembly is reverse order of the above process.
 
I haven't done late model dash before, but would think same process applies.
 
Also I hope I havnt missed any steps as im going from memory of when i did mine... so take your time and dont force anything.
 
Hope this helps you out.
1967 Datsun B10 2 Door.
Thank you for this little how-to guide. I will be replacing the instrument cluster with aftermarket gauges in an aluminium panel. I visited a hot rod shop the other day and in comparison the 1000 is a little lacking in style (although OK for an economy car).
I agree with you about the 1000 dash being ordinary.
Coupe has a good dash.
 
Id go so far as to say id like a coupe dash in my sedan.
 
 
Ill throw this in for some inspiration on custom building... 
Years ago my brother made a custom dash for his Hilux, He used speedhut gauges, LED lights for indicator/warning lights and made up a sticker to label it all.
 
Some of the LED lights needed resistors wired up in an arrangement called a "voltage divider"  to reduce their brightness as well.
 
Link to a pic of his old Hilux dash...
http://www.retrojdm.com/Images/GalleryPhotos/Original/2010-04-21%2002.jpg
 
Im looking foward to seeing what you cook up in the dash department.
1967 Datsun B10 2 Door.
Tuesday has a Coupe Dash Grafted into his Bunky 4 door... 
he cut the steel out of one of my spare coupes... 
Hilux dash is smart and modern looking. I have only  ordered standard looking 2" gauges myself, and I wondered about LED brightness actually since a bright high beam indicator light at night would be irritating. The 1k only needs three bulbs: indicators and high beam. Since LEDs are quite finicky I also thought something  as simple as  a resistor in series probably wouldn't work
LED brightness is worth wondering about...
My brothers high beam was ridiculously bright when he first installed his dash.
The blue LED was considerably brighter than the green LED's, so his high beam required a bigger drop in voltage than his indicators to make the dash feel right.
 
Dundee, does the dash fit well where it meets the windscreen etc?
1967 Datsun B10 2 Door.
I might be out on my own including a my buddy but we prefer
the b10 dash for the b10 or vb10 or b20..
This is from a designers point of view as the original dash mates
well to the rest or overall lines much like an old retro radio.
My buddy even got a tacho from a valiant that rises in revs
just like the original left to right which suited it very well.
That and the horizontal old style air con all look very factory.
I would repair what is required but use as mentioned some
kind of better lighting etc.
The hilux dash looks great but the Miata original ones are
also amazing for that refined yet retro finish.
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act, Big Brother is watching you - George Orwell 'Most Jews do not like to admit it, but our god is Lucifer -- so I wasn't lying -- and we are his chosen people. Lucifer is very much alive.'"  Harold Rosenthal http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/?p=24688
Early dash surround keeps the dash fitting to the original lines quite well.
 
That i agree with.
 
I'm on the fence about late dash, feels more like a decision based on saftey regulations (padded top) rather than design.
 
I do like the heater and wiper switches.
To me they really help with the character to the car.
 
As for fixing the dash.
If a voltage reg cant be sourced... there are topics on random forums taking about building your own.
 
Info is out there, and if you put your mind to it id say most people should be able to work it through to achieve success.
1967 Datsun B10 2 Door.
early dash and guage cluster for the win not that foam flimsy thing!
that red Mazda Roaster would look mad with a red interior cream or white duco sedan
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act, Big Brother is watching you - George Orwell 'Most Jews do not like to admit it, but our god is Lucifer -- so I wasn't lying -- and we are his chosen people. Lucifer is very much alive.'"  Harold Rosenthal http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/?p=24688
10 Posts - Page: 1