LCD Dash -- Prototype dash install

[maclonchas]

Folks,

Well it has been a little slow as I await parts and figure out the next steps with the build. I finally has a chance to look at the dash and mock up a prototype for the LCD Dash. It was much easier than I originally imagined tat it would be to do. Thanks to all the folks in front of me that gave great ideas for gauge displays and switches that allowed me to come up with a plan to do this mock up.

Step One - I did not want to fabricate a bezel and I wanted something secure to mount the display. I was lucky to find that the Tesla Model S has a digital dash display and that was just the ticket for this inspiration. Here are the Tesla pictures of the display area and the two components that make up the dash system.
187499187501187502

With the display enclosure and the bezel in hand it was time to see if we could make this work. First was removing the ears of the bezel so that it would sit flush with the dash. A simple Dremel tool make quick work cutting those ears off flush.

187503

Next remove the old broken display from the enclosure, remove heat sinks, and other peripherals before placing LCD Dash display.
187504

Note: The protective screen is still on and the final lockdown of display needs to be completed

The dash cutout is then down with a jigsaw, bezel installed with the display and we have a mockup.
187505187506

Next steps will be padding and leather before final install into dash. I think the dash will look great.

Thanks

Bill

[danmas]

That looks great. Can't wait to see it in the final form.

[Junbug]

Folks,

Well it has been a little slow as I await parts and figure out the next steps with the build. I finally has a chance to look at the dash and mock up a prototype for the LCD Dash. It was much easier than I originally imagined tat it would be to do. Thanks to all the folks in front of me that gave great ideas for gauge displays and switches that allowed me to come up with a plan to do this mock up.

Step One - I did not want to fabricate a bezel and I wanted something secure to mount the display. I was lucky to find that the Tesla Model S has a digital dash display and that was just the ticket for this inspiration. Here are the Tesla pictures of the display area and the two components that make up the dash system.
187499187501187502

With the display enclosure and the bezel in hand it was time to see if we could make this work. First was removing the ears of the bezel so that it would sit flush with the dash. A simple Dremel tool make quick work cutting those ears off flush.

187503

Next remove the old broken display from the enclosure, remove heat sinks, and other peripherals before placing LCD Dash display.
187504

Note: The protective screen is still on and the final lockdown of display needs to be completed

The dash cutout is then down with a jigsaw, bezel installed with the display and we have a mockup.
187505187506

Next steps will be padding and leather before final install into dash. I think the dash will look great.

Thanks

Bill

Bill, That is really impressive! How challenging was it to get the cobra and FFR logo into the digital display? I have no programming experience (aside from learning Turbo Pascal in 1995) and curious how difficult this would be? How do you foresee the rest of the behind the dash wiring to be? Is there a separate CPU for the display? Awesome work!
-Junbug

[maclonchas]

Junebug,

Sorry I missed this post. the programming was done by LCD Dash (TINO) and I provided the raw graphics for FFR and the car. I worked with his team on the display layout and they did an outstanding job. They allow for analog connections or ECU. the wiring is straight forward and you just use the RF harness to the interface box vice discreet gauges. I am finishing up the dash this week and hopefully will post some pictures.

Thanks

Bill

[danmas]

I am very likely doing this as well

[dbo_texas]

That looks awesome - well done. Looking forward to seeing the finished dash.

[maclonchas]

Well folks it has been hot here in Florida and a bear to work in the garage for any length of time. I was able to finally skin the dash with leather, mount the dash bezel, lcd dash into bezel and place the dash on the hoop with the lower console. I still have a few items to do on the dash (headlight switch, ignition key switch, etc.) and attach the top of the dash to the hoop.. That will come in time as I continue to work on the car while awaiting my engine from Forte. Here are a few pictures:

188172
The wire you see sticking ups the hdmi cable that I will secure later.

188173
Front view with lower console loosely set in place. Final install after the transmission tunnel is fitted (after engine install).

188174

Thanks

Bill

[gbranham]

I needs lots of details! I'm just starting my build, but have planned for a digital dash for a long time. Give me deets! Who makes the display, how is it wired, etc. Sorry...I'm excited.

[maclonchas]

OK for some details. LCD Dash makes the display and processor ......https://lcddash.com ...... The wiring is dependent upon whether you have fuel injection or carb. Send me a PM with your email address and I can send you copies of representative install instructions. For most engines you are just using the RF Dash Harness Gauge wires to wire into the interface unit. Here is an example of my interface unit wiring diagram:
188179

Mine is carb application but you can see that I have elected GPS sensor and added fuel pressure. Additionally, he can add oil temp and other sensors to your display.

Here is what I did for my install:

188180. This is the interface box and requires that you pin out the following items:

24 pin connector that slides out of interface box. This consists of 3 rows and 8 columns (X,Y)

(1,1) Ground. Black Ground Wire from RF 9 pin connector
(2,1) Battery - Constant 12V to Bus Bar in Dash for all 12V always on
(3,1) Ignition - Keyed On -- Wired directly to Ignition switch (for me it was the simplest location)
(1,2) High Beam -- BROWN RF WIRE
(2,2) OIL PSI --Gray RF
(2,3) Remote Programming
(1,3) Left Turn - Dark Green Ron Francis
(2,3) SYNC -- To video module (red wire)
(3,3) Remote Programming
(1,4) Right Turn Light Blue RF
(1,5) Coolant Temp --RF Dark Blue
(1,6) Fuel Pressure -- To fuel pressure sensor
(3,6) Trip Meter Reset -- push button on dash
(1,7) Fuel Level-- RF Light Green
(2,7) Tachometer -- Coil RF Purple
(2,7) GPS - Connect to GPS puck
(1,8) Latch -- between interface box and computer

If you look up in the posts, you can see the bezel I decided to use to install the 12.3" display. You can simplify this install if you mount the display direct to dash and use clips to hold in place.

Hope this helps.

Thanks

Bill