Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: mcford on August 30, 2009, 09:40:24 PM
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: mcford on August 30, 2009, 09:40:24 PM
dont know exactly where to put this so moderators move it if you deem it appropriate to. question, did turbo coupes come with the full digital dash (all gauages plus tach and the mileage center) cluster? Mike
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: FLSTCI71 on August 30, 2009, 10:02:25 PM
We only do 87/88 TCs, so I can only talk to those. I "assume" 83/86 would be the same, but don't know for sure. Anyway, the 87/88 only came with buttstuffog dashes, including the speedo, tach AND boost gauge. Digital was not an option, you could not get a digital dash in an 87/88 TC. Hope this helps a little bit.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: daminc on August 30, 2009, 10:34:34 PM
I'm assuming it was because there was no boost gauge or ride control light in the digi clusters
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on August 30, 2009, 10:46:23 PM
I always figured Ford marketed the digital dash for the 'high end luxury' cars and the buttstuffog for the performance cars. Just my opinion.
Attached is a 83 TC cluster for reference
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on August 31, 2009, 12:53:26 AM
None of the turbo cars came with a digital dash... buttstuffog only. The age of digital dash readouts was fairly short lived. Professional drivers and enthusiasts actually prefer buttstuffog gauges and often criticized cars that didn't have them. Ford wanted it's performance models to be taken seriously as driver's cars competitive with german makes, so they were only fitted with buttstuffog gauges.
Ford got a lot of flack for introducing the 1983 Turbo Coupe with a tachometer in the center of the dash replacing the clock. Later it was remedied by replacing the fuel gauge with a tachometer and filling in the PRNOD1 indicator with a fuel gauge. The lack of other small gauges was fixed with the 1985 instrument panel redesign.
I did however love the digital speedometer readout in my 1985 Tbird. It wasn't the full digital cluster. That car and my 89 Grand Prix were the only two cars that I ever had with a digital speedo readout. I actually liked them that way.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on August 31, 2009, 12:54:51 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;289042
I always figured Ford marketed the digital dash for the 'high end luxury' cars and the buttstuffog for the performance cars. Just my opinion.
Attached is a 83 TC cluster for reference
Now I am having cluster envy... I would love to switch out for a tach!
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on August 31, 2009, 10:03:01 PM
While we are here, does anyone have a picture of 84, 85, 86 clusters? It would be good reference material.
If you do, feel free to post here and list the year and car (TC, Heritage, Elan, etc)
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: vinnietbird on August 31, 2009, 11:49:08 PM
i have a full digi cluster in the garage..........needing a home.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Old_Paint on September 01, 2009, 12:04:36 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;289188
While we are here, does anyone have a picture of 84, 85, 86 clusters? It would be good reference material.
If you do, feel free to post here and list the year and car (TC, Heritage, Elan, etc)
Sorta like this '86 Base model cluster? I actually have two 86 base birds, and a spare cluster to boot. Dunno if it works, though, nor how many miles are on it. I REALLY must power that thing up one day. I need to grab a dash harness to make a test rig with anyway.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on September 01, 2009, 12:06:54 AM
What year? Pic?
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on September 01, 2009, 12:08:54 AM
Quote from: Old_Paint;289217
Sorta like this '86 Base model cluster? I actually have two 86 base birds, and a spare cluster to boot. Dunno if it works, though, nor how many miles are on it. I REALLY must power that thing up one day. I need to grab a dash harness to make a test rig with anyway.
That's the one I have on the work bench.I really like it,and actually would rather have that than the buttstuffog gauges I have now,even with my 140mph speedo.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 01, 2009, 12:32:25 AM
Quote from: vinnietbird;289231
That's the one I have on the work bench.I really like it,and actually would rather have that than the buttstuffog gauges I have now,even with my 140mph speedo.
I had a friend a long time ago that had this cluster on his 88 Tbird LX. I always liked this cluster.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on September 01, 2009, 12:40:01 AM
Great pictures!
Funny how they are never lit up in the junkyards! :hick:
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 01, 2009, 12:45:31 AM
1983-84 Digital
1983-84 Standard
Early 1983 Turbo with tachometer mounted in normal clock area. Notice too that the clock was moved further to the right.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on September 01, 2009, 01:10:22 AM
Quote from: Watchdevil;289242
1983-84 Digital
1983-84 Standard
Early 1983 Turbo with tachometer mounted in normal clock area. Notice too that the clock was moved further to the right.
Wow, I guess I never noticed that. Was that actually done on production cars or was it just shown that way in 'pre-production' sales literature? Have you seen cars w/ the tach in the center?
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Haystack on September 01, 2009, 01:35:41 AM
most of my 5.0 cars have had the digi dash. I'd say it as common as the base from what i've seen.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 01, 2009, 01:51:23 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;289244
Wow, I guess I never noticed that. Was that actually done on production cars or was it just shown that way in 'pre-production' sales literature? Have you seen cars w/ the tach in the center?
It was actually done on production cars until they changed it for late 1983 production. I remember Ford got blasted for it when it first came out, so they tooled up a proper tach inside the instrument cluster.
The 1983-84 dashboards were modified versions of the 1980-82 ones to save cost. They even carried over instrument clusters. The 1980-82 Tbird dash was even carried over entirely intact to use on the 1983-86 mid-size LTD and Marquis.
Also, the provision for the clock mount next to the right center vent above the glovebox is in every single 1983-84 dashboard. All they did was use different right side vent trim.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: cougarman on September 01, 2009, 07:20:12 AM
'88 buttstuffog cluster.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: daminc on September 01, 2009, 07:53:27 AM
same cluster without the chrome overlay. (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/85%20Vert/old%20pics%20of%20the%20vert%20from%20bear/GRAYGOASTFRONT042.jpg)
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: daminc on September 01, 2009, 07:57:57 AM
original 85 without the digi clock (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/85%20Vert/old%20pics%20of%20the%20vert%20from%20bear/b7e2_4.jpg)
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: mcb82gt on September 01, 2009, 09:14:34 AM
That's the one I have on the work bench.I really like it,and actually would rather have that than the buttstuffog gauges I have now,even with my 140mph speedo.
I have the full digital cluster and think it's one of the neatest things about these cars. I had thought about swapping it out for an buttstuffog cluster but the full digital one is just too cool. It screams 80's high tech;)
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: vinnietbird on September 01, 2009, 04:34:35 PM
Quote from: RoyLPita;289299
How many miles are on the cluster that is for sale?
I have no idea.They probably don't match your current odometer.LOL.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: daminc on September 01, 2009, 06:51:52 PM
Has anyone figured out a way to zero them out.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: mcford on September 01, 2009, 09:18:48 PM
thansk a bunch guys. guess i will post in the wanteds for a t/c buttstuffog cluster. will 87/88 bolt/plug in, in my 85 t/c? Mike
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 01, 2009, 11:13:10 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;289331
I have the full digital cluster and think it's one of the neatest things about these cars. I had thought about swapping it out for an buttstuffog cluster but the full digital one is just too cool. It screams 80's high tech;)
Keep the digital cluster! It's way cooler plus it does have the tach and the rest of the goodies!
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: 88BlueBird on September 02, 2009, 12:02:50 PM
I even went to the trouble of swapping the half digital in my car for the full digital. It definitely screams 80's tech...and that's why I wanted it in my '88.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: daminc on September 02, 2009, 12:19:49 PM
I got mine to do the swap also. also thinking of some add on digi gauges too.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: vinnietbird on September 02, 2009, 07:04:58 PM
There's an '87 LX about 40 miles from here,5.0,digi dash,silver in color,keyless entry,premium sound,14 inch 8 hole wheels,gray interior (nice,but cracked dash.....as usual),and no dents to speak of.I can get it for $400.00,but,my funds are wasted right now.I'm trying to get the money to get it.I love the full digital dash a lot,but I always end up with the '88 Birds which,to my knowledge,didn't have that option.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: 1986Élan on September 02, 2009, 08:54:18 PM
ok guys im jumping in i have a full digital cluster on my 86 and i noticed theres a square( u know like the high beam square the brake and the rear lamp out squares that light up) well on the left side of the cluster theres one that says check turbo and i was like turbo coupes were the only one to get a turbo and turbo coupes came only with the buttstuffog cluster right?????? so whats the deal?
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: daminc on September 02, 2009, 09:49:04 PM
cougars were also turbo before 87
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on September 02, 2009, 10:56:39 PM
Quote from: Watchdevil;289256
It was actually done on production cars until they changed it for late 1983 production. I remember Ford got blasted for it when it first came out, so they tooled up a proper tach inside the instrument cluster.
The 1983-84 dashboards were modified versions of the 1980-82 ones to save cost. They even carried over instrument clusters. The 1980-82 Tbird dash was even carried over entirely intact to use on the 1983-86 mid-size LTD and Marquis.
Also, the provision for the clock mount next to the right center vent above the glovebox is in every single 1983-84 dashboard. All they did was use different right side vent trim.
Any idea what timeframe 'late' was? Funny, I don't remember this issue w/ the tach but maybe it's in some of the new car reviews.
What is the provision above the glovebox? I didn't see that on my 83?
If anyone has an 83 with the early tach maybe we can get a build date and picture.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: 88turbo on September 02, 2009, 11:46:44 PM
my 83tc has the normal dash with the tach in the cluster.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 03, 2009, 12:07:24 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;289597
Any idea what timeframe 'late' was? Funny, I don't remember this issue w/ the tach but maybe it's in some of the new car reviews.
What is the provision above the glovebox? I didn't see that on my 83?
If anyone has an 83 with the early tach maybe we can get a build date and picture.
Back in the day March and April were considered "late" production. Often Ford used to pull ahead some things mid model year for the next model year's production as early March or April. This explains things like 1985 Cougars with 1986 high mounted brake lamps and late 1984 Cougars with 1985 taillamps.
Here is some more info. I have the factory brochures for all the Fox Tbirds. The first 1983 brochure was the one shown in the PDF file elsewhere posted on the boards here.
In March 1983, the Turbo Coupe got it's own new seperate brochure done with more of a sophisticated BMW style with better format, layout and outdoor photography. The March '83 brochures show the new larger cluster mounted tach and fuel guage in place of the auto shift indicator.
In April 83, the full-line Thunderbird brochure was revised to reflect the style and format of the Turbo Coupe brochure. All the Turbo Coupes in that brochure showed the new larger cluster mounted tach as well. The 1984 brochures pretty much carried over the 1983 brochure style with a different cover color and a few new updated pictures and revised copy.
Thinking back now through my clouded memory and seeing the actual Turbo Coupe release date (which I forgot was delayed) around March 83, it could be the small center mounted tach never made it to production after all. I do recall for certain that it was changed at the last minute because of the negative reactions to it by the reveiwers of magazines like Motor Trend, Car & Driver and Road & Track.
I'd still like to see if any early production models turns up with the small tach or not.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 03, 2009, 12:15:04 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;289597
What is the provision above the glovebox? I didn't see that on my 83?
Remember my peanut brittle dash which is shown in two pieces on my restoration thread? Look to the right of the right center vent just above the glove box opening and trunk release switch. It's a duplicate clock mount opening.
there are several threads if you search user lumpycheeseman along with key word "digital" for more 83 digi info.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: maandy on September 03, 2009, 10:29:53 AM
Hy Someone here said 87/88 TC couldn´t come with digital dash but I have something what makes you think. I was taking my dash out today and saw one yellow light.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: 88BlueBird on September 03, 2009, 12:19:11 PM
It's pretty common for Ford to have more lights on the cluster, than what they need. I've seen a few '04 F150s with the "wait to start" light on the cluster, that was never activated, because the diesel option never happened.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on September 07, 2009, 11:03:30 PM
Quote from: Watchdevil;289616
I have the factory brochures for all the Fox Tbirds. . . . I'd still like to see if any early production models turns up with the small tach or not.
Got all those 83 brochures too.
I agree, I'd be curious to see if this was something that ever made it to production.
I think I'll start a new thread under 'General' to see if we can find an early 83 TC.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: rodsterh on September 07, 2009, 11:05:54 PM
Quote from: Watchdevil;289618
Remember my peanut brittle dash which is shown in two pieces on my restoration thread? Look to the right of the right center vent just above the glove box opening and trunk release switch. It's a duplicate clock mount opening.
Ha... neat. Saw it but never dawned on me it was an additional clock mount opening! Good eye!!
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: Watchdevil on September 08, 2009, 11:11:33 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;290314
Ha... neat. Saw it but never dawned on me it was an additional clock mount opening! Good eye!!
Yeah interesting indeed! They had every intention with going with a center mounted tach and they needed a place to relocate the clock. So the relocation provision was made into the dash and never reworked.
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 09, 2009, 06:03:29 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;289552
There's an '87 LX about 40 miles from here,5.0,digi dash,silver in color,keyless entry,premium sound,14 inch 8 hole wheels,gray interior (nice,but cracked dash.....as usual),and no dents to speak of.I can get it for $400.00,but,my funds are wasted right now.I'm trying to get the money to get it.I love the full digital dash a lot,but I always end up with the '88 Birds which,to my knowledge,didn't have that option.
88 Sports had buttstuffog clusters, 87 Sports had digital clusters. Any 87-88 base or LX T-bird could have a digital cluster. Stop buying Sports and you can get a digital cluster;)
Title: full digital dash?
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 09, 2009, 09:02:42 PM
I had one of those digi cluster thingys from a '87 Sport, threw it in the trash...