Full digital dash???

[EVfun]

Most new cars are networked. I know some of the ideas sneak into the street rod world. I was wondering if there are any aftermarket digital dash solutions. I'm thinking a modern dash install with a touch screen that might be everything from the speedometer to the headlight switch. Dash wiring on many buggies is NOT fun, but installing a display with a communication cable that could then control a relay board for some or all of the controls would be a shortcut, and an interesting new feature. It could also make those warning lights REALLY show up -- the oil pressure light could take up the whole screen and make it a sea of red (as an example).

I didn't find anything on a quick google search, but I know others are likely better at finding the magic search words.
_________________

[Bikerndiver]

I put a new radio head in my wifes Fiat. Of course it does have a canbus system, but w/o that, you still get gps speed, maps and traffic and Bluetooth capability. You can add an outside temperature sensor and a backup camera also.

I wonder if a more sophisticated (expensive) radio head would allow you to monitor basic vehicle functions......
_________________
1966 Manx clone (possibly a Joe Poty Enterprises) named SANDY. '70 to '73 1300 cc w/1600 DP heads, twin carbs and headers

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Many digital dash makers.
Halltech, Autometer, Holley, Dakota digital just to name a few of the heavy hitters

But

I doubt anyone makes one specific to a VW dash and/ or specific to stock VW inputs/wiring.
All make a generic universal. YOU would have to do the modifications and wiring and sensor mounting to make it work. All completely do-able but does require some technical expertise.

I like Dakota digital
https://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=results/category_id=69/mode=cat/cat69.htm
_________________

[clonebug]

I have a Digital ADU5 dash made by ECUMaster.

It works with Can-Bus and it also has analog and digital inputs that you can use to display whatever you want.
I also have the ECUMaster PMU16 Power Management unit which is a digital relay control unit with 16 inputs and 16 outputs. It;s very configurable and also works on Can-Bus.
I use a digital 8 button Can Keyboard for most all my switching like lights, hazards, ignition, start and wipers.
I have it connected to my MS3PRO-EVO Ecu and have been using it for a full two years now.
It gives me real time info for whatever sensor I want to display. I gives me at least 7 different screens I can scroll through and set up any way I want.
I have two screens set up fully and two more that display text for quick viewing.

I no longer have a ignition key..... I use a SS Relay and a FOB to turn the power on the the PMU and the Digital dash. I then use the buttons on the dash to control most everything.

Here is a walkaround view of the buggy with a good dash view. The colors are washed out by the camera but it does show a few pages of the dash.


Link



Here is a pic of me cruising on the highway and what I can see...

_________________

[EVfun]

While these are cool they are not quite what I was thinking about. I was wondering about a networked dash controlling regular vehicle functions. It would likely be out of my price range now, but electronics seem to get cheaper over time. Let me try and imagine an example for you…

From the buggy dash there are 2 cables and one small wire plug. One cable is the gps antenna and that can be stuck on top of the gas tank or steering column. The other cable is communication, canbus or ethernet or one of the other hobby data protocols. The wire plug is power to the ignition switch, power out to the coil, the crank the starter lead, and a ground. Behind the dash the display can tap into that power and ground. The dash network cable goes to the “brain” box that has the has relays to control lights and stuff and accepts inputs for gauges and warning lights. The wiring behind the dash is super limited. The display is a touchscreen display (like a phone or tablet) that shows the gauges and warning, and also controls the lights and stuff (though in my example the engine power is still direct wired.) There would be no need to work behind the dash of your buggy (or street rod, I imagine this would originate in that world.) You would install dash unit and then just plug in the data cable, plus power and ground (and whatever you didn’t want to hand over.) Most new cars seem to be going this way.
_________________

[weasel_ugs]