So anyways, i finally got the digital tach/speedo from Cyberdyne installed. It took a while due to a)being busy and b) i wanted to do a neat(er) installation than previous attempts and the actual installation took over week.
i didn't want to drill into the dash, so i settled on the ashtray door as you can see here; The bracket slides neatly in place and doesn't move around even on bumpy roads.
These aren't the best pictures, and i'll try to get you a night shot, but you could probably use your imagination.
Also, the wiring job is not exactly where i wanted it to be as far as neatness goes, but it's miles above my previous jobs; i would actually use the box the gauge came in as the means to mount it!
NOTES: 1)
Finding someone who makes/sells a 3-3/8" gauge bracket is difficult, so i went online a bought one from a specialty gauge store for $29. So i, in addition to the $150 gauge, spent another 29 on a bracket just to find out my mpg. How smart was that?
2)
No-one really makes one of those A-pillar dash pods for the 73-91 trucks.
So, for you entreprenurial types, hintity, hint, hint..........
Anyways, on to the gauge:
Installation is pretty straigtforward---if you know what you're doing. i didn't have too much trouble because i'm learning about electricty, connections, wire gages, splicing etc.
The problem comes when you try to calibrate the thing; What the instructions say, and by the way, the instructions really were not that good--kinda 1/2 azzed and zeroxed. What the instructions say to do is to make sure the vehicle is traveling at 45mph by following a friend in their car and have them signal when they are going 45. Then you hold the calibration button for one second.
Several problems here; 1) Are they out of their minds? 2) the whole reason for getting the gauge is to insure that your speed is precise; how do you know your friend's cars are anymore precise than your own stock gauge? 3) what do you do if no friend's available or they are unwilling to help ( i wouldn't blame them).
So what i did was, fortunately, there is one of those radar speed signs near my apartment--the one's that say "YOUR SPEED IS----" And i was able to utilize that. But what happens if there are no such signs near you?
This method of calibration was not disclosed in any of their advertisments or on their website. Autometer also has digital gauges and you might be better off with their's; Their calibration is much more straightfoward; You use miles markers and press the button from a standstill and the press it again exactly as you pass the third one.
Now, i have to say that once you do manage to calibrate the Cyberdyne unit, it is very accurate. It also has a few features that i did not know about until i recieved the gauge and read the instructions. Such as built-in 0-60 and 1/4mile timers. Also, shift light, high rpm recall, high speed recall, trip odometer.
i choose the cyberdyne unit because i had tachs and temp gauges from them i was happy with it, plus i just like the looks of it. The autometer combo gauge is more expensive-----$250 vs. $150 for the cyberdyne. Plus, i don't think the autometer comes with as many extra features. But the autometer is probably higher quality.