1951-1952 Chevy Car RTX Instrument System

We started by designing our own billet aluminum gauge bezels to fit the stock gauge openings and follow the dash contour, then chrome plated them. Next, our engineering team studied the original instrument style and translated that timeless look, while adding LED backlighting, stepper motors needle movements, a full-color TFT message center, and a host of other late model features.  RPM is displayed by a series of LEDs which wrap around the outside of the speedometer scale. Never before have you seen such a stylish and capable instrument system upgrade that bolts into a 1951-52 Chevy car dashboard using stock hardware.

The RTX series is the latest from Dakota Digital, focused on retaining that stock look without sacrificing the late-model features you love. Every effort has been put forth to incorporate OEM design elements regarding the layout, face styling and indicators. A casual glance may dismiss these as original equipment, but once you hit the switch and the LED backlighting comes on in your favorite color scheme, all doubts will be removed.

Starting from scratch, CNC machined housings are filled with electronics designed and built in-house, helping Dakota Digital once again raise the bar for aftermarket instrumentation. The high-definition TFT message centers can be fully configured to display just about any piece of information needed. As you’ve come to expect from Dakota Digital, the RTX series utilizes a central control box to make installation and setup as easy as possible. Click the tabs below for a more in-depth look at the RTX series!

Analog Gauges

• Speedometer  -  00-120 MPH (optional metric version 0-240 kmh)
• Oil Pressure  -  0-80 PSI
• Water Temperature   -  100-260*F (optional metric version  40-120*C)
• Fuel Level  -  E - 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, F
• Voltmeter  -    9-17 VDC

Digital Bar Graph Gauges

• Tachometer  -  0-8,000 RPM

Digital Message Centers

Standard Displays

• Odometer (One time user settable, Million Mile)
• Dual (A/B) Trip Meter (0-9,999.9)
• Clock (12 Hour)
• Estimated Range/Miles to Empty

Performance Meters

• 0-60 MPH Timer (0-100 km/h)
• 1/4 and 1/8 mile time
• 1/4 and 1/8 mile end speed (trap speed)
• High speed recall
• High RPM recall

Built-In Indicators

Indicators

• Turn Signal (Left/Right)
• High Beam
• Check Engine
• Parking Brake
• Cruise Control (On / On & Engaged when vehicle is equipped)
• Gear Position (Optional GSS-3000 sensor required)
• 4x4 (When vehicle is equipped)
• Wait to Start (When vehicle is equipped)
• Two Auxiliary input indicators with user-programmable labels
• Each analog gauge sweep contains a red LED indicator for quick notice of a warning condition (except speedometer)
• NOT ALL OEM INDICATOR LAMP FUNCTIONS WILL BE REPLACED
  • If additional indicators are desired within the new instrument system, consider repurposing any unused indicators to suit your application.

 Lighting Technology

Colors

• Over 30 user -selectable color options allow you to independently change the needle color, sweep color and digital TFT display color.

Brightness

• Both daytime and nighttime brightness can be easily controlled through the HDX setup menu, allowing you to choose your preferred lighting intensity level, toggled by the activation of the headlight switch.  If on-the-fly rotary type control is desired, The DIM-1 is a common accessory to add this functionality.

Themes

• With 12 factory preset color themes, you can quickly create a beautiful looking system. Or, for the ultimate in customization, choose all of the color zones yourself.

Technology

• Full LED backlighting provides a strikingly visual gauge package, with sharp contrast for east of viewing both night and day.  Full RBG backlighting allows you to create the specific color you want, with a unique daytime and nighttime themes if desired.  Whether your goal is an OE look of something truly bold, the HDX Series lets you make the choice.

Included Sensors

Water Temperature

• 1/8" NPT, Grounded isolated sensor with a 10ft harness

Oil Pressure

• 1/8"NPT solid state sensor with a 10 ft harness

Cable Driven Speed Sensor/Generator

• Replaces GM style speedometer cables with a 10 ft harness.  Sensor requires approximately 5" clearance extending between the cable drive output and nay obstruction.  Part #130011 (sold separately) allows for relocation of the pulse generator when additional clearance is required.  (Tremec and Ford style adapters available on request.)

Bushings

• Each kit comes with 1/8" to 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" NPT bushings along with bushings for 12mm and 16mm x 1.5 threads.

Control Box Dimensions

5.5" x 3.5" x 1"

Calibration

Push Button Control

• Dakota Digital instrument systems are programmed and operated by the push of a button.  A two-sided rocker switch is included with each package; mount this switch in an easily accessible location when in the driving position.  The rocker switch provides quick and consistent access to all functions, either in driving mode or while in the setup menu.  Button-press feedback is available through the TFT Message Center, or through the included buzzer.  Once configured, this same switch is used to access the wealth of information located in the digital message centers.

Mobile App

• RTX instrument systems can also be completely configrued through the available mobile app, suitable to Android and Apple devices.  Using your existing tablet or smart phone, download the free app, sync your device to the RTX system, and enjoy quick and convenient menu navigation and real time gauge readouts for diagnostic use or a secondary display.

Calibration

• All calibration settings are handled through onboard capacitive touch switches or the remote Bluetooth app. While many calibration settings exist, the speedometer and fuel level are completed in most cases (unless GPS-50-2 is used, negating the need to calibrate the speedometer) through a few taps of the pushbuttons and a short test drive of the vehicle.