Upgrade: Dakota Digital VHX Install for ’69 El Camino

Dakota Digital brings us this install video of a sweet VHX system. 

The car in question, a ’69 El Camino, was fraught with inaccurate, aftermarket gauges mounted on a less-than-stellar bezel when it was brought in. Dakota Digital decided to install the VHX system to give the car a much-needed update while retaining the signature style and flair with the silver alloy faces and blue LED backlighting, the latter of which negates the need for the light bulbs behind the dash. 

Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 10.48.38 AM

The stock tach and speed are removed, as is the clock. The VHX mimics the original factory fittings without cutting or trimming, so you don’t need to bother with taking the extra time to ensure that the gauges won’t pop out or look disheveled. The gear indicator is replaced with a GSS 2000 indicator. The stock turn indicators can be left behind, as the VHX is compatible with it. So far, only the wires from the indicator and between the tach and speed are being used, with just a CAT 5 cable needed to connect to the control box. Less wiring, less woe! 

An added bonus to the VHX system is the ability to remove the stock speedometer cable, replaced instead with a solid state pulse generator. Regardless of  the gear being used, the pulse generator will work to keep you informed at all times. Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 10.46.00 AM

In the spirit of making everything digital, all of the sensors are replaced with solid-state senders to bring the El Camino into modern times. All the wired connections are finally made to the control box, where the CAT 5 cable cluster is plugged in. Voila! Just install the control box back behind the radio, and calibrate the system with just two buttons: one for fuel level sensor, and the other for the speed and tach. 

With all said and done, the Camino can now be put back in its rightful domain: the road. 

About the author

David Chick

David Chick comes to us ready for adventure. With passions that span clean and fast Corvettes all the way to down and dirty off-road vehicles (just ask him about his dream Jurassic Park Explorer), David's eclectic tastes lend well to his multiple automotive writing passions.
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