Just curious about this, but the 85 sedan I mentioned in another thread has the digital dash...and I was wondering what all is required to convert it over to the analog cluster?

Reason is, if I end up buying this car, I'll be using my wagon as a parts donor...

 

I don't know EXACTLY how hard it would be, but my general guess is that it's more trouble than it's worth.... here are some issues you may run in to.

(1) there may already be a problem with the wiring connector for the digital dash vs. the standard analog dash.

(2) the sending units may be different (like oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, brake hydraulic, etc.) they may be physically the same, but have a different electrical resistance than the digital dash would use. (the sending unit uses resistance to indicate varying levels, such as oil pressure. incorrect resistance could make the gauge inaccurate.) You may have to end up replacing the sending units. if the indicator lights, like the alternator light and what else, that are normally mounted on the top of the dashboard in that long strip, are located on the digital, it may pose a problem. (although I don't think this is the case.)

(3) there may be a problem with the speedometer match-up, because I think the analog speedometer is driven off a cable leading to the transmission. again, I'm not sure how the digital dash uses that. I'm not sure how the tachometer will match up either.

if you like projects, it can be accomplished. I can't speculate how much trouble it will be though. more than likely, some wiring modifications will be required. maybe someone else can post a little more helpful information. but I hope this helps a little bit.

 

Ive heard these dashes go bad regularly and are expensive tp replace. Also not as reliable as analog.

 

well, someone on here, a long time ago, listed the sending units, etc..., that woul dbe needed...

I'm curious, because IF i end up getting the sedan, I'll be planning to put the analog cluster from my wagon into it...which means I'd have access to all of the sending units and sensors...

also, does anyone know if there would be an issue in swapping an 87 model UCU and MAF into an 85 model?

 

As far as the dash goes, I'd say call the local dealer in your neck
of the woods and ask what's involved...

As far as the MAF and UCU (I assume you meant ECU), I run an 87 MAF & I
did have an 87 ECU (I pulled it because I think it had some problems), so now
I run an 87 MAF with an 86 ECU.

No problems with that setup as of yet, been in there for about six months now.

I'd check with Ebay - there usually someone out there selling parts lists that
cover our gen of cars - I'd get one and check part numbers for sensors and
the like for the different years, that should be a good resource...

Scott