Riviera digital Instrument cluster (IC) into a Fiero dash (Page 10/14)
Skybax JUN 21, 08:13 PM
Nice work and keep the faith.
Cajun JUN 23, 09:02 AM
A little more progress yesterday afternoon.........


I have completed the wiring for the Riviera digital IC rear connector extension. This method will eliminate the misalignment issues I have previously. The mating connector has guides/alignment pins to ensure proper mating connector alignment.


This photo is of the Riviera IC prepped for installation or mating to the Fiero IC surround.


I have since installed the unit into my GT. It took about four attempts until I cleared all the issues. One main issue was the fact the rear housing of the Riviera IC was interfering with the placement of the Fiero IC rear cover. In order for the Riviera IC housing to clear I had to remove some of the house at the outer corners. Photos to follow of what that looks like. The removal of material does not compromise the Riviera IC rear housing.

We are on the home stretch with this project..... Hopefully I will be able to do some additional work today if life doesn't get in the way.
Cajun JUN 25, 10:00 AM
Okay boys and girls........... this project has come to a close (completed)

As I had mentioned I have installed the Riviera digital IC/Fiero IC surround into the GT. It has been tested and all seems to function as intended. I must say I for one am happy the project has come to an end. I for more or less worked on installing a Riviera digital IC into a Fiero for over 10 years. Yes, you heard me correctly, 10 longs years. At one point I had the Riviera IC installed but hooked up to all the necessary Riviera components for the IC to function. BCM, A/C controller, etc. Way more wiring involved than the current setup. I eventually pulled all that out and moved on. Then Chris Eddy comes along, that sparks interest again in installing a Riviera digital IC into a Fiero. If it were not for his efforts this project would have never happened. The rest is history. A big shout for Chris.........

The next two photos is what the Riviera digital IC installed looks like:




Photo of the Riviera digital IC illuminated:


A couple, three clean up items remain. I have removed the Fiero dash again, it appears that I forgot to hookup my GPS antenna. All the wiring and antenna are currently under the dash. I will need to reset the odometer to what the Fiero IC odometer illustrated when removed.

Once I get the GT on the road I will do a video of the Riviera digital IC in operation.

Now I can move on to the next upgrade for my 86GT, a 2010 Chevy 3.5l transplant with a 4T64E.

Once I have a little run time on the new instrument cluster I plan on posting "Look back comments".

All take care and please stay safe...

Mike (aka Cajun)

[This message has been edited by Cajun (edited 06-25-2021).]

87_FieroGT JUN 25, 05:11 PM
Congratulations!!! It looks absolutely amazing. Looking forward to the videos.

------------------

1988 Pontiac Fiero GT, Black w/Beechwood interior
Featured in the 2018 Fiero Store calendar month of May
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S

Trinten JUN 25, 10:58 PM
Congratulations man! And it's awesome you stuck with it. Even though there was a break in the development, you got the bugs worked out, stayed focused on what you wanted, and got it!! Focus and determination can go a long way!!
Cajun JUN 26, 07:20 AM
Thanks for the comments. It took a while but I finally got to the finish line.

I am very pleased with the results. In my aged eyes it's a thing of beauty!
Cajun JUN 29, 06:44 AM
The dash is back in the GT. The re-install went a whole lot better than the last time after taking the time to clean up some of the wiring mess.


I was just thinking of something after looking at this photo, most Fiero's out there will not have as much wiring under the dash as mine! Over the years I have installed a 2002 Firebird BCM and a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix digital HVAC controller & head to my GT. There were a lot of wiring additions to make that happen. What I am saying is for most cars the Riviera digital IC install would be a lot easier and less cluttered wiring wise.

Here is a photo of the rear corners shaved on the Riviera digital IC. Sorry for the poor quality of the photo. I should have taken a photo before re-installing the IC into the Fiero surround. The corners were shaved in order to clear the Fiero rear top cover plate.

As you can see very little of the corner material was removed.

Before I can get the GT on the road and video the Riviera IC operation I will need to complete some center console repairs. I figured since I have it torn apart I just as soon as do the repairs now. Just need to add some PlastiAid to build up a section of the center console skeleton where some of the mounting screw bosses are cracked or broken.

Hope to be back shortly...........
Cajun JUL 04, 11:03 AM
I have completed re-installing the dash in the 86GT and accessories. Now that all bits and pieces are assembled as one unit it's time to re-do all the electrical testing to ensure that all is good?

Photo of the dash - driver side:


Another photo of the dash - passenger side perspective:


Once I figure out how to video the Riviera digital IC operation I will do so. The videoing part is not the issue, it's the placement of the camera in the cockpit while driving?

I already know of one electrical issue from a quick test run. When I operate the park or headlights the instrument or interior lights goes dark (off). Not sure what's the issue at the moment. I am in the process of reviewing all the associated drawings and wiring diagrams. It has to do with the Illumination circuit. Now real sure if I screwed the wiring some how?? Not a big issue at the moment but would become one real soon when one will be driving after dark!

Oh, the interior lighting is the only issue I have come across thus far. I have taken the Riviera digital IC through it's paces, so far so good.

Hope to have a video shortly...........

Oh, Happy 4th everyone!!
Cajun JUL 10, 05:17 PM
Okay, as promised a video of the Riviera digital IC in a Fiero in operation. Please give me a little slack as this my first video post on YouTube and my first posting of a video on the internet period. Once I get the technique down I will post several other videos of the Riviera IC in operation with as many function displays as possible that does not require too much effort. I will attempt to illuminate as many idiot lights as possible in the upcoming videos.

The link to the YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/pjCTytyDl78
Skybax JUL 10, 09:23 PM
Impressive!