'88 Fiero Build "War Hammer" (Page 11/24)
War Hammer APR 16, 04:17 AM
I did one more harness tonight, the one for the dash mounted hazard light switch.

The power in side finished.
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The output side.
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The finished harness.


I hope you like it.

Paul

------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie

War Hammer APR 20, 01:55 AM
Sorry I havent posted in a few days. Here is what I have been up to lately.

I wrapped the unused wire from the Corvette dash harness and boxed it for later use.




I disassembled the Camaro gauges and the C5 gauges.
Front



Rear




The logic I am using is to mate the Camaro gauge board to the Corvette gauge servo motors. This was suggested to me by serveral sources. If it doesn't work I will use the Camaro servos too. As was pointed out to me, the gauges will not be accurate but I talked with Alex at Black Cat Custom ( blackcatcustom.com ) and was assured that an accurate set of gauges could be created for a reasonable cost (around $150-$200).

If all of this fails I will be probably use these. They cost around $800 shipped :'(



Check back soon as I will complete much more this week. I have to get this car together soon. I start Wyotech in June (the 26th) and have to be ready to start the body then.


Edit for pics.

Paul

------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie

[This message has been edited by War Hammer (edited 04-20-2009).]

War Hammer APR 21, 03:40 AM
Okey Dokie. Here is what I did today.

1. I recut the lower dash panel for a more factory appearance. A previous ower did a hack job cutting the panel in a very unnatural trapezoid pattern. I fixed it by using a can from the cupboard (Sweet Sue Chicken and Dumplings in case you were curious ) to make a pattern on the part. I the used a dremel with a cutoff wheel to cut the new semi-oval pattern out of the part. Then I used a grinding cylinder in the dremel to clean up and fine tune the cut.

Before




After the cuting wheel




After the grinder




With the column gasket resting on it. It still needs covered but this gives you an idea.


Next I modified the dash housing to accept the switches I am using and the Fiero dimmer

Here is the gauge surround uncut but marked.





The cuts made to allow the switches. I used the dremel with the cutoff wheel.





I also cut the clear gauge cover in a similar fashion but no picture were taken.


Next I wired the Camaro circuit board to the Corvette gauges. I am hoping this will work and not blow up the board or servo motors [worried].

The Camaro board with the wires coming out. For connectors I used unshielded butt connectors and small ring connectors from RadioShack.




The Camaro gauges connected to the corresponding places on the Corvette gauges. I just ran than wires straight acrossed hoping GM didn't change the placement of the wires through the years :O




Anyway, that is today's accomplishments. Constructive comments or help are welcomed.

More to come.

Paul

------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie

sjmaye APR 21, 05:45 AM

quote
Originally posted by War Hammer:



Paul,

I am slightly confused. Exactly what are you doing in this pic? Mating the Corvette and Camaro instrument clusters electronics? What is it you are trying to achieve?

Steve

[This message has been edited by sjmaye (edited 04-21-2009).]

War Hammer APR 21, 09:56 AM
I am trying to drive the Corvette gauge motors with the Camaro board. If this fails I will use the Camaro motors behind the Corvette faces. A lot more work though. Black Cat Custom is going to make new gauge faces after I find out which one works. That way they will be accurate.

Thanks for the question!

Paul

------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie

War Hammer APR 21, 10:39 AM
The next question I have is on gauge lighting.

The Corvette gauges are front lit. Should I use leds (it is my understanding that you cannot dim them) or bulbs? I am mounting them where the Covette black lights were.

Thanks for your opinions!

Paul

------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie

War Hammer APR 21, 10:13 PM
Well rewiring gauges isn't as easy as it appears. I tried running wires straight across - nope. I tried changing motors - nope. So I have to study more.

Any ideas?

Paul

------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie

1986 Fiero GT APR 21, 11:32 PM

quote
Originally posted by War Hammer:

The Corvette gauges are front lit. Should I use leds (it is my understanding that you cannot dim them) or bulbs? I am mounting them where the Covette black lights were.




You can in fact use LEDs, with a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) circuit, which essentially just blinks them very fast, so it appears that they dim. Directly, however, no...LEDs are not capable of being dimmed. If you plan on using the standard C5 indicators and gauge faces, I'd go with UV LEDs, in order to get the "fluoresce" from the gauges as Chevy had designed them. At least, that's what I would do. I can design you a LED PWM circuit using a 555 timer, if you want...
War Hammer APR 23, 12:11 AM
Wow Cliff I feel honored!!!

I made it to the Construction Zone!!!

Thanks!!

Paul

------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie

War Hammer APR 23, 12:16 AM
I am using custom engine turned aluminum gauge faces so the UV leds won't work. However I would love dimable leds if they can work somehow with the Fiero dimmer. If it will, please design it for me and tell me what parts to buy.

Thanks, Trevor!

Paul


quote
Originally posted by 1986 Fiero GT:


You can in fact use LEDs, with a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) circuit, which essentially just blinks them very fast, so it appears that they dim. Directly, however, no...LEDs are not capable of being dimmed. If you plan on using the standard C5 indicators and gauge faces, I'd go with UV LEDs, in order to get the "fluoresce" from the gauges as Chevy had designed them. At least, that's what I would do. I can design you a LED PWM circuit using a 555 timer, if you want...



------------------
1988 Fiero
3800SC Series 1 w/5spd
Lowering Springs
18's w/Pirellis
Corvette Dash Mod

1985 GT
1986 Notchie
1987 Notchie