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I can't believe I found this car. I have been posting for about a year or so trying to find this dash. I plan on making a article on the differences between this dash and the GTA version. Just wanted to quickly share before work. I think there where only 28 of these made from what I am told. Is this the only one left?
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
What makes you say they only made 28 86 T/As with a digital dash? Seems weird that I've never stumbled across a 1LE Camaro or Firebird in the wild, but I've seen at least a few 86 T/As with the digi-dash.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Digital dash isn't the most common thing, but it's not really that rare, and it's the same dash between the TA and GTA. May be the lowest production in 86, but there were plenty from 87-90(?)
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
28 is what the first owner told me. He was almost 80, and was ready to sell it. Also seen it on a thread on here. This dash is diffrent from the later GTA style because it has a totally different tachometer, and the convenience center on the right is missing the AVG button. It's weird the button is there but it doesn't do anything. Doesn't move it all, not even labeled. If you look at the GM stock photo it's not labled, so I know its not worn/broken. I would like to try to find out more about it. My real goal was to swap a digital dash into my current 86, seen this one that was unmolested and had the correct 86 tachometer. Couldn't pass it up. I agree that the later dash is findable. Never seen one like this for sale anywhere.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by t/aws61985
28 is what the first owner told me.
Well, when you put it that way.
No actual data to back up my presumption, but I'll bet you can add a zero or two onto that number. Considering it was a fresh new option at that point, and they made a gazillion 1986 Trans Ams, I doubt they pushed a mere 28 of anything out the door.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
I always assumed they made a few hundred. But there's no data back any of this up. I'm going to buy a PHS packet on the car. Maybe that will render some type of information.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Might be some truth to the number of Digital Dash's for 86 (28)The Digital Dash was Introduced in March of 86,IIRC March is pretty much at the end of production for the year.t/aws61985 what is the manufacture date on your drivers door>
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by mantaguy
Might be some truth to the number of Digital Dash's for 86 (28)The Digital Dash was Introduced in March of 86,IIRC March is pretty much at the end of production for the year.t/aws61985 what is the manufacture date on your drivers door>
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
I will look at the drivers door after work. Not sure if anything will still be readable. Also if anyone in socal is parting any 85/86 cars out let me know. Cant find parts out here.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
My vin ends in F9GN225813 and my build date is FEB.86.I don't know how Vins are created but I would assume they go in numerical order and if that's the case, my car is considered a late build, so yours would be even later.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Another surprise this Dash gave me was this bulb that refuses to turn on. I tried everything from replacing the bulb, to cleaning the contacts. Wish I had my multi-meter.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
This is from the 1988 service manual. That bulb on pin 33 is the hidden generator lamp and is not for illuminating. The current through the generator lamp is necessary to start producing power. It will likely only light up in the very beginning when you start the car.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
In addition I was able to swap in the replacement Fender I bought from LKQ. The fender is not in the best of shape but it's way better than a huge dent. I deleted the power antenna for a standard fixed version while I was at it. Do not feel like dealing with all the problems they have on this car. I also got a cheap, and not totally destroyed, radio pod. Didn't have my phone on me when I installed it. My next project to work on is the headliner.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Been busy trying the best to fix the car on the cheap. Was able to do a lot for around $300. Just like my other threads I am just gonna list it all.
1. New (Used) Drivers info center (from 1987 GTA)
2. New (Used) Radio Pod
3. New (Used) Taillight center
4. New "Fuel Injection" decals
5. Added AUX
6. New Bulbs
7. New Drivers Door Sensor
8. SLP Intake
9. New (Used) Pull Down Motor
10. New Hawks Pull down Guides
11. Decent used Headliner (That I really hate)
12. New (Used) Passenger door lock motor
13. Dash Mat (Used)
14. Added A Defrost switch (why not?)
15. New Turn signal lever
16. Deleted Smog
17. New Battery (ya.....I left the dang hatch light on again)
Have not added Yet: Coolant Level Sensor, Poly Front Sway Bar End Links
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Another thing I want to share is the differences between the 1986 Digital dash and the later 1987+ versions. I had to replace my Drivers Info center due to how it was not showing all the numbers. I was kind of surprised with the differences in the boards. The 86 board is the light cream colored board. As you can see it seems much more primitive compared to the 87 GTA board, which is green. Fun fact is that the SYS CHECK button is totally the same, I swapped mine for the one on the 86 board. It was in much better shape.
Another interesting difference is obvious but I wanted to touch on it anyways. The 86 odometer screen doesnt have the AVG button and display. The Board Does Not have the Pin for it, and the button does not do anything it's just a filler. But here is the kicker. When you disconnect the battery, and then reapply power, on that first start up the screen will say AVG right next to the button! I don't know if the 87+ Digital dash DIC had a effect on the system. But whatever circuit/pin on the screen that causes the AVG to show up has to be there, even on the 86 board. One of my good friends has a 87 Cluster I am going to buy to get a 87+ board/switch set up. I will keep everyone posted to see if it actually works. Also the 86 board has a 85 build date, and the 87 has a 86. Kinda cool.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
I have that type of mirror in a couple of GM vehicles, and would like to add one to the T/A. But I was afraid I'd be distracted by the green display among the red gauges. Does it bother you at all?
Of course, you have a digital dash, so maybe it's less of an issue...
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
No Not at all. It is not distracting at all. If anyone wants one I make a Drop in version with all the wiring and such done. Even made some Instructions. I can do them for about $100 shipped, and to be honest I will not really make money of them. But I am glad to help. The Mirrors may have some minor scuffs and stuff due to age. I go out and buy a Add a circuit so that its a easy mod. I Have been running this one for about a month with no problems. Even will come with new flex tube to cover the wires for a OEM look. Only have to drill 1 hole for the temp sensor bracket.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by J.C. Denton
Can you please tell me, what mirror that is? I want a direct fit mirror like this, with compass and automatic day&night feature. Thanks!
None are a direct fit. There is aftermarket units available. I pull these out of cars and spend hours cutting up a harness to isolate all needed wires etc. Then build a thirdgen specific harness that fits the car perfectly. TBH I make it a little Longer than needed because every set up can possibly be different from car to car.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
I noticed the upshift indicator on the service bulletin is shown in the lower left of the cluster, but it also looks like it was removed for production. I have an 87 GTA and the cutouts are still there for the control board and screen, however, the upshift light is integrated into the tachometer screen now.
Does your 86 RPM gauge have the upshift light in the top left of the screen too? or was it removed entirely for '86?
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by RunawayRadio
I noticed the upshift indicator on the service bulletin is shown in the lower left of the cluster, but it also looks like it was removed for production. I have an 87 GTA and the cutouts are still there for the control board and screen, however, the upshift light is integrated into the tachometer screen now.
Does your 86 RPM gauge have the upshift light in the top left of the screen too? or was it removed entirely for '86?
On my 1988 version there is an upshift light in the tachometer screen, however on my 1986 version it's missing and nowhere else to be found:
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
That's awesome. I've never seen one in person, but always kept my eyes open - since in the 87 Pontiac brochure you can see an 86 digital dash. I stashed every digital dash piece I can find, 87-88 5speed cars (apparently they only built 6 or so in 89 with digital dash) had a bulb in the back that would light up the "up" shift indicator. My guess is that the 86 digital dashes weren't 100% ready (hence the avg button) and maybe only came in automatic cars for the remainder of the year?
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by Cehbra
On my 1988 version there is an upshift light in the tachometer screen, however on my 1986 version it's missing and nowhere else to be found:
Thanks for the photo, I figured that might be the case. Like 89 GTA mentioned, it might just be that it was dropped entirely for the remainder of the year while they finalized the parts for the revised 87 year. Tbh, i actually prefer the slider rpm gauge vs the later models but i can see why they changed it.
Anyone know what the screen was made of? Looks like bonded glass over a substrate, but i don't see what lights up the actual panel inside.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by RunawayRadio
Thanks for the photo, I figured that might be the case. Like 89 GTA mentioned, it might just be that it was dropped entirely for the remainder of the year while they finalized the parts for the revised 87 year. Tbh, i actually prefer the slider rpm gauge vs the later models but i can see why they changed it.
Anyone know what the screen was made of? Looks like bonded glass over a substrate, but i don't see what lights up the actual panel inside.
You guessed right. The screens are made of bonded glass with an opaque black foil on top that has cutouts for the parts that need to be illuminated. Behind the glass panels there are some semitransparent colored plastic panels. And all that is illuminated by some ordinary 194 bulbs.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Meticulous, as always cehbra .
Thanks for both answering part of and expanding my question. To be clear, i was curious about the electroluminescent panel between the glass. the 194 bulb will make it easy to see and the acrylic insert gives it colour, however, there is some sort of a clear board inside that actually displays the info from the control boards. Kind of like a dot matrix display, but i can't make out the matrix between the glass panels. Ever taken one apart?
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by RunawayRadio
Meticulous, as always cehbra .
Thanks for both answering part of and expanding my question. To be clear, i was curious about the electroluminescent panel between the glass. the 194 bulb will make it easy to see and the acrylic insert gives it colour, however, there is some sort of a clear board inside that actually displays the info from the control boards. Kind of like a dot matrix display, but i can't make out the matrix between the glass panels. Ever taken one apart?
I think they are just regular LCDs, not electroluminescent displays. Without back lighting you can't see anything in the dark. The polarizing filters of the LCD are arranged so that the LCD is normally black. When current is applied the respective segment becomes transparent and you can see the multi colored panel behind it, this is why the digital dash is very readable even in bright sunlight. For dim lighting conditions the bulbs behind the lcd will pass light through the colored plastic panels. You can kinda see the LCD's imprints on that foto, though I can't quite manage to capture it right because of low contrast...
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
You're right - the marks are faint but definitely there. If they're a transmissive LCD then GM would have made a complete new die for the 86-87 model change - just to move the upshift light. Lol.
That's a hell of an investment while GM finalized the design.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
just found this thread, my 87 didn't have digital and I never really noticed the digital dashes I guess they're kind of rare? I guess thats something to look for now. does complete harness swap required?
Cool!
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by zman1969
just found this thread, my 87 didn't have digital and I never really noticed the digital dashes I guess they're kind of rare? I guess thats something to look for now. does complete harness swap required?
Cool!
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
Originally Posted by mantaguy
6/86,I didn't think they went that long into the year with production,heck when do they start production on the new year?
In March of 86 we were just running 1987 Prototypes. Model changeover normally ended in July, but Never in March as far as Norwood went. Thats when next years builds were coming down the line to be sent to GM Tech center. I remember taking breaks in the digital dash TA’s. i thought they were the coolest thing It was true, we had a lot of problems with the. and we ran them intermittently.
Re: 1986 1/2 Digital Dash Car. Digital Dash Prototype
The digital dash was not even an official option for 1986. It was introduced late in the production. Only 2500 Trans Am models total were produced after the private release to the dealerships. I have the documentation to show when it was actually offered. 1987 came many digital dashes but like stated before the dash was changed slightly.
Unfortunately, this limited production run has not seemed to really drive collectors as of yet. People are more interested in how fast a car can go. If it is not early '70's or before people don't seem to care about numbers matching, low miles, or rarity.
Some day, I think people will regret not respecting this car earlier. People didn't treat them well so many have been destroyed. There can't be many left in great shape.
06-18-2018, 03:39 PM
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