REAL GOOD QUESTION: Can the info center be removed w/o any problems?

[tntcorvette]

Can the info center be removed w/o any problems?

Can I yank out the info center without any problems?

I want to install 4 small guages there but I need to know if I will run into any problems by simply unplugging the unit?

 

[Ken]

I moved this to the C4 Mods forum because you're changing the original set-up, but you do pose an interesting question. I'll have to retrieve my books from the garage to be sure of an answer though.

Maybe Jeff will see this in the meantime - he'll know.

 

[tntcorvette]

anyone???????

 

[Ken]

Damn, I was so wrapped up in my own today that I forgot to look for an answer for you. I'll try to remember tomorrow.

_ken

 

[WhalePirot]

I want to do this, also. I see no reason why it should matter, but I'm checking my '84 schematic.

I'd mount small indicator lights for the check engine and O/D; maybe the door ajar, depending on space.

The switches are half-useless to me now, with no computed info available. The rest would be bypassed ; feeding the new gauges.

 

[Ken]

Jeez, I've got too much on my mind lately. I forgot about this one too! Damn!!

 

[WhalePirot]

So, I looked for a while at the schematic and scratched things, mostly my head.

Bottom line: I doubt that removing the center annunciator panel will matter, and I base that on this, which could well be wrong:
The switched stuff won't matter as, everything works normally with the switches selecting no display. The displays from the switches can be rerouted to another display with no switching. I plan to feed analog displays, if the feeds are proper.
The indicator lights, if burned out, do not disable anything on the car, so removing them should not matter. Does a missing light bulb present any different electrical load than a burned out bulb? I think not, so any magic circuits, looking for a certain impedance should not be affected.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Re: Can the info center be removed w/o any problems?

Can I yank out the info center without any problems?

I want to install 4 small guages there but I need to know if I will run into any problems by simply unplugging the unit?

Well, As Whalepirot mentioned, it Should not matter, but I don't know the the Stock Cluster will know if it should be in English or Metric Mode.

You will need to connect a SES light somewhere, with out the SES light, you will be unable to use a scanner to collect data from the ECM. I would also connect another Light for the Alt. While it is not needed, it is nice to have.

So the most important Light to retain in some Form is the SES.

 

[tntcorvette]

the ses light is now located on the dashboard so I will dive into it and see what happens. I'll keep the wires marked to make sure I can put it back if it fails.

Thanks all!!!

BTW, im going to get the official GM shop manual for my vette versus the haynes.

 

[Top]

Why not try and see if you can fish the harness behind the dash to give you the clearance you need and just leave it hooked up? It might slip in behind or just below the cluster.........just a thought.

Good Luck!!

Cheers!!

 

[corvettecrazy]

I agree, if it doesn't work unhooked then leave it attached and secure it somewhere behind the dash. you wont be able to see it but it wont cause any problems.

 

[tntcorvette]

i'de rather just pull it out all together, but thanks for the idea!!!

 

[WhalePirot]

You guys actually have spare room in your dash?

 

[c4cruiser]

Why not relocate the DIC panel and the switches? You could remove the "breadbox" in front of the passenger seat, extend the wires that lead to the panel and switches and build a flat panel where you could attach everything.

That gives you the functionality of the display switches and the warning lights and still leaves space for your gauge set-up.

 

[Eagle85C4]

Yes it can with no problem. Just need to fool it a bit into thinking it is still there.

The bulbs in the panel are 12 volt...they can be replaced with any color LED as long as you attach a 4700 (47K) Ohm 1/4 watt resistor. Available at Radio Shack for a couple bucks.
Then you can run a small strip with the led's in it so you can remove the panel. Or place the LED's next to the console top near the shifter. Drill the holes, place them in and wire , remember to label them correctly. Or just put the ones you want...ie SES, security.
The switches can be removed...first place them in the correct position and use a meter to see which wires are connected on the back of the switch...then cut those wires and join them together. This leaves them in the proper position without the switch. Now the panel is open for your pleasure and the guages still function as well as the warning lights...
Need anymore help on this let me know...

I also have a small chip that will make an LED blink to emulate a security system being active. Testing shows the led can run continously for over a year off a 1.5 D cell...so no worry about battery drain. Schematic available upon request. Chip is a LM-3909...

 

[oldace84]

Why? And did you do it. This is an old post.
tony

 

[Eagle85C4]

I have not done it to mine, being somewhat of a purist, but did help a friend design the new panel for his. The LED's were put straight across just behind the shifter, from where you sit you can see them perfectly, especially at night when one goes off. And the led for the ses still works the same as the bulb.
After he installed the new panel with gauges we installed 2 small push button switches to reset the trip meter and mileage. After it was done it almost looked like it was a stock install if you did not know better.