steering actuator and
dash panel (right), since
revised. The drive motor
was scavenged from an
industrial plotter. The
photo does a poor job of
showing the amount of
work that went into
modifying the steering
column.
instrument cluster
appears to be no big
deal - unless you're a
classic Chevy enthusiast.
The sharp eye may note
that the cluster is circa
1966 modified to hold the
late model metric/diesel
gauges.
has been redesigned to
accept an air ride driver's
seat as well as additional
space added to the left of
the driver for a small
auxiliary control panel -
not entirely unlike the
one utilized by Captain
Kirk.
sequence. The gussets
fabricated from 3/16"
plate (above) were
added the following week
to better distribute the
force of my 230 pound
fat ass along the thin wall
of the main horizontal
support.
small additions and
details placed as time
has permitted. The lower
"shift" lever on the
column is the master air
apply valve - originally a
"spike" lever scavenged
from a Mack DM-800.
Opposite, the turn signal
switch from the same
donor source.
cage. Several optical
assemblies will eventually
mount here.
chosen so that the rod can be easily retracted out of the way under the seat for "normal"
driving. To keep with the retro-tech theme, the instrument panels will house digital gauges
utilizing Nixie tubes to display data. The 27 year old Commodore is no joke either. A b'day
prezzie from my friend Lisa 2 years ago - It will be used as the graphic interface to display the
status of all other on board systems. Yes, this function could have been as easily handled by a
single PIC, but where's the cool factor in that?
clusters installed
(above) Horizontally
beside the wheel:
Engine oil pressure,
Engine coolant
temperature, and
transmission
temperature.
Vertical to right:
Starting battery
voltage and air
pressure. Beside
seat: Tachometer.
Right: Steering drive
motor and sprocket
detail.
set out to build a Captain Kirk chair for the
pilot's seat. It's amazing what a $13 Canadian
Tire seat cover can accomplish.
be replaced with digital displays utilizing Nixie tubes and CRTs behind smoked lexan panels.
Don't tell anyone, but the panel to the right is actually the rear face of a traffic sign that was,
um... Liberated due to one of those "crazy girlfriend that likes to sneak up" power tool
accidents ruining the first panel.
relay panel was fabricated from 14 gua.
aluminum sheet and serves as the common
point to which all of the chassis wiring will be
brought directly in an attempt to eschew a
myriad of Wye connected noodles buried
throughout the vehicle.
