"Analog" display will -- hopefully -- not go away, I agree with Shifty there... but it'll only look analog and come from electronics. Which is really the most reliable part of any car, usually.
Yes that would be fine--electronic analog. I think the brain needs to see incremental progress of an event to truly understand what's happening. I suppose one could argue that digital bar graphs do that, but not really. It's a compromise at best.
Some automakers have chosen the worst of both worlds--they degrade the analog gauge--like when your heat gauge shows C - N- H but in reality doesn't move in increments from N to H. The gauge is actually lying to you.
I suppose that things like a digital tachometer might be necessary, because with a few of today's engines, an analog tach just can't respond fast enough to the rate of acceleration.
I judge it on the standard of my C20. If it isn't at least as unmolested and in as good of condition as my truck (and with at least as original of components), then it is either not a survivor (even if a plausible candidate for restoration) or not original, or neither. But, that's a fairly self-centered way of looking at it.
Which means I'm right, of course.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Fully "digital" analog gauges aren't really new at all.
The Lincoln Continental had them in the early 2000s
My ‘85 300z had digital gauges.
@Mr_Shiftright in my Z, it always felt like the tach lagged, and the speedo readout jumped in 2 mph increments in the low range. My brain just couldn’t adjust to not having sweeping needles.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Each type of gauge has an advantage. Digital gives you a quick, accurate reading. Analog is better at showing you change over time. Glass now often gives you a digital look on an analog performing gauge.
Fully "digital" analog gauges aren't really new at all.
The Lincoln Continental had them in the early 2000s
My ‘85 300z had digital gauges.
@Mr_Shiftright in my Z, it always felt like the tach lagged, and the speedo readout jumped in 2 mph increments in the low range. My brain just couldn’t adjust to not having sweeping needles.
Full digital has been around since 1980 or so. What I’m referring to is the analog look (dials) but actually digital. The first car I can think of with that is the early 2000s Continental
I had a full digital dash in the 04 Marquis. I kinda liked it, but that car even being a 2004 felt like something from the 80s anyway.
When people talk about digital gauges and how well they work, all I can think about are the -20, -30, -40 days where it takes a long time for the LCDs to warm up enough to function real-time, and how annoying it would be to drive blind during those minutes.
As long as they do continue to work, though, I suppose all is well in the end.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Full digital has been around since 1980 or so. What I’m referring to is the analog look (dials) but actually digital. The first car I can think of with that is the early 2000s Continental
I had a full digital dash in the 04 Marquis. I kinda liked it, but that car even being a 2004 felt like something from the 80s anyway.
I don't think I'd ever know that was digital
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Stalk horn, something Ford also got into around 1980 IIRC. Not sure if I'd want a digital dash made with 1970s British electrical bits.
The digital display in that Grand Marquis is amusing - they simulated needles (I assume, must be a very rare option), which is high tech, but then have an old school pixelated display at right that looks like something from the 90s at best.
It's been warm the last couple of days, so yesterday I took the cover off the Mustang and hooked up the battery charger. Let it run until I left for work today. Took 1/2 day PTO and plugged the charger back in when I got home. After an hour or so, battery was fully charged. Put a trouble light under the oil pan for 1/2 an hour or so. Unplugged the ignition and turned the engine over until the oil pressure gauge moved up. Started right up after that. Let it run for 20 minutes or so to dry out the exhaust. Still sounds good.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Stalk horn, something Ford also got into around 1980 IIRC. Not sure if I'd want a digital dash made with 1970s British electrical bits.
The digital display in that Grand Marquis is amusing - they simulated needles (I assume, must be a very rare option), which is high tech, but then have an old school pixelated display at right that looks like something from the 90s at best.
That was a 2002 Continental (Glorified Taurus)
Pretty sure it was standard as I’ve never seen one without it.
I had no idea an 02 Continental/Taurinental had virtual gauges like that. Pretty cool, and an odd vehicle for it, seeing as 99% of the customer base probably either couldn't have cared less, or was put off by it.
Picture caption states: The trip computer package with digital speedometer and readout became optional on all Seville models in 1978, as shown on this ’78 model. Back then all I wanted was the Gucci edition with matching luggage.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
I thought maybe Caddy had it on the Seville, probably not a popular option. I’ve never noticed one for sale with it. Starting in the 80s it really took off.
I thought maybe Caddy had it on the Seville, probably not a popular option. I’ve never noticed one for sale with it. Starting in the 80s it really took off.
The Cadillac wreath and crest on the steering wheel would suggest otherwise.
I thought maybe Caddy had it on the Seville, probably not a popular option. I’ve never noticed one for sale with it. Starting in the 80s it really took off.
The Cadillac wreath and crest on the steering wheel would suggest otherwise.
I was talking to @fintail about the Mystery dash I posted. C’mon now I know my Caddies and Lincoln’s!
I don't recall the exact years, but sometime in the 80's when GM re-did and kind of downsized again the personal luxury cars, I recall a lot of electronics and digitization for the times in the new release Riviera and Toronado. I also seem to remember there were more than a few issues, which may not really be surprising because GM seemed to be pushing the envelope a bit.
Too bad the bustleback didn't have those gauges for MY 1980, the one with the good engine. Always had a guilty pleasure from those cars, I liked them when I was a kid.
I can't even imagine what my wife would do to me if I dragged a mutt like that home, put it in the garage, and spent all my time (and money) working on it.
I can't even imagine what my wife would do to me if I dragged a mutt like that home, put it in the garage, and spent all my time (and money) working on it.
My guess? Nothing; she wouldn't be there to worry about it!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Too bad the bustleback didn't have those gauges for MY 1980, the one with the good engine. Always had a guilty pleasure from those cars, I liked them when I was a kid.
I think I mentioned this previously here, but way back when I first started working back in 1980, a (temporary) boss had one of the early bustlebacks. The company owner went to lunch with him one day and they dragged me along for some reason I didn't understand initially. I was a bit intimidated but soon learned why I was there - it was to be a boozy lunch for them and I was to drive them back to the office afterwards.
I got them into the Seville after a few hours and headed back to the office. The main memory of it I have was that it had the lightest power steering I have ever experienced before or since. I had driven Dad's '71 Monaco with Chrysler's infamous no-feel power steering but this one was in another class altogether. I was as if the steering column wasn't connected to anything ahead of the firewall. I guess Cadillac thought their owners wanted that back then. I recall that the power brakes were also very sensitive, and it was very floaty over undulations in the road.
Sounds like I'd hate driving one, maybe even a seasick ride in one of those. Design-wise anyway, they are uh, interesting. I also like the Eldo of that era, and maybe it has a more grounded ride.
I remember the 66 Galaxie in the family had really light power steering too, easily steered with a finger.
I think I mentioned this previously here, but way back when I first started working back in 1980, a (temporary) boss had one of the early bustlebacks. The company owner went to lunch with him one day and they dragged me along for some reason I didn't understand initially. I was a bit intimidated but soon learned why I was there - it was to be a boozy lunch for them and I was to drive them back to the office afterwards.
I got them into the Seville after a few hours and headed back to the office. The main memory of it I have was that it had the lightest power steering I have ever experienced before or since. I had driven Dad's '71 Monaco with Chrysler's infamous no-feel power steering but this one was in another class altogether. I was as if the steering column wasn't connected to anything ahead of the firewall. I guess Cadillac thought their owners wanted that back then. I recall that the power brakes were also very sensitive, and it was very floaty over undulations in the road.
Comments
Some automakers have chosen the worst of both worlds--they degrade the analog gauge--like when your heat gauge shows C - N- H but in reality doesn't move in increments from N to H. The gauge is actually lying to you.
The Lincoln Continental had them in the early 2000s
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2019/02/04/ask-a-hemmings-editor-what-constitutes-a-survivor/
Which means I'm right, of course.
@Mr_Shiftright in my Z, it always felt like the tach lagged, and the speedo readout jumped in 2 mph increments in the low range. My brain just couldn’t adjust to not having sweeping needles.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
When I Build My Spaceship, It Will Be Equipped With This Mitsubishi Cordia Instrument Cluster.
@Mr_Shiftright in my Z, it always felt like the tach lagged, and the speedo readout jumped in 2 mph increments in the low range. My brain just couldn’t adjust to not having sweeping needles.
Full digital has been around since 1980 or so. What I’m referring to is the analog look (dials) but actually digital. The first car I can think of with that is the early 2000s Continental
I had a full digital dash in the 04 Marquis. I kinda liked it, but that car even being a 2004 felt like something from the 80s anyway.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/3-series/sedan/gallery.html#!/the-3-series-gallery/20
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
As long as they do continue to work, though, I suppose all is well in the end.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The digital display in that Grand Marquis is amusing - they simulated needles (I assume, must be a very rare option), which is high tech, but then have an old school pixelated display at right that looks like something from the 90s at best.
Took 1/2 day PTO and plugged the charger back in when I got home.
After an hour or so, battery was fully charged.
Put a trouble light under the oil pan for 1/2 an hour or so.
Unplugged the ignition and turned the engine over until the oil pressure gauge moved up.
Started right up after that. Let it run for 20 minutes or so to dry out the exhaust.
Still sounds good.
Pretty sure it was standard as I’ve never seen one without it.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
This one from 1990
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The latest pic looks like GM fonts.
Picture caption states: The trip computer package with digital speedometer and readout became optional on all Seville models in 1978, as shown on this ’78 model.
Back then all I wanted was the Gucci edition with matching luggage.
I thought maybe Caddy had it on the Seville, probably not a popular option. I’ve never noticed one for sale with it. Starting in the 80s it really took off.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/d/columbus-1985-tiffany/6811841528.html
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Tiffany decimal place is off by one or more.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I got them into the Seville after a few hours and headed back to the office. The main memory of it I have was that it had the lightest power steering I have ever experienced before or since. I had driven Dad's '71 Monaco with Chrysler's infamous no-feel power steering but this one was in another class altogether. I was as if the steering column wasn't connected to anything ahead of the firewall. I guess Cadillac thought their owners wanted that back then. I recall that the power brakes were also very sensitive, and it was very floaty over undulations in the road.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I've driven quite a few 80s Cadillacs and the feeling was very similar.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I remember the 66 Galaxie in the family had really light power steering too, easily steered with a finger.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.