If you’re looking to bring your classic 1951 Ford car into the modern age without losing that vintage vibe, the VHX-51F gauge system is where it’s at. This setup uses the original gauge bezel, so you won’t have to butcher your vintage tin to get it installed. Just hook it up to the existing mounting points, and you’re good to go. Plus, there’s the VLC-51F clock/message center available separately, which comes in a slick chrome-plated, machined aluminum body that complements the look perfectly.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the VHX Series is how much easier it is to read compared to the old-school gauges. The fully lit needles and backlit faces mean you can see everything clearly, even in bright sunlight. And those LCD message centers? They’re not just pretty; they give you real-time info that’s crucial when you’re out on the road. Under the hood, it’s got micro-controlled precision stepper motors and solid-state sensors that deliver accuracy you can trust. Plus, you can customize the display feedback to suit your style. And let’s not forget about the unbeatable lifetime warranty that Dakota Digital offers—seriously, that’s a game changer.
Now, let’s get into some specs. The analog gauges cover all the essentials: your speedometer goes from 0 to 120 MPH (or 0 to 195 km/h if you prefer metric), and the tachometer handles up to 8,000 RPM. You’ve got oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and a voltmeter that ranges from 9 to 17 VDC, all with that bright backlit technology that makes it easy to read at a glance. Each gauge is illuminated by LEDs, so you’ll always know what’s going on at a quick glance.
The digital message centers are where things get really interesting. You’ve got a standard odometer that you can set once and forget (it can even handle a million miles!), a dual trip meter, and a clock. If you’re into performance, you’ll appreciate the 0-60 MPH timer, quarter-mile time, and high-speed recall features. The gauges are capable of displaying speeds up to 255 MPH and RPMs up to 9,900, so you’ll be well-equipped for any spirited drive.
Included with the VHX-51F are all the necessary sensors: a water temperature sensor that’s 1/8″ NPT, an oil pressure sensor, and a cable-driven speed sensor that replaces the old Ford or GM speedometer cables. Each kit comes with a range of bushings to ensure a snug fit, and the control box is compact enough to fit just about anywhere with dimensions of 5.5″ x 3.5″ x 1″.
Calibration is a breeze with the included pushbuttons. Just mount them somewhere accessible, and you can easily set your speedometer, cylinder count, and fuel gauge. Once you’ve got it dialed in, those same buttons let you dive into all the info in the digital message centers.
Fitment: This gauge system is designed specifically for the Ford Car 1951. Just a heads up, the bezel isn’t included, and not all OEM indicator lamps will be replaced. If you want additional indicators, you might have to get creative with any unused ones.
For those who want to dive deeper into installation, you can find all the manuals you need right here:
In short, if you’re looking to upgrade your 1951 Ford with some modern tech while keeping that classic charm, the VHX-51F is a solid choice. It’s practical, reliable, and designed with real-world driving in mind.
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