Tripminder Idea

Topic: Tripminder Idea (Read 2636 times) previous topic - next topic

Tripminder Idea

March 07, 2005, 01:12:18 AM

Has anyone tried to take the economy module out of a full digital display and replace the clock with it? Would the wiring be complicated? I think I might try it out when I get some time. Just looking for some input.

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #1 – March 07, 2005, 01:13:43 AM

I'm not familiar with how it's installed in there... but the idea might be crazy enough to work, albeit a wiring nightmare. I say this because, at least in the base cluster, the speedo comes out as one unit. So, just maybe the econ thing comes out the same. You'll be purchasing an EVTM or two to figure out all those wires, though.

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #2 – March 07, 2005, 01:17:20 AM

I think it does come out like the speedo. Given the wiring codes from where the plugs fit in, I may be able to get it connected. Whether it works or not, I don't know. The concept would be the same as wiring a regular tripminder since it should require the same wires.

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #3 – March 07, 2005, 01:18:18 AM

You'll probably have to fabricate some kinda plexi cover for it too, but that's the least of your concerns, considering it probably wires into the rest of the cluster (much like the speedo) with the super-thin ribbon.

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #4 – March 07, 2005, 01:20:25 AM

I would probably de-solder the ribbon and solder in some color-coded wires. I can fab up something to mount it with. I have an extra pen 15, so I could probably recycle the mounting bracket.

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #5 – March 07, 2005, 03:46:58 AM

Quote from: amooset

I would probably de-solder the ribbon and solder in some color-coded wires. I can fab up something to mount it with. I have an extra pen 15, so I could probably recycle the mounting bracket.

The ladies must really love you!

Sorry, it's late, and I couldn't resist. :D

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #6 – March 07, 2005, 03:49:03 AM

Oh, by the way. When I opened up my full electronic cluster awhile back, there were three seperate modules. If I can find my old pics, I'll post 'em.

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #7 – March 07, 2005, 04:00:20 AM

Found it, not the best pic though. Hope it helps.

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #8 – March 07, 2005, 08:17:48 AM

I had considered such a swap myself, but came up with a big snag: The digital gauges require a different fuel sender than the buttstuffogue ones. With digital, the sender's resistance is 9-12 ohms when empty, 154-161 ohms full. Resistance rises as the float rises. With the buttstuffogue gauge, resistance is 60-86 ohms empty, 8-12 ohms full. Resistance lowers as the float rises. You would either have to 1) have two sending units in the tank, 2) come up with an electronic module that would inverse the sender's output, or 3) forsake the buttstuffogue gauge altogether and use only the digital one.

A much easier solution would be to find a factory tripminder module. There have been a few on eBay lately

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #9 – March 07, 2005, 05:52:11 PM

Quote from: Warbird9

The ladies must really love you!

Sorry, it's late, and I couldn't resist. :D

Can't believe I didn't catch that the first time around...

Re: Tripminder Idea

Reply #10 – March 07, 2005, 06:11:46 PM

I've also looked into using Mark VII tripminder but this would be touch-and-go. Apparently there were two different fuel gauges used in a Mark. One uses a thermal strip (like ours), the other uses a magnetic gauge (like just about any other modern gauge). each gauge hasd a unique sending unit - one is like the one in our cars, the other is like the unit in T-Birds/Cougs with the electronic cluster. All pre-88 Marks with the tripminder had the electronic cluster and therefore have the same problem as the Bird/Coug tripminder in the dash in that they require the "digital" sending unit.

In the 88-92 Mark there are two different tripminders, one for each gauge type, and both gauge types were used from 88-92 so you bcan't go by model year. On the thermal gauge type there is an "anti-slosh/tripminder interface module" attached to the back of the cluster. I believe that with one of those interface modules a Mark tripminder could be adapted to a T-Bird/Cougar with the buttstuffogue fuel gauge, but you'd need to make sure you get the right tripminder, and the right anti-slosh/tripminder interface module. The advantage to the Mark tripminder over the Bird/Coug/Crown Vic clock/tripminder module is that the Mark module would show gallons remaining and DTE instead of just fuel used and MPG. If I ever get the parts to play with I'll put my theories to work, but until then I'll make do with the clock/tripminder unit.