A couple of months ago I posted (here) that I’d purchased (Thank you eBay!) a hard to find dash panel needed for my ignition switch position change project on the Dyna. Then I started the search for all the other bits and pieces needed to make the shift.
As it turns out all the existing components (except for the ignition switch itself) would plug into the new dash panel without modification. I needed a couple of small mounting clamps but that was all. The existing wiring could be re-routed, but had to be extended about 10 inches to reach the new switch position. Fortunately that was accomplished by simply making up 3 extension wires and did not require any mods to the existing harness. (I don’t expect to ever revert back to stock, but keeping my options open seemed the best way to go.)
Of course, when at the dealer poring over parts books trying to determine what components could be re-used and which ones not, I came across this nice combined speedo/tachometer unit.
A simple drop-in, it addressed the issue of losing my tach after I made the change. I hadn’t planned on purchasing a new speedo but then I thought, in for a penny… so I bought it. (And a big shout-out here to the parts people at Freedom Harley-Davidson for being so helpful. Thanks guys, I really would have been stumbling around without your assistance.)
Once I got the garage cleaned up a bit so I could work (here) it didn’t take long to make the change.
Button it all up again and here’s what it looks like now – before and after.
I really like the new look and the convenience of the new switch position. Meanwhile I’m busy getting rid of all the removed parts (on eBay, of course) to recover a large part of my investment.
So now I have a clean garage and a motorcycle all ready to go. WHAT’S SPRING WAITING FOR? If it doesn’t get here soon I may just have to find another project.
