As the Datsun 620 build evolved and gained more complicated systems, the need for a more advanced set of instruments to monitor those systems was apparent. Moving away from traditional analogue gauges in the center stack, AIM Sports Instruments was able to supply me with one of their beautiful MXG Strada digital displays. This opened up the possibility to monitor every system on the truck, as configurable dash menus could display information from all systems through the PDM and ECU via CAN communication.

I was able to obtain very good dimensions of their gauges on their website, and 3D print a rough mockup of the unit to test the feasibility of utilizing it in the cabin space before committing to the design change. Ergonomics were important to maintain a good line of sight to all of the information on the screen, along with building in some level of adjustability. With the beautiful TFT display also having a full glass face, I wanted to make sure I could design in some type of top shroud to keep the display’s face out of direct sunlight and prevent any glare issues.

I designed a shroud and mount system that form fit the display very tightly and could be worked into the existing dash system. The main shroud body was 3D printed in glass fiber reinforced nylon for superior strength and heat resistance, while the mounting structure was all designed to be laser cut from stainless steel . Access holes in the side of the shroud were needed to maintain the adjustable navigation buttons on the sides of the display, to scroll through the configured screen options and program/adjust on the fly.

The 3D printed shroud was body worked and painted, but still seemed a bit plain among the rest of the carbon clad interior. As a last minute choice, I decided to carbon skin the exposed exterior of the shroud, and leave the interior contrasted in black with a sharp parting line. This was my first time ever trying to skin anything with carbon, but the process was straightforward and easy with this part’s simple shape.

Knowing that the TFT display had two camera inputs available, I had one last additional detail I wanted to add into the system package. I took the stock exterior cab vents that live on the side b-pillars, and drew new versions that imbedded small parking cameras into their profile. These cameras were designed to be pointed into the blind spot zones on the sides of the truck, and the display was programmed with the turn signal switch to activate those cameras when each respective turn signal is activated in the truck.