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Digital Tablet to Analog Dash Conversion

This article provides a comprehensive procedure for converting a Battle Motors digital tablet dashboard into a traditional analog instrument cluster. This conversion involves removing electronic interface modules and transitioning to direct mechanical air lines for gauge feedback.

Tools Required

  • Phillips Screwdriver

  • 1/4-inch Ratchet

  • 11/32-inch Socket

  • 5/16-inch Socket

  • 1/4-inch Stubby Allen Socket

  • 9/16-inch Open End Wrench

  • 7/8-inch Open End Wrench

  • Side Cutters

  • Slip Joint Pliers

Required Parts

  • 1/4-inch Pipe x 1/4-inch Push Lock Straight (Qty 2 for Single Drive)

  • 1/4-inch Pipe x 1/4-inch Push Lock 90-degree Swivel (Qty 2 for Dual Drive)

  • Male 16-18 AWG Spade Connectors

  • Zip Ties

Vehicle Preparation

  1. Positioning: Park the unit on a level surface with enough clearance to access both sides of the cab.

  2. Secure the Unit: Chock the wheels.

  3. Electrical Safety: Turn off the battery disconnect switch (typically located on the left-hand side, rear of the steer axle).

  4. Air System Depletion: Open all three air drain valves to fully exhaust the air system.

Procedure

Part 1: Removing Existing Components

  1. Remove the six screws securing the tablet panel to the dash structure.

  2. Unplug all electrical connections from gauges, switches, and the USB hub.

  3. Remove any body-builder-installed gauges or accessories.

  4. Remove the six screws holding the center dash panel in place.

  5. Remove the power supply and Kvaser cable from the center dash panel.

  6. Remove the four screws for the fuse panel cover in the right-hand footwell.

Part 2: Modifying Air Manifolds

  1. Locate the two silver air manifolds on the floor behind the fuse panel cover.

  2. Disconnect wiring and remove the two pressure transducers and pipe bushings. Discard these.                                     

  3. Single Drive: Install a 1/4-inch pipe x 1/4-inch push lock fitting into the transducer ports.

  4. Dual Drive: Remove an additional pipe plug from each manifold and install a 1/4-inch pipe x 1/4-inch push lock 90-degree swivel.

  5. Route new airlines to the dash opening (7 feet for LH drive, 4 feet for RH drive).

  6. Install the Green airline into the Forward manifold and the Red airline into the Rear manifold.

  7. Verify battery cable pass-throughs are torqued to 15 lbs.

Part 3: Installing Analog Dash Panel

  1. Swap over switches, gauges, or lights from the original panel to the new analog panel.

  2. Relocate non-OEM indicators to available spots if necessary.

  3. Install the ignition switch with the flat cutout facing right.

  4. Reconnect wiring to switches and gauges.

  5. Plug in the three green Molex connectors and the two wires labeled "Air Gauges."

  6. Connect the Green airline to the lower port and the Red airline to the upper port of the air gauge.

  7. If the gauge light lacks spade connectors, install 16-18 AWG male spades to tie into the dash wiring.

Part 4: Dual Drive Specific Steps

  1. Run an additional pair of wires from the air gauge lamp wiring to the second air gauge.

  2. Run daisy chain jumper (p/n 365-1565) between the left and right panel gauges.

  3. Connect the green Molex connector on the passenger side to the indicator lamp assembly.

Part 5: Final Validation

  1. Reinstall all dash panels and secure the new analog cluster.

  2. Close air drain valves and restore battery power.

  3. Key ON: Verify gauge sweep and indicator lamp illumination.

  4. Start Engine: Build air pressure and confirm primary/secondary gauge operation.

  5. Leak Check: Use soapy water on all new air fittings to confirm no leaks exist.

  6. Road test the vehicle to ensure all features function under load.

Engineering Notes

  • Unused Connectors: You may find labels like "Work Brake" or "Retarder" that are unconnected. This is normal; reassemble switches as they were originally found.

  • Component Removal: Always remove Kvaser cables, J1939 splitters, and power supplies. These are not used in analog setups and create clutter that interferes with proper panel fitment.

  • Speedometer Verification: Speedo heads are fuel-specific. Ensure you have the correct unit:

    • Diesel: 139F-0047

    • CNG: 139F-0048

    • Dual Drive RH (Receive Only): 139F-0024