Community Forums

C & R · 11-08-2010, 10:29 PM

I've seen in a few photos that there are some Alpine's with white face gauges. Was this factory on select models? Does anyone know of an aftermarket upgrade? I find them easier to read.

takepride · 11-08-2010, 11:13 PM

All the Alpines I've seen have white faces, but I've only seen the interiors on 2003 and newer. Sometime after 2003, they included an LCD readout incorporated into the face of one gauge. I believe they are all Actia gauges. Though others may have better resale information, here is their website:

Instrumentation

EngineerMike · 11-09-2010, 06:42 PM

Actia has been pretty good for support. Their junk, er, uh, I mean stuff goes bad just like any other parts on these rigs might, but at not too prolific a rate and they are very predictable at being able to turn around a fix.

Early rigs had Borg-Warner gauges or something like that, and use a Vehicle Data Computer to translate engine/trans/etc. info to gauge readings. the Actia gauges read the CAN buss info directly. The speedo is the computer or "brain" of the 5-piece set, telling the other 4 pieces what to do. The speedo calculates & stores odometer info, and feeds idiot light & gauge info to its respective outputs.

I thought the 03's were all Borg-Warner & VDC units.

kraig · 11-09-2010, 11:14 PM

Thes weren't WRV factory gauges but will fit fine. Check out ISSPRO. They are easy to read and are one of the best gauges out there. I have usede them for years in trucks and equipment and never had a problem. When I had my 2000 Alpine, I did replace some of them.

takepride · 11-10-2010, 09:17 PM

eMike:

I haven't had to investigate my gauges since they all work just fine (thank goodness). However, they look just like the newer ones, sans LCD. White faced, black lettering by day, glowing green by night. Not to say BW and Actia don't copy each other, either. I suppose I should give them a preliminary once-over, for purely educational purposes. I don't dare touch them. Who knows what will happen....