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|  | Topic : New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird |  |
| | | VABird | | Jupiter |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 00:46 Post title : New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird | | | Just received my Vector Batwing fairing yesterday. It was designed for a Road King, (not available for T-Bird... big surprise there!) but mounting dimensions are similar, so let the "making it work" begin.
A couple observations first; some good, some not so good.
1) GOOD - Overall quality seems good. It is fiberglass, not ABS, so I feel that's a plus. It comes with 2 windshields, one clear and one amber tinted.
2) GOOD - It was well packaged and came in 2 days! (SC to VA) Good value too @ $289 + $39 shipping and has inside & outside shell.
3) BAD - When I talked to "Johnny" at Vector about 2 weeks ago, I explained to him what I intended, and asked him if it was possible to get a second clear windshield instead of the amber one. The amber would not go well with the Marble Red Haze. "That shouldn't be a problem" was his reply. Unfortunately, after I spent my money, it suddenly couldn't be done as they were already packaged! After all, he was "just an employee and didn't make the rules."
4) BAD - I also asked "Johnny" about the finish. I asked if the black gelcoat would need painted if I wanted to keep it black. He replied "No". Unfortunately, it is actually a pretty dull finish and WILL need painted.
5) BAD - The mount holes in the fiberglass are much bigger (12MM) than the matching mount holes in the mounting bracket (8MM) and will need attention to keep everything snug.
6) The mounting brackets supplied are obviously for a Road King and do not work for the 'Bird. I knew this going in, so neither good nor bad for them. Hardware supplied is decent SS, but SAE, so will be swapped out for metric.
Overall, though I am disappointed at the deceit in Johnny's answers, this is going to be a cool winter project. I intend to mount the instrument cluster in one of the four speaker holes, and some proper engine instruments in one of the others. That leaves 2 for speakers, and the center one for a GPS/MP3 unit. The instrument cluster will likely need longer wiring, but it's just another "thing". The light cutout is for a 7" headlight, so I may look into changing that too, but for an extra 5/8" on each side, I may not bother.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16 
| | Post edited by VABird on 26 Nov 2017 - 01:46 |
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 00:50 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Just to find a starting point, I decided to do a test fit with the supplied Road King mount brackets.
Seems a bit high to me. 
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 26 Nov 2017 - 03:56 |
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,514 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 02:27 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | It'll look good as the wing is lowered inplace. For a headlight, 7" is uptodate imo. Perhaps package a larger bucket w/fabricated mounting brackets...my conversion to 7" was fairly easy.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 03:56 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: AZCactus) | | |
AZCactus wrote:
It'll look good as the wing is lowered inplace. For a headlight, 7" is uptodate imo. Perhaps package a larger bucket w/fabricated mounting brackets...my conversion to 7" was fairly easy. |
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It probably would look better. Was it a straight swap? Mount the same?
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,514 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 08:51 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | I removed the original mounting bracket from the factory headlight and installed it on a 7" bucket. ...looks stock. Maybe you could fab a similar support for the larger bucket (to fit the fairing).
Mounting bracket Link
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
| | Post edited by AZCactus on 26 Nov 2017 - 09:37 |
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| | | Hornet | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 05/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 1,294 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 11:36 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Is that going to clear the running lamps if you lower it another 2 + inches?
If I had know you were looking at doing this I could have sent you all the information for a Memphis Batwing with quick release I had on my 2010
| You'll never be first but you might be next
2014 Commander
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 11:55 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: Hornet) | | | Hornet wrote:
Is that going to clear the running lamps if you lower it another 2 + inches?
If I had know you were looking at doing this I could have sent you all the information for a Memphis Batwing with quick release I had on my 2010
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It needs lowered about 3" and yes, it will clear. I've already tried to use the Triumph QR windshield brackets to mount, and without cutting them up, they won't work or even look good if they did. I'm not willing to cut them up, so I decided make all new brackets. Besides that, I'm not sure I even want a quick release, as after it's all wired up, there will be nothing quick about the removal. There is room to move the entire fairing aft as well as down a bit. I'm on my 3rd set of temporary "trial brackets". I say temporary, because they are a light aluminum to make fab & fitting easier, but when proper fit is done, will be made from steel. Fit is getting better with each set.
I looked into the Memphis, but I think by the time I bought all that was needed, it would have cost a lot more, and I'd still have ABS. I could never get a pic of the inside, so presume it was a hollow front-only shell for the same $$ as this fiberglass interior/exterior fairing.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 26 Nov 2017 - 11:58 |
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| | | Hornet | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 05/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 1,294 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 14:23 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Correct the MS is a hollow design. Your fairing could be a quick removal as well with the correct electrical connectors.
Keep us in the loop.
Here was mine, wish I still had this bike. It was setup perfectly for touring and I could undress her in a matter of mins.
| You'll never be first but you might be next
2014 Commander
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Nov 2017 - 22:19 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: Hornet) | | | Really love the paintwork on that bike Hornet!
Moving on. New mount bracket (templates) complete. Below is the Road King mount left and my mockup on right. There were 5 modifications and fine tunes before I was happy with the fit.
Pic below shows mount on right side, mounted to the studs that formerly held the QR windshield bobbins.
Pic below shows headlight clearance. Still a little big, but consistent on left, right and top. Room for a 7" headlight.
Clearance with aux lights is about an inch.
Finally is the fairing fitted on the bike, obviously without windshield or any accessories.
Looks like a standstill until I can locate a male & female connector for the speedo cluster.
The stock wiring is a few inches too short to reach the intended location of the cluster.
I may possibly get a male from dealer, but the female is part of the speedo, so I doubt it.
ANY IDEAS??
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 26 Nov 2017 - 22:51 |
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| | | Hornet | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 05/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 1,294 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Nov 2017 - 00:19 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Let me recommend the Long Riders shield. It was great, with the recurve you can go shorter. Is it possible to just extend all the wiring?
| You'll never be first but you might be next
2014 Commander
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Nov 2017 - 01:48 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: Hornet) | | | I am VERY reluctant to cut & splice the harness. No idea if there would be electronic gremlins that would join in the fun.
At least the connector type extension could be removed and all put back to stock if they show up. I really don't like to do any mod at all that can't be undone.
I'll look into the Long Riders shield. The one that came is likely too low.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 27 Nov 2017 - 01:49 |
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| | | bschwartz | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/03/2014 | | Posts | : | 336 | | Location | : | Madison, Wisconsin, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Nov 2017 - 03:50 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Looks like Cycle Terminal may have a female connector that would work - AMP Multi-lock 040 -16 pin Female Connector Link but no corresponding male connector.
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Nov 2017 - 11:26 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: bschwartz) | | |
bschwartz wrote:
Looks like Cycle Terminal may have a female connector that would work - AMP Multi-lock 040 -16 pin Female Connector Link but no corresponding male connector. |
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Thanks... that sure does look like it!
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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| | | bnz433 | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/06/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,842 | | Location | : | Clifton Park (Upstate), NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Nov 2017 - 15:25 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | There have been a couple speedo relocation projects on here. Check them out to see what mods they did/not have to do for their wiring. It may give you some pointers, too!!! At least one of them may (if I recall correctly) include a 3D model of the new housing to keep it weather proof, etc.??
Jamie
| Bennington Triumph Bash - 31May-2June 2019. Home of the (tied in '14 & '15) US RECORD T-BIRD FLOCKING!!!!!
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Nov 2017 - 13:21 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: bnz433) | | | I've seen one of them, and while I applaud the incentive and work involved, I was not thrilled about the appearance in the end.
When this is done, it will hopefully look factory. Not everyone is a "Fairing sort", but I have more than one bike for different missions.
I want the T-Bird to be all about comfort and if performance suffers at the expense of comfort, so be it.
I may have sourced the plugs I need to extend the speedo wiring harness. It's on the way, and if it is actually correct, I'll reference the source.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,514 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 28 Nov 2017 - 15:08 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | |
...to look factory, I hope the the headlight is flush or extends slightly past the fairing at completion. As far as comfort before performance  , can't they coexist  Nice effort
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | bnz433 | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 10/06/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,842 | | Location | : | Clifton Park (Upstate), NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Nov 2017 - 15:09 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Got it. Just referring to those as potentially where others had already gone through a lessons learned on wiring, terminations, etc., required for their relocation. Remember, in those efforts, the board under the speedo is an integral part of the ECU and package. So it has to go where the speedo goes. Or "housed" elsewhere, and protected.
Looking forward to your progress and, more importantly, maybe even seeing it firsthand in Bennington!?!?!!!!!
Jamie
| Bennington Triumph Bash - 31May-2June 2019. Home of the (tied in '14 & '15) US RECORD T-BIRD FLOCKING!!!!!
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Nov 2017 - 15:37 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: AZCactus) | | |
| AZCactus wrote: ...to look factory, I hope the the headlight is flush or extends slightly past the fairing at completion. As far as comfort before performance , can't they coexist Nice effort |
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I'm sure that they can coexist. It's just that whatever performance that it winds up with by adding maybe 15? lbs. is adequate for me.
(I ride like Dave)
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 28 Nov 2017 - 15:40 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: bnz433) | | | bnz433 wrote: ..... Remember, in those efforts, the board under the speedo is an integral part of the ECU and package. So it has to go where the speedo goes. Or "housed" elsewhere, and protected.
Looking forward to your progress and, more importantly, maybe even seeing it firsthand in Bennington!?!?!!!!!
Jamie |
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Interesting that you mention that. It never occurred to me that the unit could come apart. I'll look.
I do hope to make BTB next June. I just had too much going on for last one with travelling 3 out of the surrounding 4 weekends.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 28 Nov 2017 - 21:30 |
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 30 Nov 2017 - 22:09 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Connectors came in the mail today and they appear identical to the stock parts
Female connector (Harness side): AIM 16P connector Link Male connector (instrument side): AIM 16P PCB Link
The male end looks as though it's supposed to plug into a printed circuit board (hence PCB) so has exposed pins on the back with only ingenuity to cover them and separate them from each other. I called the shop (Go Fast Bike Parts; a Suzuki specialist in Utah) and though he was very helpful and even offered to send me a foot of 16 different colors of wire, did say that's all there is available. So, I'll be waiting a few more days for the wire to get here.
He also offered to build the connector and send it (for a fee of course), so if my ham fists screw up these tiny solder joints, I may wind up taking him up on it.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 30 Nov 2017 - 22:09 |
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| | | Hornet | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 05/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 1,294 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 01 Dec 2017 - 11:52 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | I would not hesitate, drop it in the mail to the gent and let him build it.
| You'll never be first but you might be next
2014 Commander
| | Post edited by Hornet on 01 Dec 2017 - 11:53 |
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| | | Linkdog | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/02/2011 | | Posts | : | 2,917 | | Location | : | Groveland, FL., United States |
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| | Posted : 01 Dec 2017 - 14:12 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: Hornet) | | | I agree, also check for continuity from the wire free end to the terminal pin. A " cold " solder joint will have you searching for a problem a long time.
| Never drink from a cow with one udder! 2010 1600 Blue&White ( of course ) Long TORS and HP filter.
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 08 Dec 2017 - 18:23 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: Linkdog) | | | Next step:
Had a friend come over that is a certified (didn't know there was such a thing) solderer.
After a little concern about melting the plastic on the connector... "Damn the torpedos! Full speed ahead!"
Here's 1/2 of the result. He did solder on the rest. I can easily finish up the other end and test it on the bike for a while to make sure that the extra length of wire does not release the electrical gremlins.
(before cutting the fairing to fit the cluster)
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 08 Dec 2017 - 18:25 |
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 09 Dec 2017 - 02:29 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | So, before finishing step 2, preplanning step 3; engine instruments.
Has anyone installed an oil pressure gauge & coolant temperature gauge?
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Dec 2017 - 19:04 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Anyone know specifically where the oil pressure switch (sensor) is located?
Coolant temp sensor?
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 12 Dec 2017 - 19:48 |
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| | | Ultimate38 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/01/2010 | | Posts | : | 133 | | Location | : | Albany, NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Dec 2017 - 21:15 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | The service manual is talking about a pressure switch ( so I guess a on-off sensor) and not a sensor with a signal level proportional to the oil pressure:
See attached pdf 
And 
Seems to be a real sensor this time with output voltage related to temperature.
| Jacques/Ultimate38
New Tbird 2012, 1600, black and ... stock until now !
Previous 2009 1600 Tbird/KN Air filter/Hog Slayer exhaust/Brian Custom saddle/Oil pressure gauge/oil temperature/Horse saddleback.
| | Post edited by Ultimate38 on 12 Dec 2017 - 21:23 |
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Dec 2017 - 21:26 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: Ultimate38) | | | Thanks for the pic. I couldn't find it in my copy as I was searching "oil pressure switch", not "oil pressure warning" .
The schematic shows a single wire, so it appears it's a simple switch to ground at a preset temp.
Looks like enough room under there to install a "T", reinsert the present switch in one side and a proper sender in the other.
I finally found the temp sensor too with the help of that diagram. Very restricted area in front of RH throttle body. With any luck, it will also drive a gauge. ( )
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 12 Dec 2017 - 22:02 |
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| | | Ultimate38 | | Set | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/01/2010 | | Posts | : | 133 | | Location | : | Albany, NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Dec 2017 - 22:08 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | I need to read again this part carefully,
But, at a glance, it looks like the temp sensor coolant at the rear of engine valve covers is used for ECM for injection management.
The one on the coolant circuit under the tank is the one which drive the fan.
Not sure if any body else want to confirm or not what I understand.
| Jacques/Ultimate38
New Tbird 2012, 1600, black and ... stock until now !
Previous 2009 1600 Tbird/KN Air filter/Hog Slayer exhaust/Brian Custom saddle/Oil pressure gauge/oil temperature/Horse saddleback.
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Dec 2017 - 23:12 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: Ultimate38) | | | I think you're right.
Well, I do have an old temp gauge laying about; likely won't use it for this project, but it may at least tell me if I can wire a gauge in parallel with the existing wiring to the ECU.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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| | | rayglo | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 27/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 1,746 | | Location | : | east brunswick, nj, United States |
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| | Posted : 13 Dec 2017 - 02:48 Post title : Re: New Batwing Fairing project for the T-Bird (Re: VABird) | | | Hey VA
if you add meter off the ECU wiring you may be adding resistance. The temp sensor runs on .5volts I think the new meter and wiring could give false readings.
I do not have a lot of knowledge with this so maybe someone will chime in
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