Inside the RetroActive Philosophy
The image above highlights key features of the RetroActive gauge cluster.
As the designer behind every element (HatanaKa, founder of RetroActive), I’ll be walking you through the details—light on technical jargon, heavy on clarity and intent.
What started as a simple concept quickly grew into something with real depth, so even from just this one photo, there’s quite a bit to share.
I hope this overview helps you get a better feel for what went into the design.
01: Main Panel
The Beauty of Purpose
Even when it comes to scale markings, I can’t help but obsess over the details. Let me repeat: a gauge must never mislead the driver. Unlike clocks, automotive gauges like tachometers and speedometers don’t have universal spacing between marks—each vehicle type has its own scale logic depending on engine behavior and speed ranges.
For this Jimny-specific project, I sourced and studied every OEM gauge across all grades and generations. I then traced the original scale data in full, making deliberate adjustments to improve both visual clarity and functional accuracy. That’s why you’ll see a 100-RPM scale on the tachometer and a carefully rebalanced km/h scale on the speedometer (Premium Black / Bright Silver version).
But sharpness alone isn’t enough. The goal was to pursue a precision that feels intentional and beautiful within that sharpness—a form of functional elegance that lives within the numbers. That’s what gives this cluster its distinctive presence, and why I’m proud to say it’s something that deserves to be seen—and driven with—around the world, not just in Japan.
Master Precision Finish
The main panel on the Master Precision variant is also crafted from stainless steel with spun processing, but due to differences in surface treatment, it offers a distinctly sharper visual finish.
This unique look was intentionally pursued from the very start of the RetroActive project, aiming for a clean, metallic presence that pairs well with the Jimny—alongside a refined, upscale aesthetic.
It’s not just about how it catches the streetlights at night; this finish also reflects ambient light differently throughout the day, particularly during dusk, creating a visual tone that sets it apart from the standard version.
In addition, the Master Precision model uses a 0.5mm thick panel (compared to 0.3mm on the Premium Black/Bright Silver editions), enhancing both presence and perceived weight.
Paired with the vivid orange font and gauge design, this finely spun stainless steel surface creates a distinctive visual identity that we hope you’ll enjoy.
02: Center Panel
The Allure of Indicator Lamps
There’s something unreasonably appealing about the classic indicator lamp. These unmarked, perfectly aligned bulbs evoke the dashboards of cars from the pre-1970s era—before backlit icons became the norm. You don’t read the label—you just recognize its color and position. That’s the charm.
For this RetroActive Classic Edition, I didn’t want to use generic off-the-shelf parts. So I designed the lamp bases from scratch, laser-cut them from stainless steel, and paired them with injection-molded acrylic lenses for optimal transparency and character.
Lenses are available in either smoked or colored versions (optional). When lit, both show clear illumination, but the unlit look is where the difference really shows. If you’re into that retro, “old electronics” vibe, the colored lenses are for you.
The panel itself is made of SUS304 stainless steel, horizontally brushed to match the rest of the cluster. As with the main panel, both bright silver and black finishes are available.
03: Gauge Bezels
Minimal by Design, Intentional by Nature
Technically, these are just gauge bezels (Meter Rings) —components meant to frame and separate the meters visually. But at some point, they became more than that. Their mere presence started to matter, and I knew they had to be done right.
While chrome-plated plastic would have been the easier choice, I chose to use SUS304 stainless steel, finished on a lathe using traditional techniques.
There’s no chamfering or added decoration—just a careful mirror polish that brings out the natural beauty of the material. The result is a quiet boldness that reflects the Jimny’s rugged spirit. Even now, I still catch myself admiring them every time I sit behind the wheel.
04: Needle Base Cover
The Right Material in the Right Place
The first thing that caught my attention on the stock Jimny gauge was the exposed needle base—finished with a radial cut but molded in soft, rounded plastic. It had potential, but it didn’t quite match the sharper, more deliberate design language I had in mind.
As a product designer and form-maker, I’ve always believed in refining essential shapes and materials—not adding flair, but removing noise. For this reason, I developed a dedicated Needle Base Cover that transforms the look and feel of this central element without altering its function.
Machined from solid aluminum, each cover is finished with a mirror-cut top surface and protected with an anodized layer. The result is not flashy, but quietly precise—designed to complement the surrounding panel, not compete with it.
Pair it with a blackened main panel, and you’ll see how the balance of the entire cluster shifts—subtle, but intentiona
05: Custom Typeface
A Nod to the Golden Age of Gauges
These days, with digital tools widely available, it’s not uncommon to see enthusiasts designing their own custom meters—some even selling them. And while I admire that passion, I often find the actual number fonts used in these projects to be a bit of an afterthought. Many rely on generic fonts or reuse existing ones without much modification, and to me, that always feels like a missed opportunity.
Back in the ’60s, British Smiths gauges used custom-drawn numbers that were then hand-transferred onto film for production. That kind of craftsmanship is hard to beat. I may not go that far, but as a designer who creates his own typefaces, I’ve developed several gauge-specific fonts over the years—each carefully tailored and refined.
For this Jimny project, I selected one of those fonts for its crisp readability and nostalgic character. It’s one of those quiet details that might not jump out right away, but once you notice it, you’ll understand why it matters.
06: Scale Markings
Precision First, Beauty Through Detail
I’ve always had a particular obsession with scale markings. And for good reason—gauges exist to inform the driver, so their accuracy must never be compromised. Unlike clocks, automotive meters like tachometers and speedometers don’t follow a uniform pattern. Their scale logic varies depending on the car’s behavior.
To develop this set for the Jimny, I sourced and studied every OEM gauge from every grade and generation. After carefully verifying the originals, I recreated the scale layouts by tracing them precisely—then made deliberate improvements based on real-world use. It was a time-consuming (and costly) process, but one that undeniably elevates both function and perceived quality.
That’s why you’ll find a 100-RPM interval on the tachometer and 1 km/h increments on the speedometer. This isn’t about simply making things tighter—it’s about infusing legibility with purpose. The result is a layout that doesn’t just look sharp, but feels sharp. And yes, it comes paired with MPH for use around the world—not just Japan.
07: Illumination
Driving at Night Just Got Better
The vivid factory orange backlighting of the current Jimny offers great legibility—and a nostalgic charm that modern white LEDs simply can’t match. Gone are the days when you could just swap a bulb to change the color. Today’s LED-equipped gauge clusters don’t allow for such flexibility. So what kind of enjoyment can you still get from installing a RetroActive gauge?
As you may know, the factory Jimny gauges light up the moment you turn the key (the orange lettering when off is simply printed ink). RetroActive meters use that same factory LED to backlight the dials, but add a color film to deepen the hue. (Master Precision version excluded)
Depending on how you install the film, you can also invert the look—for example, leaving the scale markings in orange while turning the unlit background areas white. The manual includes a detailed explanation of this customization, and a diffuser sheet is included to help eliminate glare and hot spots. Thoughtful lighting is part of the RetroActive experience.
08: Perfect Fit, Inside and Out
The Satisfaction of a Seamless Fit
Beyond materials and finish, one of the most important goals of this project was achieving what I’d call OEM-class fitting. Not “close enough.” Not “just a little gap.” Not “almost works.” No compromises.
Just like I meticulously verified the factory scale patterns, I scanned the gauge housing itself, ran multiple fit tests using 3D prints, and fine-tuned every detail before committing to final production. That’s why the RetroActive panel installs perfectly—flush, balanced, and visually cohesive.
And yet, it doesn’t scream “aftermarket.” It blends naturally into the vehicle’s interior, which to me is exactly what a proper custom part should do. That’s also why I intentionally left branding off the product.
09: A Little Fun, Just for Jimny Fans
