Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

Here’s my latest project to finish up the new wiring in my 1963 C10. So I thought I’d share my ideas and methods.
I had a “Plain Jane” 1963 idiot light instrument cluster. I decided to install a GPS speedometer.
Vendors sell instrument cluster inserts and new gauges. They can be quite costly.
I decided to try something new. I like to be creative.
I wanted to keep an old-school look of my 1963 instrument cluster without breaking the bank. I purchased a GPS speedometer/tachometer on eBay for under $70 delivered. I spent another $30 on a triple gauge set.
The original instrument cluster plexiglass has an old-school design with embossed numbers on the back of the plexiglass. I decided I wanted to keep that look so I cut a hole in the center of the plexiglass for the new speedo/tach. I removed the bezels and glass from the front of the triple gauge set. The triple gauges fit perfectly behind the embossed areas in the plexiglass. I cut holes in the thin black plate that sits behind the factory plexiglass. The pictures tell the rest of the story. I am happy with the results. It took some time and creativity.

The pictures don’t show one of the steps I did very well. I bought a very thin piece of plexiglass and used it to cover the area with the black wood grain vinyl so that everything except the center speedo/tach would be under plexiglass.

I thought I would share because you never know what you might come up with if you put your mind to it. My truck instrument cluster will not look like any other at the cruise in.

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More pics

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Even more pics

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A few more

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

The speedometer/tachometer works well and has a high beam indicator and turn signals incorporated on the face. It has a trip meter and odometer too.

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

I usually cringe a little when I see original clusters being modified because I'm a sucker for the original clusters, but I actually like the way yours turned out. Great job!

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

Well done. I like the write up. I really like the speedo/tach with the incorporated indicator lights, and the genuine simulated woodgrain is a nice old school touch. Home run I'd say.

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

Very nice work! And I love the step by step procedures you shared. This is definitely the type of thread that keeps me coming back to this forum.

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

Quite ingenious, as usual. What size and maker is the speedo/RPM gauge?

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

I like your work, I'm also a fan of the original clusters, your cluster is very well made,
I'll keep that in mind for my 2nd cluster that I still have.

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

Very interesting and well done. That is quite an original view.

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

I purchased it from eBay. Here’s a link to the exact item I bought but this vendor is about $10 cheaper than what I paid. Make note that the backlight at night is RED. I don’t mind it but some folks might not like RED. You can also find the exact same gauge with a white face instead of black.
I’ve driven several miles with mine and it detects satellite signals very quickly. Tach is responsive. Good value for the money IMO. https://www.ebay.com/itm/40410449993...mis&media=COPY

Re: Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.
 

Please note that the only reason for the adhesive vinyl is to hide the embossed speedo numbers (because I switched to a GPS speedo). If your original speedometer still works, then you can just upgrade by adding the triple gauges and the dash would still look very original.