Recessed Autometer Gauge build

[bigblock73]

A forum member reached out to me and asked if I would assist in building his gauge cluster using Autometer Carbon Fiber gauges in the factory location. We spoke about it, agreed upon a price, and he mailed me everything...NEW cluster, New gauges (5" and 2 5/8"), and the OE cluster housing. I began working on it Saturday evening, and here is the progress thus far.

Tools needed so far include 1/8" masking tape, Dremel with cut-off wheel, small sanding block, and 100 and 180 grit sandpaper.

[bigblock73]

Here are a couple pics of the new dash bezel. I believe it is from LMC, and it sure is noce...not something I usually say about LMC stuff.

First order of business was to design the brackety that holds these in place. I took care of that and sent the CAD file to the machine shop to be laser cut out of aluminum...should have the brackets in a week or two.

Next up was to tape down 3/8" on each of the small gauge openings. This will give me a guide line to cut down the openings with, essentially enlarging them (the tunnels are cone shaped) and allowing more of the gauge face to be exposed when positioned from the backside.

[bigblock73]

Once the tunnels are all taped up, time to cut. The dremel makes quick work of them, and since the tape lines are there, gives me a nice line to follow for a pretty straight cut and matching start/stop points.

With the pieces removed, time to start sanding. The sanding block is small enought to fit in there to sand, but big enough to cover two tunnels at once. Using 100 grit paper, I sanded to top two tunnels until they were nice and smooth AND matced each other perfectly...same angle and height. Once I was happy with how they looked, I repeated the same process for the bottom two tunnels. Once all of them were complete, I came back with some 180 and smoothed them over some more.

Because this is an aftermarket bezel, I will need to come back and paint the cut portion of the tunnel black, just to be sure no "white" is seen from the front side of the bezel with the gauges installed.

[bigblock73]

Because of the gauge trim ring height, the trim rings need to be removed for the gauges to sit flush against the newly modified tunnels.

Tonight I removed the rings from the four small gauges, and epoxied the gauge glass bezel and glass to the gauge (the rings holds these all together).

No pics as of yet, but I will get some tomorrow and post an update.

[Palf70Step]

I'm watching this one for sure!

[JRANGER]

cant wait to see the finished product

[STOCKISH]

How do you remove the bezels from the Autometers?

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

How do you remove the bezels from the Autometers?

I slit them with the dremel, and carefully pry them off.

[motornut]

sounds like a cool idea

[INSIDIOUS '86]

About how much does this cost to do? Gauges and bezel and all?
Posted via Mobile Device

[riz]

Originally Posted by insidious '86

about how much does this cost to do? Gauges and bezel and all?
posted via mobile device

i too would like to know how much total for this project????

Riz

['79squared]

Ya, Ill be watching this close myself.

[Pop's C-10]

subs

[DREAMER1]

What?....the suspense is killin me. I got this far and....keep it coming
Posted via Mobile Device

[silvereagle07]

Waiting...

[Corts60]

I'm also really excited to see how this turns out. Great thread!

[bigblock73]

Thanks for the interest fellas...I will post progress as I make some...I will be coming to a standstill shortly, until I get the brackets back from the machine shop.

For those who haven't seen my gauges, here they are...and a glimpse into what this current dash cluster will look like when finished.

[Dieselholic92]

That looks pretty sweet!

[stepside83]

this mod looks sweet,

[bigblock73]

Gauges vary in price...my Ultralights were about $600...these Carbon Fiber are a little more I think. The brackets I sell are around $45 (I switched shops since my last order, so the price might go up depending on quote), and labor if I do it depends on gauge and size used. This cluster is the most complicated due to gauge size and design, but smaller gauges and different style would be cheaper.

[J Knight]

How heavy is the gauge bezel after complete install? Are you able to use the top center two mounting screws without having the original cluster?

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by J Knight

How heavy is the gauge bezel after complete install? Are you able to use the top center two mounting screws without having the original cluster?

Not sure on the weight...and YES, the top two center screws are retained. The housing has to be cut down pretty good, but the top portion remains...the rest is screwed directly to the dash pad or lower metal dash.

Mine is installed in my 73, fit really nice and no noticable stress or anything.

[bigsj]

I am very interested in how this turns out i like the idea.

[HarleyHauler]

Originally Posted by bigsj

I am very interested in how this turns out i like the idea.

X2 - I'll be watching this thread for updates.
Posted via Mobile Device

[texastruckjunky]

I like this one , i'm in. I'll be watching for sure.