Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Houston54 · 10-26-2008, 11:00 PM

If you are considering Dolphin for a set of 5 inch quad gauges you might want to consider my experience. I installed a set last July in my 54 Chevy and noticed on the first night ride the illumination between the two buckets was significantly different with the speedo nice and bright and the gauge bucket very dim. Thinking I had wiring it incorrectly I checked everything and confirmed my grounds. Everything checked out. I contacted the Dolphin Tech line and was informed they were aware of the problem and were working on a new gauge bucket with brighter lighting. I was told to call back in a month and they would swap the unit I had out with a new one. Sounded good to me.

Two months later I called to see if the new buckets were available and was informed they will not be fixing the problem and they suggested I wiring in a resistor to reduce the lighting level of the speedo to match the gauge bucket. This is not an acceptable solution to me. If the problem had been know going into the purchase I would not have selected this product.

I requested they buy back gauges from me or refund my purchase price to which I have not received a reply.

I have attached a pic of the gauges at night. While the gauges can be read it is not as easy as the speedo which is obvious. If you would be happy with this level of lighting or only drive during the day then these might be the instruments for you but to me they are a second rate product which will be included in my next swap meet material.

Houston54 · 11-07-2008, 03:41 PM

Wanted to provide an update to this:
I have had an email discussion with Dolphin regarding this problem. Seems it got the attention of someone high enough on the ladder to give a green light to corrective action.

I think it bodes well they are doing something positive to address the issue instead of shooting the messager.

If the fix solves the problem I will be back to let you know.

hotrod 80 · 11-08-2008, 12:07 PM

Please keep us updated on this . I just bought a set for the 49' and have not even opened the box .

Houston54 · 11-16-2009, 03:32 PM

After giving this company many opportunities to correct the problem either by providing me with a new gauge bucket with updated lighting or refunding me some of the initial cost I am tossing in the towel.

Since I made my initial post I contacted Dolphin several times. Each time I was told the fix was in process. The Fix has never been done. Their 5" quad gauge is a poor product. The company knows of the problem but continues to sell it.

Please do not waste your time and money as I have by dealing with this company.

It is a shame that the magazines continue to take this companies dollars for advertising. I guess they do not care about us either and just want the money.

andrewmp6 · 11-26-2009, 09:11 AM

That's odd a company that won't stand behid there products.If they won't fix it you could try adding some leds to it should work.

71meangreenc10 · 11-26-2009, 05:09 PM

That sucks,
I was considering picking up a set. Thanks for the review.

Smitty

**kev2809** · 11-27-2009, 10:43 PM

man that sucks. i wonder how they even make the lighting that far off, knowing as soon as its on it will be noticeable. good luck to ya

0331grunt · 12-03-2009, 04:53 PM

Has anyone had any problems with the AutoMeter quads? Just curious.. I am going with a quad set up- but NOT Dolphin!

thrtsxchambers · 12-25-2009, 03:32 PM

Man that sux, I was planning on using those gauges in my truck but guess I'll look for something else. Glad I found this post, I should be ordering some soon

**leddzepp** · 12-26-2009, 06:05 PM

Wow Houston! Your original post was a year ago. You have way more patience than I do.

Houston54 · 12-15-2010, 11:16 AM

Since I have seen several people opting to use these guages during the past year I thought I would give this a bump in the hope others who may be thinking of using these guages will be aware of the problems.

Houston54 · 05-24-2011, 06:20 PM

btt

7T2 · 05-24-2011, 06:45 PM

Thanks for bumping this up...I always thought Dolphin made a nice looking product, and I am half-heartedly looking for some gauges to replace a set of Autoloc gauges I'm not entirely happy with. I will take this into consideration on my next purchase.

Maybe direct them to this thread? If they see enough people are changing their mind because of it maybe they will do something about it?

**Clyde65** · 05-25-2011, 11:07 AM

I have used Dolphin gauges for over 6 years, I have always been satisfied with their quality. I dont particularly care for their customer service just because talking to someone or getting emails back in a timely manner is like flossing alligator teeth. I have had a few issues with a guage here and there, they have always sent a new one without question, all though I didnt know they did until I get a package at my door.

Indian113 · 05-25-2011, 09:31 PM

Has anyone used the 5 or 6 gauge sets ? The price is close to VDO 5 gauge set for a 6 gauge Dolphin or Shark set

**Clyde65** · 05-26-2011, 05:39 PM

I have both. a 6 guage and a 5 guage, both work fine.

Houston54 · 05-27-2011, 09:22 AM

This thread is specific to their 5" quad set. I do not have any opinion about any of their other products other than based on my current experience I would look elsewhere first.

This company is aware of this thread and others I have posted on similar sites. I am only sharing my experience with this company and with this specific product so others can be aware of its shortcomings. The gauges have worked well for the 3 years and 37K miles I have been running them and fortunately most of those miles are in the day light.

They have my contact information and have opted not to make an effort to resolve my issues with this product.

dfleming7 · 05-29-2011, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I have both. a 6 guage and a 5 guage, both work fine.

Don't mean to hijack thread. But, was wondering if anyone has wiring procedure for these on a '69?

Olden Days · 05-29-2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfleming7

Don't mean to hijack thread. But, was wondering if anyone has wiring procedure for these on a '69?

Looks like you "mean it" to me.

I dont care if they have "some" good products. Customer service means a lot to me. I had looked at their line of gauges but after seeing this thread without any attempt by Dolphin to respond , I sure wont be doing any business with them.
after telling the OP to wire in a resistor, at the very least they should have sent said resistor with wire harness if that is their fix

**Clyde65** · 05-29-2011, 02:37 PM

wiring procedures? they are pretty straight forward, what are you looking for exactly?

BB72CHEVKT · 06-01-2011, 05:26 PM

emailed the company

McCoyAZ · 09-27-2011, 08:57 AM

I was also considering gauges from Dolphin.

After reading this thread I sent them an email.

Their reply to me was that the light issue was only an issue if using a programmable speedo and it was not an issue if using a mechanical speedo.

Iwonder if that is the underlying problem for real?

scott

OJ1988 · 09-27-2011, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

I was also considering gauges from Dolphin.

After reading this thread I sent them an email.

Their reply to me was that the light issue was only an issue if using a programmable speedo and it was not an issue if using a mechanical speedo.

Iwonder if that is the underlying problem for real?

scott

If that is true, then the mechanical speedo will be as dim as the quad gauge posted above.

Way to dim for night driving imo.

motornut · 10-04-2011, 08:56 PM

heck one looks yellow and one white
way to dark.....
not gona buy that one

51chevytruck · 10-14-2011, 06:37 PM

Bump.....Glad I found this, was going to go with Dolphin Gauges!!!

10-26-2008, 11:00 PM	#1
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended If you are considering Dolphin for a set of 5 inch quad gauges you might want to consider my experience. I installed a set last July in my 54 Chevy and noticed on the first night ride the illumination between the two buckets was significantly different with the speedo nice and bright and the gauge bucket very dim. Thinking I had wiring it incorrectly I checked everything and confirmed my grounds. Everything checked out. I contacted the Dolphin Tech line and was informed they were aware of the problem and were working on a new gauge bucket with brighter lighting. I was told to call back in a month and they would swap the unit I had out with a new one. Sounded good to me. Two months later I called to see if the new buckets were available and was informed they will not be fixing the problem and they suggested I wiring in a resistor to reduce the lighting level of the speedo to match the gauge bucket. This is not an acceptable solution to me. If the problem had been know going into the purchase I would not have selected this product. I requested they buy back gauges from me or refund my purchase price to which I have not received a reply. I have attached a pic of the gauges at night. While the gauges can be read it is not as easy as the speedo which is obvious. If you would be happy with this level of lighting or only drive during the day then these might be the instruments for you but to me they are a second rate product which will be included in my next swap meet material. Attached Images Last edited by N2TRUX; 03-07-2013 at 10:59 AM.

11-07-2008, 03:41 PM	#2
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended (UPDATE) Wanted to provide an update to this: I have had an email discussion with Dolphin regarding this problem. Seems it got the attention of someone high enough on the ladder to give a green light to corrective action. I think it bodes well they are doing something positive to address the issue instead of shooting the messager. If the fix solves the problem I will be back to let you know.

11-08-2008, 12:07 PM	#3
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Please keep us updated on this . I just bought a set for the 49' and have not even opened the box . __________________ 1949 5-window 1969 Camaro 1976 Chevy Luv yellow 1978 Chevy Luv Blue 1976 Chevy Luv Black 1979 Firebird Flooded in Harvey 1999 F350 Dually 2005 GMC Sierra 4.8 RCSB 2014 Explorer (wifes) My build :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399148 Build #2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653583

11-16-2009, 03:32 PM	#4
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended After giving this company many opportunities to correct the problem either by providing me with a new gauge bucket with updated lighting or refunding me some of the initial cost I am tossing in the towel. Since I made my initial post I contacted Dolphin several times. Each time I was told the fix was in process. The Fix has never been done. Their 5" quad gauge is a poor product. The company knows of the problem but continues to sell it. Please do not waste your time and money as I have by dealing with this company. It is a shame that the magazines continue to take this companies dollars for advertising. I guess they do not care about us either and just want the money.

11-26-2009, 09:11 AM	#5
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended That's odd a company that won't stand behid there products.If they won't fix it you could try adding some leds to it should work.

11-26-2009, 05:09 PM	#6
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,179	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended That sucks, I was considering picking up a set. Thanks for the review. Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van"

11-27-2009, 10:43 PM	#7
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,174	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended man that sucks. i wonder how they even make the lighting that far off, knowing as soon as its on it will be noticeable. good luck to ya __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-03-2009, 04:53 PM	#8
0331grunt Now what?? Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Webbers Falls, OK Posts: 579	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Has anyone had any problems with the AutoMeter quads? Just curious.. I am going with a quad set up- but NOT Dolphin! __________________ 69 Long Fleet - Project 06 Ram 1ton Cummins 4x4-DD 01 Tahoe- wifes "The quality of a persons life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." ~ Vince Lombardi "A dream doesn't become reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work." ~ Colin Powell my, um, build USMC OIF Veteran SEMPER FI!

12-25-2009, 03:32 PM	#9
thrtsxchambers Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 316	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Man that sux, I was planning on using those gauges in my truck but guess I'll look for something else. Glad I found this post, I should be ordering some soon

12-26-2009, 06:05 PM	#10
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Wow Houston! Your original post was a year ago. You have way more patience than I do. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

12-15-2010, 11:16 AM	#11
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Since I have seen several people opting to use these guages during the past year I thought I would give this a bump in the hope others who may be thinking of using these guages will be aware of the problems.

05-24-2011, 06:20 PM	#12
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended btt

05-24-2011, 06:45 PM	#13
7T2 Active Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Marysville, OH Posts: 667	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Thanks for bumping this up...I always thought Dolphin made a nice looking product, and I am half-heartedly looking for some gauges to replace a set of Autoloc gauges I'm not entirely happy with. I will take this into consideration on my next purchase. Maybe direct them to this thread? If they see enough people are changing their mind because of it maybe they will do something about it? __________________ 1957 GMC Ambulance 1962 Belair Wagon 1963 C80 Truck Cab FOR SALE 1969 Chevy C10 Short Bed 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed SOLD 1996 C3500 Dually SOLD

05-25-2011, 11:07 AM	#14
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended I have used Dolphin gauges for over 6 years, I have always been satisfied with their quality. I dont particularly care for their customer service just because talking to someone or getting emails back in a timely manner is like flossing alligator teeth. I have had a few issues with a guage here and there, they have always sent a new one without question, all though I didnt know they did until I get a package at my door. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

05-25-2011, 09:31 PM	#15
Indian113 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Monroe,Iowa Posts: 4,370	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Has anyone used the 5 or 6 gauge sets ? The price is close to VDO 5 gauge set for a 6 gauge Dolphin or Shark set



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05-26-2011, 05:39 PM	#16
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended I have both. a 6 guage and a 5 guage, both work fine. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

05-27-2011, 09:22 AM	#17
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended This thread is specific to their 5" quad set. I do not have any opinion about any of their other products other than based on my current experience I would look elsewhere first. This company is aware of this thread and others I have posted on similar sites. I am only sharing my experience with this company and with this specific product so others can be aware of its shortcomings. The gauges have worked well for the 3 years and 37K miles I have been running them and fortunately most of those miles are in the day light. They have my contact information and have opted not to make an effort to resolve my issues with this product.

05-29-2011, 02:37 PM	#20
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended wiring procedures? they are pretty straight forward, what are you looking for exactly? __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

06-01-2011, 05:26 PM	#21
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,950	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended emailed the company __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

09-27-2011, 08:57 AM	#22
McCoyAZ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kingman, AZ Posts: 1,574	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended I was also considering gauges from Dolphin. After reading this thread I sent them an email. Their reply to me was that the light issue was only an issue if using a programmable speedo and it was not an issue if using a mechanical speedo. Iwonder if that is the underlying problem for real? scott

10-04-2011, 08:56 PM	#24
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended heck one looks yellow and one white way to dark..... not gona buy that one __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

10-14-2011, 06:37 PM	#25
51chevytruck Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wellington OH Posts: 39	Re: Dolphin Quad Gauges - Not Recommended Bump.....Glad I found this, was going to go with Dolphin Gauges!!!

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