Aftermarket gauge installs

[HomerJ]

Looking for a way to make my add-on gauges look a litlle "cleaner" when installed. I've got a trans temp gauge and vacuum gauge on the way, but don't want the under-the-dash 2/3 gauge panel sticking down or screwed to the dash pad. I also don't want to hack my stock gauge panel (other than maybe a Camaro tach).

Anyone got pics of their installs that look a little more custom?

[bad6772]

i seen a dash pad in custom classic trucks that had a 3 guage pod in it. looked really good,and i think it was cheap too. it might have been molded in fibreglass??? you might search the web

[kelsfine69]

under dash but with seperate 2 5/8 cups

[HomerJ]

Thanks for the replies!

Originally Posted by bad6772

i seen a dash pad in custom classic trucks that had a 3 guage pod in it. looked really good,and i think it was cheap too. it might have been molded in fibreglass??? you might search the web

That would be ideal! I already have some 2 5/8 gauges on order, though. I guess I could cancel the order....

I really like the idea of having them closer the the plane of sight during normal driving - not having to look down to check them.

Originally Posted by kelsfine69

under dash but with seperate 2 5/8 cups

That's the look I was trying to avoid (no offense!) . I currently have a temp gauge down there and don't like the location - seems like it always wants to hide behind the steering wheel. Are your gauges Autometer Pro Comps? Those are the ones I have ordered at my local speed shop. I really like the gauges, so may end up going that route. What cups did you use?

[Longhorn Man]

the dash pad is insanely expensive... I'm thinkin it was 500+?

[HomerJ]

I found one for 299 - still pricey, but worth considering for me, at least.

[bad6772]

wow that isnt as cheap as i was thinking????i thaught it was in the 100.00 dollar range

[kelsfine69]

Putting the gauges in cups really cleaned it up down there. I also didn't care for the ole 3 hole chrome plate that everyone used in the 70s. They are Auto meter 2 5/8. I have oil Pressure, Water Temp And Trans Temp. But only the trans temp is mechanical, so being under-dash makes it easier to run the capillary tube out the firewall without being bent too much.

[OlChev67]

heres mine

[OlChev67]

painted the edges of gauges

[HomerJ]

Originally Posted by kelsfine69

Putting the gauges in cups really cleaned it up down there. I also didn't care for the ole 3 hole chrome plate that everyone used in the 70s. They are Auto meter 2 5/8. I have oil Pressure, Water Temp And Trans Temp. But only the trans temp is mechanical, so being under-dash makes it easier to run the capillary tube out the firewall without being bent too much.

I'm putting in a trans temp and vacuum gauge - both mechanical. I'm glad you mentioned that about the capillary tubing. That is definitely a consideration here - not to mention the vacuum tubing. Do the cups just mount individually to the bottom side of the dash panel?

Got any more pics of your interior? I really like the classic look with modern touches. That's the kind of theme I'm going with on my 67 - nothing too "Star Wars", just the basics of the era with some add-on gauges for my convenience.

Originally Posted by OlChev67

painted the edges of gauges

OlChev67, that type of panel is what I'm replacing. Nice touch matching the bezels to the dash, though! It sure makes them stand out. Gives me some ideas in case I decide to go to aftermarket gauges in my Chevelle!!!

HomerJ

[HomerJ]

ttt

[dave2953]

I pulled the factory gauges out of the cluster and put my aftermarket ones in their place. I had to cut a hole in the lens for the gauge to fit through but it was pretty simple and I think it turned out alright.

[Longhorn Man]

mine too (very outdated photos)
the red dash is my old 69 GMC... the gold dash is the current longhorn;

[kelsfine69]

[QUOTE=HomerJ;2265148]I'm putting in a trans temp and vacuum gauge - both mechanical. I'm glad you mentioned that about the capillary tubing. That is definitely a consideration here - not to mention the vacuum tubing. Do the cups just mount individually to the bottom side of the dash panel?

Got any more pics of your interior? I really like the classic look with modern touches. That's the kind of theme I'm going with on my 67 - nothing too "Star Wars", just the basics of the era with some add-on gauges for my convenience


Yes each cup is mounted separately. I think there is different cups for electric and mechanical. Also black or chrome. I made sure I could see the gauges with the ole steering wheel I got many years ago. Here is some more pics

[kelsfine69]

one more hope this helps.

[HomerJ]

Originally Posted by dave2953

I pulled the factory gauges out of the cluster and put my aftermarket ones in their place. I had to cut a hole in the lens for the gauge to fit through but it was pretty simple and I think it turned out alright.

Nice simple look. Like Kelsfine69, I have 2 5/8" gauges, so I doubt that's an option for me. How hard was it to modify the gauge panel to accept the aftermarket gauges?

Originally Posted by kelsfine69

Yes each cup is mounted separately. I think there is different cups for electric and mechanical. Also black or chrome. I made sure I could see the gauges with the ole steering wheel I got many years ago. Here is some more pics

Thanks for the extra pics - nice interior! Unless I come up with something else, I'll probably go in that direction.... I have some time to think about it - my 67 is nearing the media-blasting stage!!!

[dave2953]

It wasn't too bad. I removed the cover plate for the gauges on the back of the cluster. Then I had to cut the holes out of the plastic lens and the metal piece that rides behind the lens. I'd like to eliminate the factoray gauges altogether and get a 5" tach and speedo for the bezel, but haven't had the money.

['68 longbed]

molding them into the window post. autozone has the premade forms for the riceburners. but they are angled for windshields with a much more shallow slope.