custom instrment clusters

[roj2323]

hey all,
I'm looking for ideas on replacing my stock instrment cluster with something more intersting to look at. I know some of you have probably all ready changed yours out so what do you recomend? Pictures would be great but links will work too. I'm pretty handy with most tools so complexity is not a problem.
Thanks in advance,
ondrew

[WRMZ71]

do a search and you'll find all the results you want. This subject gets beat up a lot so many people may not take the time to retype something.

[roj2323]

k thanks

[roj2323]

I did a search and only found one custom instrment panel shown. There are plenty of threads on fixing or adding something to the stock one but not much on a complete replacement. thanks to (FuelCellGuy) for the link.
Now back to my previous question: What have you replaced your stock instrment panel with?
thanks,
ondrew

[724x4a/cchevy]

I bought a kit from durangedesigns.com I installed the white faced gauges myself. They were pretty easy. I also installed a 70-81 camaro tachometer in the factory hole.

[Mudder]

[454_72_4X4]

I don't know if it's what you're looking for or not but I put Autometer 2-5/8 gauges in the bottom 4 factory holes. (Water temp, Volts, Vacuum, Oil press). They fit in there pretty good. I can get a couple pics if you want.

Someday I'd like to put the big 5 in. Autometer speedo and tach in the factory speedo and fuel gauge holes too.

[454_72_4X4]

HAHAHA!!

Ya beat me to it Mudder67!!

That's what mine looks like. Only alot dirtier and without the biggens!

BTW Mudder, Would you happen to know the part # of that fuel level gauge?

[Longhorn Man]

Here is my low buck yet better than stock aproach.
Sunpro white faced guages in the bottom, (about 40 bucks) and a Sunpro tach in the center hole...I need a white faced one there, and I am thinking of a $70 moon eyes one, but the $40-ish one will do for now. The speedo and fuel guages are stock units with the faces painted white and the needles painted a lighter orange to match the acc guages installed. A fresh bezel (from Rick's) for 25 bucks, and all the internals painted white for better lighting at night.

[Mudder]

Fuel guage number is 5514 but I dont know if you can get it anymore. They stopped right after i got mine. You can get the water temp, oil, and volt meters in that size yet I think.

[roj2323]

Well I’m hoping to throw the stock panel in the swap meet pile and replace it with a complete custom instrument panel with 6 instruments: gas, speed, oil, temp, batt, and possibly vac.
The main purpose of this change would be to re organize the cluster in a manor that makes sense and more importantly makes them easier to see. I plan on going with white backed instruments which will help a lot but the stock positions make little sense in my opinion. I like this design: http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech...CarbonFiberbb/ however I would rather have a steel backing plate verses fiberglass.
ondrew

[454_72_4X4]

I agree the stock layout is kinda tough to see.
I kinda like the layout on the one you posted but the "bezel" is ugly IMO.

Another thing I thoght about was to cut the stock plastic and leave just enough around the outside to bolt/screw a piece of aluminum to and then just cut holes whever you decide to put the gauges and indicator lights.
Ive always kinda liked the looks of the bolt heads, (allen heads), showing myself. Kinda like the "aircraft" look.

[gr8scott51]

Here's mine, with Dolphin gages. Also look for Javy's post on his insert.

[roj2323]

gr8scott51 thats pretty much what i'm looking for. minus the vents, where did you get it? cost?
thanks,
ondrew

[lost wages]

no limit engineering and auto meter

[lost wages]

another

[Brad]

I've been wanting something like those last two for several years! How much were they?

[boozel67]

i have the covans classic bezel in mine. terrible fit and poor quality. it is only like a 1/16" thick plastic and the holes were to small for the gauges.

[Joe67]

I really like this setup

[Joe67]

2

[Joe67]

3

[gr8scott51]

The billet insert, gages and new sending units (gas, water, oil) were five bills. I found it on e-bay, being sold by Boese Engineering, out of Marysville, WA. Be aware that you have to do a little cutting of the dash with any 3/8" thick billet insert (where the light and wiper switches are mounted). Those aren't vents, just milled decoration. Hard to find one that doesn't have something done to it like that.

After I bought mine, Javy posted pictures of his design. It's made of thicker material that has been machined out on the back so that you don't have to cut the dash.

The inserts alone are normally just under $200. If you can find a bargain on gages, you can save a little.

Do another search using keyword 'insert' or 'gauges' and you might find some of the old threads.

I think this mod was a nice finishing touch. There are a lot of places to spend $500 before you do this. But, if you're at the point that I am, it's real pretty.

good luck, Scott

[greasemonkey]

I just finished my Autometer conversion. I'll get pics eventually.

[lewi]

Love the Auto Meter / No Limit combo.......Has me thinking

[bouncytruck]

Javier makes some really nice bezels. He is selling them on e-bay for around $190. I think he has a web site. Does anyone have the link?

Here is the link to Boese Engineering that gr8scott mentioned.
http://boeseengineering.com/