Project: Recycle

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by aggie91

I really like the guages vs. the lights. That factory clock dash gets my vote...but I do see your point with the cost of new aftermarket gauges...

I think that I am going to keep my stock idiot light dash in mine, shooting for a no frills look on the interior...but with the updates like yours hidden (air management, a/c, stereo..etc).

I do like that 'gauge' dash in the posted pic..... but I'm not a fan of clocks used to fill gauge spots. That's why I've been looking for the air pressure gauge. The only air-press gauge I've found is cost prohibitive which sways the decision making toward brand new aftermarket gauges.

[aggie91]

A dash done with the SW gauge you picture would be very cool too. Just no billet for the panel to mount them in. An aluminum panel that was PC with a satin black or black wrnkle finish would look good.

[Jonboy]

I would retrofit the gauges, and source an old Sun tach and air gauge. That would fit the theme the best to me.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I would retrofit the gauges, and source an old Sun tach and air gauge. That would fit the theme the best to me.

Gauges for bags are tucked away, out of sight. I was looking to do the OE style in dash air gauge just for the 'rare' factor & use it for the tank pressure.

Because of the cost factor (300+) for 'restored' OE style gauges w/a re-pop tach, it's a harder decision w/brand new gauges (speedo, tach, oil psi, h2o temp, fuel level, & volts) coming in @ about $400 & change. Less than $100 difference in price but the OE look uses 45yr old gauges vs. the aftermarket units being new....

I'm just not a fan of tachs on the column. I prefer everything to match.

[joe231]

Nice!!!

[lolife99]

SCOTI,... let me know what you find out on "quality" windhield gaskets. (brand)
I need a set for my '70 stepside.

[98L150]

here is a pics of my gauge cluster for reference. got the panel from an advertiser in Goodguys and put in my Mooneye gauges

[SCOTI]

That's what I have laid out on my template. I started disecting the wiring groups so I can use some of the OE plugs & routing for 12v, lighting, & turn signals.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by lolife99

SCOTI,... let me know what you find out on "quality" windhield gaskets. (brand)
I need a set for my '70 stepside.

General concensus is Precision Rubber or Steele Rubber products are the way to go. N2billet had issues w/the 'Soft Seal' brand gasket for his front glass.

The 2 different 'old school' glass guys I'm waiting on quotes from said they would only use one of the two I listed.

[8mpg]

Im a fan of vintage style aftermarket gauges. I really like the Autometer Street rod gauge sets. I think I will be using the Antique beige gauges in my truck.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 8mpg

Im a fan of vintage style aftermarket gauges. I really like the Autometer Street rod gauge sets. I think I will be using the Antique beige gauges in my truck.

Stewart Warner 'Deluxe' series for my 64.

[SCOTI]

Loaded the big window swap pics.

Slice & dice (No, that's not me in the pic).
Small skin out.
Large skin in to test fit & trim.
Stripped & initial sealer on the large window skin....

[SCOTI]

Clean-up the inside surface of the OE outer skin in preparation for the install.
One final test fit to make sure every place that needs to be bare steel is for excellent adhesion.
Start the expert application of the panel bond adhesive (no, I didn't do it).
Continue the expert application of the panel bond adhesive .
Bunch of clamps to keep the new big window skin where we want it....

[SCOTI]

Once the panel adhesive cures, the clamps are removed & the over-lapping OE small window skin is trimmed flush w/the new inner big window skin....

[Frizzle Fry]

All adhesive and no welds? I thought I would at least weld at the door edges. Not knockin it. I bet it'll be fine.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

All adhesive and no welds? I thought I would at least weld at the door edges. Not knockin it. I bet it'll be fine.

Tacks for the corners & edges; adhesive everywhere else.

[Painter D]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Tacks for the corners & edges; adhesive everywhere else.

If you're using the adhesive I think your using you'll have nothing to worry about, on that particular application.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 69chevyshort

If you're using the adhesive I think your using you'll have nothing to worry about, on that particular application.

I'm not sure if they were trying to tell each other something in this pic or if they were trying to tell me something .... Either way, 3M panel bond adhesive was used.

[protrash64]

Nice job on the conversion; looks very nice.

[Detroitcustoms]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I'm not sure if they were trying to tell each other something in this pic or if they were trying to tell me something .... Either way, 3M panel bond adhesive was used.

No i was tellin u @ $55.00 per tube x2......

[Jonboy]

That looks tons better, Scoti.

Maybe an engine turned insert around the gauges would look kinda period, too?

[N2TRUX]

I love the BBW conversion. It's going to really bring this project forward. Aftermarket gauges....mmmm, not so much. This thing deserves more than that.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I love the BBW conversion. It's going to really bring this project forward. Aftermarket gauges....mmmm, not so much. This thing deserves more than that.

Look @ it this way..... Would you trust the project w/$400 45yr old gauges or $400 new '60's style gauges? Would it be better to know your actual voltage or guess what that handy (?) ampmeter is telling you? What about when the temp needle 1/2 way between H & C (or would you prefer to know you're @ 190°F)? Pick your poison.

I know our good firend N2billet faced a similar decision & opted for new gauges. I'm open to alternative suggestions....

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Look @ it this way..... Would you trust the project w/$400 45yr old gauges or $400 new '60's style gauges? Would it be better to know your actual voltage or guess what that handy (?) ampmeter is telling you? What about when the temp needle 1/2 way between H & C (or would you prefer to know you're @ 190°F)? Pick your poison.

I went with new aftermarket gauges. The stock cluster on our trucks is ok visually but just as you have said I want to know actual readings for Oil Pressure, Temperature, Volts, Vacuum, Etc.

Oh, and the BBW instal was quite educational and the results are awesome. (I still like small back windows though )

Your truck mod's are an inspiration to us all!

[darkhorse970]

BBW looks great! I am convinced, and I have a donor cab waiting for me to haul it home. As for the gauges, I agree with you that the aftermarket "old style" gauges with engine turned panel will give you more accurate readings, with an old rod look...and if you're happy with them, thats what matters.