Autometer Gauges worth it?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

muddpile · 01-23-2005, 04:06 PM

I was just wondering if anyone has redone their entire cluster with autometer products? I was thinking it would be kind of a neat project to take on, as I'm not sure how accurate the original gauges are (my 72 has the full gauge set minus the tach). Could I modify the stock harness to make it work, or is it something I would have to rewire the whole dash to do? Also, is it worth doing, or should I just buy a rebuilt stocker and add a camaro tach? I will be using the stock bezel, but I'll modify it with fibreglass to fit the new gauges and then texture, paint and chrome it to look stock. I'm thinking about the Cobalt series with the following:
Top left: Speedo
Top Right: Tach
Bottom 4: Oil pressure, fuel level, voltage, water temperature.

Does my idea sound feasible, or would it be better to just forget it and buy a rebuilt cluster? I might step down to a little more affordable gauge too, but it will still have the black face and small chrome ring around the edge. Thanks!

71swb4x4 · 01-23-2005, 04:09 PM

I have been SLOWLY getting my gauges for this project. I am using ProComp's. I have a 5" tach, 3 3/8" fuel gauge (middle), and volt meter, oil pressure, water temp, and trans temp for the bottom. It is not cheap. All of mine have come from Ebay, everything but the fuel gauge is used. Once I find a speedo for a price I am willing to pay I will start on it. I probably have close to $200 in everything so far.

2low72 · 01-23-2005, 05:12 PM

I'm going to do it when i get the money. my old 72 had them and i loved it. just my 2 cents

junkyardjohn · 01-23-2005, 05:13 PM

I'VE DONE A COUPLE OF AUTO-METER GAUGE PANELS IN MY TRUCKS. I THINK YOU NEED ACURITE GAUGES, & ALSO THINK AUTO-METER ARE THE BEST GAUGES YOU CAN GET. THE QUESTION IS DO YOU NEED EM?? I JUST PUT TOGETHER A GAUGE PANEL USING WHITE FACED ULTRA- LITE GAUGES, & IT COST ME A LITTLE OVER $500 FOR THE GAUGES. I'M SURE YOU COULD GET GAUGES THAT WOULD WORK FINE FOR 1/3 OR 1/4 OF THAT , BUT THEY WOULDN'T BE AUTO-METER GAUGES. I DON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND IT MYSELF, & I'M ONE OF THOSE GUYS THAT HAS TO HAVE EM

. JOHN

cableguy0 · 01-23-2005, 05:14 PM

ya get what ya pay for autometer is the best when it comes to gauges kinda like msd is with ignitions

Mudder · 01-23-2005, 05:33 PM

I think they are worth it.

Tx Firefighter · 01-23-2005, 05:36 PM

If you guys want the best guages, you might look into ISSPRO. They make a big number of OEM guages in trucks and tractors and equipment. They are also generally known to be much higher quality than Autometer.

A lot of us diesel truck junkies run them. I have a rack of em in my Dodge Cummins work truck.

Purs · 01-23-2005, 07:42 PM

I liked mine.

bakersfield b0mber · 01-23-2005, 08:47 PM

i have half of the gauges for my project 5" tach , 2 5/8 water and fuel auto meter ultralite and i hope everything goes g00d the only thing that is a little hard is finding a brushed aluminium fabbed bezel , or billet i dont like the plastic one if any one knows were to get one i could sure use it .
heath

Tx Firefighter · 01-23-2005, 08:50 PM

There's a member here who custom makes billet bezels of the highest caliber. He doesn't post much, but all his customers have been real happy with the product.

I'm sure someone here will remember his name.

SCOTI · 01-23-2005, 11:16 PM

Javy

danho · 01-24-2005, 12:07 AM

Nice looking setup Purs, saving up for mine.

GlennBrittain · 01-24-2005, 01:11 AM

I drilled out the holes for gauges in a non gauge pakage dash and installed auto meter gauges, I put thier small tac in the vac gauge position. I am completely satisfied with theses gauges.

muddpile · 01-24-2005, 01:20 AM

Sounds like it is something I will have to do. Do you hook them all up directly as the instructions state, or do you reuse some of the old original gauge hookups? If so which ones? Thanks!

Mudder · 01-24-2005, 01:33 AM

You use all the guages sending units then tap into the old woring harness for the turn signals and bright light indicator.

72gmcshorty · 01-24-2005, 01:42 AM

here's cheap and easy...

muddpile · 01-24-2005, 01:58 AM

Thanks mudder!

1-PU70 · 01-24-2005, 10:47 AM

Here is the one I got from Javy after I painted it.

ksamps01 · 01-24-2005, 11:47 AM

Purs,

What size are the lower gauges in your panel? Are they the 2 5/8"? Did you have to do any cutting to fit them in?

Thanks,

Purs · 01-24-2005, 12:00 PM

2 5/8" It's been awhile since I did that panel, but I seem to remember measuring the diameter of the back of the gauge and using a hole saw to cut out that size (or just smaller than that size) on the panel. Then I simply pressed the gauge in the hole. I only had to mount or secure the bigger gauges on the top because the lower ones fit nice and snug.

rin68 · 01-24-2005, 03:06 PM

Here's a pic of Stewart Warner's Maximum Performance gauges. Hopefully they'll be installed soon (need to get some time at home to finish the rewiring project.

muddpile · 01-25-2005, 01:19 AM

Has anyone ever used one of those autometer "4 gauges in one 5" gauge package things? It comes with 2 5" gauges, one is a speedo and one has oil pressure, water temp, voltage and fuel level. I could put one of those in each side and a tach in the middle, then buy a bezel that doesn't have the extra bottom holes.

Also, will an electronic speedo work in my truck? I see it has a digital odometer.

GreyHoundSteve · 01-25-2005, 10:44 AM

If you want to use an electric speedo all you have to do is buy a pulse generator. I got one for around $30 i think.

71swb4x4 · 01-25-2005, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpile

Has anyone ever used one of those autometer "4 gauges in one 5" gauge package things?

I thought I saw that in the new Summit for $450. I haven't looked close, it was laying on the table and I thought that was a lot of cash for one gauge. Maybe I saw it wrong???

Bamm · 01-25-2005, 02:32 PM

I think I would stay away from an "all in one" gauge setup. Think about it, if one gauge fails you're screwed. If you are running seperate gauges you can just spend another $35 -$45 and get a new one. ........Jerry

01-23-2005, 04:06 PM	#1
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Autometer Gauges worth it?? I was just wondering if anyone has redone their entire cluster with autometer products? I was thinking it would be kind of a neat project to take on, as I'm not sure how accurate the original gauges are (my 72 has the full gauge set minus the tach). Could I modify the stock harness to make it work, or is it something I would have to rewire the whole dash to do? Also, is it worth doing, or should I just buy a rebuilt stocker and add a camaro tach? I will be using the stock bezel, but I'll modify it with fibreglass to fit the new gauges and then texture, paint and chrome it to look stock. I'm thinking about the Cobalt series with the following: Top left: Speedo Top Right: Tach Bottom 4: Oil pressure, fuel level, voltage, water temperature. Does my idea sound feasible, or would it be better to just forget it and buy a rebuilt cluster? I might step down to a little more affordable gauge too, but it will still have the black face and small chrome ring around the edge. Thanks! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

01-23-2005, 04:09 PM	#2
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I have been SLOWLY getting my gauges for this project. I am using ProComp's. I have a 5" tach, 3 3/8" fuel gauge (middle), and volt meter, oil pressure, water temp, and trans temp for the bottom. It is not cheap. All of mine have come from Ebay, everything but the fuel gauge is used. Once I find a speedo for a price I am willing to pay I will start on it. I probably have close to $200 in everything so far. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-23-2005, 05:12 PM	#3
2low72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Cheyenne, Wy Posts: 555	I'm going to do it when i get the money. my old 72 had them and i loved it. just my 2 cents __________________ 2014 GMC Yukon XL (Wifey's) 2004 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Z71

01-23-2005, 05:13 PM	#4
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	I'VE DONE A COUPLE OF AUTO-METER GAUGE PANELS IN MY TRUCKS. I THINK YOU NEED ACURITE GAUGES, & ALSO THINK AUTO-METER ARE THE BEST GAUGES YOU CAN GET. THE QUESTION IS DO YOU NEED EM?? I JUST PUT TOGETHER A GAUGE PANEL USING WHITE FACED ULTRA- LITE GAUGES, & IT COST ME A LITTLE OVER $500 FOR THE GAUGES. I'M SURE YOU COULD GET GAUGES THAT WOULD WORK FINE FOR 1/3 OR 1/4 OF THAT , BUT THEY WOULDN'T BE AUTO-METER GAUGES. I DON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND IT MYSELF, & I'M ONE OF THOSE GUYS THAT HAS TO HAVE EM . JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST Last edited by junkyardjohn; 01-23-2005 at 05:15 PM.

01-23-2005, 05:14 PM	#5
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	ya get what ya pay for autometer is the best when it comes to gauges kinda like msd is with ignitions __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

01-23-2005, 05:33 PM	#6
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	I think they are worth it.

01-23-2005, 05:36 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	If you guys want the best guages, you might look into ISSPRO. They make a big number of OEM guages in trucks and tractors and equipment. They are also generally known to be much higher quality than Autometer. A lot of us diesel truck junkies run them. I have a rack of em in my Dodge Cummins work truck. Attached Images __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-23-2005, 07:42 PM	#8
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	I liked mine. Attached Images __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

01-23-2005, 08:47 PM	#9
bakersfield b0mber Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4	i have half of the gauges for my project 5" tach , 2 5/8 water and fuel auto meter ultralite and i hope everything goes g00d the only thing that is a little hard is finding a brushed aluminium fabbed bezel , or billet i dont like the plastic one if any one knows were to get one i could sure use it . heath

01-23-2005, 08:50 PM	#10
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	There's a member here who custom makes billet bezels of the highest caliber. He doesn't post much, but all his customers have been real happy with the product. I'm sure someone here will remember his name. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-23-2005, 11:16 PM	#11
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Javy __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-24-2005, 12:07 AM	#12
danho Pesemistic Optimist Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Prineville, Oregon Posts: 227	Nice looking setup Purs, saving up for mine. __________________ 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super Custom Camper- 4" lift & 35's, built TH350 and 355. Daily driver resto in progress. 1999 Yukon Denali- Wife's ride, hands off.

01-24-2005, 01:11 AM	#13
GlennBrittain Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Panola County Texas Posts: 401	I drilled out the holes for gauges in a non gauge pakage dash and installed auto meter gauges, I put thier small tac in the vac gauge position. I am completely satisfied with theses gauges.

01-24-2005, 01:20 AM	#14
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Sounds like it is something I will have to do. Do you hook them all up directly as the instructions state, or do you reuse some of the old original gauge hookups? If so which ones? Thanks! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

01-24-2005, 01:33 AM	#15
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	You use all the guages sending units then tap into the old woring harness for the turn signals and bright light indicator.



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01-24-2005, 01:42 AM	#16
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	here's cheap and easy... Attached Images __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

01-24-2005, 01:58 AM	#17
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Thanks mudder! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

01-24-2005, 10:47 AM	#18
1-PU70 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,036	Here is the one I got from Javy after I painted it. Attached Images __________________ 1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters

01-24-2005, 11:47 AM	#19
ksamps01 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Farmersville, TX - Northeast of Dallas Posts: 56	Purs, What size are the lower gauges in your panel? Are they the 2 5/8"? Did you have to do any cutting to fit them in? Thanks, __________________ 1967 Chevy LWB Fleetside 350/400 (Worn Smooth Out) Resto in progress It may be ugly but at least it's slow!!

01-24-2005, 12:00 PM	#20
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	2 5/8" It's been awhile since I did that panel, but I seem to remember measuring the diameter of the back of the gauge and using a hole saw to cut out that size (or just smaller than that size) on the panel. Then I simply pressed the gauge in the hole. I only had to mount or secure the bigger gauges on the top because the lower ones fit nice and snug. __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

01-24-2005, 03:06 PM	#21
rin68 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: East Peoria, IL Posts: 600	Here's a pic of Stewart Warner's Maximum Performance gauges. Hopefully they'll be installed soon (need to get some time at home to finish the rewiring project. __________________ 1968 C10 - 383, non-stop project 1969 Camaro - 327, bone stock family heirloom...soon to be LS/T56, Ridetech, all the goodies

01-25-2005, 01:19 AM	#22
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Has anyone ever used one of those autometer "4 gauges in one 5" gauge package things? It comes with 2 5" gauges, one is a speedo and one has oil pressure, water temp, voltage and fuel level. I could put one of those in each side and a tach in the middle, then buy a bezel that doesn't have the extra bottom holes. Also, will an electronic speedo work in my truck? I see it has a digital odometer. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

01-25-2005, 10:44 AM	#23
GreyHoundSteve Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: DFW TX Posts: 769	If you want to use an electric speedo all you have to do is buy a pulse generator. I got one for around $30 i think.

01-25-2005, 02:32 PM	#25
Bamm Cowboy Fan for Life!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Amelia, Virginia Posts: 2,921	I think I would stay away from an "all in one" gauge setup. Think about it, if one gauge fails you're screwed. If you are running seperate gauges you can just spend another $35 -$45 and get a new one. ........Jerry __________________ 1967 ShortBed Fleetside 3/4 Drop 350/700R4 Tilt wheel 18 x 8 Torque Thrust II's Future mods: All new gauges & wood bed My Zip is 23002 I ship UPS, USPS

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