'84 Dash/Gauge Upgrade Progress

[chevy_mike]

Hi all,

Thought I would share some pics of the gauge/dash panel setup I am doing for my M1010 ambulance (basically K30 with box on back). Figured this might be helpful for other looking to change things.

I had Speedhut make me a custom set of gauges (layout/colors/style but sizes are their normal sizing). I got a 4" tach (low RPM for diesel) and speedo. I got 2 1/16" for the other gauges. I also picked up a spare dash bezel. Speedhut gauges use a "spin lock ring" mount, so the ring screws on from the back. I found the 4" gauges dropped into the stock sized holes and the ring squared up with the back flange of the hole. This keeps the gauges at the same stock angle like factory.

The 4 smaller bezel holes were too small so I started to trim the "cone" off the backside of the bezel until opened enough to get the gauges in. I was careful to keep this square to the original "cone" so when the gauges are put in from the front, with the ring tightened up, it keeps the factory gauge angle as well.

So far I am very happy with how this is turning out. It's likely this same idea would work for other brands of gauges too.

[dmack91]

Looks great. Thanks for sharing.

[xs-style]

So if im reading this right.... The gauges go in from the front, and those capsspin on from behind? If so, this really simplifies doing your own gauges.

[xs-style]

Also...if that's how they work, anytime know any other brands that with this way? As awesome as these are, 900 bucks is a bit steep ��

[chevy_mike]

Yes, the come in from the front and lock from the back. I was hoping this would work this way and happy my idea did work. I think there are some Autometer gauges that have this spin lock but not sure if they make any 4" speedo/tach gauges that fit perfect in the big holes.

Speedhut gauges are very top notch and on par pricing as any other top notch brand. The biggest difference with Speedhut is every gauge is custom made. You can pick about every option you want (font, tick marks, pointer style, lighting, etc.) and it's part of the standard cost. You can design what you want and no one else will have them unless they copy you. How many times have you looked in vehicles with aftermarket gauges and they look the same as others have?

Get on their FB page as they run a few sales over the year for 15% off (which is what I did). Mine were $800 shipped to my door.

[fordguy40]

Lookin' good. Much better than the somewhat uneven factory lighting.