Hi all, I'm looking to install electrical oil pressure and water temperature gauges in my 71 Skylark Custom. My plan is to install them in the extreme right pod on the dash. Currently it has a plate with the Buick emblem on it. I'll be looking for a spare plate with the Buick emblem on it since mine is perfect and I hate to cut holes in it. I need gauges smaller than 2 inches..black face, white numbers with orange indicator. I'm having a little trouble finding small gauges..1.5 inches would suit me just fine. Has anyone seen gauges that small? I'm flexible on the colors but I need small gauges. I looked at motorcycle gauges but as of yet, have not found any that are electrical...
Brian, how about some gauges from later model car? In a custom made panel that would fit, in that RH pod? I'll do a quick & dirty photoshop tomorrow. You should be able to find something to fit. Cheers, Chris
I looked years ago, and you are not likely to find the black face, white letter, orange needle combination from the aftermarket. That's the same scheme as my OE Skylark gauges and I too was looking for a match. Closes I see are Autometer 1.5" black gauges. Oil: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-2354/overview/ Temperature: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-2355/overview/ Volts: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-2356/overview/ You can also play with Autometer's custom gauge designs. You design the layout, colors, etc, they make it. Not sure what the limitations are though. http://www.ampcustomshop.com/ **Just a quick glimpse, doesn't look like they customize gauges below 2-1/16", but at a 3-3/8" you can get a quad gauge made in one bezel with your color scheme.
This is less than five minutes of playing with it. 3-3/8" Its not cheap and it requires a fuel gauge. I'd probably give them a call if you are willing to spend the dollars.
Thanks for the idea guys,..I'm still searching for something smaller than 2". I can be flexible on color if I must.... Good thought Webby....If I remember correctly, late 70's Monte Carlos had smallish gauges.... My 71 Skylark Custom has the gauge package but just reads Low through High...
View attachment 297809 A cheap & nasty photoshop job. I used some Holden gauges, but you get the idea. You could scan the gauge faces, modify them to suit, colour etc and then print your custom guage faces. If you used pics to get the original type face & numerals you could add them to your custom faces & produce a factory looking gauge package. A variation would be to use new guages & just keep the movement, use your own custom faces & paint needles to match OEM. I'll shut up now..........have a great weekend. Chris
Great Job Webby..........Thanks! I have a clock in that location...I plan on putting mine on more pod to the right. I'll be installing them top/bottom. No need to re-do the photo shop job........
Opps. Should have paid more attention. It should be easier to mount in that location. Thats where I have my temp gauge in the '69. One tip. I used a screw down terminal block on the wires, with about 8'' of slack wire. That made my install easier as you can connect the gauges then clip the panel back in. I'm assuming the panel clips in like the '69s................ Cheers, Chris
http://www.redarc.com.au/products/product/monitoring-gauges_g52-pwt/ Not cheap,and maybe to large a diameter but this looks good. Chris
I like it Webby! A bit pricey though. My engine builder seems to have some ideas. We'll see what gives. Thanks!
Go to the motor parts and look through the books. I bought a set for the in dash idiot lights on a 70 SS 396 chevelle. On the dash job, instead of making a round hole and mounting flat, lay it out with some elliptical templates. You can have them point at the driver and look factory. Heres a template company's ellipse jobs. Figure a 1-1/2" hole at 20 degrees facing the driver and make the holes. If you wanna use a hole saw, put a long pilot bit in the fixture to aid in holding the angle. Bill in TR http://www.draftingsuppliesdew.com/mall/item.asp?name=alvin-3903-02-large-series-ellipse-sets http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Meter-...Oil-Volt-Water-Temp-1-1-2-Black-/310896565770
