Thinking of replacing dash gauges with these.....

Discussion in 'Interior City' started by DeanTX, Mar 3, 2016.

  1. DeanTX

    DeanTX Silver Level contributor

    My fuel gauge does not work, the current tach was added because the replica tach did not work, I don't trust the idiot lights. I never liked the added cluster below the dash for my aftermarket oil pressure, temp and volt gauges. My car is black/black and is more of a pro-touring build. Dakota Digital has a nice custom set designed just for the 70-72 Skylark/GS but it is rather pricey. So I am thinking of replacing all with matching Autometer Designer Black gauges like this picture I mocked up. I would just cut out a hole in the plastic lens and then paint the lens black. Only the corners would show. I think having them sunk into the existing squares looks better than some that just use a flat panel covering the original dash. What do you think?
     

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  2. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    I think it LOOKS good. But I bet it will be a PITA to route everything clear of the factory harness and hardware without butchering something. Any spare dashes or harnesses in case something doesn't work? Measure twice, cut once. Cut once, it is cut forever.
     
  3. DeanTX

    DeanTX Silver Level contributor

    Yeah Steve I also have Vintage Air, which means I have hoses going to the defrost vents and the left vent. This makes an already tight space very crowded behind the dash. It is all squished together back there now. To install the new gauges it would help if they are more shallow than the originals. If not I will need to find a way to space them forward a bit.
     
  4. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    That looks cool, hope you can find a way.
     
  5. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.

    You might to also consider custom gauges from SpeedHut www.speedhut.com They offer custom gauges that you design and they are very moderately priced. Their gauges are also very shallow (only 1", yes 1") and therefore are easy to retrofit into cars that are cramped behind the dash. I've only bought one gauge from them so far but I was very happy with it, especially considering the fact that I was able to design it on their website in a matter of minutes and it arrived quickly for a low price. It fit into the dash of my '72 and was simple to hook up. The built-in shift light is handy too since the location of the tach is not in my direct line of sight. It also has a built-in mempory recall to show the highest reading if you want to see that info. Here is a photo of it installed, sorry for the low quality cellphone photo, it was all I had handy.
     

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  6. NOTNSS

    NOTNSS Gold Level Contributor

    Like this...

    Dash2.jpg

    It's been a few years so I don't remember all the installation details but I do remember using 1lb tin coffee cans for buckets behind the dash to mount the AM gauges. Might sound hokie and probably doesn't look real sweet in the back but is solid and has lasted without issue for years and 3000+ miles. Seems like I cut the cans out leaving tabs for mounting. No real modification to the factory dash and I think it could be returned to stock if wanted (but why?). Obviously the plastic covers on the factory pods are gone and only the AM surface is there.
    Went with the 160mph speedo with Tremec 5spd (.65 OD) and 3.55 gears. Have had it to 135ish with throttle remaining..:pray:

    Best of luck.
     
  7. NOTNSS

    NOTNSS Gold Level Contributor

    Trying again with a bit larger photo..

    Dash3.jpg

    If the speedo looks off center it's because the 80mph is not at 12:00.
    I don't recall any fitment issues with depth.
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2016
  8. gs66

    gs66 Silver Level contributor

    That looks great!
     
  9. NOTNSS

    NOTNSS Gold Level Contributor

    Thanks. Should have done a picture/write-up.
     
  10. DeanTX

    DeanTX Silver Level contributor

    Thanks Gary. That's exactly what I am trying to do. Looks great, glad to see it is a proven concept!
     
  11. NOTNSS

    NOTNSS Gold Level Contributor

    Found a bit of the thread from 2007. 3 3/8" gauges it says.

    Can't believe I've put only 3400 miles on the car in 8+ years. That should change with retirement in the near future. The Tremec goes back in next weekend and looking hard at the FI TBI (800hp version). Already have tubular suspension, bigger swaybar, etc., etc. Might have to step up to 17s and speed rated tires in the near future as well.
    My Auto Meter digital shift light is in a pillar pod.
     
  12. DeanTX

    DeanTX Silver Level contributor

    Gary, you are right about Speedhut. I used them before on my Cobra replica car. Great product and great service. I got a good deal on the AM gauges or it would have been Speedhut.
     

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  13. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.

    Very nice!!

    Can't really go wrong with either brand. Gary's cluster above is really nice looking with the AM setup.
     
  14. DeanTX

    DeanTX Silver Level contributor

    Well after considering the extra work that the Auto Gauge set would entail as far as fuel sender, along with the rear space issues, I decided to send them back and get Speedhut. They fit exactly in the existing holes and look like they were made for it.
     

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    rex362 likes this.
  15. 70purplerag

    70purplerag Silver Level contributor

    Wow, that looks amazing! Looks much more at home in the Buick bezel than the Dakotas I've seen. Nice work!:TU:
     
  16. zimmstoy

    zimmstoy Active Member

    DeanTX,

    So overall, you are happy with these gauges. I am contemplating ordering a set.

    Do all the gauge appear to be reading the sensors properly on the quad gauge?

    Can you post a few more pictures?
     
  17. LandYacht

    LandYacht Well-Known Member

    Those speedhuts look slick. Love this site and all the info you guys share.
    As for the Dakota Dash - its pretty hokey looking - reminds me of a 1985 Chrysler Laser. ugh. Too bad, because they make much nicer looking stuff for the Chevelle.
     
  18. rex362

    rex362 paint clear and drive

    Speedhut.jpgtggtgtg.jpg

    (older post)

    That speedhut-setup...very nice ,clean and crisp looking

    myself....I would of done....speedo/with fuel-gauge/duo
    and replaced the quad fuel-gauge with trans temp.....if they customize
    heck maybe an engine oil temp in the lower right in the tach...if allowable:D
    ....they do have a duo tach with small speedo.



    this forum gonna drive me broke :rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2019
  19. HotRodRivi

    HotRodRivi Tomahawks sighted overseas

    interesting place for the lighter.
     
  20. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    That is the stock location.
     

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