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?
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.
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.
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.
Like this... 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..ray: Best of luck.
Trying again with a bit larger photo.. 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.
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.
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.
Very nice!! Can't really go wrong with either brand. Gary's cluster above is really nice looking with the AM setup.
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.
Wow, that looks amazing! Looks much more at home in the Buick bezel than the Dakotas I've seen. Nice work!:TU:
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?
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.
(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 ....they do have a duo tach with small speedo. this forum gonna drive me broke