Given the somewhat uninformative idiot lights in so many of our cars, has anyone constructed a custom guage cluster using Auto Meter, etc. guages instead of the stockers? I was considering something tasteful and informative, not a junior riceboy starter kit. Picture of your efforts would be appreciated along with any issues encountered. Thanks, Rudy E
I was working on installing the mini gauges in the blank where a clock would be. That project stopped, though, as the car isn't going anywhere for a while. I cut out 3 holes in an old blank, and in a disk (the disk covered the markings on the blank). Some SEM satin black paint looked pretty good. I took the disassembled gauges and mounted them too it, with the faces on the outside of the blank (so you could see them). Sorry, I don't think I have any pictures. I never finished, but if I do, each gauge will have an idiot LED next to it - sometimes the lights just grab your attention. When I do finish, I will use electronic gauges (volts, temp, oil) instead of mechanical.
The A-Pillar pods by Autometer are Trick! :bglasses: I have an Oil Pressure gauge and Water Temp mounted in them. Ordered for '70 Chevelle, got on Clearance for $15, Looks AWESOME, Fits Perfect! :Smarty: Now, I just need one of those 200MPH Buick Speedometers, to match the rest... :Brow:
Rudy, Saw your inquiry on the board about dash options. I modified my dash from the original idiot lights since I wanted better engine info and fixing up the original speedo and adding factory gauges was more money than I wanted to spend. Most Buick lovers would not approve I know but I am not trying to restore to concours condition but rather have a car that I can drive and enjoy. I used the original wiring except for new wires run to the new oil pressure and temp sending units. Gauges are mounted to a 1/4 inch thick piece of aluminum a friend of mine made for me from a paper template as he is in the tool and die business. I can try to walk you thru more details if you ever decide to try this approach but here are some preliminary comments for you. I hope the pic attachment made it as I am not very good with the computer. Dean
I can attest that Dean did and excellent job giving his 72 Skylark a modern new look for the dash. That car left the shop here about a week or so ago, after a drivetrain upgrade. Best thing about it was, it's all lit up red at night.. very cool.. Not that you would want to rip out the ralley gauges on your GSX's.. but for a super nice hotrod like Dean's Skylark, it's definately an option. Also he has something I have never seen before, and maybe never will again.. real woodgrain on the dash and console.. JW
