Gauge/Instrument Cluster

Has anyone updated/customized their gauge/instrument cluster?

I want to and would like to see some already done, or hear your ideas. Gauge layout and indicator locations?

I am thinking of fabin' a new plate and adding Dakota Digital gauges. Has anyone used them or heard anything about them?

Thanks!

P.S. New engine should go on the break in stand early next week, then into the van! It's been a long journey but the end is finally in sight!

I've been looking into gauge ideas. I'd go analog, just to keep the vintage feel and look. Anyone have custom gauges? I can't find anyone to rebuild mine.

My friend just did his 64 Ranchero with Autometer gauges on an aluminium engine turned plate. Looks fantastic and I'm going to go all aftermarket gauges on my 8 door.

Here is mine I just finished made it from Mahogany to match my wheel...

Man, that looks really nice!

Did you just trace the original cluster on the wood for the shape, or is that your own custom shape?

Thanks!

I used the original as a template then used a solid piece of mahogany and trimed it out... I am going to use another piece of mahogany for the glove box door.

to help tie it all togather add 1 last piece on the dash where the radio is or should be.. some one cut my dash for a aftermarket radio so that is how i covered it up...

I am going to make a matching piece to cover the glove box door.... Did you know that they are the same size? The stock instrument cluster and the glove box door opening?? Crazy huh?

Here is the back of my gauges...



Nevermind the holly socks........

VanninBlaino wrote: I can't find anyone to rebuild mine.

I talked to a guy that was able to rebuild, but it was big bucks (over 250 with shipping).
I lost the info, but might be able to track the guy down again. He wanted to do the wiring and the gauges, which was even more.
There are decals on ebay to renew the faces.
I still haven't figured that part of mine out yet. I'd like to get a fresh custom silkscreening done, but need to find a reasonable price.
For the stuff some of these places charge, I could have the face custom painted and pinstriped, plus some!

http://www.autoinstruments.com/mopar.htm Rod i've seen their work (top of the line) but expensive. i have seen new gauges on e-bay .But never the odometer.

kltcustoms wrote:Here is mine I just finished made it from Mahogany to match my wheel...

hi, did you have to calibrate the speed gauge ?and what about the fuel gauge, i'm thinking about changing all the gauges like this, and what part # is this? thanks for any help

does anyone know the ohms resistance on the fuel sending unit, i called summit for a gauge kit to replace all my gauges, autometer part # kit 1901 is what i want,the guy says it must be 140 ohms empty and 30 ohms full, i dont have a ohm meter. thanks for any help

what could be wrong my speedometer reads 10 when i'm doing 40 could it be the cable or the gauge? i'm running 14'' wheels so the tires arent to big, when i got the van the needle was stuck past 120 when i pulled the cover off i just tuched it and it went to 0, any help would be much appreciated

First dicconect it at the tranny use a rag to keep the fluid from leaking out. And remove the nylon gear to see if that is in good shape or all worn out . Slide the gear into the housing and spin it and see if it feels smooth. If the gear is worn it can be replaced for $10. to $30. Any tranny shop should have a bucket of used ones. Or the cable could need to be cleaned out you can remove it and flush out the cable. The center cable should pull right out of the sheathing. wipe it down flush out the outer cover with diesel, or kerosene . l Hang it up let it drip dry then use a light greese on the inner cable as you feed it into the sheathing. lastly the gear may be the wrong gear, my bet is the nylon gear is worn out. Once you get it apart let me know what you find...Dix.. Ps i have no idea why the gauge was stuck @ 120.

I have been making polished aluminum replacement panels for the Econolines and Chevys for awhile now. Someone told me they were going to send me their factory Dodge gauge set to copy but havent gotten it yet.

I am planning on making one the same shape as the original to either hold aftermarket gauges and also be able to house the original gauges depending on which route a person wants to go.

Here are a few pictures of a few I have made.

Econoline to fit Stock gauges



Econoline with stock cover installed



2nd Gen Chevy before gauges



2nd Gen Chevy with Gauges



Ford with Autometer gauges



Ford Autometer panel installed



I can make them with either the mirrored finish or a brushed finish and cut to fit any size gauge. Can set them to any pattern you would like.

Been working on other pieces for Chevy and Ford now also. Tail light bezels and such.

Let me know if I can help you out!

thanks for all the great info dix, i'll get to it today and let you know, i want to keep my dash as origenal as i can, all the gauges work now but the speedometer, if i deside to change to after market gauges i'll send you mbasaraba my gauge face plate and have you make me one, you do great work, thanks again guys,

it is the cable dix, i cant turn it by fingers, i'm surprised something hasnt broke, the plastic gear was ok, i'll order a new cable on ebay,

dodge man wrote:does anyone know the ohms resistance on the fuel sending unit, i called summit for a gauge kit to replace all my gauges, autometer part # kit 1901 is what i want,the guy says it must be 140 ohms empty and 30 ohms full, i dont have a ohm meter. thanks for any help

My new sending unit had read 11 ohms full, 73 ohms empty.

thanks alot itruns, thats what i needed to know to order the right fuel gauge,

dodge man wrote:it is the cable dix, i cant turn it by fingers, i'm surprised something hasnt broke, the plastic gear was ok, i'll order a new cable on ebay,

Rockauto.com has them for $14.54 + shipping. Put a little ATF in the cable before installing.

thanks iturns, i got one for 17.95 free shipping on ebay, i keep forgeting to check with rockauto, and thanks for the trany fluid trick, i would have installed it right out of the box