Do Not Try This At Home!!! : )
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knowledge junkie
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,595
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta, GA
well send them to me - vaughnc@earthlink.net and I'll host em' for ya'.
Thread Starter
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
how hard is it to put the gauges in because i wanted to do something like that and that is nice
I can think of alot of gauges more important then a volt one....
Thread Starter
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Everybody and their brother uses Autometers. I also bought the best models. Pro-Comp Ultra-lite.
Putting the gauges in is not straightforward. The ones I used are not in a stock location (how am I gonna get the speedo cable over there?), they obviously barely fit even though I modified the way they sit, and the shapes are complicated and a bunch of stuff must be cut/sanded away.
I will help anyone who tries this, but it's not easy. Hope you got a Dremel!
Putting the gauges in is not straightforward. The ones I used are not in a stock location (how am I gonna get the speedo cable over there?), they obviously barely fit even though I modified the way they sit, and the shapes are complicated and a bunch of stuff must be cut/sanded away.
I will help anyone who tries this, but it's not easy. Hope you got a Dremel!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: puerto rico/connecticut
WOW, it may not be easy but damn I feel so inspired right now. Definitely not in my budget at this point in time but I have a project for the future! What did you do to solve the speedo cable problem? What other problems did you have?
Thread Starter
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
I thought and thought about it. I couldn't figure a way since everything had to be modified. It's not as if you could just stick in some gauges.
1. The stock gauge cluster hood is not flat on the back. It matches the curve of the OE plastic gauge cover. This must be sanded smooth/flat for the panel to mount flush.
2. It must be sanded at a pretty steep angle to get these HUGE gauges to fit. Making sure it is leaned back enough involves this: sand, test fit, sand, test fit, sand, test fit, sand. And a lot of sanding and test fitting.
3. There is no way to mount the gauge panel to the cluster hood. I had to bend alluminum brackets and use machine screws. It's not the prettiest but at least their SS. Also, you have to bend them just right and drill all the screws just right so that it's tight, but not short. It's like this: bend, mark, drill, swear, bend another cause that one came up short, bend, mark, cut. Repeat 11 times. (One screw on top, and one on the gauge panel for each bracket)
4. Seal the whole deal with black silicone caulk.
Now the installation. First remove the steering wheel and the little cover over the rack. Try to put the cluster in there. It does not fit. Not even close. You have to cut away almost the entire plastic floor that is glued to the foam/vinyl dash. Think you can get the Dremel in there? Lots of smoldering plastic flying everywhere, and some dexterity involved. Test fit, cut more away if necessary, test fit, etc. Now, put the rack cover back on and do another test fit to make sure it will go on and come out without removing the rack cover every time. If it fits, congratulations.
1. The stock gauge cluster hood is not flat on the back. It matches the curve of the OE plastic gauge cover. This must be sanded smooth/flat for the panel to mount flush.
2. It must be sanded at a pretty steep angle to get these HUGE gauges to fit. Making sure it is leaned back enough involves this: sand, test fit, sand, test fit, sand, test fit, sand. And a lot of sanding and test fitting.
3. There is no way to mount the gauge panel to the cluster hood. I had to bend alluminum brackets and use machine screws. It's not the prettiest but at least their SS. Also, you have to bend them just right and drill all the screws just right so that it's tight, but not short. It's like this: bend, mark, drill, swear, bend another cause that one came up short, bend, mark, cut. Repeat 11 times. (One screw on top, and one on the gauge panel for each bracket)
4. Seal the whole deal with black silicone caulk.
Now the installation. First remove the steering wheel and the little cover over the rack. Try to put the cluster in there. It does not fit. Not even close. You have to cut away almost the entire plastic floor that is glued to the foam/vinyl dash. Think you can get the Dremel in there? Lots of smoldering plastic flying everywhere, and some dexterity involved. Test fit, cut more away if necessary, test fit, etc. Now, put the rack cover back on and do another test fit to make sure it will go on and come out without removing the rack cover every time. If it fits, congratulations.
I wish I was driving!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 84
From: BC, Canada
I am considering making a set like that for myself, when the money comes. I will use 5" speedo and tach, definitely, and will make the back out of flat back painted carbon fiber. I will retain the blinkers and warning lights in the dash, as well as the buzzer. I *could* make sets for others, but it is gonna be unlikely, as everyone would want a different set, etc.
For all those questioning why I would paint carbon fiber, well, I plan on making the black plastic surround around the gauges out of Carbon fiber as well, so it would suit.
For all those questioning why I would paint carbon fiber, well, I plan on making the black plastic surround around the gauges out of Carbon fiber as well, so it would suit.
