Getting ready for gauges for another deuce highboy roadster I'm building. I'm having sticker shock. I'm using the last Frank Wallic Bomber Bench seat produced so am kinds into an aircraft mode. I've been looking a Classic Instruments Mole Bomber Gauges and Bezels. Yikes, it sure does cost a lot to sit in the front of the plane. Any wholesale outlets for Classic gauges or will I just have to bite the bullet?
Most are mounted behind the panel, mount up automotive black bezel gauges and throw some screws in at the corners.
I just looked at Classic's on Summit and didn't see anything mechanical, only electrical. Nice looking gauges but I really don't need a pyrometer or any of that stuff just going down the road.
Did my home work, no bargains available. I'm probably to fussy about following a theme? Tried a direct order from Classic, phone person wasn't very knowledgeable, retail was high, didn't have a clue what a HAMB Alliance discount was. Bit the bullet. Speedway had the best deal thru my Mr. Roadster deal. Done- Over- The pain will go away in a few days.
I'd talk to Ryan: "Classic Instruments – Nobody does a custom gauge like Classic Instruments… Nobody. That’s why we were so fired up to hear that they were joining the Alliance. What do we get? 10% off on any standard gauge packages, 10% off the design and production fees for custom design services (round, full sets only), and 10% off ($300 max) any retrofit projects you bring their way."
I know you've ordered. I used Faria in my '31. They made a dedicated set in the '90s but the gauges are still cool. https://fariabeede.com/2-pages/home.php
Good for you. Glad you went for it. If you like it, you need it. I like this. Classic Instruments 7 5/8" dia. Not cheap. That's okay.
All though, I thought it was kind of fun seeing a lot of gauges used on hot rods n customs. I didn't have ether the $ or feel the need for more then temp/oil psi,volt/or amp n a speed-o* as a op. So my own rod I built in 1959 has,not much more then stock ModalA. I did add a TACH few years later,mostly too be cool. I still drive it,pretty much as it was by 1961 .
Faria looks good, How reliable are they? Are they all electric and compatible with a GPS sender? Who sells them?
I believe they are very good. These are from the 90's,I think. When a bulb went out as I was changing over the dash, they sent me a whole box. I don't know about there gauges today, but their website gives a lot of information. They've been around for a while-mostly high end machinery and marine, I think. https://fariabeede.com/2-pages/home.php I like these new ones.
I have some WWII aircraft gauges that my dad passed on to me (aircraft mechanic in the 50's in the airforce) that I'm saving up for the bezels to someday replace with car gauges. Way cheaper than than the Moal ones.
Auliz on the HAMB built an airplane themed 32 Roadster. I thought I would do search for his build thread and found he has it listed in the classifieds. Auliz did a nice instrument panel using aircraft style gauges similar to the ones Classic Instrument ones that Krylon was seeking. Here is the link to Auliz's listing with a good photo of his dash with the aircraft style instruments. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1932-ford-roadster-p-51.1265586/
Krylon , your thoughts are same as mine , the look. Has to be built into the build from the start . Doesn’t matter much to me about $$ , everything is expensive today , 1st class is only a bit more .
Hello, The cost for an individual look that is so much different than other gauges, is worth the choice. The Classic Instruments Mole Bomber Gauges are worth the effort. It pays for itself in the long run. Why settle for standard gauges that everyone has? When people look at your roadster, they will know you went an extra step to be creative and stylish. If those gauges were around when we were in need of gauges for the Impala, Willys and 327 powered Sedan Delivery, we would have purchased those. But, as it was, we found some vintage aircraft gauges at the Douglas Aircraft Surplus Lot. But, we were told that the down the street Army Surplus Business also has some gauges. So, we went there on the way home and found a simple, smaller tachometer that would not have to be drilled on the dash, but bolted under neath the lip for a non destructive place, yet be seen if needed. Almost half the size of a chrome Sun Tachometer... The small black tach that fit nicely under the lip of the dash, over to the right side of the speedometer. It covered the 120 mph mark, but at the drags, the 120 needle was pegged at the start and was useless. On the street, no one goes that fast... The built-in light was ok for night time cruising. On drag race days or nights, we never used the tach… too busy getting a two car lead at the start. Impala dash placement The large Yellow arrow placement, was the first choice as it was directly in front of normal vision. But, it blocked the primary speedometer readings. The small arrow pointer location was an out of normal driving, front road vision at a glance, location. Nicely tucked under the dashboard lip. No harmful additional holes were added for the installation. Lit up dial inside at night, made a nice glow. Jnaki There are still some Army/Navy Surplus Stores still around and perhaps if the cost is affecting your choice, then call around or go visit some dealers. But, the roadster build is your design and build. If you like those Classic Instrument Gauges, go for it. Again, in the long run, it pays for itself in satisfaction and enjoyment. That is why we all like hot rods and customs. To be different if possible, with our own choices is the choice here. We would have bought those, but they were not around… S/W was the only choice for us. Note: It is not what others think, anyway, but how your see your creative juices flowing to completion with your own ideas. Full gauges are what most see first when looking inside, make yours special. You will be satisfied and happy with that decision…after all, it was your choice. YRMV
Yes, there are a few things when building the vision that you have in your head into reality you just have to have what you want. Not always cheap, but if it's those things that make you smile inside every time you look at the car in my book that's priceless. I think you will be happy that you went for it.
Yep exactly. When I built my 46 GMC I went to a cheaper model of gauges from Classic Instruments instead of the ones I really wanted. At the time, the $300 difference seemed massive. 11 years later, it seems insignificant. I chose not to cheap out on my hubcaps and I'm glad.
It's not the $300 difference for the one thing I just have to have that gives me pause. It's the $300 difference for the 20 things I just have to have that has me a little concerned.
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