Installing 5” gauges into an AD Chevy truck. Last month I ordered the gauges for Courtland’s truck. There was a thread on there from TPost/Tugmaster asking what would be the best gauges to use. I jumped in and asked about Dolphin and AutoMeter. Well, I know there is a significant price difference but AutoMeter is a name I’ve known and trusted. Either way, new gauges are a minimum of a few hundred bucks. I received a PM at that time about the mounting and that I’d need an adapter. A HAMB Alliance Member pointed this out to me and that he’d sell me a set if I wanted one. I looked at the Dolphin ad in Street Rodder and saw they were $190! Dolphin gauges are only like $250 or so AND the adapter is billet. The whole point of the build on this truck is to go to BilletProof Detroit so that left me with one option: Figure it out our selves! Sunday I actually pulled the gauges out of the box and test fit them into the holes. Whoops. Basic math could have told me this wasn’t going to work.
What to do? Ive collected 5 54 AD cabs over the last few years and a number of gauge clusters more. Just a little bit of dis***embly showed me what I was up against. Further investigation showed a fairly flat surface on the back of the stock speedo and that the gauges were not concentric with the housing but off set. Tracing it out with a sharpie and cutting with a good metal blade in the jig saw left a decent clearance hole. A little filing and grinding opened it right up.
The nice thing about this is the center part. It acts as an angled shroud for the gauge to direct your eye inward. It has a nice angle to it AND it tapers. Only one thing to do: Bust out the grinder! (OK, guard is off so I can get inside. Not a recommended method. Please were appropriate protective devices. After much grinding, which might have been better on a good belt sander I was able to get to the size needed. Angle is still there and taper is still there, only much less (actually side view of the part earlier is finished, I forgot a before shot.)
After more trial fits and some rust removal, the gauge fits. Then the stock chrome bezel was put on to check the view. Gl*** was deleted because the gauges have a curved gl*** AND they dont drop down all the way into the angled bezel.
A little satin paint from our local hardware store… Some drying time while shortening of the mounting bracket so it fit on the back and… Presto. The driver can keep track of all the great details and have money left over to put a cushion on his seat!
It may not be the prettiest fix but it will work for now. We have other things to spend the money on right now and we want to get it running. The gauges mount onto the stock hold downs using the speedo tabs and they can be removed for upgrades at a later date.
Yep. Picked up the stuff to get the sending units all in. Got an issue with the oil sender above the filter. Doesn't want to start. Might need to chase the threads but not too confident. I'll figure it out! Wiring is hanging out of the firewall right now and coiled on the floor. We'll get it, one wire at a time!
re-tap it with a pipe tap, and a slobber of grease on the tap to keep the shavings in check. maybe just the first few threads need to be revived?
i like it! WAY better than any billet adapter i've ever seen. real nice!... you gonna make Billet Proof?
To the top for the evening crowd then I'm back to it. Gonna put in the speedo! DONE! Got one little fish eye on the ring but it'll be fine for now.
Great minds think alike. That is the same way I did my 54 gauges. Here are the pics from my mod. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265599&highlight=gauge%2A
Dang, Houston, I wish I'd have seen your post! I did a search and everything. Can't believe I missed it. I like the looks with the chrome and the black. Nice job! And only 2 weeks apart! Figure that one.
fish eye..? i dont see no fish eye. hey that fish eye goes with the dolphin gauges. oops autometer..so what..leave it alone..or P.I.T.A. will get on ya. looks great! im getting jacked for billetproof..yeah yeah..and probably too much coffee too
I still have your cup. It is in the gas tank hole of the other cab, just where you left it. I didn't want to touch it for fear it might light me up the way it does you. That stuff comes in decaf and you can water it down if it affects your medication that much! PETA? People Eating Tasty Animals? I'm a member!
That stuff comes in decaf and you can water it down if it affects your medication that much! PETA? People Eating Tasty Animals? I'm a member![/quote] I love the way it affects my medication..thats why i drink it.. Im a member too..p*** the salt!
That beats the hell out of teh billet adapter. Kinda odd though...the Autometer nostalgia gauges have a digital odometer.. Nice work, -Abone.
Hey, thanks all for the positive comments. We've been wiring this week so hopefully we'll be in a position to make these come alive. I know about the digital odometer. Odd is right but probably easier for them to deal with the mechanicals.
The black looks like it belongs there, now if you can just dirty up those gauges, you will be all set. Mark
The Jalopy Journal
