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Technical Pics / Feedback of Autometer gauges in a Model A

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by roll of the dices, Mar 17, 2020.

  1. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    Any pictures or feedback of Autometer gauges in a Model A...
    I will be running a 59AB flathead and a T5 Transmission with mechanical speedo

    Have done a few searches but haven't been able to find any pics....
    Need some help....I am doing a my research on gauges to use in my Model A Roadster and I am highly considering using Autometer Gauges...
    I already ruled out Cl***ic Instruments or using vintage Stewart warner gauges

    I was set on using a new set from Stewart Warner, wings, black face, until I started reading the many reviews of stuck speedometers, bad customer service and the product no longer been made in the USA and lack of support... I started having second thoughts....That is what let me to Autometer...

    I am not a big fan of the racer look on them but found a few lines that might work for me.
    I am considering using one of the lines below, mounted on an Ensign dash insert.

    Any pics or feedback that can help me make my mind will be greatly appreciated

    Prestige Series Antique Ivory
    2002_43.jpg
    Old Time Black
    1708_42.jpg
    Antique Beige
    1808_43.jpg
     
    GordonC likes this.
  2. brigrat
    Joined: Nov 9, 2007
    Posts: 6,068

    brigrat
    Member
    from Wa.St.

    Black face, white needles and numbers...………………………………...
     
    Bandit Billy and Just Gary like this.
  3. el Scotto
    Joined: Mar 3, 2004
    Posts: 4,722

    el Scotto
    Member
    from Tracy, CA

    It kinda sounds like you’ve got a budget in your head and don’t want to spend more than $**x

    The dash is a focal point on any car, but it’s even more so in a roadster.

    I’d make sure whatever you put into it doesn’t look to cheesy.
     
    kadillackid likes this.
  4. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,374

    Budget36
    Member

    Of the 3 you have shown, I like the first ones because the "Autometer" is less obvious.
     
  5. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    Agree 100%.
    That's why I was sold on Stewart since the look is nice, clean and timeless...but everything I am reading says the product quality has dropped a lot. More than a few having to replace defective speedos (within the first 1k miles) or temp gauges.

    Autometer reminds me of a street racer or a drift car...but I am yet to find a bad review on it and I sure would love to the idea of only having to install them one time :)

    Budget is somewhat of a concern but just as you said, roadster, 5 gauges smack in the middle of the dash....they need to look nice.
    The Prestige series is $745, the Antique beige is $323 and the black face is $315....the Stewart set was $340
     
  6. jaracer
    Joined: Oct 4, 2008
    Posts: 3,059

    jaracer
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I went vintage, 49/50 Ford. IMG_1378.JPG
     
    Speed~On, kadillackid, Narum5 and 2 others like this.
  7. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    That was one of the reasons I like those. The Autometer logo in the others looks out of place.
    I kind of like the "A" logo in it...reminds me of Model A
    The Ivory or Beige background can help them pop....I am hoping to paint the body Washington blue with haystack pinstripping.
     
  8. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    I like that one as it is somewhat similar to the Stewart set I originally liked.
     
  9. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

  10. A 2 B
    Joined: Dec 2, 2015
    Posts: 572

    A 2 B
    Member
    from SW Ontario

    Of the Auto Meter gauges, I like the old time black face/white crescent needle set the best. They have more of a period look.
    I have been collecting odd vintage SW gauges for years trying to come up with a complete decent vintage set. It is difficult to do without breaking the bank, that's for sure. I have an Auto Meter tach I'm considering using separate from the Stewart Warner cluster. Not a match but I like the look.
    You may want to use two water temp gauges with the flattie or just use a switch for reading each bank.
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2020
  11. Dean Lowe
    Joined: May 20, 2008
    Posts: 22,042

    Dean Lowe
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I used white face because everyone else uses black face. Repainted the A spedometer to match.

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Model A Gomez
    Joined: Aug 26, 2006
    Posts: 1,849

    Model A Gomez
    Member

    I running Stewart Warner winged gauges in my V8 A, like the vintage look. The car up and running but not finished, happy with the choice.
     

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  13. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    This look really nice! Good choice.
     
  14. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    That's my problem with old vintage...Expensive, for a complete set. I sure like the looks and love the curve gl*** on them.

    I've been thinking of running moon eyes direct team gauges on each head or using a switch to read each bank. Good call out.
     
  15. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    I agree that looks really good.
    Where did you get your from, if you don't mind me asking? Any issues with them?
     
  16. Model A Gomez
    Joined: Aug 26, 2006
    Posts: 1,849

    Model A Gomez
    Member

    The gauges came from Speedway and the panel is from Haneline, installed and wired the gauges and the all work great.
     
  17. Kevin Ardinger
    Joined: Aug 31, 2019
    Posts: 1,049

    Kevin Ardinger
    Member

    [​IMG]
    This is how I laid mine out. Auto meter cl***ic hot rod guages


    Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  18. lake_harley
    Joined: Jun 4, 2017
    Posts: 2,456

    lake_harley
    Member

    I'd imagine your original gas tank has been "gutted", or are the gauges shallow enough to fit into the tank's recess? Fingers crossed, but I'm thinking the original gas tank is no longer being used.

    BTW...That interior looks fantastic!

    Lynn
     
  19. cuellar66
    Joined: Mar 11, 2020
    Posts: 4

    cuellar66
    Member
    from Tampa Bay

    I’m digging the prestige antique ivory. I’m looking for gauges now and have eyed those myself.... just my $.02


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  20. Dean Lowe
    Joined: May 20, 2008
    Posts: 22,042

    Dean Lowe
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The original tank isn't used. The area behind the gauge panel has been hole sawed behind each gauge. I know of no gauges shallow enough to use with out cutting the tank. I have never liked the idea of 10 gallons of gasoline in my lap.
     
  21. lodaddyo
    Joined: May 5, 2002
    Posts: 1,263

    lodaddyo
    Member

  22. LM14
    Joined: Dec 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,936

    LM14
    Member Emeritus
    from Iowa

    I put Cl***ic Instruments in my '32 (first 4 pictures). They are very nicely made gauges and worth the extra money. Work great and look vintage without somebody big old logo going all over the front of the gauge. They are easier to read at night than they are during the daytime. My eyes are old. I am running a Ford ****** so had to have the Ford signal converter which adds a few bucks to the total cost, too. It was easy to calibrate and seems to be very accurate.

    The last 3 pictures are Auto Meters going in my '62 Ford unibody pickup. Also, very well made gauges. I have modified a stock dash insert to fit them and like how it came out so far. Haven't driven it yet so no idea how they will be to read. I will be using a GPS converter to drive the electric speedometer on this one.

    Spend the money for good gauges. Nothing more frustrating than getting everything the way you want it and having to take it back apart because it quits working. I do think it's one area that you "get what you pay for". Good gauges are expensive.

    SPark

    Gauges5.jpg Gauges6.jpg Gauges7.png Gauges8.png 2020-28c.jpg 2020-28d.jpg 2020-28g.jpg
     
    Budget36 likes this.
  23. rally1
    Joined: Oct 25, 2009
    Posts: 129

    rally1
    Member

    You might checkout SPEEDHUT.com,
    You can custom design the gauge faces, made right here in the USA.
    I’ve been using their gauges on customer cars, and my own for at least fifteen years.
    Ken
     
  24. D-Russ
    Joined: Mar 15, 2006
    Posts: 1,749

    D-Russ
    Member

    Autometer Old Time Black gauges in my Model A:
    UNQgvlthRcuv6Bq9G5UFIw_thumb_18eb.jpg

    UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1842.jpg

    UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1844.jpg

    Speedway (likely Chinese) gauges @ $162 for the set, going in my F100:
    IMG_5413.JPG
     
    Todd Wallin and 48stude like this.
  25. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    The gauges on that Ensign insert look really nice. Thank you for sharing!
    Couldn't agree with you more....I want to install them once and not have to take them off because they quit working.
     
  26. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

  27. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    Thank you. Definitely interesting
    I got a few ideas and will see what their quote comes back to.
     
  28. 48stude
    Joined: Jul 31, 2004
    Posts: 1,382

    48stude
    Member

    Old Tyme black gauges in my A roadster. Bill
    P1020685.JPG
     
  29. D-Russ
    Joined: Mar 15, 2006
    Posts: 1,749

    D-Russ
    Member

    The faces are curved.
    I made the spears from an extra garnish molding – I cut/shaped it to fit, welded threaded studs on the back, and had them chromed.
     
  30. roll of the dices
    Joined: Jul 15, 2010
    Posts: 1,349

    roll of the dices
    Member

    You did a great job with those spears! I really like the way they look.
    The more I see those Old Tyme Black gauges the more I get to like them... Thank you for posting.
     
    D-Russ likes this.

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