Gauge Options

[MtBraun]

I'm considering completely redoing my gauges in tandem with a TBI conversion I'm doing. I have looked at the aftermarket kits (Dakota Digital, Classic Dash, etc.) and would like to also look into a DIY option. I'm partial to Autometer gauges but will consider other options. Has anyone updated to modern gauges using the stock gauge pod, even if modifications were required? What did you use and what mods did you have to do to make everything work?

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Are you doing speedo as well or just oil, water and volts?

 

[Honky Kong jr]

I'm considering completely redoing my gauges in tandem with a TBI conversion I'm doing. I have looked at the aftermarket kits (Dakota Digital, Classic Dash, etc.) and would like to also look into a DIY option. I'm partial to Autometer gauges but will consider other options. Has anyone updated to modern gauges using the stock gauge pod, even if modifications were required? What did you use and what mods did you have to do to make everything work?

This is wat I did on mine.... for now.

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[MtBraun]

I'd like to do everything - all 6 stock gauges with possibly a side bezel for trans temp. I would convert fuel to the small gauge and add tachometer in place of the old fuel gauge. I wonder if its possible to use a 2 1/16" gauge directly into the stock gauge pod. I'm ok with modifying the gauge pod to get them to fit. I may buy an aftermarket gauge and play around with the extra gauge pod I have.

BTW - I like the fit and finish on your three extra gauges!

 

[Honky Kong jr]

I'd like to do everything - all 6 stock gauges with possibly a side bezel for trans temp. I would convert fuel to the small gauge and add tachometer in place of the old fuel gauge. I wonder if its possible to use a 2 1/16" gauge directly into the stock gauge pod. I'm ok with modifying the gauge pod to get them to fit. I may buy an aftermarket gauge and play around with the extra gauge pod I have.

BTW - I like the fit and finish on your three extra gauges!

That is temporary this is what I will go back to I liked it way better.

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[Craig 85]

Sorry I don't have photos as I sold the truck 15 years ago. I had the below listed Autometer gauges. They fit into the stock bezels. I may have add a wrap or two of electrical tape to make it more snug. My truck had idiot lights. I know I trimmed out the back of the blue bezel to fit some of the mechanical parts of the gauge. I was able to lift/float the printed curcuit board over the gauges. I know I had to trim the back of the main dash bezel to match the face of the gauge, but it was an easy swap. The second link is for a stock looking Tach/fuel gauge combo.

http://www.autometer.com/2-3-gauge-console-oil-water-volt-mech-black-2297.html

http://www.gmsports.com/content/new-tachometer-1973-1988-chevy-and-gmc-trucks

 

[75Monza]

I did a similar conversion on my 71 GMC, put an aftermarket tach where the original was supposed to go and mechanical gauges in place of original, kept the stock speedo and fuel gauge. Only thing I regret was putting a tach in without a glass face, damn plastic weathered and turned yellow after about 5 years.

 

[vicnation]

They sell the complete panel:

https://www.vividracing.com/catalog...MI1da5lfK91wIVRCWBCh0RNAnhEAQYBCABEgIh8PD_BwE

Expensive but a nice look.

 

[77 K20]

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Mine is very similar to Honky Kong's

 

[Best truck design]

Here's mine I just finished, this past summer. I wanted the stock look. Added the 8000 RPM tach and the fuel gauge, wanted it to appear as if GM built it this way! Built the tach from scratch.

 

[R Carnella]

I went with the dakota digital and couldn't be happier with them overall. Plus they integrate well with the LS engine ecm by reading OBD2 data. Displays stuff like gear selection,trans temp,inlet air temp,4x4&low range indicators. Not to mention i can set warning alerts for volts, temp and oil pressure.
Combined with Bluetooth and all the color settings it's just fantastic really.

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[Originalthor]

I went with the dakota digital and couldn't be happier with them overall. Plus they integrate well with the LS engine ecm by reading OBD2 data. Displays stuff like gear selection,trans temp,inlet air temp,4x4&low range indicators. Not to mention i can set warning alerts for volts, temp and oil pressure.
Combined with Bluetooth and all the color settings it's just fantastic really.

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I would like to see some more shots of that double din radio you got in there.

 

[R Carnella]

Crap, just realized how old this post is lol

I would like to see some more shots of that double din radio you got in there.

It's a pioneer head unit,

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[TotalyHucked]

Another vote for Dakotas. I have an LS like mentioned above, so I get 90% of my info though the OBD2 adaptor they sell. But even with a small block, that's the route I'd go, they're that good and easy to install as well.

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