Figured that i should start this thread because maybe it will help others looking to do the same type of gauge swap.
Anyways, I found a guy locally on CL selling Ultra Lite gauges, i.e. 3-3.8 Tach and Speedo, and 2-1/16 boost and fuel. Guy was basically giving them away for less than the cost of the speedo brand new, I couldn't pass it up.
Sold the Boost gauge since i don't need that, bought a 2-1/16 Mech Oil Pressure gauge. I had a 2-5/8 Mech in my pillar, along with a 2-5/8 tach which were both sold on ebay along with the boost gauge. Net cost so far, roughly 40 bucks in my pocket.
So the previous owner had the gauges mounted in a black press board panel. This will just not do. I debated using a Carbon Fiber panel, but cutting with a hole saw in CF seemed to be impossible. So i decided to use 3/16' ABS. I had some 3M Dinoc CF matte vinyl that i was planning on using on my switch plates, so i figured i would just wrap the panel in that to give it a little more "Style". (Gotta count for something)
So i made a template out of cardboard. A few templates actually. just to make sure that i have the spacing right, and i like the design. Finally nailed down something that i like and will make the most sense. (subconsciously, i copied the layout of the 09-12 Ram 1500s, of which i own one.)
Next move, buying the hole saws. Easier said than done. Not a common size in a B&M store. Amazon saved me there. Fast forward to delivery day, hole saws get put to use.
Panel get cut and trimmed with the hole saws and a multi saw, which works amazing BTW. Gauges get mounted, panel gets mounted, all looks good, right?
I only wish. The dash needs to be trimmed to make clearance for the size of the gauges, which are deeper than the stock cluster. So there is another road block.
While this is all going on, i decide i do NOT want to use the nylon line that auto meter supplies with the oil pressure gauge. I had the larger gauge in my pillar leak and completely ruin my door panel, never again. So I settled on going with -4AN braided line to supply the gauge. Found a guy on Ebay selling used AN lines and fittings off a NASCAR cup car. Lightweight versions to boot. so now i have 4 lines of varying lengths all with crimped connections, score!
So i also pick up the 1/8" to -4an restrictor fitting that Autometer sells, along with the adapter for the gauge, and I'm good to go.
Wait, what about indicators? Im glad you asked. I didn't want to use the standard round LEDs that i see on the Florida 5.0 clusters (no offense to any F5.0 guys out there, just not my style). After a lot of searching, i narrowed it down to a rear mount 7 panel indicator from New Vintage USA.
And thats where i am left now. Waiting for the indicator panel to be delivered (Damn Snow!) All the wires have been purchased, along with weather pack connectors, split loom, heat shrink etc.....
So enjoy the pictures.
Ill update this as i go. The wiring and indicator panels are next on the list. Hopefully this will help at least one person.
Anyways, I found a guy locally on CL selling Ultra Lite gauges, i.e. 3-3.8 Tach and Speedo, and 2-1/16 boost and fuel. Guy was basically giving them away for less than the cost of the speedo brand new, I couldn't pass it up.
Sold the Boost gauge since i don't need that, bought a 2-1/16 Mech Oil Pressure gauge. I had a 2-5/8 Mech in my pillar, along with a 2-5/8 tach which were both sold on ebay along with the boost gauge. Net cost so far, roughly 40 bucks in my pocket.
So the previous owner had the gauges mounted in a black press board panel. This will just not do. I debated using a Carbon Fiber panel, but cutting with a hole saw in CF seemed to be impossible. So i decided to use 3/16' ABS. I had some 3M Dinoc CF matte vinyl that i was planning on using on my switch plates, so i figured i would just wrap the panel in that to give it a little more "Style". (Gotta count for something)
So i made a template out of cardboard. A few templates actually. just to make sure that i have the spacing right, and i like the design. Finally nailed down something that i like and will make the most sense. (subconsciously, i copied the layout of the 09-12 Ram 1500s, of which i own one.)
Next move, buying the hole saws. Easier said than done. Not a common size in a B&M store. Amazon saved me there. Fast forward to delivery day, hole saws get put to use.
Panel get cut and trimmed with the hole saws and a multi saw, which works amazing BTW. Gauges get mounted, panel gets mounted, all looks good, right?
I only wish. The dash needs to be trimmed to make clearance for the size of the gauges, which are deeper than the stock cluster. So there is another road block.
While this is all going on, i decide i do NOT want to use the nylon line that auto meter supplies with the oil pressure gauge. I had the larger gauge in my pillar leak and completely ruin my door panel, never again. So I settled on going with -4AN braided line to supply the gauge. Found a guy on Ebay selling used AN lines and fittings off a NASCAR cup car. Lightweight versions to boot. so now i have 4 lines of varying lengths all with crimped connections, score!
So i also pick up the 1/8" to -4an restrictor fitting that Autometer sells, along with the adapter for the gauge, and I'm good to go.
Wait, what about indicators? Im glad you asked. I didn't want to use the standard round LEDs that i see on the Florida 5.0 clusters (no offense to any F5.0 guys out there, just not my style). After a lot of searching, i narrowed it down to a rear mount 7 panel indicator from New Vintage USA.
And thats where i am left now. Waiting for the indicator panel to be delivered (Damn Snow!) All the wires have been purchased, along with weather pack connectors, split loom, heat shrink etc.....
So enjoy the pictures.
Ill update this as i go. The wiring and indicator panels are next on the list. Hopefully this will help at least one person.
