Bitter Knight

Hey there,

I never really got around to fixing my gauges--I'm acutally considering switching to analog gauges in my '84. Although it's going to be time consuming, it doesn't appear to be impossible. I like the Autometer Gauges, but I'm open to suggestions. What I'd really like to see are pictures from some folks who have actually done this. I've already been to Batee.com, but I'd like to see some more pics. Anybody out there have any, or any links?

Thanks!

DanZ51

This I want to see....

Curveit

This might work for you...try http://www.batee.com/corvette/dcrg/replace.shtml

Chance

Never seen that link before. Looks like a pretty clean installation, but I would have chosen some more attractive gauges, maybe some whiteface guages or something a bit more stylish.

Bitter Knight

Okay, thanks for the link--but remember, I've already seen that one--like a million times. I want to see something else.

Curveit

X-FireChance...I agree; I would'a used Autometer w/5" speedo & tach. I think it would be a cool, but pretty involved mod.

Bitter Knight... That's all I got.

JoBy

The speedo sensor is connected to the dash and the dash feeds the ECM with a speedo signal on another wire. If you just remove the stock dash the TCC lockup in the tranny will not work because the ECM does not get a speedo signal.

Also you will lose the cruise control. That is also a part of the dash electronics.

onedef92

If you visit the National Corvette Museum, you'll see a set of pre-production analog guages for the C4 on display. Apparently the engineeers were concerned the electronic displays would not hold up long enough to pass production launch and cobbled up a set as a backup.

They're just standard GM guages used in production GM cars of that era, but it looks neat. Sorry, no pictures.

nitronick

Bitter Knight,

You wanna sell your digital cluster?

cv67

Page 1987Z51. He did his with autometer gauges and did a superclean job. I've seen the car up close, looks great! Maybe you can get him to post a pic!

Bitter Knight

Thanks for the info guys. Yes, I'm well aware of the fact that you lose the cruise control--it never worked anyway. I'm pretty sure there's a way around the converter lock up as well.

I wouldn't mind seeing the pre-production gauges.

Nitronick, right now, it's not for sale--simply because I don't know how long it's going to take me to do this. But once it's done, who knows? Whenever I post my results, i'm sure you'll find out.

I like the Autometer gauges as well. I remember seeing someone's Vette on the web with Autometer gauges. I believe the car was silver. Very clean job! He used the Autometer carbon fiber gauges--I think I want to go that way too.

I know it's not a walk in the park to do. I'm beginning to wonder if anyone else has attempted it. But--I'm still waiting for some new pictures! Come on! Give me your best shot! I know there are some more out there!!

Again, thanks for the info. Each post has been very helpful.

ScaryFast

If you're going to do it, do it right Take a look at "my corvette photos"


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Not a stock dash, but at least you can see guages. Pay special attention to the redline (blue line?) It's top-shelf classy.

If you have questions about the wiring let me know. Mine work fine (except the speedo, it's not hooked up right now). My car is a 93, so there may be some differences.

Nitro, I have the cluster from my 93 if that matches your car.

Bitter Knight

Hey, that "blue line" is definitely top notch! Heck, it's even adjustable! Thanks for the pic--the white faced gauges are pretty cool. It's a little racy for what I plan, but still, very well done!

wpsrea

Back in the mid to late '80s, a company(don't remember who) made a replacement instrument cluster that included all analog gages. I have been searching for one of these for some time but have not been able to locate any info on it.

Bitter Knight

I wonder if that was Eckler's? They always had a knack for things nobody else had.

Also, I found 1987 Z51's website. It's http://corvetteobsession.com/CorvetteObsession_07.html
This link goes to the list of modifications.

DanZ51

Holy crap! I never want to look at that much wiring again.

Beautifo end result though (1987 z51).

nitronick

93 was after they did the interior change.
84 thru 90 was similar, but from some sources the 84 has to have 84 lcds. 85 thru 90, while some small differences would work.

SDS Photography

no joke, with that much time and money lets see some cool gauges

ScaryFast

Obviously my primary goal was weight...Plus I love my cool blue line

But my main purpose in posting was to offer help if you need it when you do the install.

Have you checked Autometer's website? They have some really cool stuff, much more interesting than the black on white. I needed contrast for quick looks, though.

Bitter Knight

ScaryFast,

I appreciate the offer for help--I just may take you up on it when I find myself up to my armpits in wires! It'll still be a while before I get started though.

I've been to Autometer's website plenty! I'm leaning towards the carbon fiber ones, like 1987 Z51. I like it because it's not your traditional look. The Stewart Warner and VDO gauges don't do it for me--Especially the VDOs, they make me feel like I'm behind the wheel of an early 80's European car. Gimmie Autometer any day of the week! Once I gather all of my pieces together, I'll be ready to rock and roll on the wiring.

Dan, I don't envy you one bit on the wiring! However, I agree, the end result is first class! That's by far the nicest gauge panel I've ever seen. The rest of the car isn't bad either!

I guess that's it for the pictures. I was really hoping to see something that I haven't seen before (besides those from ScaryFast). I really appreciate the input guys. I've got a pretty good idea of how I'm going to tackle this project. You've all been very helpful! Thanks!