C3 Gauges
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 29
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 Gauges
Hello Gentlemen,
I know this topic has been discussed often but i need some guidance. I have an 81 vette and i am adding autometer gauges. I have used Bee jays template to add the 2 5/8"
gauges to the center console but i have some questions. Did Bee Jay just lay the new gauge plate over top of the existing corvette gauge pods and use the old panel to fastener the new one? I have scene some installs where the old c3 gauge console panel is completely cutout and you have to create 90 degree brackets to fasten the new 2 5/8" gauge panel in place. I was curious if Bee jay did this or if he reused the old gauge console as his fastening system for the new gauge panel that he create.
Also did Bee Jay use 1/8" material or 1/4" material to make the new gauge panel? I am using Lexan. My concern with 1/8" material is when mounting the 2-5/8" gauges and a cd player in that thin of material that there will be too much weight and the material will vibrate and bend while running the car.
Thanks for any help you can give.
I know this topic has been discussed often but i need some guidance. I have an 81 vette and i am adding autometer gauges. I have used Bee jays template to add the 2 5/8"
gauges to the center console but i have some questions. Did Bee Jay just lay the new gauge plate over top of the existing corvette gauge pods and use the old panel to fastener the new one? I have scene some installs where the old c3 gauge console panel is completely cutout and you have to create 90 degree brackets to fasten the new 2 5/8" gauge panel in place. I was curious if Bee jay did this or if he reused the old gauge console as his fastening system for the new gauge panel that he create.
Also did Bee Jay use 1/8" material or 1/4" material to make the new gauge panel? I am using Lexan. My concern with 1/8" material is when mounting the 2-5/8" gauges and a cd player in that thin of material that there will be too much weight and the material will vibrate and bend while running the car.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 1,661
From: Summerville SC
Mr Side, I think you would get some more replies posting this in the C3 general forum. Not much going on here except for stereo questions. I did this same mod on my '78 and cut out the original gauge pods, leaving only enough room to screw the new gauge pod to.I made a separate plate for the radio. I used sheet steel for the gauges and ABS for the radio. A little thicker than the steel for the support you mentions. Not noticeable difference. I can get some pics if you are interested. I did the same for the speedo and tach. That was a little more involved. Good luck.
