joeelutz

Are all factory C2 gauge panels/housings/bezels the same? I realize that some models had curved glass and some had flat glass over the gauges, but I am just talking about the main housing itsself. If there are differences between years, what are they? Any help would be appreciated.

Blk63Vette

No they are different for different years..

joeelutz

Thanks for the reply. Do you have any more specifics? The reason I ask is I have a 65 in the shop that we are doing an LS3 swap and some other upgrades. I've designed a kit that allows a bolt in installation of Autometer gauges in the stock housing and I was trying to determine what all years it would fit. Here's what it looks like.

oldsarge

Got no pic, showing.

joeelutz

Fixed the link. Can you see it now?

65GGvert

Those are 65/66 bezels and 65 *****.

62Jeff

I believe the gauge mounting is the same for 63-67. The differences from year to year are in the lettering around the ignition switch, the number of back-lights for the dash (2 more added in 1965), and I think the hole for the ignition switch assembly.

joeelutz

Thanks Jeff. That's what I was hoping for. If the gauge mounting and depth are the same then this kit should work on all years.

Joe

joeelutz

Here's what the backside of the 65 panel with all the gauges and stock brackets removed. The arm thing is what I use to digitize the stock panel so that the new brackets can be designed in CAD.

TheSaint

joeelutz. This is a good looking instrumentpanel


This is a great tool. I saw them digitize a grille for a 1971 Chevelle and make a new one in aluminum using the same tools at Barrys Speed Shop

joeelutz

Today, I finalized some of the design details. I spent some time on the phone with Auto Meter and it looks like the kit should work with all series of Auto Meter 2 1/16" small gauges and all series of Auto Meter 5" dash mount style large gauges (non pedestal mount) in both electrical and mechanical gauges. The only questionable series is the LED gauges since they are deeper than the other gauges and would probably require additional spacers behind the brackets. I plan to offer this in kit form for sale with detailed instructions with pictures. The buyer would then just purchase their preference of Auto Meter gauge series to go with the kit.
I put the completed instrument panel in the car today just to see what it looked like. Lets just say it looked awesome! The brushed finish on the American Muscle series gauges matched the trim on the glovebox perfectly. It looks like what GM should have done.

Before I start advertising the kit, I need to make sure I follow proper forum protocol.

vt65

very nice mod indeed!

Lou64

The wiper switch on my 64 doesn't look like that...What's the center stick thing do?

Also, on my car, the ignition switch goes ACC, LOCK, OFF, ON, START. You have no "LOCK"

joeelutz

I think that stick is for the washer. All those switches should have no bearing on the gauge mounting so I'm not really too concerned about them.

Fordracer9

It'll be interesting to see how your pricing compares....

http://www.corvetteinstrumentservice...log/gauges.htm

bigearl56

Joe, That sure is a nice setup. Modern with a nostalgic twist. I like it very much.

Good Luck
Earl

joeelutz

Thanks guys. I reinstalled the instrument panel into the car today. I'm very pleased with the results.

joeelutz

Thanks for the link. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised with the pricing. The company in that link requires you to send your panel in for them to do machining. My kit doesn't require any cutting or modifying of the stock instrument panel so that it can be returned to stock at a later date if someone decides to go back original. Also with my kit, the gauges mount in from the back side for a cleaner, OEM style appearance. I'm getting the brackets laser cut now and hope to have the kits ready to sell by the end of next week.

If I only have one product to advertise for sale on this forum, I wonder if I have to pay for the full vendor advertising package.

vt65

B e a u t i f u l ! I like it

joeelutz

Looks like pricing will be around $200 for the kit. Like I mentioned before, it should work with all series of electrical and mechanical AutoMeter gauges in 5" in-dash mounting (non pedistal mount) style large gauges and 2 1/16" small gauges. It requires no cutting, drilling, or modifying of the stock panel so it can be easily returned back to stock.

What do you guys think of that? Feedback is appreciated.

Thanks.