Gauge clusters.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 190
From: Zion NC
Gauge clusters.
So we have heavily modified my c3. And are tiring of working on it. We are planning on hiring out the remainder of the work to get it running.
I have to pick out my gauge set next. I was not particularly happy with the original cluster design. However I have no idea what a custom setup would cost.
I see the Dakota digital system for about 1600. But that seems a bit pricey in and of itself. Particularly since it would retain the stock look. What have you all been doing? I want something functional, and nice looking.
Thanks.
I have to pick out my gauge set next. I was not particularly happy with the original cluster design. However I have no idea what a custom setup would cost.
I see the Dakota digital system for about 1600. But that seems a bit pricey in and of itself. Particularly since it would retain the stock look. What have you all been doing? I want something functional, and nice looking.
Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 24
From: Herndon VA
This is what I will be going to once I get to my gauges. Moves everything into the tunnels and opens up the middle for something else.
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd726.htm
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd726.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Before I my started custom dash (still in the works)- I looked at probably a hundred or so custom gauge set-ups.
My observations- the stock gauges (cluster) are angled toward the driver. A lot of "custom" installs the gauges were just mounted flat sort of looses the effect.
I wanted something period as I don't get the brand new gauges w/ billet. They don't match the rest of the car. I like the Dakota digital but a stock look plus new dash pads/console w/ you doing the work- you're looking a over $3k for nothing really special... essentially the same gauges.
I'm using the stock gauges and making it look like a late 60's Lamborghini Miura.
Incorporating the fiberoptics as well as the data plate.
Miura-
Where I'm at-
Angling the gauges to the driver-
My observations- the stock gauges (cluster) are angled toward the driver. A lot of "custom" installs the gauges were just mounted flat sort of looses the effect.
I wanted something period as I don't get the brand new gauges w/ billet. They don't match the rest of the car. I like the Dakota digital but a stock look plus new dash pads/console w/ you doing the work- you're looking a over $3k for nothing really special... essentially the same gauges.
I'm using the stock gauges and making it look like a late 60's Lamborghini Miura.
Incorporating the fiberoptics as well as the data plate.
Miura-
Where I'm at-
Angling the gauges to the driver-
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 33
From: Lokeren, Belgium
I do prefer the stock gauge look but got tired of tach boards failing, non accurate temp gauge, noisey odometer, juice consuming clock,...
I bit the bullet and went with the DD VHX black face, white back light. Very pleased with it, everything works accurate, nice extra features like 0-60 timer, digital read outs of sensors etc. Some trimming and modelling was required to keep the door ajar & headlight warning but otherwise plug and play.
Nick
Oops just re read and noticed you want something different then stock or close too so ignore post.
I bit the bullet and went with the DD VHX black face, white back light. Very pleased with it, everything works accurate, nice extra features like 0-60 timer, digital read outs of sensors etc. Some trimming and modelling was required to keep the door ajar & headlight warning but otherwise plug and play.
Nick
Oops just re read and noticed you want something different then stock or close too so ignore post.
Last edited by dembo; Dec 8, 2015 at 09:30 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
I used the red Nordskog digital guages on my red '79. They looked great, install was a snap. 2 issues were with the t-tops off they could wash out in direct sunlight, second was calibrating the speedo. With a gps should be easier today.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 190
From: Zion NC
I may just go with the dakota digital setup.... It is definately more stock, but the ease of install, may sway me from a custom fiber glass setup.
I would honestly love an LCD gauge setup. But the only decent looking one I can find is the competition autometer, and it is stupid expensive.
Looks like we will need a clock bezel without the **** hole. Any idea where to get that?
I would honestly love an LCD gauge setup. But the only decent looking one I can find is the competition autometer, and it is stupid expensive.
Looks like we will need a clock bezel without the **** hole. Any idea where to get that?
Last edited by ElCid79; Dec 9, 2015 at 12:11 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 33
From: Lokeren, Belgium
The owner of the 'Gridcar' bought two miniature momentary switches instead of the ones that come with the kit, drilled one more hole and used the **** hole.
I just glued the chrome **** to the bezel functionless.
Nick
I just glued the chrome **** to the bezel functionless.
Nick
Last edited by dembo; Dec 9, 2015 at 03:25 AM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4,881
Likes: 201
From: Jackson MS
This is what I will be going to once I get to my gauges. Moves everything into the tunnels and opens up the middle for something else.
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd726.htm
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd726.htm
Here they are in the car.
My plan is to fabricate a custom center console.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 156
From: Richmond Texas
Hey, those pretty nice. How is the quality? The price isn't bad at all. Less than $700 for both and that is a total of 6 gauges.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4,881
Likes: 201
From: Jackson MS
The company offers several different face designs. I believe mine are their "1969 Series". The kit came with oil pressure and water temperature senders. The speedometer is electronic, so I ditched my cable and installed a hall effect sensor and ran the necessary wires. Programming was easy with the "Drive a Mile" option in the setup menu.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 111
From: If your not the lead dog the view never changes Boise, Id
Intelletronix makes a digital dash for the corvette as well as a build a dash kit to design your own. I just put in the kit made for the c3 I like it so far
Last edited by RockyL32; Dec 15, 2015 at 11:10 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
74 Resto/ Mod
on my 74 modified I just went with the Original gauges just covered with vinyl overlays. also had the bezels painted, dipped in carbon fiber hydro graphic and clear coated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 173
From: hebron IL
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019