Upgrading stock gauges
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Upgrading stock gauges
Who has done this? Id like to dump off all the old stock amp/volt/oil (and fuel?) gauges and replace with something modern (digital).
Is there a way to install standard 2 1/16" gauges to the existing gauge panel, or will something custom have to be fabbed?
Car is 1976.
Is there a way to install standard 2 1/16" gauges to the existing gauge panel, or will something custom have to be fabbed?
Car is 1976.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Wow...
Well, if that isnt exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Those gauges are awesome, I might have to rethink my digital idea. Where did you get them, and also the center bezel?
Is the fuel gauge compatible with the stock sending unit, or did you have to change the sending unit also?
You've done some fine work there with the driver's pod too. What an upgrade. I'm not sure Im that energetic!
You need to package your setup up and market it !!!
Is the fuel gauge compatible with the stock sending unit, or did you have to change the sending unit also?
You've done some fine work there with the driver's pod too. What an upgrade. I'm not sure Im that energetic!
You need to package your setup up and market it !!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: WNY
Here is a link to another thread about this.. some absolutely beautiful examples in here. I want to do this also, but its going to be a winter project.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-their-c3.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-their-c3.html
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Here is a link to another thread about this.. some absolutely beautiful examples in here. I want to do this also, but its going to be a winter project.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-their-c3.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-their-c3.html
I wonder where they've gotten those replacement bezels with the DIN hole for the stereo. The ones Ive seen in the catalogs are silly expensive ~$250
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You mentioned digital gauges so I'll pass on a thought.... Digital gauges are 'neat' looking for a custom car that other folks just look at, but they are not very good when you just want 'instant' feedback on the condition of your vehicle and its operating systems. You have to process numbers into some meaning, whereas, you only have to look at the position of a needle to know things are "OK". That's why you'll never see any digital gauges in a [real] race car--they are always analog or colored light-type instruments. But, if you just want something 
for everyone else to look at, go for it.
for everyone else to look at, go for it.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Full digital kits have been around for c3's since the 80's. Originally available in red LED only, there are now other options. Check out Dakota Digital.
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd188.htm
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd188.htm
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
You mentioned digital gauges so I'll pass on a thought.... Digital gauges are 'neat' looking for a custom car that other folks just look at, but they are not very good when you just want 'instant' feedback on the condition of your vehicle and its operating systems. You have to process numbers into some meaning, whereas, you only have to look at the position of a needle to know things are "OK". That's why you'll never see any digital gauges in a [real] race car--they are always analog or colored light-type instruments. But, if you just want something for everyone else to look at, go for it.
for everyone else to look at, go for it.What instigated all of this is the uselessness of the factory amp (millivolt) gauge when you start adding 100 amp alt and dedicated charge line and all sorts of relays for other things. Totally throws off GM's engineering on that thing. Ammeters in the 100A range dont seem easy to find, so thought Id just switch to voltage readings and go a little more modern while Im there. Then mission creep set in
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Full digital kits have been around for c3's since the 80's. Originally available in red LED only, there are now other options. Check out Dakota Digital.
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd188.htm
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd188.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Please post the source for your guages and what the multi colored liights in the tach and speedo wells are for.
Tks.
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Newportville PA
Well, if that isnt exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Those gauges are awesome, I might have to rethink my digital idea. Where did you get them, and also the center bezel?
Is the fuel gauge compatible with the stock sending unit, or did you have to change the sending unit also?
You've done some fine work there with the driver's pod too. What an upgrade. I'm not sure Im that energetic!
You need to package your setup up and market it !!!
Is the fuel gauge compatible with the stock sending unit, or did you have to change the sending unit also?
You've done some fine work there with the driver's pod too. What an upgrade. I'm not sure Im that energetic!
You need to package your setup up and market it !!!
I really like how they turned out. They are real clean looking and not too radical. At night they light up into a light show. I will try to get some pics up shortly.
I got the gauges from speedhut.com. The reason that attracted me there is the fact that they put custom designs in the gauge and also have a shift light in the tach.
I thought I was going to have to change the sending unit but we just had to reset the system by pulling the unit to the top of the tank and resetting the gauge.
The lights above the gauges are as follows.
green- turn signals.
orange- check engine
red- parking brake
blue- high beams
The aftermarket center bezel came from mid america 1 din
