John, that baby was consumed a long time ago. Just kidding, it was actually a Diet Sprite can. I hope I didn't ruin anyone's opinion of me, LOL!

The aluminum is actually 1/8", I tried 3/32" aluminum but it was just too flimsy. When I tried to polish it, the heat would warp it or it would bend. When I mentioned 1/16", that was the error factor on a couple of my previous attempts. It may not sound like much, but it's noticeable if you know it's there. I would have laid awake at night knowing it. J/K.

The speedo/tach piece is made, I just need to polish it and mount it. My wife invited company over for dinner, so I won't be able to finish it until tomorrow. My wife's priorities are screwed up!

 

Here is what I did [IMG]src="http://prod.bsis.bellsouth.net/codataimages/p/groups/58/58697/folders/30060/176742MVC-009s.jpg" width="470" height="352"[/IMG]

 

maybe this time the pic will be there

 

Monty I sent you those pics I tried to create my own web page but I not able to post yet haven't figured it out

 

Hey Monty, whats up? Your Automtr plate looks very cool, It looks like you invested alot of time in crafting that one. I tried to do something like that on my 75, but decided to enlarge the holes and install 5 Auto Meter Procomps. Do you think you could make that gauge plate out of carbon fiber? Have you ever worked with it? Either way yours looks :cool:
later,
Joe

 

If you want to flatten out the finish and get rid of the shine get em lightly bead blasted. Whatever your final decision is I know it'll look great! let us see the finished product. I contemplated something like that awhile back but got bit with the driving bug. :D Thanx for posting it. Definitely :cool: :cheers:

 

Monty,

Very nice work. I also wonder what it would look like as one piece. Could be really great or could look less professional (if that's possible).

Without the stock Corvette clock, how are you going to know what time it isn't? :lol:

 

Off 1/16th? That's close enough for Government work! :lol: Actually, waaay tooo close. :lol:

Looks great. I had a TA with the turned aluminum dash---very cool.

Hey, I'll take those 1/16th rejects. :yesnod:

 

74droptop, I haven't received the pics from you. Did you send them to monty_williams@yahoo.com?

Joe, I bought a carbon fiber kit last year and played around with it. Making a flat plate like that would be pretty easy. I didn't have any trouble until I tried to make compound curves.


1970 Stignray, if you want one, I'd be happy to make one for you, just let me know what you want. However, I'd need a pattern or somthing since your gauge cluster is different than the late C3's. I threw the rejects away.

 

Monty,
If you get a good take off drawing for a 75 dash plate, I will take one. Good point, on the carbon fiber issue. The more I look at your set up , the more I want one! I like the six gauge layout.
later :chevy

 

Tiresmokin',
If you can get me some dimensions or a drawing, I'd be happy to make you one.

Here's my tach/speedo/boost gauge cluster. The speedo is getting replaced with another Autometer Ultralight electronic version, with a digital odometer, but it'll still be a 5" version.

 

I have the same clusters and need to fit some Autometer gauges :D

If you're making them, I'll take a set :)

 

Monty, that is one bad-butted setup!!! The polished Aluminum looks great! However the craftsmanship you put into them would look great with any surface. Engine turned, carbon fiber overlay, anondized aluminum, he!! just about anything!
I've never considered replacing my gauges, but if you are going to start producing those, I'd sure consider it! The din radio, the center cluster the whole schmear looks fantastic! Put me down on your list for a set too!!!

 

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: I cant wait to see it in the car :cheers:

 

Wow, thanks guys. I'd be more than happy to make the plates for anyone with a 78-82 as they are all the same. For other model years, I'd need to obtain a cluster panel to take the measurements from, or a drawing, etc. Obviously, using these plates requires cutting out the section of the bezel behind the panel.

I don't mind making these for anyone who wants them, however, I would prefer not to have to polish them as it's the most time consuming and more risky. I can't count the number of times the buffing wheel has grabbed the plate out of my hands ans slung it across the garage. I've ruined at least two panels by having it slung and getting dinged, bent, deeply guaged, etc. However, the aluminum that I use has a removable plastic covering on one side, so after I make it, that side is still scratch free, it's just not buffed/polished. I would also not want to drill the mounting screw holes. That way the end user can center it up for the best fit.


If you really want one, just email me what you want (ie.e number of gauges, etc), and your address to send it to. I'd just ask that you cover the cost of shipping. I also just want to point out that these are not CNC made items, so don't expect a plate with .001" tolerances. I use a bi-metal blade Dayton 11' industrial band saw, and a drill press with bi-metal hole saws. I do the best job I can, but it's not a computer-precision operation.

I could probably get some out by next weekend.


[Modified by Monty, 3:47 PM 8/25/2002]

 

Monty, can the center console also be done so that it accepts 2 more gauges? I now have 2 where the radio used to be and it fits :) This means, all alu, no radio? For the rest 'd like mine the same as yours.

I want to do mine very similar to yours. The main cluster w/ 3 gauges (speed,o tach & vac/boost) and the center also very similar + 2 gauges (fuel press, fuel level, water temp, oil temp, oil press, trans temp, volts & pyro)

Marck

 

Marck,

If I understand you correctly, you want to put gauges where the radio is. The panel I made for the radio is roughly about 8.25" x 3.25" at its narrowest, so you could install up to three 2 1/16" gauges there. That shouldn't be any problem - it's much easier to cut round holes than a square/rectangular one.

 

Yes, exactly. 3 rows w/ 3 gauges will fit (I now have 2 gauges stuffed in the square radio hole..looks ugly but didn't have any other good place for them. Since I won't be installing a radio again I might just as well use the space for something good) Hmm, then I have one empty spot. What gauge could I stuff in there? :) Oh, I know. Pyro left & Pyro right. I saaw the control box for 2 purometers & 1 gauge (so you can sqitch) is godawfully expensive so I might as well get an extra pyrometer :D

This gives me a great idea (at least I think so), I need to cut my shifter plate for the ZF stick, I could maybe do it in alu to match the console!



Marck





[Modified by Twinnie, 4:33 PM 8/25/2002]

 

Several of you mentioned you'd like to see what they look like installed, here's a quick picture. The assemblies aren't screwed into place to pardon the poor fit into the dash. Also, pardon the birds nest of wires, I told you guys that my initial test drives have been "unroadworthy"!

 

You drove w/o steering colum? ;) :D


[Modified by Twinnie, 4:49 PM 8/25/2002]