mirage2991

As I'm building my pro street C3, it was time to think about gauges and having had Dakota digital in my 69 camaro, I wanted to run the same type of gauges.
They do make a C3 specific gauge set, with all 7 gauges, for the small price of 1500 bucks (ish). That was too much for my blood, so after doing a little bit of research, I stumbled onto a Youtube video of a C3 using chevy truck Dakota Digital gauges, specifically the 47-53 set (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd723.htm)

At the more reasonable cost of 795 (I got mine for 705 off ebay with free shipping) these were what I wanted (I'm not going to have gauges on the console, that will have Din stereo and my Fitech Display). I also did my due diligence and priced out other various gauges (ya know, autometer, VDO etc) and the cost was basically close to the same, but without the easy set up that Dakota offers.

Those gauges will fit in the stock C3 cups. No joke, they will push in and fit nice and tight. The only modification you have to do is cut the stock buckets, so that they will fit over the back of the gauges. Doing so will allow you to use the 3 mounting points to the dash piece. I used some 1/8 thick stick on weather strip you find at Lowes/HD as a cushion between the back of the gauges and the buckets, and a mean to hold the gauges in securely. They won't fall off, and they won't rotate (matter fact they snap in tight enough that you can't rotate them unless you pop them out first)
Of course I have a plasma cutter so this took 3 min a side. There is a small notch not pictured at the bottom (the 6'o clock position) that needs to be cut out as well. You can easily use a cutting wheel too.

With that said this should offer a whole new slew of gauges that could be mounted into our cars, and perhaps other brand of 47-53 truck gauges might fit in there as well (I think dakota are 5.35" diameter)

lionelhutz

I put a DD setup in one of my cars and I really like it. They're a deal when you consider that it does stuff like 0-60 and 1.4 mile times and that the indicator lights are built in too.

71yellow454

I used the Dakota Digital 1954 truck gauges. They are bigger in diameter. I


installed them without the crome ring. Useing them leaves more room in the center for other gauges and larger radio.

Stingre'

exactly what I was looking for, I almost spit up the 1500 for all the gauges for the C3 until I saw this. THANK YOU for the tip !!!

gcgxplosv1216

I picked up a 68 Convertible over a year ago I was considering the same DD Gauge install you performed were there any issues with the install I also like how you installed the double DIN any issues and do you have more pics I like the install looks factory.

mirage2991

no issues that I noted, just trim the buckets, push the gauges in (they will snap in place, it required a little humff but they will go in, though they won't be able to rotate once in so align them properly before hand or you'll have to pop them back out and rotate). Everything else bolts right back in place...then follow the DD instructions...

Stingre'

did you get the light dimmer switch ?

mirage2991

indy99

https://www.glowshiftdirect.com/blac...ard-gauge-set/

These are also available.

ivanh3

This looks great. Did you fabricate that double DIN center piece or is this available somewhere?

71yellow454

I did fabriate the housing for the double din radio. I had a piece of fiberglass with some foam on it from another project and started with that. Then added more glass to the sides and top until it fit the way I wanted. then covered it with vinyl and dyed it to match. I am trying to upload pictures but not working.

RocketNerd

I recently got a set of Autometer Cobalt series gauges and was wondering how you all went about installing your aftermarket ones. today I drafted a 3D model of a reducing bezel and am currently 3D printing a prototype that should snap into the existing ring, and allow the 5" gauges to mount properly using their hardware. I'll let you know how it turns out, I'm sure I'll have to modify the first prototype a bit, but I also wanted to include the turn signals and highbeam/brake indicators into it as well. My prototype should be finished in about 5 hours and tomorrow I'll see how it all fits.


prototype printing


3D render

tjs0385

Were you able to use the supplied retaining ring or did you have to fabricate a new one?

discovette79

Those are cool, but I wish there were an option to delete their logo