Custom Dash Questions???

[burger]

Guys-

I'm thinking about replacing the stock dash in my '31 Chevy with something like an early 50's Olds or Chevy gauge cluster. If I do this, what do I have to look out for, aside from the obvious sheetmetal work? Will the gauges work as-is, or will I have to send them out to get 'modernized'?



Thanks,
Ed

[cleatus]

When I contacted United Speedometer to put new movements into the '52 Buick gauges for the dash I fit into my Chevy, they said it would take them ONE YEAR!!! to turn it around for a price of around $900 (4 gauges).

I went with aftermarket gauges.

[chopolds]

You have a large variety of options, Ed! If you use an early (pre-55) dash, you can use the same parts(voltage reducers) that you use to convert a 6 volt system to 12 volt, for the stock gauges. A lot of the old dashes can also easily take a 'hidden' upgrade to modern gauges, like S-W''s. My 54 Chevy has these. Some dashes, like the 55 Plymouth dash that is in my 41 Ford, in the shop, will readily take generic gauges, as a bolt in. The only gauges you need to be concerned about are the electrical ones, ammeter, gas, and sometimes temp. Speedo, oil pressure and sometimes temp are mechanical.
Next time you come to the shop, I can show you them in person, or in my albums, how they were done.
On the other hand, in my 'new car', the 46 Chevy, I AM sending out the 47 Cadillac instrument cluster for upgrading. The cluster doesn't lend itself to putting a S-W gauge behind the original window. I also wanted the gauges to be more accurate, for higher engine temps, and speedo readings, etc. The rebuilding service can even repaint and silkscreen the numbers and markings on the old gauges, even in custom colors, if you like. But going this route can be time consuming, and expensive!

[burger]

Mark,

Thanks for the info.. I think you covered my question pretty well.

I've been planning a trip to your shop for a little while now.. this is just one more reason to swing by.



Thanks,
Ed

[chopolds]

Checked into my old photo album, and found a pic of my dash in the 54. I fit a piece of sheet metal in the original gauge housing (left the speedo part alone), cut out a set of new openings , so the 4 aftermarket gauges would fit in from behind, and mounted it from behind the chrome bezel.Welded studs in the back of the new filler panel, didn't want any mounting screws showing. Painted it to match the dash, even made labels on a Brother P-Touch to go with the gauges. Even clearcoated over them so it would last. Used LED indicators for hi-beams, and directional, did'nt want anything too large.

[chopolds]

Cleatus, you still out there?
Great minds must think alike...I'm using a 52 or 3 Buick dash in my 46 Chevy. Didn't like the look of the stock gauges (too 'street rodder-ish) ...love the chrome grill, though...so I spliced in the Caddy unit mentioned above. Here's a shot of it, in progress!

[low springs]

i just happened to change the dash on my 54 chevy with a 51 olds. i'm not fully finished yet. i had to section the dash 3" to make it fit. heres some pics.
http://photo.starblvd.net/belair?st=album&pg=0&ro=0&co=0

[burger]

Looks clean, Mark. As usual, I'm impressed with your work.

Being the poor bastard that I am, I'd like to try and find a complete old gauge cluster that I can use as-is with voltage reducers. What difficulties can I expect with the sending units?



Thanks,
Ed