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'65 Riviera Gauge Cluster Ideas?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Richard D, Apr 16, 2010.

  1. I was nervous over the weekend not having real gauges, just the idiot lights. I am thinking I can find a 4 way guage, like in the '48-'54 Chevy trucks, and put the guts behind the Buick gauge face, with the needles where the lights are now. Here's a too-dim photo of my gauge:
    [​IMG]
    I also plan to hide the hanging gauge and switches in the ashtray. Any hints or tips?
     
  2. fms427
    Joined: Nov 17, 2006
    Posts: 865

    fms427
    Member

    I have done this on several cars - shouldn't be a big problem if you are creative and don't mind a little work !! I've been thinking of doing the same thing on my 63 Riv, but haven't gotten around too it yet. much cooler than hang on gages.
     
  3. Especially when my buddy Levi(Kona Cruisers) drives the car; he's 6'-5" and even in this big car with the seat back, he's cramped!

    I will be needing 12V. What cars did you rob gauges from?
     
  4. scrap metal 48
    Joined: Sep 6, 2009
    Posts: 6,079

    scrap metal 48
    Member

    I'd hate to ruin nice stock gauges..Put brighter bulbs in the idiot lights and they will grab you attention better than numerical gauges; unless you're a gauge watcher.........
     

  5. marks914
    Joined: Feb 20, 2009
    Posts: 330

    marks914
    Alliance Vendor

    Looks similar to this 67 Cougar panel we just did. Took our 1967 series and fit them in the panel
    Mark
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  6. fms427
    Joined: Nov 17, 2006
    Posts: 865

    fms427
    Member

    Richard - I would use a speedo and 4-in-one gage , from one of the several makers out there, and put them under the Riv bezel and face. Would look much like the previous post !
     
  7. Is there not a stock full-gauge cluster? 63-64 Buicks all used the same or similar gauges, don't know if '65 does. But that typeface was used on most late 60s and early 70s GM car gauges, too, so it shouldn't be hard to find something that looks right. 71-76 Pontiac full size car?

    I have a '63 console that had a couple aftermarket gauges cut into the panel above the ashtray - didn't look too bad there.
     
  8. tbill
    Joined: Oct 21, 2007
    Posts: 303

    tbill
    Member
    from central ny

    doesn't a 65 impala have similar sized 'pods' with gauges? i know the impala speedo is rectangular, but the end 'pods' are round.
     
  9. fbama73
    Joined: Jul 12, 2008
    Posts: 989

    fbama73
    Member

    Good plan to hide the hanging switch and gauge panel- Looks as out of place as a turd in an easter basket right now.
     
  10. parklane
    Joined: Oct 17, 2009
    Posts: 188

    parklane
    Member

    If you go with the 48 - 54 type of gauges, get them from a 60s bus. I did that with my 54 p/u and the gauges are 12v.
     
  11. Kona Cruisers
    Joined: Feb 4, 2007
    Posts: 1,078

    Kona Cruisers
    Member

    and I bruised my shin driving the car on the edge of the panel.
     
  12. Definitely, I hate those hanging gauges.

    These are all good ideas, I'm sure something will work. I have damaged a couple cars in the past due to defective idiot lights/gauges.
     
  13. BinderRod
    Joined: Jul 9, 2006
    Posts: 1,737

    BinderRod
    Member

    I am also 6'5" and will be moving the front seats back 4" in my 65. My kids are grown and don't need the back seats any way.
     
  14. ryno
    Joined: Oct 6, 2005
    Posts: 3,470

    ryno
    Member

    keith,
    the back seats are not for passengers in these cars....
     
  15. Actually, I as well as Nathan(Fuzzymind) who is at least 6', rode in the back seat several times during the Roundup, and were perfectly comfortable. It would be tough to have fun with a girl back there, however.
     
  16. Bringing this back up.
     
  17. slacker1965
    Joined: Aug 17, 2007
    Posts: 120

    slacker1965
    Member

    I haven't heard of any plug-n-play solutions, but have seen a few 4 in 1 gauge systems out there in the aftermarket....
    let us know
     
  18. bb1970
    Joined: Jan 17, 2009
    Posts: 246

    bb1970
    Member

    I hid a temp gauge in the right side of the ash tray. I can still stash small stuff in the left side of the ash tray. And still close the lid to hide it. I'll bet you could fit temp and oil pressure gauges there.
     
  19. As much as I hate the look of them, this might be a good place for some digital gauges.....
     
  20. Same thing I said before. Console above the ashtray will hold 2-3 of the small round gauges. Console I had for my '50 was cut for two.

    And again, there must be a factory full gauge cluster for these cars. If they made them for 71-72 full size Pontiac sedans, they made one for these. Looked on eBay for anyone parting out a car?
     
  21. eightbanger
    Joined: Feb 17, 2007
    Posts: 378

    eightbanger
    Member

    do what you will, but at some point do that nice wood wheel some justice and get a re-pro horn bar!
     
  22. Snake hit
    Joined: Jun 25, 2012
    Posts: 102

    Snake hit
    Member
    from calif. LA

    Classic instraments make some bitchen 4 combo real gages like stock that exact size, and a Speedo sweep Tach gage and matching clock. All cost the bucks though. Ive talked to them asking for custom stuff like red illumination and real carbon fiber faces. They can do but it costs. Since I have the interior gutted I am setting the seat holes back 2 inches also for better leg room and going to cut and reshape the seat contour and adding a center arm rest from a 1990 Mercedes Benz that will be matched leather to the seats, it flips up and has a storage compartment for phone or radio controlls, havnt decided yet?

    [​IMG]
     
  23. bb1970
    Joined: Jan 17, 2009
    Posts: 246

    bb1970
    Member

    They didn't make a full gauge cluster for 63-65 Rivs.
     
  24. I don't think anyone make them or I would! Real ones are high dollar.

    I will never install digital gauges in anything I own, they suck. I am going to hide the suspension controls in the ashtray.
     
  25. RockinRivi
    Joined: Feb 12, 2013
    Posts: 72

    RockinRivi
    Member

  26. I really like what this guy did to his 65. Gold suede paint job and a 63 or 64 Riv interior pieces with some 65 accents. This car is done up really nice.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  27. I cant get the pictures to load but, If you'ed like to see it... Google "65 buick riviera goldfinger" Its a really nice car. He used a 64 dash and some interior pieces with some 65 pieces. Looks really bitchin.
     
  28. Looks like he has the idiot lights too.
     
  29. Neatname
    Joined: Mar 17, 2004
    Posts: 155

    Neatname
    Member
    from Spokane WA


    Have you done this yet? Could you take some photos while doing it? I'm 6'5 as well and know the awkward leg placement in the Riv's..
     

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