Register now to get rid of these ads!

Customs NVU gauges, has anyone used them?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by flynbrian48, May 10, 2020.

  1. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    I'm considering a trio of NVU gauges, the "Woodward" series from Speedway (lots of places sell 'em, they're a little less right now from them). The size is just a shade smaller than the originals in my '52 DeSoto wagon, so I'll have to make a little reducer, but the look is right, they're less than having the originals modified to work properly, and the one I picked has a tach integrated into the speedo. I've got SW "Wings" gauges in the Diamond T, these are a little more $$, I am interested if anyone here has used them and what your experience was with quality. 96541589_10223334131724173_1905740627765624832_n.jpg

    This link shows the gauge set I'm considering...
    https://www.speedwaymotors.com/New-...joUXljFmZvwFUKkA73Z_vf7hludZO8tpPlTBU-nEHafW4
     
  2. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    One more stupid question: Does anyone know the resistance of the original sending unit in these? I'm going to order a new sender anyway, I'm just curious as to what the original is...
     
  3. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    Personally, I don't think dash gauges with light
    colored backgrounds look good in older vehicles.
    You want a nostalgia look.
    Looks too modern and out of "era' .
    Even in newer cars, they look out of place.
     
    5window likes this.
  4. I think the Black Woodward series gauges would look great honestly. They have a very nostalgic font on them.
     

  5. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 12,602

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    That's a cool looking dash. This doesn't answer your question but I'd rework stock unit's and while at it. Convert Amp to a Volt (leaving display saying amp. Just keep a mental that just right of mid point is good).

    To give credit, not a bad match. As said prior the modern portions don't look well to me as well.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2020
  6. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    Hmmm. The black ones do look a bit better. I priced having the temp gauge modified to an electric gauge with original face, that and a sending unit is more than half what a complete set of new gauges costs, and, I'd still have no speedo and a fuel gauge that works backwards...;-)
     
  7. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Last edited: May 10, 2020
    flynbrian48 likes this.
  8. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 12,602

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    I always love these redo jobs that require more work that just fixing the original problem. I mean really. No holes to drill, no lathe work to be done, no re-wireing, ect ect.
     
  9. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  10. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    I think the cool part of these old cars is the original dash and gauges. Why not use runtz voltage reducers on the electric ones, and replace the amp gauge with a volt meter keeping the original gauge face. I did this with my 49 Buick and love the stock look. The temp gauge if it is the bourdon tube kind can just be screwed into the water jacket of the new motor. If the tube is cut off or broken, it can be sent in and replaced, or I do have instructions on how to fix it yourself if you want.
     
  11. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    The tube is much to short to reach the water pump, there are no ports in either head for one. The speedo won't work, because there's no cable drive, although I could use a pulse generator and drive the original. I inquired about modifying the temp gauge, almost $300, then I need the amp gauge modified to voltmeter, another $300, then I need the pulse generator. I like the originals fine, but it becomes a matter of economy and what's practical to do.
     
  12. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    I could just plop my cell phone on the dash with the speedo app, and hope it doesn't overheat I guess...
     
    Johnny Gee likes this.
  13. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    You could lengthen it yourself using this attached method. To convert an amp meter to a volt meter, just replace the gauge with a volt meter that has the same needle sweep, keeping the same dash face. It will still say Amp but you will know it is volts. I used one from an aftermarket volt gauge I bought at a swap meet for $3. I removed the gauge movement from the gauge body and mounted it in the dash behind the stock gauge face.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: May 10, 2020
  14. L. Eckart
    Joined: Jul 8, 2005
    Posts: 566

    L. Eckart
    Member

    I used the NVU gages in my Buick. Work fine.
     
    flynbrian48 likes this.
  15. Have the New Vintage gauges in my 52 GMC. Working good, except the fuel level gauge sender is having ground issues. Not the gauge causing problems.

    Sent from dumb operator on a smart phone
     
    flynbrian48 likes this.
  16. L. Eckart
    Joined: Jul 8, 2005
    Posts: 566

    L. Eckart
    Member

    Referencing my comment above: and they had a diameter that required no spacer to fit the original dash holes.
    [​IMG]
     
    flynbrian48 likes this.
  17. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    Thanks for the input all. I contacted the gauge restoration service that gave me an estimate on the temp gauge conversion about possibility of converting the speedo to electronic head, and the ammeter to voltmeter. Sometimes I need someone else to tell me what I already know...;)
     
  18. flynbrian48
    Joined: Mar 10, 2008
    Posts: 8,220

    flynbrian48
    Member

    Update: Instrument Services Inc. in IL can do the speedo for $375, both voltmeter and temp for $167 each, and, they can repair and convert the clock to 12V- ground, so I'm packing them up and sending 'em off tomorrow. I'll use the prettiest of the two sets, which I think are '54 DeSoto, and came from the extra dash I have. Thanks for the input!
     
    partsdawg and Tman like this.
  19. Eric1967
    Joined: Sep 21, 2015
    Posts: 96

    Eric1967
    Member
    from Union, Mo

    I have a set in my 32 and have been very happy with them.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  20. Stonebird
    Joined: Dec 19, 2008
    Posts: 109

    Stonebird
    Member

    Deadbird and flynbrian48 like this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.