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. This link shows the gauge set I'm considering... https://www.speedwaymotors.com/New-...joUXljFmZvwFUKkA73Z_vf7hludZO8tpPlTBU-nEHafW4
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...
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.
I think the Black Woodward series gauges would look great honestly. They have a very nostalgic font on them.
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.
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...;-)
Pretty decent looking gauges I'd say they would look decent in the dash They definitely will look aftermarket but not offensive as bright white or the multi color digital would. I think this is probably what you are looking at https://newvintageusallc.mybigcommerce.com/wood-duals-speedo-tach-338-438-black/
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.
Summit appears to have a sale price on them - 620.96 but don't ship until the 27th https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nvu-37344-01/media/instructions If the free shipping is still in effect that helps too. Speedways shows the beige at 699 https://www.speedwaymotors.com/New-...e-Combo-Woodward-Series-4-3-8-Bge,356688.html Black at 659.69 https://www.speedwaymotors.com/New-...e-Combo-Woodward-Series-4-3-8-Blk,356679.html
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.
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.
I could just plop my cell phone on the dash with the speedo app, and hope it doesn't overheat I guess...
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.
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
Referencing my comment above: and they had a diameter that required no spacer to fit the original dash holes.
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...
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!
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
Been running mine for a few years. They fit my 54 Buick panel without modification. I've been happy as well. Pics taken during my build. IMG_0778 by Stonebird posted Oct 3, 2019 at 8:07 PM IMG_0777 by Stonebird posted Oct 3, 2019 at 8:07 PM