Doward

I did a search, but everyone that's replaced the gauges has made a new panel, as well. I want to keep the stock panel, go with new stock-looking gauges (no white face, thank you, not a fan)

I'm thinking of going with the Autometer Cobalt series (hey, I like how they look ) - I'd also like to remove my A pillar pod, and build a pod under the center dash vents to house three 2 1/16" gauges (oil pressure, EGT, and boost)

Has anyone ever put new gauges in the stock locations, without building a new plate?

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Its been done. I have seen guy on here with all kinds of set-up. Its just that the stock plastic is a pain to deal with, esspecially if you are trying to mount stuff flush. Starting from scratch is sooo much easier.



That is my set up.

good luck

Later

-Dennis

MMMYMARO

hey covan classics has panels for our cars look tittles too!!! here's da site somewhere??

MMMYMARO

http://covansclassic.com/parts/descr...65.121.132.129

^^^^^there it is^^^^^

Doward

eh.. what can I say, I like having the 3 in the triangle shape in the middle. It's hard enough for me to see where the ones on the bottom of that panel are, with the '92 Camaro style wheel.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

i'm interested in this as well, gauges that are more accurate (such as tach for example), and speedo that goes over 140.... But not tacky aftermarket stuff bolted all over the place... That just screams "steal me"....
Is the cobalt series an ok fit in the stock place? 3 3/8"? speedo and tach?

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Take a ruler out to your car and find out. If you really want the same set up, then just cut a panel to that shape. I designed mine to the shape that I liked. I also didn't use those little 3 3/8" guages. I managed to stuff (2) 5" guages. then (4) 2 1/16" guages. But of course you can do whatever set up you want. That is the best part of making your own stuff.

Al Hasse

Have you considered digital gauges? Here is my '92. My speedo goes to 255mph or kph (like I'll ever see that), the bar graph over the top goes to 80mph. The tach has an adjustable redline and the other gauges have adjustable alarm setpoints (the gauge indication will flash when it reads above/below alarm). This is Dakota Digital, the only original pieces in the instrument cluster are the housing, lens and bezel. Had to send a working instrument panel to Dakota Digital and they replaced all the insides. If you don't mind the price and the turnaround time (60-90 days), it's worth the look. And they perform great, too.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

man those digital guages really give the car a different look. I am still not sure if I really like them, but great job on making it look intergrated. Always good to see other people's set-ups.

High Geared

I just installed this. And Have lots to say, but I won't post it here.

My opinion, get rid of the stock panel and get a Covans that has not been cut out yet, then get an A-pillar pod for the smaller gauges that are hard to see at the bottom of this dash.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Hey that looks pretty nice, but those lower guages are pretty blind. I don't see how they can't just design a panel that for one holds 5" guages for the important stuff, and also don't hide any.

My car is the one up above. I have all the same guages, bigger Tach anc speedo and none of mine are hidden. I just have to tilt my head a tinny bit to see 1 of them cuz my driving arm gets in the way, but not anything else.

Later,

-Dennis


custom made allways insures you get what you set out to get.

RestoRoc89

The only problem I have with the Covan's setup is that it always sticks out like a sore thumb. The thirdgen dash makes it very difficult to incorporate anything new without having it look out of place. I've only ever seen silver Covan's plates though, perhaps a black one might look better.

At the same time, those gages are nice...and I like the steering wheel too. It's just too bad they didn't integrate better with everything else.

High Geared

Yeah, my big complaint are the lower gauges. I can't see them! If I did it all over I would order a blank dash and an A pillar. Put the smaller gauges on the A-pillar and the big ones on the blank dash that you cut out.

I even thought about scuffing down the dash and painting it black. I just may do that, but the brused aluminum look goes well with the accents on my steering wheel.

You can see in the photo the bottom gauges are difficult to see.

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

Yeah. that wheel does kick ***. And yeah those lower ones are a pain. But you are right....the siler goes well with the wheel.


Just cover the rest of the dash in Aluminum to match.

ZZ4 86 Z28

iTrader: (1)

this ones black, but its 800 bucks.



i would rather get this one. its only 550 but the gauges dont read as high.



how much did those gauges and sending units run you dennis?

dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

You can go to jegs.com and see what the cost of all the guages that you want are.

For my 2 5" and 4 2 3/4" guages I would say somewhere around $450 or so....maybe a little less. Depends what kinda guages you want, color and stuff, also what size and weather or not you want mechincal or electric. Takes 2 minutes on the web to figure it all out.

1bdbrd

iTrader: (1)

is there still not anything available for firebirds? i mean you could make something like that i guess but it might now come out as professional..

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

i made one in 2 hours and for $15 with a sheet of aluminum.

joshnryandad1

hey AL, where did you get your dakota guages from? how much did you shell out for the also?? i think they look great, i wonder how A pillar guages would look digital ?

sgt0704

THE WHEEL IS NICE. BUT IF THE SMALLER ONES WERE ON TOP, AND THE LARGER ONE WERE ON BOTTOM, MAY NOT BE SUCH A PAIN.

sgt0704

BUT FOR THE $800 PRICE TAG, I'D RATHER HAVE THE DAKOTA DIGITALS.