Was going to upgrade instruments until...... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

coater · 08-10-2010, 05:47 PM

Was going to upgrade my gauges when I put my new engine in my'85,and WOW!!! I can't believe the prices of the Autometer gauges. I figured I would have close to $450 just in gauges,I can't believe they are that expensive. They are proud of them for sure.
Has anyone had good luck with accuracy with your stock gauges. Or if someone knows a better gauge company besides Auto $$$$$$.
Thanks guys!

87GMCChris · 08-10-2010, 06:13 PM

My stocks are pretty accurate, except one... oil pressure. Will read zero when hot. Put in a new oil sender, same deal. Ended up putting a T fitting beside the distributor and the running that to a mechanical gauge under the dash, i got from canadian tire. Just a 20 dollar gauge but it work just fine. Now reads 20psi hot.

*Stitch* · 08-10-2010, 07:20 PM

Try www.iequss.com

they are sold locally at o'reilleys

cableguy0 · 08-10-2010, 07:28 PM

Most of the time you get what you pay for. Autometers are extremely accurate and thats what your buying. I put autometers in my dash but started kinda cheap. I had an autogage tach and a 3 gauge panel so i used them for the time being and am going to replace 1 by 1 with autometer stuff so everything matches.

coater · 08-10-2010, 08:08 PM

I guess if I buy 1 at a time maybe it won't feel so bad on wallet. I haven't looked a gauges for years and would have thought there would be another good company by now.

Davidmichael · 08-10-2010, 08:16 PM

I would start to buy them 1 by 1 and just stock pile the parts until complete.

S10Fan · 08-10-2010, 08:38 PM

I have Sunpro electric gauges in my S-10. The water temp gauge is off by 25-30 degrees. I called their tech line and was told I could expect a 20 degree discrepancy, yep, 20 degrees. My AutoMeter speedometer and Tach work flawlessly.

I plan to replace all of them with AutoMeter units in the near future.

menace121978 · 08-10-2010, 08:57 PM

just ordered my ultra lite II's yesterday

its only money!

STOCKISH · 08-10-2010, 09:54 PM

$500-$800 isnt bad if you say it real fast!

Like Dennis said, it's only money, you cant take it with you when you die, might as well spend it now!

AceX · 08-10-2010, 10:13 PM

Welcome to car culture. My name's Bankroll and I'll be your reality check for the day.

Sterwart Warner I wasn't impressed with. "Our tolreances are set to within 10% of actual"

10% on a $25k motor is not acceptable... Autometer is known for being very accurate and their quality control is top notch. Spending an extra $20 for a temp guage is nothing compared to the $3000+ for a new motor...

coater · 08-10-2010, 10:39 PM

I guess I could go ahead and order the tach. Autometer has a $60.00 rebate on the tach I want. That will bring the price down to $92.00. I need the temp and oil pressure to put on engine breakin stand,so I can breakin the engine.

menace121978 · 08-10-2010, 10:49 PM

do it!!

bigblock73 · 08-10-2010, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menace121978

just ordered my ultra lite II's yesterday

its only money!

Are you doing a surface mount or recessed?

I have those, had them surface mounted, and now in the middle of recessing them. If you recess, let me know, I might be able to share some pointers with you.

Autometers are worth the coin, as mentioned accuracy is second to none, and the quality and support is great.

coater · 08-10-2010, 11:01 PM

I'm going to recess them. There was a guy on this site that had done it and it looks real nice. I like the recessed look,makes it look more original to me.

flamingbig10 · 08-10-2010, 11:14 PM

I used some dolphin gauges and installed them on a stock bezel with sheet metal its not prettiest but I needed my truck that day

menace121978 · 08-11-2010, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Are you doing a surface mount or recessed?

I have those, had them surface mounted, and now in the middle of recessing them. If you recess, let me know, I might be able to share some pointers with you.

Autometers are worth the coin, as mentioned accuracy is second to none, and the quality and support is great.

Jeff, i'm going to recess them. any insight would be great buddy. thanks!

bigblock73 · 08-11-2010, 08:51 AM

Dennis, the main things you should know are that you will need to trim the rings down on the back side of the bezel, you will need to remove the rings from your new gauges and have to epoxy the lens and inner ring to the gauge body. You will also have to come up with a way to mount them. I have seen them wired in with piano (or similar) wire, and I have seen them glued directly to the cluster. I was not about to glue mine, so I tried to wire them in...that turned out to be a PITA, so I am trying something different. I designed alum brackets that will connect the gauges together, and they will be fastened to brackets that are either mechanically or adhesively adhered to the bezel. I should be getting these back from the CNC shop this week, and will install them and post pictures. If it works out, I should be able to get you a set of brackets, you just pay for the cost and shipping. If these end up being in demand, then I may make more and sell for a small profit.

Before you start tearing apart your gauges, we should talk, I have a few other pointer for you, that will save you some hassle and potentially keep you from messing up your gauges.

Just let me know what you think.

blazer2007 · 08-11-2010, 10:20 AM

If you buy them in a set of 3,usually your main gauges like oil water and volts is alot cheaper,that will keep you busy until you get more money.I bought mine at NAPA and I was told eqquus is made by SW

*zeewhiz* · 08-11-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Hoe

Try www.iequss.com

they are sold locally at o'reilleys

This. I had a full set on my old '85 300ZX turbo... no complaints whatsoever.

355bullet · 08-11-2010, 10:57 AM

Cant go wrong with Autometer, best in the business. i have those in the nova also...and getting ready to intall a tach in my truck. you get what you pay for.
Same here, i bought mine one @ a time, then installed them when i got the set.

coater · 08-11-2010, 04:10 PM

Bigblock you can count me in on those brackets.I'm like you I couldn't glue them in.

menace121978 · 08-11-2010, 06:32 PM

pm sent Jeff

givengold · 08-12-2010, 12:49 AM

I'm good for a set of brackets as well. Keep us posted.

08-10-2010, 05:47 PM	#1
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Was going to upgrade instruments until...... Was going to upgrade my gauges when I put my new engine in my'85,and WOW!!! I can't believe the prices of the Autometer gauges. I figured I would have close to $450 just in gauges,I can't believe they are that expensive. They are proud of them for sure. Has anyone had good luck with accuracy with your stock gauges. Or if someone knows a better gauge company besides Auto $$$$$$. Thanks guys!

08-10-2010, 06:13 PM	#2
87GMCChris Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: London, Ontairio Posts: 163	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... My stocks are pretty accurate, except one... oil pressure. Will read zero when hot. Put in a new oil sender, same deal. Ended up putting a T fitting beside the distributor and the running that to a mechanical gauge under the dash, i got from canadian tire. Just a 20 dollar gauge but it work just fine. Now reads 20psi hot. __________________ 1987 GMC Wrangler - 305TBI/TH400/Duals 1968 Camaro - Resto 2010 Ranger I only drive truck 6 months a year... Dam Canadian winters.

08-10-2010, 07:20 PM	#3
Stitch Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Where I come from, it's cornbread and chicken... Posts: 3,122	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... Try www.iequss.com they are sold locally at o'reilleys Last edited by Stitch; 08-10-2010 at 07:23 PM.

08-10-2010, 07:28 PM	#4
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... Most of the time you get what you pay for. Autometers are extremely accurate and thats what your buying. I put autometers in my dash but started kinda cheap. I had an autogage tach and a 3 gauge panel so i used them for the time being and am going to replace 1 by 1 with autometer stuff so everything matches. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

08-10-2010, 08:08 PM	#5
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... I guess if I buy 1 at a time maybe it won't feel so bad on wallet. I haven't looked a gauges for years and would have thought there would be another good company by now.

08-10-2010, 08:16 PM	#6
Davidmichael Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 686	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... I would start to buy them 1 by 1 and just stock pile the parts until complete. __________________ 86 Suburban 2WD = rolled it and totaled it 83 LWB STD Cab 4x4 = went to the scrapper. Was my baby. 84 Suburban 2WD = stripped it/ scrapped it 81 8 foot bed made into a trailer 86 Suburban going to be made into a trailer 91 Suburban 4x4 = that's my baby 00 S10 Xtreme STD Cab 01 S10 ZR2

08-10-2010, 08:38 PM	#7
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,638	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... I have Sunpro electric gauges in my S-10. The water temp gauge is off by 25-30 degrees. I called their tech line and was told I could expect a 20 degree discrepancy, yep, 20 degrees. My AutoMeter speedometer and Tach work flawlessly. I plan to replace all of them with AutoMeter units in the near future. __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '30 Model A Pickup, suicide front end, 350, 350, traditional style hot rod.

08-10-2010, 08:57 PM	#8
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... just ordered my ultra lite II's yesterday its only money! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

08-10-2010, 09:54 PM	#9
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... $500-$800 isnt bad if you say it real fast! Like Dennis said, it's only money, you cant take it with you when you die, might as well spend it now! __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

08-10-2010, 10:13 PM	#10
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... Welcome to car culture. My name's Bankroll and I'll be your reality check for the day. Sterwart Warner I wasn't impressed with. "Our tolreances are set to within 10% of actual" 10% on a $25k motor is not acceptable... Autometer is known for being very accurate and their quality control is top notch. Spending an extra $20 for a temp guage is nothing compared to the $3000+ for a new motor... __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

08-10-2010, 10:39 PM	#11
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... I guess I could go ahead and order the tach. Autometer has a $60.00 rebate on the tach I want. That will bring the price down to $92.00. I need the temp and oil pressure to put on engine breakin stand,so I can breakin the engine.

08-10-2010, 10:49 PM	#12
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... do it!! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

08-10-2010, 11:01 PM	#14
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... I'm going to recess them. There was a guy on this site that had done it and it looks real nice. I like the recessed look,makes it look more original to me.

08-10-2010, 11:14 PM	#15
flamingbig10 6.0 powered square Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mesquite texas Posts: 3,459	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... I used some dolphin gauges and installed them on a stock bezel with sheet metal its not prettiest but I needed my truck that day __________________ Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326 Last edited by flamingbig10; 08-10-2010 at 11:16 PM.

08-11-2010, 08:51 AM	#17
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... Dennis, the main things you should know are that you will need to trim the rings down on the back side of the bezel, you will need to remove the rings from your new gauges and have to epoxy the lens and inner ring to the gauge body. You will also have to come up with a way to mount them. I have seen them wired in with piano (or similar) wire, and I have seen them glued directly to the cluster. I was not about to glue mine, so I tried to wire them in...that turned out to be a PITA, so I am trying something different. I designed alum brackets that will connect the gauges together, and they will be fastened to brackets that are either mechanically or adhesively adhered to the bezel. I should be getting these back from the CNC shop this week, and will install them and post pictures. If it works out, I should be able to get you a set of brackets, you just pay for the cost and shipping. If these end up being in demand, then I may make more and sell for a small profit. Before you start tearing apart your gauges, we should talk, I have a few other pointer for you, that will save you some hassle and potentially keep you from messing up your gauges. Just let me know what you think. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 08-11-2010 at 08:52 AM.



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08-11-2010, 10:20 AM	#18
blazer2007 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vernon b.c. Posts: 3,022	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... If you buy them in a set of 3,usually your main gauges like oil water and volts is alot cheaper,that will keep you busy until you get more money.I bought mine at NAPA and I was told eqquus is made by SW

08-11-2010, 10:57 AM	#20
355bullet Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: el paso, tx Posts: 510	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... Cant go wrong with Autometer, best in the business. i have those in the nova also...and getting ready to intall a tach in my truck. you get what you pay for. Same here, i bought mine one @ a time, then installed them when i got the set. __________________ www.southwestdrags.com www.elpasocalendargirls.com www.msdignition.com www.atomicefi.com https://www.facebook.com/MSDperformance

08-11-2010, 04:10 PM	#21
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... Bigblock you can count me in on those brackets.I'm like you I couldn't glue them in.

08-11-2010, 06:32 PM	#22
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... pm sent Jeff __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

08-12-2010, 12:49 AM	#23
givengold Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 194	Re: Was going to upgrade instruments until...... I'm good for a set of brackets as well. Keep us posted.

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