Custom Gauge ideas?

[Bigb55]

Previous owner put in some speed hut cj5 gauges. They all work. And I've grown to like them. The RPM and Speedo isn't absurdly high high ranged like on most aftermarket options.

Was wondering if anyone has ideas on how to make it appear more OEM and compete. Was thinking of ordering a blank non drilled gauge bezel from Ecklers. Then drilling holes for the gauges. Just dunno how strong the plastic will be. It's expensive so don't want it to crack and fail. Maybe build a support frame that uses stock gauge mounts?

Any ideas?

 

[ryoken]

i think it's customdashes.com that does bezels out of blow-molded plastic similar to my custom glass ones I started building a couple decades ago..... might be a good option...

not having angle correction brings the suck...

 

[HankScorpio]

I have the same complaint on the speedometers. I have been checking out the Dakota Digital stuff, the ProFlo4 I am running has a plug to work directly with Dakota dashes. Why do they think everyone needs a 160mph gauge? My Blazer would need to be in freefall to go that fast.

I like the look of the CJ style you have in your dash. Its cool there is some room for a bunch of switches too.

 

[nvrenuf]

Maybe find a nice OE bezel if you're concerned with aftermarket quality?

I used a hole saw to open the stock holes on my bezel (as evidenced by the bite mark where I got careless). The problem I ran in to was the depth of the aftermarket gauges prevented my from using 95% of the original cluster "bucket", I cut it all away except for the perimeter that was needed to screw the bezel too.

 

[CT-BLAZER]

My approach was to use the OEM speedometer....

Kept the OEM Silver Aluminium face plate. Gutted the OEM electric gauges. .. installed mechanical Auto Meter Gauges into the face plate

Some cutting, burring bits & Silicone and I.had quality gauges in the OEM position.

 

[bigjimmy82]

Similar to ct-blazer, I kept factory speedo and added a speedway motors c60 repro tach/fuel gauge(which recently quit working ) then added autometers in the factory 4 holes. Edit: in ordered a new clear speedo and fuel/tach lense for a truck with dummy lights to avoid cutting one. The onboard air gauge and compressor switch are in the repurposed ashtray(stole that idea from someone on here I think Daniel Palms?) Has been this way about 10yrs time flys. Need to clean the interior it looks like!

 

[onetonbb74]

Here is my setup...did it about 2005 the first time and around 2016 was the black bezel redo...speedo is a cable setup and I went to a 1989 TBI setup with a cable speedo/sensor behind the dash so my factory speedo is still hooked up under the dash to get a speed signal to my ecu.

79k20

89 blazer

 

[wheels87k5]

Started with this set up.....all Autometer......Ended up going with a programmable speedometer using the sensor on the transfer case for the signal to the PCM

 

[Big Ray]

That CJ cluster looks good.

 

[CT-BLAZER]

Yes, that's pretty much what I did for my Square Body to upgrade the OEM electric gauges....

I used the smaller gages & recessed them.... it appeared stock, camouflaged a bit by depth of the dash..

Saw no cost value to ditch the OEM speedometer

1990 Blazer was similar , ditched the big fuel gauge , substituted a diesel tachometer.... kept OEM electric speedometer (!saw no gains by going aftermarket). ... splurged for a A-Post trim panel for more gauges.

Want to keep the AC vent functional.

 

[radzzz1972k5]

I went with clear lense kit. Sprayed back of gauges silver. Then installed ice blue LED lights. Used flame orange paint on the needles.