gauge install, keeping stock fuel and speedo?

[bigjimmy82]

Any problems with hacking the gauge cluster to fit the 2 1/16" autometers on the side and leaving the print circuit loose behind the dash so the fuel and speedo still work and are lit up? Could I use existing wiring for the lights to light up the autometers?

I will have a volt/ elec trans temp / mech oil psi / mech h2o temp

also an air pressure for oba but that will be to the side, near the vent

Promise to post pictures and thanks for any help, just trying to get a feel for the install before I get started

also, I found the best method for making the holes was a 2" hole saw and a keen eye/steady hand

 

[Randy92782]

I wish I had pics but yes there is a way. My old Blazer had a set installed that were in place. I wouldn't hack into your existing wiring. I'd just run new wires through the holes in the cluster behind the gauges.

Actually I remember a thread where everyone showed their dash. Just have to look for it

 

[bigjimmy82]

OK it is done now with the exception of the trans temp gauge, until I drop the pan and install the sender

I ended up cutting alot of the drivers side of the cluster off, I left only the frame of it for mounting purposes. The guage lights are wired into the dimmer switch and the volt meter is fed from the old power window harness, which was left under the dash after the power to manual conversion.

Anyway pictures are worth 1000 words, feel free to ask any questions...

 

[bigjimmy82]

More....

 

[bigjimmy82]

more... like i said I ended up cutting more of the backing out of the gauge surround to clear wiring and lights, more then pictured

 

[bigjimmy82]

I will get better pics later, but the stock gauges are pretty dim compared to the new autometers

EDIT: no pics because a security token was missing?????