Retro-fit gauges in my 1963 dash.

[Lugnutz65]

Here’s my latest project to finish up the new wiring in my 1963 C10. So I thought I’d share my ideas and methods.
I had a “Plain Jane” 1963 idiot light instrument cluster. I decided to install a GPS speedometer.
Vendors sell instrument cluster inserts and new gauges. They can be quite costly.
I decided to try something new. I like to be creative.
I wanted to keep an old-school look of my 1963 instrument cluster without breaking the bank. I purchased a GPS speedometer/tachometer on eBay for under $70 delivered. I spent another $30 on a triple gauge set.
The original instrument cluster plexiglass has an old-school design with embossed numbers on the back of the plexiglass. I decided I wanted to keep that look so I cut a hole in the center of the plexiglass for the new speedo/tach. I removed the bezels and glass from the front of the triple gauge set. The triple gauges fit perfectly behind the embossed areas in the plexiglass. I cut holes in the thin black plate that sits behind the factory plexiglass. The pictures tell the rest of the story. I am happy with the results. It took some time and creativity.

The pictures don’t show one of the steps I did very well. I bought a very thin piece of plexiglass and used it to cover the area with the black wood grain vinyl so that everything except the center speedo/tach would be under plexiglass.

I thought I would share because you never know what you might come up with if you put your mind to it. My truck instrument cluster will not look like any other at the cruise in.