Gauge help!

[thirdstreettito]

Does anyone make a stock gauge panel with like autometer gauges in it? As a kit? The recessed ones, not the "stick-out" ones. I want to get one for my dads suburban. Thanks.

Also, what size gauges are needed for me to do this myself? 2 - 5" and 4 - 2 1/16"? I dont know.

[Prerunner1982]

I don't have an answer on the kit... I don't think there is one though.

The gauge sizes are 2-5" and 4- 2 5/8".

Per the www.73-87.com website these are the ones that are needed.

[bigblock73]

I am currently fabbing up alum mounting brackets to mount Autometer gauges to the back side of the factory bezel. I made one set, trial fit, made some revisions and am waiting for five sets to come back from the machine shop. Dennis gets set number 2, the other 3 will be fore sale. Stay tuned.

[thirdstreettito]

Price?

[bigblock73]

No idea, haven't gotten the machine shop bill yet for labor and materials.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

No idea, haven't gotten the machine shop bill yet for labor and materials.

Jeff,
I am interested in this retrofit too. I have access to cnc machines and like helping board members with these kind of parts. LIKE THESE
Let me know if you need a prototype made. I would be happy to help. BTW machine shop rates are pretty high $$$. Around $75-100 an hour here. Do you have a sketch or drawing?

[bigblock73]

Those spacers are sweet!

I do CAD drafting for a living, so that part is easy.

I have a prototype in the works. I'll let you know when it is finished...and might contact you for future projects if that is OK.

It is pretty simple aluminum bracketry...you could easily make them by hand with flat stock and a little time...but CNC machines make it so much easier, and cleaner!

[Stitch]

I will so buy a set of these from you...maybe you can squeeze them in my cab corner box and save some shipping for ya...

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Those spacers are sweet!

I do CAD drafting for a living, so that part is easy.

I have a prototype in the works. I'll let you know when it is finished...and might contact you for future projects if that is OK.

It is pretty simple aluminum bracketry...you could easily make them by hand with flat stock and a little time...but CNC machines make it so much easier, and cleaner!

Sure just let me know.

[coater]

I would like a set of your brackets. I buy anything that would make it easier. Please PM me when your ready to sale. I would like to see your panel and some tips on how when your completed.
Thanks Man!!

[menace121978]

Thanks Jeff!! btw how did the 1st one turn out? obviously pretty good if your having more made i'm a visual kind of guy if you know what i mean

[bigblock73]

The first run turned out good, it'll work...but I wanted to build a little more adjustability into them, as you might want to mount the gauges 1/16" further apart than I did (for example).

Until I get them installed, there are no pics. But here is the run down.

Large gauges: 2 brackets will bolt the large gauges together, another bracket (that the owner will have to bend, based on their gauge depth and how much plastic they trimmed) will bolt to the bezel, and the assembled gauges will bolt to it.

Small gauges: 1 bracket will connect the top two gauges together, another will connect the lower gauges together. 2 brackets will need to be bent (for same reason above) and adhered to the bezel, 1 bracket for the uppers, 1 for the lowers.

Hope this makes sense.

I will be gettign the brackets tonight, going out of town for the weekend, but will try to get them in a photographed for you all to see.

[STOCKISH]

I will also be down for a set of brackets when ready. Thanks man.

[thirdstreettito]

Any pictures of the prototype bracket you made?

[bigblock73]

No, no pics...didn't have it together long enough to take em. Don't worry, I'll get pics, post them here, and update Swervins tech article on 73-87.com to replect this option for mounting them.

I only have three extre saets for sale, which i'll try to do in order of interest. If I need more than three, I should be able to get them made. Not looking to get rich on these, basically you pay for shipping and the parts, plus a few bucks for my time.

[bigblock73]

OK, here are some crappy pics, until I get some better ones.

What is included in this kit are two (2) Large gauge connecting brackets, two (2) small gauge connecting brackets, one (1) large gauge mounting bracket, two (2) small gauge mounting brackets, and the hardware required to mount the connecting brackets to the mounting brackets.

Don't pay attention to the bracket in the last pic, it got screwed up on the machine, so I installed it on my gauges...the rest of the brackets are fine. As you can see in that picture, washers(spacers) needed to be installed to push up the bracket to clear a factory Autometer screw/nut on the backside.

I don't have the gauges installed yet, but that should be relatively easy, I just ran out of time and will be out of town for the weekend.

So, pics for those who are interested. Please let me know if you still are, and I will try to get a set out to you. Still no idea on pricing, the shop hasn't billed me yet.

[thirdstreettito]

Is it CNC machined? Or water-jet? Or plasma-table?

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

OK, here are some crappy pics, until I get some better ones.

What is included in this kit are two (2) Large gauge connecting brackets, two (2) small gauge connecting brackets, one (1) large gauge mounting bracket, two (2) small gauge mounting brackets, and the hardware required to mount the connecting brackets to the mounting brackets.

Don't pay attention to the bracket in the last pic, it got screwed up on the machine, so I installed it on my gauges...the rest of the brackets are fine. As you can see in that picture, washers(spacers) needed to be installed to push up the bracket to clear a factory Autometer screw/nut on the backside.

I don't have the gauges installed yet, but that should be relatively easy, I just ran out of time and will be out of town for the weekend.

So, pics for those who are interested. Please let me know if you still are, and I will try to get a set out to you. Still no idea on pricing, the shop hasn't billed me yet.

Looks good to me, also looks pretty simple. let me know how they come out on prices. I bet I can beat them.

[menace121978]

i like that! very clean!!

[coater]

Looks alot better than all the wires.
Count me in on a set.