Recessed Autometer Gauge build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigblock73 · 03-11-2012, 09:25 PM

A forum member reached out to me and asked if I would assist in building his gauge cluster using Autometer Carbon Fiber gauges in the factory location. We spoke about it, agreed upon a price, and he mailed me everything...NEW cluster, New gauges (5" and 2 5/8"), and the OE cluster housing. I began working on it Saturday evening, and here is the progress thus far.

Tools needed so far include 1/8" masking tape, Dremel with cut-off wheel, small sanding block, and 100 and 180 grit sandpaper.

bigblock73 · 03-11-2012, 09:31 PM

Here are a couple pics of the new dash bezel. I believe it is from LMC, and it sure is noce...not something I usually say about LMC stuff.

First order of business was to design the brackety that holds these in place. I took care of that and sent the CAD file to the machine shop to be laser cut out of aluminum...should have the brackets in a week or two.

Next up was to tape down 3/8" on each of the small gauge openings. This will give me a guide line to cut down the openings with, essentially enlarging them (the tunnels are cone shaped) and allowing more of the gauge face to be exposed when positioned from the backside.

bigblock73 · 03-11-2012, 09:36 PM

Once the tunnels are all taped up, time to cut. The dremel makes quick work of them, and since the tape lines are there, gives me a nice line to follow for a pretty straight cut and matching start/stop points.

With the pieces removed, time to start sanding. The sanding block is small enought to fit in there to sand, but big enough to cover two tunnels at once. Using 100 grit paper, I sanded to top two tunnels until they were nice and smooth AND matced each other perfectly...same angle and height. Once I was happy with how they looked, I repeated the same process for the bottom two tunnels. Once all of them were complete, I came back with some 180 and smoothed them over some more.

Because this is an aftermarket bezel, I will need to come back and paint the cut portion of the tunnel black, just to be sure no "white" is seen from the front side of the bezel with the gauges installed.

bigblock73 · 03-11-2012, 09:40 PM

Because of the gauge trim ring height, the trim rings need to be removed for the gauges to sit flush against the newly modified tunnels.

Tonight I removed the rings from the four small gauges, and epoxied the gauge glass bezel and glass to the gauge (the rings holds these all together).

No pics as of yet, but I will get some tomorrow and post an update.

**Palf70Step** · 03-11-2012, 09:41 PM

I'm watching this one for sure!

mud.man.rj · 03-11-2012, 09:45 PM

Keep it coming, watching.

JRANGER · 03-11-2012, 09:51 PM

cant wait to see the finished product

STOCKISH · 03-11-2012, 10:12 PM

How do you remove the bezels from the Autometers?

bigblock73 · 03-11-2012, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

How do you remove the bezels from the Autometers?

I slit them with the dremel, and carefully pry them off.

motornut · 03-11-2012, 10:20 PM

sounds like a cool idea

INSIDIOUS '86 · 03-11-2012, 11:31 PM

About how much does this cost to do? Gauges and bezel and all?
Posted via Mobile Device

'79squared · 03-11-2012, 11:37 PM

Ya, Ill be watching this close myself.

Pop's C-10 · 03-12-2012, 07:03 AM

subs

DREAMER1 · 03-12-2012, 08:40 AM

What?....the suspense is killin me. I got this far and....keep it coming
Posted via Mobile Device

silvereagle07 · 03-12-2012, 11:53 AM

Waiting...

**Corts60** · 03-12-2012, 12:03 PM

I'm also really excited to see how this turns out. Great thread!

bigblock73 · 03-12-2012, 12:07 PM

Thanks for the interest fellas...I will post progress as I make some...I will be coming to a standstill shortly, until I get the brackets back from the machine shop.

For those who haven't seen my gauges, here they are...and a glimpse into what this current dash cluster will look like when finished.

Dieselholic92 · 03-12-2012, 12:19 PM

That looks pretty sweet!

stepside83 · 03-12-2012, 05:09 PM

this mod looks sweet,

riz · 03-12-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insidious '86

about how much does this cost to do? Gauges and bezel and all?
posted via mobile device

i too would like to know how much total for this project????

Riz

bigblock73 · 03-12-2012, 06:58 PM

Gauges vary in price...my Ultralights were about $600...these Carbon Fiber are a little more I think. The brackets I sell are around $45 (I switched shops since my last order, so the price might go up depending on quote), and labor if I do it depends on gauge and size used. This cluster is the most complicated due to gauge size and design, but smaller gauges and different style would be cheaper.

J Knight · 03-12-2012, 06:58 PM

How heavy is the gauge bezel after complete install? Are you able to use the top center two mounting screws without having the original cluster?

bigblock73 · 03-12-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Knight

How heavy is the gauge bezel after complete install? Are you able to use the top center two mounting screws without having the original cluster?

Not sure on the weight...and YES, the top two center screws are retained. The housing has to be cut down pretty good, but the top portion remains...the rest is screwed directly to the dash pad or lower metal dash.

Mine is installed in my 73, fit really nice and no noticable stress or anything.

bigsj · 03-12-2012, 07:26 PM

I am very interested in how this turns out i like the idea.

HarleyHauler · 03-13-2012, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsj

I am very interested in how this turns out i like the idea.

X2 - I'll be watching this thread for updates.
Posted via Mobile Device

03-11-2012, 09:25 PM	#1
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Recessed Autometer Gauge build A forum member reached out to me and asked if I would assist in building his gauge cluster using Autometer Carbon Fiber gauges in the factory location. We spoke about it, agreed upon a price, and he mailed me everything...NEW cluster, New gauges (5" and 2 5/8"), and the OE cluster housing. I began working on it Saturday evening, and here is the progress thus far. Tools needed so far include 1/8" masking tape, Dremel with cut-off wheel, small sanding block, and 100 and 180 grit sandpaper. Attached Images __________________ 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; 03-11-2012 at 09:46 PM.

03-11-2012, 09:31 PM	#2
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Here are a couple pics of the new dash bezel. I believe it is from LMC, and it sure is noce...not something I usually say about LMC stuff. First order of business was to design the brackety that holds these in place. I took care of that and sent the CAD file to the machine shop to be laser cut out of aluminum...should have the brackets in a week or two. Next up was to tape down 3/8" on each of the small gauge openings. This will give me a guide line to cut down the openings with, essentially enlarging them (the tunnels are cone shaped) and allowing more of the gauge face to be exposed when positioned from the backside. Attached Images __________________ 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; 03-11-2012 at 09:49 PM.

03-11-2012, 09:36 PM	#3
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Once the tunnels are all taped up, time to cut. The dremel makes quick work of them, and since the tape lines are there, gives me a nice line to follow for a pretty straight cut and matching start/stop points. With the pieces removed, time to start sanding. The sanding block is small enought to fit in there to sand, but big enough to cover two tunnels at once. Using 100 grit paper, I sanded to top two tunnels until they were nice and smooth AND matced each other perfectly...same angle and height. Once I was happy with how they looked, I repeated the same process for the bottom two tunnels. Once all of them were complete, I came back with some 180 and smoothed them over some more. Because this is an aftermarket bezel, I will need to come back and paint the cut portion of the tunnel black, just to be sure no "white" is seen from the front side of the bezel with the gauges installed. Attached Images __________________ 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

03-11-2012, 09:40 PM	#4
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Because of the gauge trim ring height, the trim rings need to be removed for the gauges to sit flush against the newly modified tunnels. Tonight I removed the rings from the four small gauges, and epoxied the gauge glass bezel and glass to the gauge (the rings holds these all together). No pics as of yet, but I will get some tomorrow and post an update. __________________ 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

03-11-2012, 09:41 PM	#5
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,225	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build I'm watching this one for sure! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-11-2012, 09:45 PM	#6
mud.man.rj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Creighton Sask. Canada Posts: 4,121	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Keep it coming, watching.

03-11-2012, 09:51 PM	#7
JRANGER Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 3,595	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build cant wait to see the finished product __________________ PLEASE HELP WITH PROJECT UNDERHAULIN http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=306320 Gemini - 1978 GMC C15 High Sierra - 305 c/e - Given to Mother Electra - 1967 Mustang Coupe - 302/w 3 speed Build Chyna - 1968 Chevy C20 Long Stepper

03-11-2012, 10:12 PM	#8
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build How do you remove the bezels from the Autometers? __________________ --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.

03-11-2012, 10:20 PM	#10
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build sounds like a cool idea __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

03-11-2012, 11:31 PM	#11
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build About how much does this cost to do? Gauges and bezel and all? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

03-11-2012, 11:37 PM	#12
'79squared Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Camas WA Posts: 175	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Ya, Ill be watching this close myself. __________________ 1979 SWB 350/350

03-12-2012, 07:03 AM	#13
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build subs __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

03-12-2012, 08:40 AM	#14
DREAMER1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: baytown, texas Posts: 310	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build What?....the suspense is killin me. I got this far and....keep it coming Posted via Mobile Device

03-12-2012, 11:53 AM	#15
silvereagle07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bailey, NC Posts: 2,462	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Waiting... __________________ Jeramy '84 GMC project truck '85 Chevy 4X4 SOLD '07 Chevy Trailblazer SS 5th Annual SHPHC Car/Truck Show Pics http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543605 UPDATED PICS! CHECK 'EM OUT

03-12-2012, 12:03 PM	#16
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build I'm also really excited to see how this turns out. Great thread! __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

03-12-2012, 12:07 PM	#17
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Thanks for the interest fellas...I will post progress as I make some...I will be coming to a standstill shortly, until I get the brackets back from the machine shop. For those who haven't seen my gauges, here they are...and a glimpse into what this current dash cluster will look like when finished. Attached Images __________________ 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

03-12-2012, 12:19 PM	#18
Dieselholic92 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lynd, Minnesota Posts: 201	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build That looks pretty sweet! __________________ Semi professional heavy equipment operator Amateur mechanic

03-12-2012, 05:09 PM	#19
stepside83 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: butler pa Posts: 328	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build this mod looks sweet,

03-12-2012, 06:58 PM	#21
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build Gauges vary in price...my Ultralights were about $600...these Carbon Fiber are a little more I think. The brackets I sell are around $45 (I switched shops since my last order, so the price might go up depending on quote), and labor if I do it depends on gauge and size used. This cluster is the most complicated due to gauge size and design, but smaller gauges and different style would be cheaper. __________________ 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

03-12-2012, 06:58 PM	#22
J Knight Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Baytown TX Posts: 2,219	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build How heavy is the gauge bezel after complete install? Are you able to use the top center two mounting screws without having the original cluster? __________________ John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350

03-12-2012, 07:26 PM	#24
bigsj Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Bowie Maryland Posts: 335	Re: Recessed Autometer Gauge build I am very interested in how this turns out i like the idea.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.