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Topic: Custom dash and gauges

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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Custom dash and gauges (1/11)
 8/30/16 9:59am
74-454Lifetime Member
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!


Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533

Hello,

Background info:
74, big block, auto, pretty much original (besides custom autosound radio) and all interior out of the car.

Goals for the interior (purist and NCRS folks might need some eye wash after reading the below):
1) Double din space for aftermarket radio (android auto / JBL CP100 is something I would like if it ever goes on the market)
2) Better elbow rest area and possibly with storage
3) Cup holders

There are many ways to tackle the above and the avenue I'm currently exploring is the following:
1) Build my own custom made dash and center console (leather finish).
2) Install aftermarket gauges (smaller and all of them in front of the driver, I like the C2 for this)
3) Possibly move the e-brake handle (I also like the C2 for this)

I'm currently spending a bit of time exploring the gauges part of this dream and I'm totally clueless, so here's a few questions;
1) Can I install any gauges I like?  For example, I really like the speedometer on my Mazda 3 (2015).  If I find one in a junk yard, can I work with that?
2) What's involved if I go digital instead of mechanical?
3) Any words of the wise for this project?

Thanks!

Steph.
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Re: Custom dash and gauges (2/11)
 8/30/16 12:27pm
john_rg2
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Joined: 8/30/2016
Posts: 5

Steph I'm new to C3VR and only got my 77 this year so learning a lot as I go. 
Mine was repainted at some point so original is out of the picture and I'm thinking about going 77 2.0 with newer electronics and probably building my own dash with digital gauges as well.
I'm very interested in reading what others respond with to your post. 
Good luck with your project. 


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Re: Custom dash and gauges (3/11)
 8/30/16 7:18pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

To go double din, pretty sure you'll have to make your own center dash to get everything to fit.

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Re: Custom dash and gauges (4/11)
 8/30/16 10:51pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

  Ermm  Question

Here ya go Stephane...this should solve all your problems....LOL






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Re: Custom dash and gauges (5/11)
 8/31/16 9:16am
cinorLifetime Member
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, - Canada

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1975 L48 Stingray 1992 LT1


Joined: 12/24/2013
Posts: 414

Love your ambition,  You will figure it out I'm sure, and enjoy the rewards after



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Re: Custom dash and gauges (6/11)
 9/1/16 11:02am
indy99
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Newport, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.


Joined: 6/9/2005
Posts: 932

http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/

These folks have a large line of gauges including wide band afr.



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Re: Custom dash and gauges (7/11)
 9/1/16 11:03am
indy99
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Newport, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.


Joined: 6/9/2005
Posts: 932

I hate touch screens.

|UPDATED|9/1/2016 8:03:57 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Custom dash and gauges (8/11)
 9/1/16 2:04pm
74-454Lifetime Member
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!


Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533

I'm finding articles here and there and my quest for gauges is progressing.

I think I figured out (high level) what's involved for the gauges; to convert to electronic (not necessarily digital since I prefer needles than numbers), I would first need a "control box" where all the senders and gauges terminate.  And for each gauge; I would need a sender that is compatible for that particular gauge; therefor replacing the original one from the car.

I still don't know if I can get away with gauges I like (ie: Mazda 3 2015) and what would be involved.

My next step is to virtually shop for gauges (and a module) and I'll draw a blueprint of it.  I'm on limited budget, so the C7 as proposed above is out of the question (for now).

Steph.


Re: Custom dash and gauges (9/11)
 1/17/17 12:21pm
DarinM
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Caddo Mills, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Black on Black 4speed 383 Stroker 17x9 rear, 17x8 front with 255-50R-17 Nitto tires OBX Stainless Steel sidepipes DeWitts radiator with dual electric fans


Joined: 9/15/2015
Posts: 38

Steph, i'm just starting on the same quest as you with my goal as yours. A double DIN head unit. What i've found so far is pricey, but possible. (still cheaper than a C7) Wink

Dakota Digital offers a custom built replacement for the Tach and Speedo which will put the 4 gauges in the bottom corners of the Tach and Speedometer. That option is $1600 and 3-4 month waiting period. They also offer round all in one Tach and Speedometer pre-built which i think would also fit for $795 called the VHX-114. This setup uses a central control box for the sensors which then connect back to the gauges with a single cable to one, then daisy chain to the second. If this one fits, i think it will be my best option. I've requested a template from them to see if it will fit.

Other than that, my only other thought was to figure if there is a mini cluster that might fit in the ash tray area of my console (1980).

Have you made any progress ?


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Re: Custom dash and gauges (10/11)
 1/18/17 10:56am
Tomtall
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Vette(s):
1973 Coupe -- 454 / 4 speed - Black on Black, Greenwood aftermarket turbo hood, Greenwood GTO style front bumper.American Racing Vector rims.


Joined: 3/5/2016
Posts: 43

Steph - Sounds like you have a great base for your custom build. If you want a more modern look for your Dash/Gauge cluster have you considered going with a plug and play system such as "Race Pack". https://www.racepak.com/collections/digital-dashes

|UPDATED|1/18/2017 7:56:31 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: Custom dash and gauges (11/11)
 1/18/17 1:15pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

For console storage, Mid America (and probably others) sells this:

http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette/product/console-compartment-612598-1



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