Just brainstorming a bit and thinking of possibly changing out my stock gauges to some Autometer gauges.  Anybody do anything similar?  I'm just thinking up ways that I can possibly do it.  I think I want to go with a similar to stock look, but any ideas are welcome.  Definitely want analog rather than digital, and leaning towards black face even though I do like some of the white face gauges.  If I do it, it probably wouldn't be for a while, but I figure now is a good time to get some input.

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1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

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I did exactly what you described, putting autometer gauges in my center dash. what I did was get a piece of sheet aluminum and glued it over the plastic and used a hole saw to cut out the proper holes to fit the gauges. Then painted it semi flat black. then installed the gauges. I wish I could show you a picture of my job but I am away from the vette until late spring and do not have any pictures available of it. I think it turned out nice. I got rid of my clock and put a trans temp gauge in its place, since my alpine head unit tells me the time anyways.

I'm in the process of changing mine.  I went with the phantom gauges from autometer.  The small ones in the center console are easy to adapt.  However the Speedo and Tach are a challenge.  You also have to redesign where or if you want the bright , turn signals, and brake indicator located.  Presently I'm thinking using LEDs in the center between the Tach and Speedo.  I went with electric for all of my gauges since I changed the tranny and distributor.  I will follow up later with some photos once I have everything completed if you want to see it finished before I mount them back in the car.  At the moment I'm buried in primer block sanding hell    Glassman6938399.026724537

Thanks for the quick responses! 

Tumarr, how thick of aluminum did you go with?  I was wondering how it would turn out if I did something similar, by putting something over it and drilling the holes.  Maybe eventually you can show some pics!!  What type and size of gauges did you go with.

Glassman69, how did/are you adapting the ones in the center console?  What size you using?  Also, is it easy to switch to the electrical gauges?  I'm thinking of going with them as well.  I don't know if I'll be changing the speedo and tach for the reasons you stated... also another reason I was thinking of sticking with black face gauges.  That way they aren't totally out of place.  I'd definitely like to see some pics when you're ready!!

I was also toying with the idea of just doing a radio delete option and add some gauges I want there, since I really could care less for a radio. Thanks!! 

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1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

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Well I used autometer sport comp gauges with black faces and they are 2 1/16" dia. The sheet metal was thin, like .040" or .060". I am not sure since I used scrap from my work. Yea, when I get back from college this summer I'll snap a few photos for ya. I didnt bring my vette with me because I dont want to park it outside for five months and it would be a big distraction from studies....

Any way you remember what color wire for each gauge was hot + or neg -  ? I am changing mine to Autometer .

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take a look here http://www.europeancorvette.com/html/console_gauges.htm