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Topic: Stock gauge replacement with Autometer

in Forum: C3 Interior


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Stock gauge replacement with Autometer (1/4)
 12/26/08 7:06pm
MikeGolf78Lifetime Member
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Rock Hill, SC - USA

Vette(s):
'75 coupe, '78 yellow


Joined: 12/22/2007
Posts: 22

Next year's project is to replace my stock gauges with Autometer gauges. I have seen this done in magazines but no great detail. Can anyone give me some advice. The 5" for the the speedo and Tach? The 2 1/16" or 2 5/8" for the center console? Do you have to do any or much cutting? Thanks in advance for any help.



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"I Love the Infantryman he is the underdog. They are the wind, the rain, and the mud boys. They give up all comforts and necessities and in the end they are the ones the war cannot be won with out!" Ernest Pyle
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Stock gauge replacement with Autometer (2/4)
 12/29/08 10:33pm
VTHokie77Vette
Former Member

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Pennsville, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1977 EX-L48


Joined: 3/13/2002
Posts: 532

Hi,
 
I just replaced my instrument gauges with Autometer 2 1/16" Sport Comp II series gauges.  They look great and I'm really glad I did it.  I wasn't planning on changing the speedometer or tachometer but after seeing the instrument gauges, I have put them on the list (finishing my body work and paint is my #1 priority right now though!). 
 
To do the instrument gauges, I used a piece of thin Lexan from Lowes and cut it to fit the contour of the top section of the console.  Cut the holes for the gauges and then cut away the interfering plastic on the original console.  I attached the piece I made with three small button head screws.  (I also added 6 LEDs that I will use for turn signal indicators, brake light, and highbeam indicator once I add the other gauges.)  I moved the charging lamp circuit to the bulb housing at the top of the console.  You can't really see it, which is what I wanted. 
 
I then snipped off the connector that plugs into the stock gauges and made a Molex connection for the gauges so I can quickly and easily disconnect if I have to remove the console. 
 
Here are a couple pics.  (Sorry, they aren't too clear and I didn't really take any pics showing any "in progress" shots.)
 
 


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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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Stock gauge replacement with Autometer (3/4)
 12/30/08 7:10pm
MikeGolf78Lifetime Member
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Rock Hill, SC - USA

Vette(s):
'75 coupe, '78 yellow


Joined: 12/22/2007
Posts: 22

That sounds like a good plan. Can't wait to see how your Speedo and Tach look.  Thanks

______________
"I Love the Infantryman he is the underdog. They are the wind, the rain, and the mud boys. They give up all comforts and necessities and in the end they are the ones the war cannot be won with out!" Ernest Pyle
Stock gauge replacement with Autometer (4/4)
 5/6/10 5:23pm
aceLifetime Member
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Ocala, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1975 coupe, Green, 4speed, T-top, 383 stroked, Hooker side pipes.


Joined: 9/14/2002
Posts: 72

Would you remember what wire is hot, ground and sender for the gauges? I am replacing mine with auto meter and I'm a little lost...I don't do well with electrical....LOL
 
Thanks, ACE


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