Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Raymo · 08-18-2010, 12:42 AM

Want to change out the original gauges on my 56. Want to go w/round gauges-maybe "Classic Gauges". Can you guys show some of your ideas?. I'd like to order some billet alum. sheet or stainless(haven't found it yet) and cut my own panel. What gauges do you like. Classic has a speedo/tach combo in one unit and quads in the other, both 3 3/8 size.

GRIMSS · 08-18-2010, 08:26 AM

I'm working on the same thing. I've got a few ideas but need to do some cardboard mockups to see if it will look right.

orgalmeister · 08-18-2010, 05:04 PM

These are mine out of cherry:

orgalmeister · 08-18-2010, 05:06 PM

Oh, and try metal depot for your sheet goods. Sorry can't find the link.

OrrieG · 08-18-2010, 07:27 PM

I like the classic guages except for the tach size. I use a tach more than speedo, especially off-road. I have seen a guage that has the analog speedo with a digital bar tach around the outside edge, but it looks like it would be hard to read accurately bouncing up a hill. Now if someone made one like this I'd be happy:

dwcsr · 08-18-2010, 07:38 PM

I had a painter a few doors up from me do these

ambryatim · 08-18-2010, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwcsr

I had a painter a few doors up from me do these

I like the first one you have there.....wonder how much work it would be to get these old clusters to work with an LS based engine??

**bobinbc** · 08-19-2010, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwcsr

I had a painter a few doors up from me do these

Wow, those are really cool. I have some aftermarket gauges I was going to use but I might have to rethink what I was planning, hmmm.....

chevyrestoguy · 08-19-2010, 11:34 AM

dwcsr-

I really like those clusters, especially the blue one. Nice job!

While we're on the subject of clusters, does anyone make updated (electrical, with sending units) gauges for the stock 55-59 clusters? I would really like to have a volt gauge instead of an amp gauge, an oil pressure gauge that doesn't require the plastic oil line, and a water temp gauge with numbers instead of C and H.

I swear I've seen these before, but I don't know where.

dwcsr · 08-19-2010, 01:21 PM

I'm sure these could be adapted for LS engines with a little work. Converting an amp gage to a volt gage is a little more involved.

'58Patch · 08-19-2010, 03:53 PM

Hey Orrie,
I found this: http://classicinstruments.com/series...?SeriesCode=TE

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I like the classic guages except for the tach size. I use a tach more than speedo, especially off-road. I have seen a guage that has the analog speedo with a digital bar tach around the outside edge, but it looks like it would be hard to read accurately bouncing up a hill. Now if someone made one like this I'd be happy:

OrrieG · 08-19-2010, 07:55 PM

That's a new series, need to see if a 5" plus the smaller will fit. I know 2 5" will not. Thanks

'58Patch · 08-19-2010, 08:00 PM

Let me know if they do, I am interested in using these as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

That's a new series, need to see if a 5" plus the smaller will fit. I know 2 5" will not. Thanks

dewey777 · 08-19-2010, 11:06 PM

Here's mine, pretty happy with how it turned out. Stole the idea from Boese Engineering but added a few custom touches. Milled out of 3/8" aluminum with the gauges sunk in to sit behind the bezel.

hotrod1 · 08-20-2010, 01:06 AM

I talked to Dakota Digital guy and they said that they are going to be coming out with this for our trucks. They said later this year. Who knows what that means. I like it.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd719.htm

I do like a more race like appearance though with a separate gauges but dont know if I can find it in myself to cut up that unique chevron style dash.

dewey777 · 08-20-2010, 09:23 AM

That's a nice looking cluster. Wish I had waited!

**bobinbc** · 08-20-2010, 12:42 PM

DEWEY777, that's very nice work, looks great!

OrrieG · 08-20-2010, 01:32 PM

[QUOTE=hotrod1;4148437]I talked to Dakota Digital guy and they said that they are going to be coming out with this for our trucks. They said later this year. Who knows what that means. I like it.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd719.htmQUOTE]

Now, that is what I like. Wonder what will end up at the pointy bottom of the TF style. I could use a trans temp guage there.

Raymo · 08-21-2010, 11:24 PM

Wow! Nice ideas. The stock dash set painted red and blue are something I've never thought of. That could be easily done. Thanks for the metal vendor. The wood one great too .

JMR5 · 08-22-2010, 11:35 AM

It's super easy to paint the metal plate behind the lens. I just rattle canned mine and was pleased with the outcome for my driver quality truck. The ones that dwcr got painted look incredible!

jimig1 · 08-22-2010, 02:45 PM

Dwcsr I love the flamed and the blue gauges they look amassing.

dwcsr · 08-22-2010, 04:13 PM

They are easy to do. There isn't much to these so taking them apart only takes about 20 minutes. Rattle can the parts, get a new lens and bezel and it looks new. I have seen somewhere that they do sell decals for the gage faces so you could have a new looking original gage panel painted however you want.

I don't remember what the cost was for the pin striping or the air brushing but it was under a $100 total per gage panel, Speedo head and the inside painted again. I think the original design is still the best one. I like the Dakota digital but not a fan of the layout of it.

You can still get new gages off eBay for around $45 each then repaint the guts and your still way below the $600 - $800 the after market gage panels are.

jimig1 · 08-22-2010, 05:51 PM

The gauges were one of the things that made me want a 55-59 pickup I love the way that they look and the custom painted ones look even better. I knot a huge fan of the dakota digital gauges lay out either

08-18-2010, 12:42 AM	#1
Raymo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wyoming Posts: 101	Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please Want to change out the original gauges on my 56. Want to go w/round gauges-maybe "Classic Gauges". Can you guys show some of your ideas?. I'd like to order some billet alum. sheet or stainless(haven't found it yet) and cut my own panel. What gauges do you like. Classic has a speedo/tach combo in one unit and quads in the other, both 3 3/8 size. Attached Images

08-18-2010, 08:26 AM	#2
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please I'm working on the same thing. I've got a few ideas but need to do some cardboard mockups to see if it will look right. __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

08-18-2010, 05:04 PM	#3
orgalmeister Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 291	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please These are mine out of cherry: Attached Images __________________ '56 truck (the never ending project) '06 Z/71 loaded (daily driver) '07 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (wife's driver) Gone: 72 SB, 67 CST, 57 BBW, 47 Panel streetrod,

08-18-2010, 05:06 PM	#4
orgalmeister Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 291	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please Oh, and try metal depot for your sheet goods. Sorry can't find the link. __________________ '56 truck (the never ending project) '06 Z/71 loaded (daily driver) '07 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (wife's driver) Gone: 72 SB, 67 CST, 57 BBW, 47 Panel streetrod,

08-18-2010, 07:27 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please I like the classic guages except for the tach size. I use a tach more than speedo, especially off-road. I have seen a guage that has the analog speedo with a digital bar tach around the outside edge, but it looks like it would be hard to read accurately bouncing up a hill. Now if someone made one like this I'd be happy: Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 08-18-2010 at 07:27 PM.

08-18-2010, 07:38 PM	#6
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please I had a painter a few doors up from me do these Attached Images

08-19-2010, 11:34 AM	#9
chevyrestoguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: apple valley, ca Posts: 2,670	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please dwcsr- I really like those clusters, especially the blue one. Nice job! While we're on the subject of clusters, does anyone make updated (electrical, with sending units) gauges for the stock 55-59 clusters? I would really like to have a volt gauge instead of an amp gauge, an oil pressure gauge that doesn't require the plastic oil line, and a water temp gauge with numbers instead of C and H. I swear I've seen these before, but I don't know where.

08-19-2010, 01:21 PM	#10
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please I'm sure these could be adapted for LS engines with a little work. Converting an amp gage to a volt gage is a little more involved.

08-19-2010, 07:55 PM	#12
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please That's a new series, need to see if a 5" plus the smaller will fit. I know 2 5" will not. Thanks __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

08-19-2010, 11:06 PM	#14
dewey777 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 69	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please Here's mine, pretty happy with how it turned out. Stole the idea from Boese Engineering but added a few custom touches. Milled out of 3/8" aluminum with the gauges sunk in to sit behind the bezel. Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chev Apache 3100 Short Fleet Big Window

08-20-2010, 01:06 AM	#15
hotrod1 56 - autocross Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 1,121	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please I talked to Dakota Digital guy and they said that they are going to be coming out with this for our trucks. They said later this year. Who knows what that means. I like it. http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd719.htm I do like a more race like appearance though with a separate gauges but dont know if I can find it in myself to cut up that unique chevron style dash.

08-20-2010, 09:23 AM	#16
dewey777 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 69	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please That's a nice looking cluster. Wish I had waited! __________________ 1959 Chev Apache 3100 Short Fleet Big Window

08-20-2010, 12:42 PM	#17
bobinbc Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver Island, Courtenay B.C. CANADA Posts: 575	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please DEWEY777, that's very nice work, looks great! __________________ 1962 Chevy blue SBFS 1957 Chevy yellow SBSS 1956 GMC red SBSS Nov 2017 ToTM https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cana...geChevyTrucks/

08-20-2010, 01:32 PM	#18
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please [QUOTE=hotrod1;4148437]I talked to Dakota Digital guy and they said that they are going to be coming out with this for our trucks. They said later this year. Who knows what that means. I like it. http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd719.htmQUOTE] Now, that is what I like. Wonder what will end up at the pointy bottom of the TF style. I could use a trans temp guage there. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

08-21-2010, 11:24 PM	#19
Raymo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wyoming Posts: 101	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please Wow! Nice ideas. The stock dash set painted red and blue are something I've never thought of. That could be easily done. Thanks for the metal vendor. The wood one great too .



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08-22-2010, 11:35 AM	#20
JMR5 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 64	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please It's super easy to paint the metal plate behind the lens. I just rattle canned mine and was pleased with the outcome for my driver quality truck. The ones that dwcr got painted look incredible! Attached Images

08-22-2010, 02:45 PM	#21
jimig1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elk River, MN Posts: 614	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please Dwcsr I love the flamed and the blue gauges they look amassing. __________________ 55 2nd series Chevy Pickup 2019 Chevy Equinox(Daily driver) 2011 Chevy Malibu (Wife's car) MSRA Member I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. -George Carlin Last edited by jimig1; 08-22-2010 at 02:46 PM.

08-22-2010, 04:13 PM	#22
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please They are easy to do. There isn't much to these so taking them apart only takes about 20 minutes. Rattle can the parts, get a new lens and bezel and it looks new. I have seen somewhere that they do sell decals for the gage faces so you could have a new looking original gage panel painted however you want. I don't remember what the cost was for the pin striping or the air brushing but it was under a $100 total per gage panel, Speedo head and the inside painted again. I think the original design is still the best one. I like the Dakota digital but not a fan of the layout of it. You can still get new gages off eBay for around $45 each then repaint the guts and your still way below the $600 - $800 the after market gage panels are.

08-22-2010, 05:51 PM	#23
jimig1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elk River, MN Posts: 614	Re: Custom Gauges On 55-59 Pickups Please The gauges were one of the things that made me want a 55-59 pickup I love the way that they look and the custom painted ones look even better. I knot a huge fan of the dakota digital gauges lay out either __________________ 55 2nd series Chevy Pickup 2019 Chevy Equinox(Daily driver) 2011 Chevy Malibu (Wife's car) MSRA Member I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. -George Carlin Last edited by jimig1; 08-22-2010 at 05:52 PM.

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