I installed a new custom gauge cluster in my truck. Since the factory gauges didn't work and cost to rebuild them far exceeded their value, I decided that I didn't need to keep it 100% original, as much as I wanted it to be 100% functional.
I used O'Reilly's on hand brand "Equus", I got a speedometer, oil pressure, water temp, fuel, and voltmeter gauges. I had planned on them all fitting in the factory cluster, but the trim ring took up more room than I thought so 2 of them got booted to a mount at the bottom of the dash. I reused the factory trim ring, and back panel, removed the factory gauge face panel, speedomter and gauges. I used the factory clear gauge face as a template for the new panel that I would mount the new gauges in. I used black plexiglass that I was lucky enough to find laying around, because I don't know where in the world to get anything like it. Cut it out and drilled some holes for three of the gauges, speedometer in the center, oil pressure and water temperature off to each side of the speedometer. Turn signal indicators are in the factory location, I reused the cardboard tubes and green stuff on them to keep them green. But had to cut out some arrows in the plexi glass. Also used the center backlight hole for a new high beam indicator bulb, with a red cover to keep it red like factory. Not sure how that works though the bulb must be bad...
For the cost, and my limited fabrication skills, they look great, and work pretty good too. I don't like that they aren't original, but I needed to be able to monitor the engine. The gauges are backlit too, a requirement of mine. I had to exchange the temperature gauge, I think we kinked the tube, and the speedometer, I don't know what its issue was. New ones work fine. The actual connection to the truck was a breeze, it's like they were made for this truck, An uncanny stike of luck for me. Took them out of the package, remove old senders, connect new, and voiula. I don't know how the gas gauge works yet, I don't have a sender for it yet. I'll post a picture if any one is interested.
