The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Taking a Poll

Given:
- My truck will not be completely stock but I want it to look as stock as possible
- Finding a stock gauge set that's been refurbished is just beyond what I want to spend (but still possible)

Thinking of putting an aftermarket dash insert to hold a set of Dolphin gauges but cant decide what looks more original:

3 ea 3-3/8" gauges (tach, speedo and quad gauge)

or

2 ea 3-3/8" (speedo and quad gauge)

or

5 gauge cluster centered 3-3/8 speedo, with 4ea 2-1/8" ea individual gauges (volt,fuel,oil,water)


Opinions Please?

dash inserts can be seen:
http://www.streetrodhq.com/detail/1...HEVY_TRUCK_BILLET_ALUMINUM_POLISHED.html

Green Farmer,

It is difficult for me to pick up on what you are thinking because I think you are conflicted. However, I believe you would save time and money and meet your first statement goal..."I want it to look as stock as possible" if you found a set of refurbished stock gauges.

Just my 2 cents.

Agree, the link just took me to a generic underdash gauge holder and I couldn't find the Dolphin gauges you speak of.

Original gauges will work with very little modification. If you want original looking it's hard to beat original. If you don't have any, place a want ad in the swap meet.

GreenFarmer.... a good restoration shop will be about as much as a set of new dolphin guages but they will be original. I do this and had them change my gas guage to 12 volt, calibrate my oil pressure guage to where the oil pressure is "double" the reading as I am running a V/8 and in some cases you can buy aftermarket temp guages new cheaper than having them fixed.
You doing the right thing by thinking it through and there are pro's and con's both ways. If your interested in getting your redon send me a PM and I can lead you to a guy who will most definitely do it right and stand behind them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1947...arts_Accessories&hash=item1c1615c86e
This guy seems to have all the varieties. If you have a Chevy these look good. Upgraded to 60 lbs on oil gauge, 12volts, etc. If you're a GMC guy, I don'y like the red needles-s/b white. and the gasoline guage should say "Fuel". Seems as though the reserve is over $100 bucks, but am not sure where they end up. Maybe follow a set to conclusion, ask some questions and see how it goes. Seems less expensive than Dolphins and adapters and all the extra work to put them right. (On a side note, personally I never liked the Dolphin guages because of the needles with the little zippity do dads on the ends-blah!) But that's beside the point. Take a look at this guys other auctions. He has most of the color combos thru the years.

Thanks for the input. You all seem to agree with my gut which said stay with stock. There's a different guy than above that refurbishes the Art Deco gauge sets (above only seems to go back as far as '47), updated to 12V and custom painted to match if you want. Not much more than the set I mentioned. He's been very patient with my endless questions and seems much more interested in having fun than making money off of you.
http://www.vintageclusters.com/home/colors


The link was not a generic underdash, the part shown actually fits the stock dashboard hole and holds the aftermarket gauges. Pretty nice look but I still like stock better and it won't be that much more.

Thanks

Green Farmer,

I bought a set of recondition gauges from the guy K10 points out. He lives in Oregon. He did a real nice job and I got to choose the color of the background and needles. cost was $260.

Good Luck.

My '46 is no where near stock but I like the look of original gauges so I have changes a couple. All 12 volt, oil pressure ga. from a GMC goes to 60 psi and bolts right in. After market can re-do your gauges to look stock but have a speedo to 200 mph or what ever.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2057553560102242071mgvNzH

I am getting ready to install my 46 Chevy gauge cluster in the dash . Question , is there a rubber gasket that goes between the gauge cluster and the dash frame to stop the cluster from rubbing on the metal dash frame? If so were can I purchase the gasket?

I am getting ready to install my 46 Chevy gauge cluster in the dash . Question , is there a rubber gasket that goes between the gauge cluster and the dash frame to stop the cluster from rubbing on the metal dash frame? If so were can I purchase the gasket?