cutlass custom gauge panel???

[FE3X CLONE]

Unfortunately no. That's part of the problem. Each one I make is custom made.

However what I typically do is just trace the outline of the stamped metal piece that covers the gauges and then cut out a piece of metal to that shape. From there I cut out my gauge holes using a hole saw. I then cut the majority of the stock stamped metal piece face out, leaving just an 1/8" lip all the way around.

Then the new metal faceplate can either be riveted or tack welded to the old stamped metal piece. That way the new gauges basically bolt in using the stock hardware.

 

[gbodydude]

thanks,i'am going to try it.

 

[CUTT-LS]

I remember a post fx3 did showing how he built the cluster in his car .I tryed to look for it to bump it to the top but couldnt find it.

 

[gbodydude]

thanks,for looking for it.

 

[crucial118]

Unfortunately no. That's part of the problem. Each one I make is custom made.

However what I typically do is just trace the outline of the stamped metal piece that covers the gauges and then cut out a piece of metal to that shape. From there I cut out my gauge holes using a hole saw. I then cut the majority of the stock stamped metal piece face out, leaving just an 1/8" lip all the way around.

Then the new metal faceplate can either be riveted or tack welded to the old stamped metal piece. That way the new gauges basically bolt in using the stock hardware.

Thanx for the info. I'm gonna give it a try.

 

[MrHernandez]

btw FE3X, have any new pics of your build?

 

[FE3X CLONE]

I remember a post fx3 did showing how he built the cluster in his car .I tryed to look for it to bump it to the top but couldnt find it.

Here ya go:

I used a stock metal gauge face piece to make a paper template.
This is the backside with the template inside:

Then used templates I cut out for my gauges and moved them around on the paper template until I was happy with the layout and taped them down. The gauge templates have the centers marked for the next procedure.

Traced the template out onto a sheet of aluminum and also center punched the center of the gauges as well as the indicator lights.

I then take the stock clear plastic gauge cover and cut the front of it out like this and paint the rest of the plastic black. This keeps you from seeing inside the dash from the sides:

I also take the stock plastic "bucket" piece in the back that has the printed circuit board attached as well as the lights and remove all of that stuff then cut it for clearance with the gauges:

Then the aluminum piece I riveted to the stock metal gauge face after cutting the face and leaving an 1/8" or so lip around for the rivets:

Everything bolts back in just like the stock cluster:

That was my first attempt 7-8 years ago but I used the same technique for my latest gauges but just did a few things differently. For one I used steel instead of aluminum and just tack welded it to the stock steel gauge face piece so that I wouldn't have any rivets showing. I also used Deustch connectors in the dash to make disconnecting the cluster very easy.

The new cluster:

I also found some nicer LED's for the turn signals and brights.

 

[gbodydude]

thanks,how did you hook you turn lights up.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Everything is spliced in with the original wiring.

This has a good write up on doing a swap to a rally pak. I used it to identify my wires (before I had a CSM):

http://tech.oldsgmail.com/eint_rallye_swap.php

 

[crucial118]

I love this site, so full of knowledge. Thanx again, and the gauges look great. You should go into business making them. You would prob make a lot of $$$$ doin it.