How do I keep the column shift indicator??

[moose]

I've got the rectangle style speedometer and want to change it out with a stock rally gauge style cluster with AutoMeter gauges. How do I go about keeping the column shift indicator visible so others can tell what gear they are in. (Like most everyone in this forum, I can shift blindly. My girlfriend, on the other hand, not so much...and please don't tell me to just not let her drive my car. Some of us need a DD now and then.)


I searched for a thread on this but didnt see one. If I overlooked it please direct me.

 

[Blake442]

The earlier ralley clusters (or one from a bench seat car) will have the shift indicator in it.
Just get one of those and you're good to go.

I think '85-'88 they left the indicator out on the bucket seat cars...

 

[moose]

The earlier ralley clusters (or one from a bench seat car) will have the shift indicator in it.
Just get one of those and you're good to go.

I've never seen one in person, only pictures of them which looked like the shift indicators were printed on the tach. I found a better picture today and it appears as if the tach rests behind a piece of plastic that is the shift indicator. Is this correct?

Blake442, further investigation answered my own question. Thanks a million for bringing this to my attention!!

 

[tc1959]

I made an insert for my old housing,then fit my gauges to that retaining the shift indicator and idiot lights also.
My gauge panel is not round but it might still work with the right round gauges.

 

[moose]

I don't have the tools to fabricate anything custom and don't want to pay someone to do it. I think getting a stock rally console is the cheaper and easier way to go for me.

 

[moose]

So, I've been thinking about this all day at work...
If I use a column shift rally gauge cluster, how do I fit the tach? Autometer gauges come with the bezel crimped from the factory. Do I remove the bezels and fit the aftermarket gauges like the factory ones? Is this possible?
Has anybody out there accomplished a console switch like I'm wanting to do?

 

[moose]

Anyone?