center dash modification thoughts

[TX82FIAT]

Folks, I've been tossing around the idea of a mechnical oil pressure gauge for some time. I like the look of the 82 instrament cluster. I know the earlier model cars have an extra hole for the clock and the oil pressure gauge. This makes it easy if I can match the wood grain. However, I saw an 83' on this site where they modified the center section of the dash for the classic clock getting rid of the 80's looking digital clock. So, I was thinking of the below design. Move oil gauge to current clock location and clock location to center of dashboard. The idea is that i could use some black formica to cover the existing slots and create a rounded mounting surface for the clock. Use some good plastic bonding glue, round the wooden slats to fit around the clock bezil and cut a couple new slots getting rid of the EGR light that is disconnected anyway. Thoughts?

[leeputmanjr]

I've been wondering how to do a similar project.

I'm adding a Veglia Volt gauge, and a modified water temp gauge for oil temp. I already have a crowded six gauge main panel - so I was thinking I'd go to a 5 gauge main panel, taking the 6th gauge to place somewhere new with the two other gauges as a trio. I was thinking I'd put them in angle rings (like Alfa did), and do it such as way as to look like it'd been done either as a factory upgrade, or a dealer add-on.

Originally I wanted to use the panel between the main gauges & the glovebox, however, I believe it's too narrow for three gauges in a row, and relocating the two lights & two switches was going to be tough.

The best idea I can come up with is to put them in the panel where the radio blanking plate goes, but how would I build a plate that would look not only stock, but purpose built?

My last question is - which of the 4 small gauges do I move off the main gauge panel? Oil Pressure would sort of go with Oil Temp, Water Temp & Oil Temp sort of go together...the clock really isn't important, but IT ACTUALLY WORKS, so I'm keeping it!

Thoughts?

[TX82FIAT]

Lee, I like the idea. I see the value in the oil temp gauge If timing is wrong, or the car running too lean, or almost anything that may not show up in the head temperature. Kinda like the transmission, it will heat up going up hills or if pushing the car where the water temp gauge may barely move. I'm really suprised we don't see more of these on our cars.

Given the limits space I don't think installing the gauges on an angle will gain you enough room. I did a quick internet search to see if there is such a think as a 1.5 inch gauge. did'nt see anything with a quick look. I think smaller gauges could get you back up top to the center of the dash for good viewing and the car could still look stock with the exception of the gauges themselves. I don't like the idea of gauges that you may need to look down below the dash eye line to see.

[vandor]

I think it would look good.
Remember, the defroster vent is right behind there, the lower you can place the clock, them more room you'll have.

This is what I did:

http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/124oilt.html

[RRoller123]

That's a real nice solution, Csaba. What are the lights indicating in the center section?

[Flyingthere]

Csaba what is holding your center section in, the wiper control?

[seabeelt]

Csaba, What is the source of the amp guage

[leeputmanjr]

Csaba - yours, of course, looks fantastic! I'd forgotten that you had all three mounted there. Nice lookin' oil temp gauge

BTW - it's a volt gauge, I believe

[vandor]

>What are the lights indicating in the center section?

Same as stock: Brake, Hazard, and key in the ignition. The latter is not hooked up.

>Csaba what is holding your center section in, the wiper control?

I honestly do not remember. The center panel is made of a piece of ~1/8 hard plastic with wood laminate over it, and the appropriate holes cut.

>What is the source of the amp guage

It is a voltmeter. Usually only cars with generators use an ammeter. I bought it in Europe, it is made for a Lada. It does not match the other gauges, the bezel is quite different. Early 80s Jaguar sedans have Veglia voltmeters that are very similar to the late Spider gauges.

> Nice lookin' oil temp gauge

Thanks Lee! You bought the temp gauge stickers from me, right?

[leeputmanjr]

Csaba - yes, I did! Good memory, that was more than a few years ago...

[scampbel98]

csaba,
I"m doing something *very* similar. And the clock is a problem, What did you do about the defroster box? abandon it?

[v6spider]

Here's what I did...I made the dash all one piece all the way to the glove box..

[scampbel98]

holy crap V6spider... there's a lot of $$$ in gauges right there...
I'm assuming you abandoned the defroster based on placement of those gauges

[vandor]

csaba,
I"m doing something *very* similar. And the clock is a problem, What did you do about the defroster box? abandon it?

I do have the stock defroster duct. Yes, the clocks are kind of long, and there is definitely a space problem back there.

I *think* the reason I got away with it is that I used and early, metal cased, 'adjusting knob on top' clock, and they must not be quite as deep as the later clocks. I did this 5-6-7 years ago, so I do not remember exactly, but that is the only explanation that I can come up with.

[v6spider]

The defroster was retained .....to gain depth behind the center of the dash I took a heat gun and created a pocket in the defroster duct by heating and then pushing it in enough to gain the room I needed for the added gauges..as for the wipers. I am using a Chevy tilt column from a Camaro that has the wiper controls on the turn signal switch...it also has a high beam switch.

The gauges are autometer phantom series. I have fuel level, Speedo, tach, oil press., water temp., volts, air-fuel ratio, vacuum, and clock, the switches are ignition, fuel pump, heater blower, cooling fan over ride, and map light...the headlight switch is retained at the stock location.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that the three gauges in front of the defroster duct also have angle cups that hold them out and angle them toward the driver. Another thing that keeps them from being as deeply set as the rest of the gauges.....
Rob