Aftermarket Gauge Panel

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73SwingerBuild

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I found this online when I was poking around. I was just about to buy the FastLaneWest panel for the A-body when I saw that a new run of aftermarket gauge panels was being run by New Vintage USA in Detroit. Looks like a higher grade panel with more classic looking gauges available. Pricey though. I talked to the rep and it looks like the price will range between about $600 and $725, depending on the type of gauges chosen.

They are still waiting on part numbers, but he said it should be on the website within the next week. The part was only finalized last week. I'm glad I poked around before I bought the one from FastLaneWest. I'm still undecided, and now I'm considering using my original frame and just buying sheetmetal to install aftermarket gauges around my original wiper and headlight switch mounts.... soooo many options lol. Below are some links and a picture of the NVU unit.

http://www.newvintageusa.com/

http://www.fastlanewest.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=21_206_48
 

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I believe the unit from Mancini does include the gauge panel, at least, that's what the rep told me. The gauges are nice, but I find them to be just a little too Camaro-esque.

I wonder if there are any other less-known companies that make just the plastic panel... Then again, maybe it is worth the money to get the LEDs, sending units, etc... Still doing my research.
 
Well, it looks like the unit from NVU will just be a panel to insert into your existing A-body gauge cluster, which will require a dremel to remove the existing backing and make room for the new gauges... Seems like a rip-off...

Here is a link to the description (see update December 29, 2011):
http://www.newvintageusa.com/news.html

I think I will be picking up some scrap aluminum or steel and custom-fabbing my own aftermarket gauge panel to insert on my existing gauge panel. Same process, way lower cost with good Autometer gauges.
 
Well if you want reasonable quality and cheap (very), I saw this on Ebay USA -RRP is over US$320. It is here new for $75 ! It would be a great start to a custom instrument panel - it has a nice layout for a retro look, doesn't have the brand logo on the instruments and is in MPH (goes up to 8k rpm and 140 mph). Wouldn't take too much effort to fit it into a custom dash layout and doesn't look too modern in my opinion. The only difficulty might be working out the pins on the back and the wiring harness etc, where everything goes. Couple of days work there i'd say. Ok it is from a Nissan, but the upside is that it doesn't seem to have any identifying names all over the dials.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NISSAN-PATH...Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_1261
 
Make your own, a ton cheaper and you decied where to put the gauges. I never liked how all the aftermarket clusters dont have the speedo and tack centered on the steering column. Thats why I made mine. Plus I got an entiere set of used gauges in perfect shape for $150!!!!!

Go for it!!!!!

Smooth the old cluster, cover the surface with masking tape and cut around the edges with a razor, then peal it off for a good templete. Then transfer it to cardboard, chip board, or thin luan, cut it out and trim till it fits perfect. Then you can lay out your gauges,cut out the holes and see how it looks. Always easier to play with cardboard or wood till you get it perfect then transfer to aluminum or carbon fiber, or whatever.

Butch
 
I made this one for my Duster years ago, but never did put it in.

vbpgimage.php
 
Hawaii, that looks great. I want the tachometer in the dash, so I will need to arrange them so, but I do really like your setup.
 
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