Custom Gauge Panel

[reimic39]

Wow thats going to look cool If it turns out that nice.

 

[PaleBlue90]

Ok - I know this is in the wrong thread - sorry Admin/Mods - please move if you feel necessary.

Here is my final layout - I used the instrument cluster bezel to trace an outline. Scanned that trace into Photoshop, brought in my gauges at actual size, placed them and designed idiot light pods that can be back lit with LEDs. I plan to use a Laser Printer with transparency film to print my idiot light covers, so then the lights will have something to shine through.

Let me know what you all think. All I need to do now is plan out the wiring of the lights and the sending units to the gauges.

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

Progress Update

Ok - Today I went to the local wrecking yard and picked up an complete Explorer Instrument Cluster to use as a mock-up for my gauges. I disassembled the cluster and traced the outline of it to make a mounting bracket and the final gauge mounting surface.
I also was able to get a non-working water temp gauge from the mechanics at work to begin fabricating my idiot light pods.
With my wiring diagram and the printed circuit from the back of the cluster I can now begin laying out the new wiring harness including LED lights for ALL of the gauges and idiot lights. I am going to use blue back lighting to match my radio.
The best part of all of this is that I have an extra dash that I am using to mock-up and plan the actual layout - saves me from having to tear my dash apart everytime to do a test fit.

Sorry no pics yet, nothing significant accomplished - LOL

BTW - Explorer Cluster and an Overhead Console - $27.00

 

[koda6966]

You might be able to get Jim to have some black vinyl cut for you to do the lights for a price.

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

I will have to keep that in mind as an alternate method. Thanks
I think with the transparency sheets I can print them in color and put white lights behind them. The LED lights burn cool and will not distort or discolor the cover like the normal dash lights can do after years of use, plus they last ALOT longer . . .

 

[floodz]

nice as hell
you could end up selling that

I know i'd definitely buy one and throw it in my truck

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

I know i'd definitely buy one and throw it in my truck

I'll have to keep that in mind. Not an entire kit, but maybe a installation plan with templates - Hell what am I thinking - that is what this site is for - to spread the word to fellow truck owners.
I have another project under my belt now (91 240SX Hatch) and it may push back the dash for a bit. But I will post as I make progress, if I don't - just ask. LOL

 

[red85]

That looks great Hazmat! Keep us posted with progress pics.

 

[madman_2]

Are you going to put your odometer on that cluster too? or are you just going to keep it off?

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

Are you going to put your odometer on that cluster too? or are you just going to keep it off?

I am going to get the speedo with an electric odometer. I have heard that the computer tracks the mileage - I may be wrong, but I am hoping it will display my correct mileage when hooked up. I am going to research it more before I dish out over $200 for a speedo. If that does not work I will find one with the mechanical odometer.

 

[ddiggerr]

did the instrument panl ever get finished? pics of final product?

 

[z3ro]

did the instrument panl ever get finished? pics of final product?

x2, i wanna see this thing now

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

did the instrument panl ever get finished? pics of final product?

x2, i wanna see this thing now

LOL - No I got some other projects going and put this one on the back burner. I am considering some other options including using Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber to make the surround.
Buying the gauges is my biggest hurdle right now. Rest assured when I start back up I will post progress . . .

 

[IRKillroy]

a cheap trick would be to get a PVC pipe, cut it down the middle and put in barriers where the lights will need to shine through... the you can add a flat piece on the back side of the pipe and drill and install your lights using what ever method you choose.

you can do the same thing for the light clusters, just get a larger pipe but don't cut is horizontally... then put in dividers... the great thing is that it's white so the light will be "clean".

hope this helped to give you some alternative ideas for your lighting.

 

[Xploda]

Hey hazmat I'll buy one from ya for my 92 but I want 5 gas gauges k lol looks sick bub still have not gotten all the parts to make my center console QQ lol im excited from your thread lol crazy ideas for it, but can't find the mini 7'' lcd screen for dvd player ne ideas? awsome work btw keep it up!