Author Topic: New Instrumentation for Shag (Read 1682 times)

cmayna · « **on:** October, 08, 2009, 06:34:08 PM »

After a weeks worth of work I finally finished (thank you Fast68back) setting up Shag's new instrumentation using AutoMeter's Sport-Comp gauges. A lot of bezel and gauge support modification but it was well worth it.

Update: Just to add a few more comments-Gauges from Summit Racing. I like the simple markings of the Sport-Comp series which I also use in Red. The ABS modern gauge support and the 68 bezel from Mustangs Unlimited. As said earlier, the support bracket needed lots of modification for it was originally cut for 2-1/8" gauges along the top, whereas I installed as also did Fast68back, 2-5/8" gauges.

I used the link which you can find in our Tech Article board called "building a better bezel". Very helpful. It had me chop the entire top lip of the original metal support bracket so I could have means to bolt the new bezel and support bracket into the dash. It did not talk about how to fasten the bottom end of the support bracket so I chopped the two tabs off of the original support bracket as well.

What I did not like is how the turn signals and high beam lamps were suppose to fasten to the ABS support bracket. Very weak design and I did not want them to disconnect while being chased by the cops so I chopped out the holes from the original support bracket and bolted them to the new support bracket.

The most important tool to have is a Dremel with the small circular cut off blades.

Next phase is to hook up the painless cluster harness to this set up which I'll do this weekend.

I again want to thank Rick (Fast68bck) for all his help through this project.

lethal289 · « **Reply #1 on:** October, 08, 2009, 06:35:41 PM »

very nice craig, what did you use for the backing plate?

RyanG85 · « **Reply #2 on:** October, 08, 2009, 06:37:09 PM »

:toot Nice job! :toot

6t6red · « **Reply #3 on:** October, 08, 2009, 06:42:56 PM »

I likey. :toot

johnpro · « **Reply #4 on:** October, 08, 2009, 06:54:21 PM »

That's the next project for Scary, and to move the gauges in the '66 from the bezel mounted below the dash to into the dash.

So now that you're an expert, you can come help with mine, right?

Those look excellent, Craig. Nice Job!

68EFIvert · « **Reply #5 on:** October, 08, 2009, 07:01:27 PM »

That looks just like my gauge cluster. I think yours looks a little better from behind though. Great Job! :toot

70 StangMan · « **Reply #6 on:** October, 08, 2009, 07:39:31 PM »

Quote from: 68EFIvert on October, 08, 2009, 07:01:27 PM

I think yours looks a little better from behind

Yea, he gets that a lot.

Starfury · « **Reply #7 on:** October, 08, 2009, 07:40:23 PM »

Nice, good job Craig:)

silverblueBP · « **Reply #8 on:** October, 09, 2009, 04:52:30 AM »

Nice job Craig, who woulda thunk you had the skilzs :crazy

68EFIvert · « **Reply #9 on:** October, 09, 2009, 05:13:44 AM »

Quote from: Starfury on October, 08, 2009, 07:40:23 PM

Nice, good job Craig:)

Yea, mine runs pretty rich and my wife says it stinks from back there.......................

cmayna · « **Reply #10 on:** October, 09, 2009, 05:14:39 AM »

Quote from: johnpro on October, 08, 2009, 06:54:21 PM

That's the next project for Scary, and to move the gauges in the '66 from the bezel mounted below the dash to into the dash.

So now that you're an expert, you can come help with mine, right?

Those look excellent, Craig. Nice Job!

John, I'd be happy to help. For your 66, I'd consider just getting a JME bezel. A much easier bolt on application. Not certain about Scary.

It was fun but challenging especially between the 7th and 8th tequila shot.

Everyone, I updated my original post with more details. Uh oh, looking at my pics, I think I'd better chop the long bolts down as seen on the back of the two large gauges.

DEL65 · « **Reply #11 on:** October, 09, 2009, 05:30:50 AM »

Very nice custom mod. Great job! Can I suggest you consider switching the temp and oil pressure gauges around? I like having the oil gauge clearly visible. I look at that one more than any other gauge.

cmayna · « **Reply #12 on:** October, 09, 2009, 07:52:38 AM »

Sorry but I look at the temp gauge the most.

blue65coupe · « **Reply #13 on:** October, 09, 2009, 04:44:00 PM »

Fast68back · « **Reply #14 on:** October, 09, 2009, 04:47:51 PM »

Nice job Craig, they look great. Mine are laid out (left to right) Oil pressure, fuel and water temp...

lethal289 · « **Reply #15 on:** October, 09, 2009, 04:56:38 PM »

Did you guys cut the rings off of the gauges to do that? IT looks awesome. I just wasnt ready to cut up $500.00. Mine also goes oil fuel then water.

Fast68back · « **Reply #16 on:** October, 09, 2009, 05:12:10 PM »

Quote from: lethal289 on October, 09, 2009, 04:56:38 PM

Did you guys cut the rings off of the gauges to do that? IT looks awesome. I just wasnt ready to cut up $500.00. Mine also goes oil fuel then water.

Yes, here is a link to the articles on the build process

http://www.stangfix.com/testforum/index.php/topic,14.0.html

lethal289 · « **Reply #17 on:** October, 09, 2009, 05:17:59 PM »

Wasn't that scary?

Fast68back · « **Reply #18 on:** October, 09, 2009, 05:20:52 PM »

I cut the three small ones first, figured they were the cheapest to replace if I screwed up. I left quite a bit of room on the rings so I didnt cut thru to the glass.