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View Full Version : 5" Autometer gauges in 4th gen dash I designed, drew, and fabricated myself. must see



CAMAROBOY69
07-02-2005, 08:45 AM
This was one of the hardest projects I have ever done so far. Trying to fit 5" gauges in 4.5" space was very difficult and time consuming. The gauge pod is 16 gauge steel and I had to cut all the holes with a hole saw.
The brackets to bolt this in are fully adjustable and required many mock ups to perfect.
The tach works but I still have to wire the speedo and the other gauges. All the gauges are electronic. The speedo is just 2 wires and will be easy.
I really hope this is something else that no one has ever done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=17cs.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=21cc.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=33eo1.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48fu1.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=56pk.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=67ws.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=70pb.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=80ri.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=90ix.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=14jg1.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=44az.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=52ex.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=62rn.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img289.imageshack.us/my.php?image=109vr.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=88nh.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=113ye.jpg)

Blue70
07-02-2005, 09:34 AM
Very Nice :cool:
I love my Ultra-Lites :bananna2:

zbugger
07-02-2005, 11:10 AM
That looks badass Adam!!! Great job!!!

63SW
07-02-2005, 11:41 AM
:icon996: Looks great , its hard to come up with a "NEW IDEA" especially where camaro's are concerned .

A little different but here is a pic of the one in my latest .

It does take time , thought and skills though - you should market it and get paid for it!

madmax
07-02-2005, 11:51 AM
Thats hot. Want to do one for me? :drool:



--Max

rockdogz
07-02-2005, 12:15 PM
Looks good man! :drool:

Kenova
07-02-2005, 12:16 PM
You did a great job of filling up your dash. There isn't much realestate left. I really like the looks of those 5" gauges.
Ken

TEDDYS CAMARO
07-03-2005, 10:12 AM
AWESOME!! I wish I could have one. VERY NICE !!!!

Zefhix
07-03-2005, 11:32 PM
Adam, your imagination is nothing short of amazing. I love that you tackle different things that are interesting and in this case the gauges look great. I hope one day to see the car in person.

CAMAROBOY69
07-05-2005, 03:09 AM
Thanks a lot for all the positive feedback guys. I appreciate them more than you even realize. This site contains some of the best fabricators around and to hear compliments really means a lot. :)
Since several of you seem interrested in this gauge pod set up, PM me I already have the template and all the dimensions. I would be willing to make more for those that want them. I am pretty sure they should fit any 1998-2002 Trans am, firebird, or Camaro. Its an extremely tight fit but as you can see, it is possible. It might even fit 1993-1997 but im not positive. Keep in mind the pod is adjustable too.
Teddy you already know I started on your gauge pod. Once you get your dash I will finish it for you. :)

68protouring454
07-05-2005, 04:59 AM
adam looks killer, real nice work, you know i will be doing it onc ei het my 02 dash in my ragtop, nice job
jake

Drewhelm
07-13-2005, 02:12 PM
Adam,

You beat me to it again! LOL I ordered my guages yesterday and happened across this post today! I ordered the 3 3/8 inch phantoms though. since the opening was only 4 inches. Some of the guages will be in place of the AC control unit.

I'll post pics once complete!

Drew

CAMAROBOY69
07-14-2005, 03:05 AM
I am pretty sure I will be the only person to do this with 5" gauges for a lonnng time. Like you said I had to fit 5" gauges into a 4 inch hole. I heard too many people say "that will be impossible, no way can you do it" I laughed in their face and said "Give me 1 week and I will proove you wrong". :box2:

It will be really easy for you to do it with the 3 3/8" gauges. I assume you putting these into a 4th gen dash like I did?

dgumoe
07-16-2005, 07:02 AM
VERY nice setup and its nice to see someone like me who takes the word NO and CANT as a challenge. Great job man.

CAMAROBOY69
07-18-2005, 03:54 AM
Thanks Jon.
Update:
I just wired all the gauges over the weekend and they work perfect. The only one that doesn't work perfect is my gas gauge only because my stock tank sending unit is messed up. But all other gauges work and are extremely accurate. I will hopefully have a video to post within a week or 2. I have my windshield out of the car right now because I am working on the transition piece for where the old dash meets the new dash. Im making it out of 16-20 gauge sheet metal. Once I finish it and get my windshield installed I can take the car for a drive again and get video.

TEDDYS CAMARO
07-18-2005, 03:00 PM
I would like to see the transition piece. Are you almost done with it?

CAMAROBOY69
07-19-2005, 03:27 AM
I worked on the transition piece for about 2 hours last night using 20 gauge steel. Here is an early sneak preview. Shhh dont tell anyone... Its a secret. :secret:

TEDDYS CAMARO
07-19-2005, 06:07 AM
Adam, That Looks Awesome. I Can't Wait To See It!!

CAMAROBOY69
07-19-2005, 10:19 AM
Thanks Teddy. Hopefully I will be able to drive the car down again within the next 2 weeks. Gotta at least get it ready before Woodward.

Drewhelm
07-19-2005, 10:42 AM
Adam,

Yes, I am installing the guages in a 4th gen dash. I used a bit of your info with my own enginuity to install front and rear 4th gen seats, as well. Your car is looking great! Keep up the good work! Once I finish the dash swap and get the guages in place I'll be pretty much done with interior.....for now.

CAMAROBOY69
07-19-2005, 10:45 AM
You should post some of your pics so we can compare notes so far. I am in the same boat as you. Once I finish my dash I think I am done with the Camaro for this year. I will help my GF more on her Mustang. I just really wanted to get these 5" gauges in and the dash done before I will be completely happy. Not much further to go after this transition piece is finished. Just time consuming thats all. At least someone else is feeling my pain.
Oh yeah in case I didnt mention it yet. All my gauges work.

69rs
07-19-2005, 11:33 AM
That looks great! I would love to change to a late model interior. For now I would be happy just to have late model front seats! Maybe one day. Keep up the good work!:icon996:

CAMAROBOY69
07-27-2005, 03:47 AM
t/y Jim
I drove the car yesterday for the first time in a few weeks and all the gauges work 100%. Fuel, oil pressure, gas gauge, tachometer and speedometer all work perfect. I was shocked how easy it was to calibrate the speedometer. I will get video and pics tonight after work. I also drove it to work today and I get to stare out the window at it all day. :)

CAMAROBOY69
07-27-2005, 06:18 PM
MAJOR UPDATE 7/27/05
Dash transition piece is in, stereo is in, and here are some videos of my Autometer gauges in action as promised.
I took the original 69 Camaro defroster vents and put them in the center of this piece I made out of 20 gauges steel. I might eventually cover it in leather. All gauges work 100%!!

0-105 MPH video (http://s65.yousendit.com/d.php?id=OW0161AEWMS8F14JQTZEWE80)

Rolling 30MPH tire spin video (http://s65.yousendit.com/d.php?id=QUGROGVIVUSG275PNMBZ3XXC8)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=17cs.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=21cc.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=33eo1.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48fu1.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=56pk.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=67ws.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=70pb.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=80ri.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=90ix.jpg)

TEDDYS CAMARO
07-27-2005, 08:18 PM
All I Can Say Is W O W!!! It Looks Awesome. I Can't Wait To See It In Person. Adam, I Better Stop Picking On Your Car. Next Time I Say Something About Your Camaro......well, Anyway, Looks Great! What's Next????

ertoys
07-27-2005, 08:28 PM
Man that looks fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:worship:

23corner_blitz
07-27-2005, 10:55 PM
MAJOR UPDATE 7/27/05
Dash transition piece is in, stereo is in, and here are some videos of my Autometer gauges in action as promised.
I took the original 69 Camaro defroster vents and put them in the center of this piece I made out of 20 gauges steel. I might eventually cover it in leather. All gauges work 100%!!

0-105 MPH video (http://s65.yousendit.com/d.php?id=OW0161AEWMS8F14JQTZEWE80)

Rolling 30MPH tire spin video (http://s65.yousendit.com/d.php?id=QUGROGVIVUSG275PNMBZ3XXC8)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=17cs.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=21cc.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=33eo1.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48fu1.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=56pk.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=67ws.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=70pb.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=80ri.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=90ix.jpg)


Great Job!!


that's awesome:headbang:

68protouring454
07-28-2005, 03:26 AM
adam nice work looks great, must feel nice to finnaly have the dash done, now get the goddamn thing painted.
hey vids do not work??
jake

Jagarang
07-28-2005, 04:07 AM
Very very very nice! It all looks like it belongs there. I know someone close to you who is going to start getting "jealous" of the other beutifull girl in your life.

You know a power window conversion would eliminate alot of clearance issues. It's not to pricey from Electric Life or Classic. I think the GPSuperstore is trying to get a GP together for Electric Life. Check em out!

CAMAROBOY69
07-28-2005, 04:11 AM
Dang thanks a lot guy!!! Talk about an awesome start to the day. That is excellent feedback and believe me I appreciate it. :grouphug:
I will re-host the videos later today. They exceeded the bandwidth.

CAMAROBOY69
07-28-2005, 05:49 AM
Here are the 2 videos!!! Hopefully they work!

0-105mph (http://s50.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0GY5O6SD7CR0H23BJYRY3D7YAJ)

This one is for Jake! he always asks if my car will burn the tires if im rolling over 20mph. Well here is 30mph.
Rolling 30 mph burn out (http://s50.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1Q10Q4QVMZV8N22H2XR0MY7J2Q)

68protouring454
07-28-2005, 06:35 AM
adam, cool videos, although i do not think you made 120 in video lol, at 25-30 are you still in first?, i see you chirped when you shifted also

jake

TEDDYS CAMARO
07-28-2005, 06:40 AM
I Got The Videos. You Need To Max Out The Speedo. Looks Good!

Steve1968LS2
07-28-2005, 09:26 AM
Very very cool.. your car is gonna be so nice when it's done..

CAMAROBOY69
07-28-2005, 10:55 AM
Here is what it looks like so far. I plan on adding a few more interior lights. Sorry for the blury pics.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0050987mg.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0050993vq.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0051004li.jpg)


Very very very nice! It all looks like it belongs there. I know someone close to you who is going to start getting "jealous" of the other beutifull girl in your life.

You know a power window conversion would eliminate alot of clearance issues. It's not to pricey from Electric Life or Classic. I think the GPSuperstore is trying to get a GP together for Electric Life. Check em out!
Thank you Kevin. Power windows are on the list when I redo the door panels. I will probably use 4th gen speaker pods in the doors if I have room. Mabey even 4th gen electrical switches. Decisions, decisions.


adam, cool videos, although i do not think you made 120 in video lol, at 25-30 are you still in first?, i see you chirped when you shifted also

jake
Glad the videos worked for you. I never said it went to 120mph. The title clearly said 105mph. :wedgie:
Depending on when I shift, my car will squeel them really hard and leave 2 longg marks in 2nd gear and chirp them pretty good in 3rd. Especially if I shift around 4,000rpm instead of 6,000rpm. :3gears:


I Got The Videos. You Need To Max Out The Speedo. Looks Good!
If I had a safe runway or a huge oval track I would try it. 160mph would be awesome but would be dangerous on the streets!!! I have went over 140 but thats just not safe at all.


Very very cool.. your car is gonna be so nice when it's done..
Thank you very much Steve. Its this kind of feedback that keeps me going. Love this site! :woot:

Jagarang
07-28-2005, 11:23 AM
...must be the result of your radical cam dislodging your dental work! :rotfl:

johnejohn
07-28-2005, 01:33 PM
Looks great, thoes Auto Meters look great at night, I miss mine.

69boo307
07-29-2005, 05:49 AM
dude, you should seriously considering marketing that guage pod insert to 4th-gen owners. The stock guages suck and are inaccurate, I bet there would be quite a market for that conversion!

CAMAROBOY69
07-29-2005, 05:55 AM
...must be the result of your radical cam dislodging your dental work! :rotfl:
hahahah heck yeah!! I love the cam in my Camaro! :seizure:


Looks great, thoes Auto Meters look great at night, I miss mine.
Thanks John.


dude, you should seriously considering marketing that guage pod insert to 4th-gen owners. The stock guages suck and are inaccurate, I bet there would be quite a market for that conversion!
Funny you mention that. I am currently in the process of building a jig for the gauge pod and I will be selling it. I didnt plan on it until several people at LS1Tech.com said they wanted it. I have never sold any of my ideas so this will be the first. If it works out I might sell a couple other ideas that I did with my interior like the rear seat brackets. We will see.
I am honored to say that Tony (Nine Ball) from this site is getting one of the very first gauge pods for his Drag racing silver 1998 Formula. I will have the jig finished sunday and have Tonys piece cut out and all welded out monday. :)
Gonna be a busy weekend considering im attending 4 car shows too!!!

Little Bob
07-29-2005, 05:56 AM
Those look awesome. You did a great job laying the guages out. Since you have a drawing, you should send it out and make a bunch to sell. Here is a site that seems to be pretty good. You could make a 100 or so and sell them on ebay.

http://www.emachineshop.com/

69boo307
07-29-2005, 06:00 AM
hahahah heck yeah!! I love the cam in my Camaro! :seizure:


Thanks John.


Funny you mention that. I am currently in the process of building a jig for the gauge pod and I will be selling it. I didnt plan on it until several people at LS1Tech.com said they wanted it. I have never sold any of my ideas so this will be the first. If it works out I might sell a couple other ideas that I did with my interior like the rear seat brackets. We will see.
I am honored to say that Tony (Nine Ball) from this site is getting one of the very first gauge pods for his Drag racing silver 1998 Formula. I will have the jig finished sunday and have Tonys piece cut out and all welded out monday. :)

If you get the plans finalized shoot me a PM, I personally know of some folks that would probably be interested, with dedicated drag racing 4-th gens. there's a local speed shop here that would probably be willing to stock a few of them.

CAMAROBOY69
08-01-2005, 05:23 AM
Here you go. I set up a jig last night and I am ready to produce and sell these to whoever is interrested. I listed them in the "For Sale" section. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9344