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View Full Version : Fitting gauges in the factory Monte gauge cluster



Samckitt
10-06-2006, 12:04 PM
I didn't know where else to put this, so since it is sortof like fabrication, I put it here.

The patient: A 1986 Monte SS

I am trying to find aftermarket gauges to put in the factory style setup but can't find anything to work. I can put a 3 3/8" speedo & tach in it but I cannot get them to fit with 2 1/16" oil, fuel, temp & volt gauges. Does anyone make anything smaller than 2 1/16" dia?

I am trying to avoid putting gauges in the A pillar, or on the pass side dash trim, or on the console below the radio. And I don't want digital.

Thanks,
Scot

Jims78elky
10-06-2006, 02:11 PM
Scott,


If you want to try something besides the stock set-up,there
is a guy who makes these panels from ABS.A nice solid panel
that you can customize to your style,with any guages.I think
there around $150.00 shipped.Panels are sold with-out holes
for guages!They fit Monte/Malibu/El Camino's.



***You will have to drill the holes out for your layout***

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Link..
http://www.maliburacing.com/ezcp/


Hope this helps...

Samckitt
10-06-2006, 04:10 PM
The maximum width opening for the window is too small to layout the gauges.

Samckitt
10-06-2006, 04:58 PM
Sorry I was a little confused at first. I thought it just replaced the part that had the 6 holes to see the gauges. But it is a complete front cover. I would have to see it in person to determine if I liked it or not.
Thanks,
Scot

Jims78elky
10-06-2006, 11:58 PM
Scot,

Here is a picture that i had the guy send me,not bad and
could be nice once painted up and detailed,iam considering
one of these for my elky,after looking for a custom or better
than stock approach for a G-Body.

He sells only 2 designs a "flat panel" and a "curved" panel,
i would go for the flat one myself.Though the question i have
would be how would the panel hold up in warm weather? could
it get "wavy"or tweaked after being in a hot car? I still have
to go over it,but i thought i would share it with you.Here is a
better MUCH BIGGER picture.

Sorry guys if this picture is too big..:idea:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Samckitt
10-07-2006, 04:48 AM
I don't know. Still looks kindof "cheesey" to me.

Bill Howell
10-07-2006, 08:30 AM
I went thru this with my car too Scot. No one makes gauges small enough to fit the small holes. I ended up just buying new GM gauges and using the factory stuff. So far, no problems.

Samckitt
10-07-2006, 08:55 AM
Bill, GM still makes the factory gauges?

I may just change the speedo & tach & leave the rest. Unless anyone knows some place to have a speedo face made to look stock but with an electronic head instead of mechanical.


Scot

Bill Howell
10-07-2006, 12:48 PM
I think you can get aftermarket gauges to fit in place of the speedo and tach (same diameter). Yes, you can still get the factory stuff.
What is your big concern, making a T-56 tranny match the factory speedo? If so, Speed and Performance makes a conversion that fixes that. Not cheap, but works great, I did that on the boo. You simply swap your tail section for one they modify. Check it out on their website, www.hotrodlane.cc I think.

Edit, it is on page 81 of their online catalog and they make it for either the T-56 or 4L automatics.
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/onlinecatalog/onlinecatalog2006/newonlinecatalog2006.html

Samckitt
10-07-2006, 01:25 PM
I guess I may have to do that. Another option is some kind of converter box that converts the electrical signal to mechanical. My goal covered a few different things.
1. I wanted new gauges that lit up better than the crappy factory G body ones, something lit through from the back, not reflected off a panel in front of the gauge face.
2. Wanted something that was more accurate & would work with the T56.
3. higher MPH, & tach reading.
4. I want them all to match.

John Bzdel who now has the LS7 & T56 in his Monte has someone making face decals for the speedo & tach that read higher. I may just have to do that & put brighter lights in the dash.

Scot

Bill Howell
10-07-2006, 01:31 PM
John sold me the pedal for the clutch in my car, he sells good stuff. Everything is a compromise I guess, especially when you are not building a 1st gen camaro.....lol

Samckitt
10-07-2006, 02:49 PM
Sooner or later parts will start appearing for the G body cars. I see them being like the 67-69 Camaros are today. Maybe even some day replacement bodies.

We'll see.
Scot

ProTouring442
10-08-2006, 05:07 AM
I don't know. Still looks kindof "cheesey" to me.

I say break out the fiberglass, make a mold, make and alter it as you need. If you need help, I'm in MD, come on over!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)

SicMonte
10-10-2006, 01:57 PM
if you just want brighter lights.....I put in 5 cnadle power lights and painted the back of the gage cluster with a white paint...so it reflected brighter....it really worked out well.

That gage cluster looks cool.....what do you all thing about it??