Aftermarket gauges in 86 Cutlass

[86Cutlass383SR]

Anybody done this?

I have some Autometer gauges that I'd like to put in but there just isn't alot of room in the stock Cutlass dash pod...alot less room than the same year Monte at least. The gauges I have are the 2 of the 3 3/8" speedo & tach and 4 of the 2 1/16" gauges.

I have a few ideas of my own...just looking for better ideas than I can come up with.

Sending the pod to someone like Dakota Digital is out of the question....I don't have the csh for that & I already have the Autometer gauges anyway.

Thanks
Doug

[deeboe78]

Try covan's classic.http://covansclassic.com/ I am afraid Im going to have to buy from here too.

SSG D

[86Cutlass383SR]

Covan's doesn't appear to have anything for an Olds Cutlass.....

Doug

[deeboe78]

sorry bro.

Call this number 208 290-5473 just tell her what you need.

The store sells all kinds of dash bezels, gauges etc....

Good luck :smoke:


SSG D

[BigBlockOlds]

The max I was ever able to fit in the stock dash cluster was two 3 1/8" gauges and two 2 1/6" gauges.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/finished_cluster-1.jpg

If you move the gauges out a little further and make a plate that bolts to the back of the gauge dash pad, you gain a little clearance.

My next setup uses three 3 3/8" gauges from Classic Instruments with the key one being the quad gauge which houses the oil, water temp, volts and fuel level gauges in one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/Dashlayout1-1.jpg

[86Cutlass383SR]

Andrew That 4 gauge setup is basically what I had in mind. Care to divulge on how you made the panel and where it bolts to in the back? Or....if you happen to have any more already made...

Metal working is not my forte .... especially since I don't have the tools for it.

PM or email me if you have any more, either black or the 4 gauge version.

Doug

[BigBlockOlds]

Here's a few pictures of the in-process on the original 4 gauge setup I did:

The template I made out of Bristol board:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/gauge_layout-1.jpg

Double checking that the template is the correct shape:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/trace_fitment-1.jpg

Tracing the template onto a sheet of aluminum:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/aluminum_trace-1.jpg

The gauge panel after drilling the gauge holes and pop riveting it to the original metal face plate and shooting it with a little paint:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/finished-1.jpg

Modifications to the stock circuit board housing:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/blue_bucket-1.jpg

Gauges being wired:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/wiring-1.jpg

Modification of the stock clear gauge cover. I cut the face out and then painted the rest of it black. If you don't do this, you'll be able to see into the dash at the corners, etc.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/clear_cover-1.jpg

I used the instructions here: http://tech.oldsgmail.com/eint_rallye_swap.php
to get the wires I needed pulled from the connector.

I used to have this original but couldn't get anyone to buy it so I've since dismantled it. I could make another up fairly quickly though as I still have the oringal black face plate. I'd just need to cut a new gauge mounting plate. I may even have the original circuit board piece as well somewhere.

[deeboe78]

nice work...:cool:

[86Cutlass383SR]

Thank you for the pics....I think I can handle that. It it a well thought out setup. I did convert from the standard speedo to the pally pac years ago but the gauges were so inaccurate that's why I wanted to go with aftermarket gauges. I have an extra dash and pod but just couldn't get anything to fit satisfactorly.

I'll give it a try when I get a chance, I havw the alum for it...if it doesn't turn out right I'll get back to you.

You're setup is really sharp :worship:

Doug