Okay im pulling my hair out over gauges. I need to buy a set before the cab is out of the body shop, but i cant find the set im hunting for. They have to be electronic, but my biggest issue is finding gauges with lights for the bright lights and the turn signals. I have to have those because I refuse to drill holes in the dash for small lights. Id like to have a tach, but I can put one on the steering column tube if necessary. I found a set just like I want but no turn signal lights or bright lights. With that being said, what is out there???

 

I installed my gauges in the original housing. I hung a small tach from the bottom of the dash, right beside the steering column.

 

I went with a autometer 4 pack of the 1 1/2 and then separately got a 1381 dual speed/tach, and a separate fuel pressure (and isolator) - got me all the gauges I wanted. It's a bugger not having light on the fuel pressure. I used radio shack LED's for turn, bright, engine warning and T'd all the sending units with idiot light senders....
Here's what she looks like (custom built by moi)

http://www.brainsbivouac.com/cars/1948/Dash.AVI

 

Explain what you mean by they have to be electronic? Do you mean digital? If so, the only real option there is Dakota Digital. Dakota Digital - Digital Instrumentation and Accessories They have the indicators built in.

 

Note - that video was taken with no steering wheel installed. After installing wheel, driving I realize that the volt idiot light is obstructed by the wheel - I'm 5'8" and have to lean up/right to check it once in a while.... That cluster has everything in it, but it is crowded and busy - there isn't a full millimeter between bezels.

 

I dont want the digital, but I want the electronic speedometer so i can have an accurate reading and no speedometer cable. I can see myself changing axle ratios and tramissions in the future so I want to be able to recalibrate it. Im 6'4 so seeing the gauges is not a problem. I am putting the 53-55 steering wheel on it so it should help visability.

 

Also the truck I need gauges for is a 51 so i need the two 5 inch gauges (i think I have not measured the wholes yet)

 

Hey, Jordan, here's another idea. How about mounting the indicator lights in the steering column drop bracket? Just brainstorming here! Would you be able to see them easily? I don't know that you're going to find a set a gauges like you want with the indicators built in. I've looked around and haven't seen any.

 

I might break down and drill holes in the dash. Ive looked and looked and cannot find anything that suits me. I really hate to because i dont know that it would look so great..

 

Ya know, here's another thought: If you convert that flatty over to EFI, you won't need the "Throttle" and "Choke" cables anymore. Perfect places to stuff in a couple indicator lights!

 

Joe, go trip over a carb.... Maybe if you hit your head just right it will knock some sense into ya..... hahahahaha FOUND A SET!! New Vintage WoodWard and 1935 Sreies Gauges - egaugesplus

 

I was about to suggest an autometer pair - quad in one round, dual speedo/tach in the other round, but you just decimated my idea. Nailed it, all the gauges and turn/high beam / 1 warning all in 2 rounds... I like (too bad I am a monkey face guy though)

 

There are a couple of speedos out there now that use GPS. Speedhut has one that has high light and blinker indicators in the face and a bunch of different options with the lighting and face.

 

Here is how I fit an aftermarket gauge into a '50 Ford. At the time I did this car, 10 years ago, there weren't any aftermarket gauges that would fit. I made a mahogany rim to fit the hole in the dash and the inside fit the gauge. Didn't have to damage the dash at all. I plan on doing this with the two in my 52 F1.

 

YIKES! 500 bucks?? I'd wager you could get United Speedometer Service to convert your stock speedo to electronic for far less. I bet you could do it yourself.