Ok.....here's the latest update and a few pics.

First off, I decided to change the color of the backing plate for the gauges to match the rest of the dash. Think it looks better than the black.


Then of course I had to mock everything up to see where I stand. I think over all it's comming together nicely. I inserted the green lens' and took a flash light to give you a gander.......





So after looking at the back side, I came to my first problem with doing this.




The top edges of the gauge cluster block 1/4 of the turn signal. I've now gotta figure out my next move. I could trim the edges of the gauge cluster but it will eliminate both of the corner pins for the outer lens leaving only one. I also wonder just how bright the LEDs' will be because I could cut a 1/4 off the LED holders and leave the area open where the gauge cluster sits. It'd work if the LEDs are bright enough and I wouldn't think any light would bleed through the cracks. The origional idea was to have the LEDs sealed in the tubes which is why I'm thinking about how to properly cut the gauge cluster in order to perserve the ideal of removal for repair in the future.

Anyways...guess I'll start dissassembly tomorrow after work and take a good look at the gauge cluster and what all it would entail to trim the upper corners. Until then she hangs lookin purrdy.....

 

looking pretty damn good.

Question what did you install on the LEFT side plate above the Aux light **** and windshield wipers?

 

Vac gauge with "smoked" lens. Had to fill the vent hole with something.....

 

Ahh,, did you use the Smoke spray /dip from like oreiliys or something i dont know of haha?

 

Came that way.....I did nothing. Lights up pretty good though...

 

That looks awesome!

 

Could you grind the plastic blinker backs down for clearance and then place a flat backing plate that the LED bulb would mount and poke through?

 

My have to give that a look at tonight when I take a few tasty beverages to the shed to ponder the ideas and give everything a good look over again.

 

Looks great! I've been thinking about doing a custom cluster on my 79 SC, looking at yours convinced me to do it. Where did you get your gauges?

 

My gauges are Dolphin. I got my set from the web site. I've seen them used in many "Rod" projects and I've got a few friends that use them. No issues with them in years which is why I bought them. I was going to go with a Dakota Digital but the cost is a bit to much for my yard runner.



On a side note, I ground down the very outer edge of the gauge cluster lens. It actually stuck out maybe a 1/8 from the gauge cluster frame where it connects and the pin sits. After that I trimmed down the ends that hold the LEDs and I think I found the right combo to make things fit. Still have to fiddle with it a bit to make sure it all fits and makes changing or having to fix anything in the future possible. I also put the glove box door back on and I have installed the a/c vents. Lookin pretty snazzy...definatly wanting to get it put back into the truck now.....

 

.....because everyone loves pics. Still need to make sheet metal boxes for the glovebox and for the "cubby" above the radio. Also need to drill my 2 holes for the fan/mode ***** for the A/C. Then it'll be about finished up. Sooooo glad the turn signal idea worked out.

 

Thanks, I'll check out the site.

 

If you're able could you post pics of the the back of the panel on the LED fix? Thanks.

 

I sure will. Won't be tonight...maybe not tomorrow but definatly will by weekends end.

 

Your dash looks great. I like a little something different. Subscribed...