New Gauges
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New Gauges
I'm looking for some new gauges for my 79. The only ones that work now are the speedo (when the trucks cold I have to get to about 45 before the needle moves and then it bounces around a minute before settling in) and the fuel gauge. I think the oil and block temp gauge don't work because over they 2 years I've had the truck I don't think they've ever moved. They just sit right in the middle. I'm not sure if the odometer works, I'm pretty sure the last time I looked it was on 54,3something and it's still there now. I'll pay more attention tomorrow.
My question is what do I need to know to replace these gauges with some cool after market ones? The gauges housing itself is already messed up from the po installing a afternarket radio so I'm just gonna cut out the gauge cluster and get some stained word in there. I'm guessing the old gauges are mechanical so does that mean I have to find a new set that will be compatible with the old or not? How big of a job would it be setting up the new set? What could be wrong with thee the old set and am I gonna have to fix that when I install new ones? The truck is a stick so I'm gonna need a good sized tack, that's on the column at the moment. How hard would it be to get a old style clock set in there too? My radio doesn't display time.
My question is what do I need to know to replace these gauges with some cool after market ones? The gauges housing itself is already messed up from the po installing a afternarket radio so I'm just gonna cut out the gauge cluster and get some stained word in there. I'm guessing the old gauges are mechanical so does that mean I have to find a new set that will be compatible with the old or not? How big of a job would it be setting up the new set? What could be wrong with thee the old set and am I gonna have to fix that when I install new ones? The truck is a stick so I'm gonna need a good sized tack, that's on the column at the moment. How hard would it be to get a old style clock set in there too? My radio doesn't display time.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
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There are a few companies out there. Sun, Equis to name a couple. You will find more from coming responses. I've installed new gauges as replacements. Installed a volt meter instead of an ammeter. No matter what you pick, be sure to install that model's sending unit. Works wonders when you do.
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Have you seen the Dakota Digital gauges1973 - 79 Ford Pickup VHX Instruments They are a little on the pricey side but they look better than original and you can get add on modules for just about any gauge you want and it even has a clock.
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Okay so each model will have its own sending unit? Do I just install them in the originals place or what?
And bigone, you're right. Those are kinda expensive! I do like the 4 in 1 setup they have, seems like it would save a lot of room.
And bigone, you're right. Those are kinda expensive! I do like the 4 in 1 setup they have, seems like it would save a lot of room.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
Most gauges you buy will have sending units where applicable (water temp, oil press, etc). I chose to go all electric units. As far as mounting, that's up to you and your abilities. If you do a search with the words 'dash' 'instrument' or 'gauge', you should find a couple of threads where you can see different dash installs.
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