Aftermarket (even mechanical) gauges into STOCK cluster!!!

[amaurer]

Can you supply an ammeter that utilizes a remote shunt? I would like to keep an ammeter (they can provide information a voltmeter cannot, and matches the panel) but there's no way I'm running 100 amps through the dash.

Very cool idea, very glad you came through with it. Even more glad I held off on installing aftermarket gauges in my truck so I could do this instead.

I actually haven't gotten my hands on the ammeter yet, but I suspect the shunt is internal.

I don't have a line on a matching short-sweep ammeter with external shunt, but if someone knows more than I do, feel free to speak up. Since you have to cut the gauge open anyway to install it in this panel, it should be easy as pie to pull the shunt out and mount it wherever you like. I'll post a pic when I install the first ammeter and you'll be able to gauge feasible that would be.

(Personally, I'm ok with the charge current going through the dash, its not like winching current is being pulled through it, but thats a personal choice. Some people also don't like oil lines into the cab, whereas I'm OK with that too. )

As for the age-old voltmeter vs. ammeter debate, I have never bothered to develop an opinion. This particular page is pro-voltmeter, but again, different strokes for different folks:
Voltmeter vs. Ammeter - Auto Meter Tech Tips:

 

[lone gunman]

well i just ordered my set! to bad you didn't have these a few weeks earlier. because i bought a set of sun pro 1 1/2 gauges about a week before your post. and they are not the short sweep (well the volt gauge is) that you use in the install. but oh well now i will have that stock look. and i didn't know were i was going to mount them anyway.

 

[dhanney]

Way pimp. Just ordered a mechanical set for my V-8 66. Looking forward to ditching the janky aftermarket oil and temp gauges hanging below the steering wheel.

Doug

 

[Flash1034]

Just ordered mine. Awaiting shipping instructions.

Flash

 

[jaymundy]

I'll be sending you an order. This is exactly what I needed...none of the gauges on Mr Zebra work except for (sort of) the fuel gauge and the speedo.

 

[malcb]

I actually haven't gotten my hands on the ammeter yet, but I suspect the shunt is internal.

I don't have a line on a matching short-sweep ammeter with external shunt, but if someone knows more than I do, feel free to speak up. Since you have to cut the gauge open anyway to install it in this panel, it should be easy as pie to pull the shunt out and mount it wherever you like. I'll post a pic when I install the first ammeter and you'll be able to gauge feasible that would be.

This might make a few :barf: but what about a digital option?

Solves the AMP shunt issue, would be very neat if you could have a switch under the dash to go from Amps to Volts and solve that one as well.

Auto Meter

Guess it would be pricey, all the gauges would have to be digital (except the speedo) but it would suit some rigs.
EDIT - that looks a problem - why is no range actually complete

Hopefully everone upgrading recycles the old gauges to MUD users in need - I need and oil pressure gauge.

 

[amaurer]

Just an update for everyone who ordered right off the bat - everything is "in", except for the EL wire. Even though I ordered it on the 29th, the idiots came back telling me they wrote my address wrong on the package, so it got returned to them.

With luck I'll get the wire early next week and can ship from there.

If you're interested, I created and uploaded an instruction manual for the installation. Beware, its 14mb, so download it only if you're patient/really interested: http://www.cruiseruser.com/instructions.pdf

 

[Vitesse_6]

Bummer...
But thanks for the update, I look forward to getting started on mine

 

[BELMONT148]

I thought I was slack and running behind, but looks like my gauge will get there just in time for the wire. I will be sending mine out in the morning flat rate priority. So you should have it by monday.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[thecrazygreek]

Other Guages

I found a set of other guages if you want to go cheap on this mod. I havent tested them, but they "seemed" ok.

The best part is they cost $16.99 at Harbor Frieght.

 

[amaurer]

I found a set of other guages if you want to go cheap on this mod. I havent tested them, but they "seemed" ok.

The best part is they cost $16.99 at Harbor Frieght.

hmm, wow - will have to see what the mounting pattern is like on the back.

Too bad the faces are ugly as sin, but good price.

 

[FJFOOL]

SWEET !! I'll be down for some mechanicals in the future !

 

[PabloCruise]

...

I'll include instructions for where/how to install a radioshack potentiometer/rheostat to dim the wire. I don't plan to include one with the kit, however, because my simple brain has enough configurations/complexities to deal with at the moment.

However, my impression sitting in the truck was that it was not too bright, or obtrusive in any way.

Couldn't we just use the dimmer provisions already in place for dash light? On my '78 I just use the headlight knob...

 

[Poser]

Any way you can make the rope light glow green?

 

[amaurer]

Couldn't we just use the dimmer provisions already in place for dash light? On my '78 I just use the headlight knob...

My own truck is not gifted with such a knob (and it shocks me that Toyota felt it was necessary to dim the dash lights!) but in general, yes, if your truck has a dimmer it will dim the EL wire. It'll behave a little "weird" (e.g. not be variable all the way to zero - at some point it will just shut off instead of getting dimmer), but it should work.

 

[amaurer]

Any way you can make the rope light glow green?

Yep, the rope comes in many colors. I didn't think to ask if people wanted something other than white - but yes, green is available.

 

[PabloCruise]

Is the El wire expected to live as long as an LED?

 

[PabloCruise]

Any way you can make the rope light glow green?

I need hot pink!!!

 

[amaurer]

Is the El wire expected to live as long as an LED?

The EL wire is the same stuff as almost every OEM manufacturer uses for the popular "white" gauge faces nowadays, but the honest truth is that nothing lasts as long as an LED.

After 5000 hours the wire will be half as bright as it was when new. (For comparison, a typical incandescent bulb burns out after ~2000 hours.) The wire will never "die", but it will continue to dim with time, and will linger on for a VERY long time after that first 5000 hours.

 

[2fpower]

If you end up making one in green, I would like to see a pic of that....

Thanks,

Oh, and excellent idea and brilliant work. I bow to your work.

k