Does anyone make a modified dash?

[turbo39151]

I was wondering if anyone has seen or even makes a modified OE style dash. Either 0-85 or 0-145 is fine. The modification that I seek is something like that of the VDO "vision" series gauge. Whereby the letters and numbers are white during the day but at night will allow illumination from behind the numbers. My Audi does this in White for the numbers on the speedo and the tach and everything else is in Red. The VDO Vision series do the same thing in Green.

As I drove the car the other night, I was wondering if it would be possible to have something that was easier to see and read. Even the letters on the HVAC panel are washed upon by a dim yellow light. Hardly up to today's standards...

Anyway, just curious if this is even available.

Anyone??

 

[turbo39151]

Nobody has any ideas? If this is posted elsewhere please point me in that direction.

 

[floyd84]

try this

It's OE if you got a GNX :biggrin:
http://www.gnxdash.com/

 

[turbo39151]

I knew that :wink:

I'm looking for an alternative.

 

[machinegun]

Take out the center cluster, you can remove the speedo, you can trim the rest out. Make an aluminum replacement panel that fist and then cut the holes and mount your gauges. Will require some though and ingenuity. Once I am done and mine looks goos I will be more than happy to post step by step picks here. I have not started it yet, just layed it out in my mind. I will however show you once I start. Seems easy enough to do though.

 

[rodman99999]

pics of my home-built dash

I've built a factory appearing, 8 gauge, 160MPH dash for my T-Type. Not so hard to do. I'd post the pics in here, IF I knew how!!! If you're interested in getting some ideas(maybe): let me have your e-mail addy, and I'll send the pics.

 

[turbo39151]

hey rodman99999: sent you PM.

Also, interested in Pics from people who may have done this sort of mod with a stock dash too...

Thanks again.

 

[84GNwith87eng]

rodman999999, lemme get the pics too...thanks!!

 

[PhilM]

I did a setup with ultralites... still waiting for the speedo but the rest are there. It uses the stock bezel with a bent and powdercoated Al backing plate. I also made a matching console which im almost finished but i ran outta black suede for the sides... The console holds tranny temp, toggles for linelocks, tbrake safety, FP, etc... And also matching are the door panels which are finished that have black suede replacing the worn gray bottom and upper cloth. I've also made some fiberglass speaker enclosures for the doors since I cannot stand crappy audio. They house some HIFI Vifa woofers and tweets for the fullrange. Gotta do something different... only way to roll

If you want some pix, im sure i can get around to taking some as ive wanted to post some anyway.

Phil

 

[rodman99999]

rodman999999, lemme get the pics too...thanks!!

E-mail me and I'll send the pics. Have to wait 'til after work(tonight) to e-mail the construction details(and get back to you) though. Anyone know how to post pics in here? Hey Turbo39151- Did you get the pics?

 

[Louie L.]

E-mail me and I'll send the pics. Have to wait 'til after work(tonight) to e-mail the construction details(and get back to you) though. Anyone know how to post pics in here? Hey Turbo39151- Did you get the pics?

Send me the pics i can post them here or in my public album. Any other info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[turbo39151]

I didn't get any pics

 

[rodman99999]

OK- So far: I've sent the pics to an "Ajoy Kapila". Haven't received any PMs as yet. Anyone that wants the pics can e-mail me at: rodman99999@sbcglobal.net It'd be great if you could post them in here Louie!

 

[turbo39151]

hey rodman9999: please shoot me an email of the pics...

turbo39151@hotmail.com

Thanks

 

[rodman99999]

Oh yeah- When I built the dash: No one offered a wide band F/A ratio gauge(now there are a couple just the right size, but kinda salty). What's in there is better than nothing, but when the money straightens out.....

 

[Louie L.]

Here are the pics from rodman. This is similar to what i want to build for my race car but i want mine to sit at the edge of the factory trim face..

 

[rodman99999]

dash pics

Thanx for posting those Louie!! Of course: New dash bezel applique inserts are available from Dennis Kirban, so you can delete/add for your options(if you don't want to cut your original plastic bezel and find a used one). Oh- and I had to make a little sheet metal box to mount the VSS in also(didn't get a pic of that). Extra bright LEDs replaced all the idiot(and check engine) lights, and a 400ohm resistor was required to make up for the "Alt" bulb's resistance(so the alternator would still work in my '85). Hope this inspires someone!

 

[turbo39151]

How did you do the factory(?) harnesses?

Do you have a wiring diagram?

Thanks for posting.

 

[rodman99999]

harnesses/wiring

I've always bought factory service manuals for whatever vehicle I planned to keep for awhile. They're indispensible. Great wiring diagrams, etc. I went to my local electronics store for the harness connectors, and wire splicing things. The larger connector is for the original lights, speedo, etc., and the smaller for the new gauges, 12V supply, and a ground. I used those plastic splicers that allow you to tap into an existing wire without having to cut or strip it(didn't have to butcher anything original). If I had a scanner, I'd be able to send you copies of the factory dash wiring diagrams, BUT....... :redface: Oh yeah: the boost gauge and tach are on the pillar, so I can keep an eye on them when concentrating on a tree, or accelerating in a straight line.

 

[GNut]

It's all about Fit and Finish

Even I admit that spending $900 + bucks for an instrument panel isn't in every guys budget BUT... if you want it to look like it came from Buick you might want to save your dimes and nickels to get one. I'm all for the do it yourself'er.. I must answer 20 questions a day about what works and what doesn't. But some guys aren't as good with a screwdriver as others are and even the mechanically challenged owner can install a dash built by Performance Instruments. No Guess work..No Hacking.. Plug n Play... and it LOOKS RIGHT! I've yet to see a "Homemade Panel" that didn't look Home made!

Louie.. you can get gauges all the way to the right side of the trim bezel but not the left side. There is a pin guide for the trim bezel on the left side so the closest you can get to the left side edge is about an inch, maybe 3/4".


Tom Houser
Performance Instruments
www.gnxdash.com