instrument cluster?

[deputydawg]

I heard that the instrument cluster out of a Cutlass 442 is a direct swap for the one in my 87 GN. Is this true? I really don't care for the sweeping long speedometer on the stock unit and would prefer round gauges. Any suggestions?

 

[breiter]

Check out Performance Instruments http://www.gnxdash.com/index.htm I just installed one of their dash kits in my 87 GN. It is bascially plug & play with a few minor wiring tasks. I don't think a 442 dash will work will as a "plug in."

 

[deputydawg]

they look cool....

But $1000 bucks is a little steep for me. I was looking at them and it appears they are simply a stock bezel with a piece of ABS bonded to them. I have done audio installations for about 15 years and have worked with ABS panels before. I like the autometer carbon gauges, and currently have about half of the gauges I would need to make the cluster myself (just need the Speedo, Tach, fuel level). Thanks for the link and the ideas.

 

[breiter]

Pictures if the GNX style dash installed

Here are a few pictures of my new dash install. Depending on the guages you want you could pay over $1000. I paid $725.00 for mine but I provided my VDO boost, water and oil guages. The new panel came with VDO tach, speedo w/ VSS, and fuel level. All the turn signal, high beam and idoiot lights work. Here's a cool thing - the Power Injection idiot light will be wired to my alcohol injection. I think it was worth the money since the panel actually plugs into the factory wiring harness and I didn't have to spend countless hours figuring out the wiring. In one of the pictures you can see that I installed a VDO clock in the A-pillar pod because I had a whole in my trim for the old boost lines. Also I can also go back to the old factory dash if I ever wanted to. The panel is completely serviceable as all the guages can be easily unplugged. Years ago I made a custom dash for my Prostreet Nova with Autometer guages and figuring out all the wiring can be challenging. This install sure was a whole lot faster. Of course, everyone has their own level of expertise.

 

[MG8T7GN]

Here's some pictures of my new dash from gnxdash.com. I used Stewart Warner Maximum Performance gauges. The one on the lower left is an Innovative WB02 gauge. If you notice, Tom removed the gauge bezels. The gauges sit almost flush to the rear of the gauge faceplate- sorta like an O.E. instrument panel. The gauges use red leds. The fuel pressure gauge is an electric Autometer that's mounted to the steering column. I painted the bezel black since Autometer doesn't (and wouldn't) make a black bezel and black faced gauge.

Mark

 

[deputydawg]

they look great....

I have a few other major expenses to deal with before tackling the instrument panel ( My GN was somebody's step-child before I got it.) After getting the body work done and some minor engine work done (valve cover gaskets, etc...) the interior is next. I am replacing the cloth interior with color matched leather. Since my car has been molested, it is easier to go custom rather than try to return to stock.

 

[phillyturbosix]

Here's some pictures of my new dash from gnxdash.com. I used Stewart Warner Maximum Performance gauges. The one on the lower left is an Innovative WB02 gauge. If you notice, Tom removed the gauge bezels. The gauges sit almost flush to the rear of the gauge faceplate- sorta like an O.E. instrument panel. The gauges use red leds. The fuel pressure gauge is an electric Autometer that's mounted to the steering column. I painted the bezel black since Autometer doesn't (and wouldn't) make a black bezel and black faced gauge.

Mark

Everytime I see that dash I love it Mark! I was never crazy of the GNX style dash. Just looks weird to have a guage with a bezel and trim ring behind another bezel. I would also think there could be some glare issues there as well at certain times. But the way they did it for you Mark looks amazing. Looks like my winter project for the GN!

 

[FattyMcTrickle]

Do those gauge panel's really cost $1,000, does this price include guages and wiring? I've really been looking for something like this but that price is way up there.

 

[deputydawg]

I sent them an email for a quote..

If I provide my own gauges, the cost is 575...a little better since I can slowly accumulate the gauges and not have to plunk it all down in one swipe.

 

[jgme]

Here's some pictures of my new dash from gnxdash.com. I used Stewart Warner Maximum Performance gauges. The one on the lower left is an Innovative WB02 gauge. If you notice, Tom removed the gauge bezels. The gauges sit almost flush to the rear of the gauge faceplate- sorta like an O.E. instrument panel. The gauges use red leds. The fuel pressure gauge is an electric Autometer that's mounted to the steering column. I painted the bezel black since Autometer doesn't (and wouldn't) make a black bezel and black faced gauge.

Mark

I agree. That is the closest to an OEM style gage cluster as one can get. By the way, does it still have the various indicator lights? I'm refering to the Service Engine Soon, Turn Signals, etc. That setup would be on my list for future modifications for my GN.

 

[breiter]

Idiot lights work. No glare.

All the idiot lights work, turn signal and bright light indicators. As I said originally I had the Power Injection light wired so when my Alcohol Injection is armed that light is lit. I sent some guages and bought some from Tom. The panel came wired and even plugs into the factory wiring harness. There are a couple of additonal wires to connect other than the harness.

Hey Phillyturbo6 - no glare but I know what you mean about the two bezzle thing. To me it is functional, clean and I like it but to each their own.

 

[MG8T7GN]

All the idiot lights work, turn signal and bright light indicators.

Yup, all the indicator lights function. I also had Tom use the "security" light to work with my aftermarket alarm. Now it blinks red "security" and I don't have that cheesey red l.e.d. blinking on the dash.

Mark

 

[GNut]

Thanks!

I just wanted to shout out a quick "Thanks" to all my customers that have chimed in on this post. You guys are why I do what I do! As quite a few of you have pointed out.. not every panel costs $1000 plus.. Setup on a standard six gauge panel using customer supplied gauges is $575 plus shipping. Add that to what you'd pay for a set of Brand new Autometer's and you'll see that you're in for a grand easy! It's only when the panels get more complicated that build cost rises. Bottom line is I've NEVER had a customer think he didn't get his money's worth!

** To the guy who thinks that one of my panels is nothing more than a "Trim Bezel with a piece of ABS Plastic bonded to it".... WRONG!!! Go to the website and do a little research and you'll see it's no Mickey Mouse car stereo install!!

Thanks guys and Take Care..

Tom Houser
Performance Instruments
www.gnxdash.com

 

[deputydawg]

a little harsh....

I said it appears to be a piece of ABS plastic bonded, not that it was. I have never seen one in person, only the pics online. I have made panels for switches, screens, gauges before using ABS plastic and they certainly wasn't Mickey Mouse. I understand the fact you have a product to sell and a service to provide and ensure everyone knows you provide a quality product. The fact that it is almost a plug and go product to me is worth the money, unfortunately the price is a little out of my range as a deputy sheriff to throw down on a gauge assembly. The point I was making was that I could buy a gauge here, buy a gauge there and once I have the complete set send them over to be assembled for less one-time outlay. Yes in the long run it is going to be more expensive. I am a hobbiest. I like to work with my hands.

 

[turbohye]

Deputy i am also interested if that swap would work, that or a monte carlo SS dash. either one.

 

[mikestertwo]

To answer your original question, the cutlass instrument panel does not fit. The Olds panel is a lot wider and different shape. Tried it years ago. Put an AVC setup in it when they were available.