Thread: Using '37 instruments in restomod

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Orig Franklin steering wheel.jpg[ATTACH]The electrical system and drivetrain will be from a '95 Buick.
My original plan was to use the '95 intruments as well, but it is really too wide.
1) Can anyone tell me if '37 Buick original instument cluster can be adapted for use on a modern 12 volt electical system and speedometer hooked up to a 4L60E transmission?
2) Can someone recommend a donor car, or aftermarket instrument, with a similar rectangular confuguration?
Thanks
Mutt

Well Mutt - you've got a bit of a challenge. The time and money you would spend to rebuild the stock gauges would be pretty steep and then you still have 75 year old parts.. look at this link:

1937-1938 Buick Aluminum Gauge Panel Dash Insert 37-38 | eBay

A billet insert with modern gauges may prove to be your best bet!

Regards,
Glenn

Defintey an option. Interesting that they list the the outside dimensions as 10 3/8 x 4 1/2.
My instrument glass is 9.75 wide x 5.75 tall (cluster probably 9.9 wide x 5.9") May be a Roadmaster thing.
So far I have not seen any aftermarket panels with this dimension.
Does anyone know of a source.
Thanks

One option would be to make your own. If you take that stock cluster out you'll be able to see how it's assembled. Likely the front fascia is held on to the back body by a series of very small tabs or crimps. If it were mine I'd be thinking of reusing the face glass and the bright surround, making my own gauge panel from some flat stock (use the bezel or back housing as a pattern). If you like the look of engine turned stainless/aluminum you can make your own or buy it in sheet form. If using aftermarket gauges (SW, Autometer, etc.) you can make some paper patterns to simulate the gauge faces and play with a variety of layouts till you figure one that pleases you.

You could also ship that stock unit to one of the gauge companies for refurbish/update................but you're probably looking at something close to a grand for that.

I went with a similar cut out panel to what Glenn posted on Ebay. I figured with the modern electronics and guage options out there, that would be the most functional, easiest solution for me. I like Bob's idea of keeping the original glass, and bezel and using it over a home made insert. I'm not much of a metal fabricator, but a hole saw and some thick gauge steel wouldn't be too tuff to do, or I'm sure there is a steel/metal supply or welder in your are that could do it on the cheap side. Lots of cool new gauges in many sizes that would work in the space you have. Auto meter even makes retro combo gauges. Nice thing with new gauges is getting a speedo you can calibrate!

I remeasured the '37 Buick inst cluster and I had made an error.
The exposed glass dimensions are 9.75 wide x 4.75 tall so the e-gaugesplus.com at 9.9 x 5.3 is probably a match.
New instruments, or upgrading the existing for compatable gauges are options.
One of my motivations to using the '95 Buick wire harness & instr cluster is to have the system failure lights. Also will be using the '95 steer column which has a cable attachment showing gear the trans is in.
I noticed that 90's chevy 1500 trucks have a narrower and taller instrument cluster and some also have the gear indicator cable attach point.
90's S10 instruments may also be an option.
1) Does anyone know what years Chevy 1500 (or if S10) have this cable attach point.
2) Does anyone know if any of the Chevy 1500 (or S10) intruments have two wire connectors, as labeled 70 & 71 on the attached picture of '95 Roadmaster instr cluster?
Thanks