Thread: Late model gauges for hotrod

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Hi Guys;
I am building a 32 essex rod with a 3.8 series 11 from a 96 firebird. I presently have a set of old stewart warner gauges, but would like to adapt a gauge panel from a 94 olds shilouette with the series 1 3.8. Does anyone know if this is even possible. I understand that 96 and earlier GM's have analog gauges, and later are digital. I assume this will not be a simple plug and play.

Not sure where to start. Hotrod895

Welcome to CHR!! We'd like to see pictures of your Essex when you have opportunity to post some. I haven't dealt with them, but from features in magazines, etc I think that Classic Instruments does what you're wanting. Might be worth a call - Welcome to Classic Instruments

Hardly anything is totally impossible, but you would have to match the gauges with the sending units from the donor vehicle as the gauges would be calibrated with the sending units. I would think that the speedometer would give you the greatest hassle.
BTW, welcome to CHR.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

Hardly anything is totally impossible, but you would have to match the gauges with the sending units from the donor vehicle as the gauges would be calibrated with the sending units. I would think that the speedometer would give you the greatest hassle.
BTW, welcome to CHR.

Ken,
I may be wrong but I think Classic can take an old cluster, make new faces for the gauges using AutoCad to replicate the old look, and then put new, modern movements behind them, basically creating a brand new gauge from the old housing. Cost?? I have no idea, but I think that they provide the service and there may be others out there that do, too. I agree, trying to use the old cluster as-is would be a huge headache.

Originally Posted by rspears

Ken,
I may be wrong but I think Classic can take an old cluster, make new faces for the gauges using AutoCad to replicate the old look, and then put new, modern movements behind them, basically creating a brand new gauge from the old housing. Cost?? I have no idea, but I think that they provide the service and there may be others out there that do, too. I agree, trying to use the old cluster as-is would be a huge headache.

Agreed and if I had a complete set of old SW gauges that is what I would use.