Thread: New Gauge style for Ford F1 truck....Brand preference

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I routinely browse all the F1 catalogs I can find and search ebay for certain things I still need. I definately will need to replace my old gauge cluster but have been face with few choices for Dash inserts, and gauge layouts. I like the old stock gauges but they all are broken, 6 volt and not what I ultimately want for my truck.
Dolphin continues to entice me with new inserts and has come out with a new three gauge insert with 3 3/8" speedo(elec), a smaller 2 and something " tach and and 3 3/8 cluster quad gauge that does temp, volts, gas and oil.
The cool thing with this setup is that it allows for a full size speedo(not the combo tach speedo) and still has room for a tach in the middle.
So my question is do any of you use Dolphin gauges and what do you think of their quality? I can also get insert and put similar setups with auto meter and classic instruments, it's just dolphin is sooo much less expensive!
I also want to know about mechanical vs. electronic? How hard are either speedos to set up and get the approx. right speed reading(mine is going to be for a 460 engine, c6 trans. and 9" rear with 3.0:1 ratio)
Here are the different inserts including the three gauge set up.

VDO and Stewart Warner both have some very nice looking gauges that would "fit" the theme nicely.....

there is co in riverside ca. that can rebuild the original insert and update gages to late model specs a friend of mine had them a set of what looked like total junk they came back looking like n.o.s.I can get the info from him after Christmas when he comes back....ted

Originally Posted by ted dehaan

there is co in riverside ca. that can rebuild the original insert and update gages to late model specs a friend of mine had them a set of what looked like total junk they came back looking like n.o.s.I can get the info from him after Christmas when he comes back....ted

Thanks Ted. I think aftermarket will be the way to go for me. I'm just not really keen on Dolphin brand gauges. I'm hoping someone hear has used them and likes them, because I can get the 3 gauge setup with sending units(minus pulse generator) and insert with turn indicator lights for 380.00 on ebay which is about 200.00 less than going with another brand of gauges! I just don't know much about Dolphin, but have heard good stuff about auto meter, classic instruments, vdo...etc.

What do you think about auto meter vs. vdo vs. dolphin?

Never have used a set of Dolphin, Steve... Always been either Stewart Warner or Autometer.....

Dave I like the stewart gauges with the wings but couldn't find a 3 3/8 quad style gauge. Have you seen any like that?

I have read some comments somewhere about the Dolphins (here maybe ?) I don't remember hearing any thing bad other than folks didn't like the dolphin emblems. I'm fairly certain I,m gonna try them in the coupe if I ever finish it.

My experience puts VDO and Autometer neck-and-neck. Way above Dolphin.

I called the ebay company that sells the Dolphin gauges today and asked why their prices were so much lower than any other gauge on the market. The answer was they don't advertise much, they sell direct versus through a middleman. So I then asked what their warranty is, to which she replied 90 days. Doesn't sound too great right now. for about 150 more I can get autometer or vdo!

When someone "fudges" the truth it makes you wonder. Dolphin gauges have full page ads in SR, that ain't cheap, on the other hand it may be smart advertising because it reaches the biggest audience. Perhaps she meant they don't advertise in as many places as the other guys. Just something to contemplate.

Like Howard, I haven't seen a lot of negatives on other sites, maybe one or two, but then SW and VDO have their detractors too, especially in the past few years. Autometer seems to have the fewest unhappy people. If I remember correctly the Dolphins are an off shore unit that the guy who owns EZ Wiring down in Florida has made/imports.

As for the electronic it's easier to route the wiring than a more ridgid cable. It takes some fiddling to dial in the electronic, but otherwise, once you're done, you won't know the difference.

here is some follow up info that might sway anyone, like me from going with Dolphin I found it while searching for quad gauges on another forum. It appears Dolphin has a guage lighting issue with their quad gauges. worth reading before buying.Evidently the lighting is not the same between this gauge and the matching speedo!
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=312195
I also included the picture from this guy's post.

l had the same problem with classic gauges

Don't say that they were on the top of my wish list. I thought Classic instraments were suppose to be some of the best out there?

Got my gauges yesterday! Won them at NSRA Kalamazoo. The dash is cheesy but I will paint it to match the kids '68 Chevelle. VDO rocks!