45 degree gauge mounting

[mbouse]

I am planning on mounting some gauges in the center section of the dash, dropping the seat belt and brake warning lights, dropping the defunct dimmer switch, and the non-functioning wiper delay switch.

I'd be putting the clock back in it's original position, and moving the recently added oil pressure gauge to the center section, where i would add a volt gauge, and remount the hazard switch so the three looked symmetrical. (the '80 did not come stock with the oil gauge).

I'd enjoy seeing anyone's dash that has similar modifications for borrowing your ideas.

Most importantly, i'd like to get some adapters to put behind the gauges to point them toward the driver, in a 45 degree angle. anyone know where i could get such an item? or should i plan on fabricating my own? Didn't i see an Alfa with this configuration at a show last year?

[So Cal Mark]

many aftermarked gauge mfrs make a mounting pod for the pillar that is angled. Maybe you could lay it sideways in your dash? Are you going to cut out the metal supports? What will keep the dash from sagging?

[mbouse]

Haven't laid it out yet, but if i needed to cut those supports, i would refit with other brackets behind my new wood trim, all one piece.

I guess that will all depend on the layout that looks best.

[mdrburchette]

Mike, are you planning to cut the middle section out of the plastic retainer and make the wood a one piece? If so, how about making the piece of wood just a tad thicker than the 1/8"...maybe 1/4" and cutting your hole at an angle? If you're using the original diameter Fiat oil gauge, you will need to use a 2 1/16" hole saw. A 2" is too tight and you may have a time retaining the angle when you waller (there's that southern word again) out the hole with a dremel to accomodate the gauge. A 2 1/8" will be too large to keep the gauge from moving side to side.

[mbouse]

http://www.jegs.com/p/Auto+Meter/745211/10002/-1/10335

i found the item, so i know they exist. Wow! Jeg's wants $9.99 for three and I need two; which isn't bad. Except they want $9.99 for shipping and $2.25 for a handling surcharge.

So, i keep looking. Maybe a larger area (Coldwater is not the center of the universe) will have some in stock.

Yes, Denise. I was planning on dropping the multi piece center and not using the plastic bezel. Hadn't gotten as far as deciding what to do for the wood, but was contemplating using an old glove box door, since the finish would be perfect. thanks for the heads up about the ultra thin stock, that is a good tip. Does anyone know if i can / cannot get a big enough piece out of an old glove box door for the center section of the dash?

I agree, the holes need to be cut at an angle, so the gauges will fit recessed at an angle. the brackets are really only used to hide the side of the gauge from the passenger, and make the set up look nice. I'm off to Home Depot to look for a 2 1/8" hole saw, and to visit the other auto parts stores for a set of brackets. $22 ?? cheech!

[mbouse]

So, i go to #2 parts store and explain what i want in the way of off-set brackets/buckets for my gauges. OF COURSE, the guy cannot find what i need in the catalogue, and the guy behind me in line is nodding knowingly. I explain that i know they are available at Jegs, but the $22 sticker price is ridiculous. the guy behind me nods again knowingly...then says he has what i need at home. Wanna part with them? I ask. Sure, he says!!

turns out he is nearly my neighbor, in the next subdivision. turns out he has a really cool garage with a beautiful worksite, and a '68 Ranchero nearly ready for the road. Right next to that is a '69 Fairlane, body ready for engine and interior. He snags two of these buckets off the gauges he is mounting into the Fairlane and hands them to me. Then before I can ask what he wants for them, he shows me what he used to smooth out the sheet metal holes he had to drill in his dash; and shows me the modified brackets for behind the dash that i will need to create.

Holy cow!

i compensate him as he asks, and he offers i should stop by sometime.

I think i will.

[So Cal Mark]

Denise, your southern word "waller" is a version of wallow I believe.
Mike, glad to hear you made a friend

[pope]

turns out he has a really cool garage with a beautiful worksite, and a '68 Ranchero nearly ready for the road.

I know that Pontiac is coming out with a Ranchero style vehicle (really its the El Camino) for 2010. Car with a truck bed and very modern looking, based off the G8 platform.

[Danno]

turns out he has a really cool garage with a beautiful worksite, and a '68 Ranchero nearly ready for the road.

I know that Pontiac is coming out with a Ranchero style vehicle (really its the El Camino) for 2010. Car with a truck bed and very modern looking, based off the G6 platform.

Wow, Pontiac is genius. I mean Subaru did so well with their Baja, I guess GM wants a piece of that ridiculously huge pie.

[Curly]

turns out he has a really cool garage with a beautiful worksite, and a '68 Ranchero nearly ready for the road.

I know that Pontiac is coming out with a Ranchero style vehicle (really its the El Camino) for 2010. Car with a truck bed and very modern looking, based off the G6 platform.

Wow, Pontiac is genius. I mean Subaru did so well with their Baja, I guess GM wants a piece of that ridiculously huge pie.

That's our Holden Commodre Ute - released in Oz about August Sept last year.
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Artic ... leID=43717

[pope]

Yes, they are built in Adelaide, Australia. Its a rear wheel drive and the American version will be 6.0L V8 with 361hp.

[mbouse]

Wow, Pontiac is genius. I mean Subaru did so well with their Baja, I guess GM wants a piece of that ridiculously huge pie.

well, i know i am gonna show my age here, but I will not tolerate giving Subaru credit for what "GM wants a piece of". trace the history of the pickup truck back far enough, and you will find an enterprising guy putting a home made box on the back of his Ford; and Henry seizing that idea and mass producing it. The Ranchero grew out of that in 1957 and if memory serves, GM tagging along right afterwards in 1959 with the el Camino. Ford remade the idea in 1972 with the Courier being sold right next to the Ranchero, automotive light years ahead of the competition in the US.

Subaru didn't even have a vehicle come off an assembly line until 1954

Giving Subaru any design credit is like saying Michael Torke wrote "Strawberry Fields" or Ashley Judd starred in the original "Double Jeopordy". A remake is a remake, and should never detract from the original deal.

BTW- full fledged Ford fan here....

[So Cal Mark]

thinking that Ford invented the mini truck is pretty myopic. There were mini trucks all over the world long before the Courier was around. And if you look at the bits of the Courier, I don't think many of them came from the US

[Danno]

WHAT? You think that GM putting out a Ranchero/El Camino type "truck" now is merely a continuation of what they started years ago? WRONG el camino died years ago and for a reason. If this thing is made it will be marketed to the same people that drive the PT Cruiser. Nothing wrong with that, just saying it's fugly now, and it was fugly then. Just my personal viewpoint, I can respect that some people like the style, and I certainly wouldn't hold it against them. BTW, Whatever happened to the HHR or HRR or whatever the heck that thing was called. Another really neat sounding idea that only a handful of people bought.

[So Cal Mark]

just because I don't know any, what type of people drive PT Cruisers? Do I need to be on the lookout for them?