"Crusher" Camaro's gages were somewhat "dated" and AutoMeter was generous enough to update "Crusher" from the Ultra-Light to the Carbon Fiber model. The size of the smaller gages was reduced from 2 5/8" to 2" so that all of them could be fitted in the area between the console and the dash. Two gages were added to the previous outlay, Fuel Pressure and Vacuum. These photos show the fabrication of the gage panel and installation of the new AutoMeter Carbon Fiber gages.
"Crusher" arrived with outdated Ultra-Light gages that were obviously installed quickly by the installer.
AutoMeter supplied their new 2" Carbon Fiber line of gages to update "Crusher's" monitoring system. Included are the Speedometer, Tachometer, Vacuum, Oil Pressure, Water Temperature, Fuel Level, Fuel Pressure, and Voltage. All gages are electric except for vacuum.
This OEM gage pod was used to replace the cracked one that "Crusher" had. It was obtained from Quick Classics of Atoka, TN (901) 837-9777
The gages were wired so that they could be unpluged and remove easily without the need for cutting wires.
The 5" Tach and Speedometer were the perfect size to fill the OEM pod. The Carbon Fiber styling looks nice housed in the black plastic.
After taking some measurements, a 1/8" piece of aluminum was bent to the right angle and contoured on the bottom to fit the console. This wasn't easy since the console was neither centered nor symetrical. Trial and error fitting was required repeatedly.
A CAD drawing was used as a template to locate each gages position and a center punch was used to mark their corresponding center location.
The panel was then placed in the mill and a hole saw was used to make the 6 holes. Speed was set to slowest and plenty of lubricant was used.
After finishing the holes, the panel was cleaned up with Scotchbrite to remove the sharp edges.
