Ok, I'm new here and I'm sure this gets asked a lot but search always fails me. I have a '71 Mach 1 with just the idiot lights. I'd like a tach, which I would be fine just getting a Sun for the column but I'd like to add a cluster in the center, too.
So my question is; does anyone make aftermarket gauges that fit the factory (repro) center console? Also, does anyone make a replacement tach? I'm not even opposed to a digital dash as that would solve my problem (well, one of them) but I just like dial gauges a lot better. I've also considered just getting a litte 3 gauge panel and sticking it under the center console and in behind the shifter but since I'm restoring a factory look is fine as long as it it's not going to run big big money.
Dakota digital.I had them in my 1939 chevy loved them and they are very user friendly.And a great bunch of guys to deal with.
Ok, that's good. One for them. Anyone else? I can't believe no one makes replacement factory type gauges. I really like Dakota's vhx or whatever the actual dial gauges are called. I wish they made them for a '71 like they do the digital.
SW, AutoMeter, etc.....do any just fit behind the lenses?
My Mach also came with the idiot lights in place of the tach and mine did not have the center gauges either.
So what I am in the process of is I already purchased a wiring harness for a Mach 1 with my missing gauges, bought a tach and now I'm working on the center gauges, these are tough to find in good condition.
If anyone has an absolute resolution to these gauges Id like to know myself!
More to read Installing Factory gauges in a '71-'73 Mustang
You just hit the nail on the head. Buy them used. Maybe they works, maybe they no works. You pay probably $2-400 total and then have to send them off to a resto guy and pay $500 to make them work. Nice. Plus we have to get wiring like you said and a center console for the gauges. I wonder if anyone in the early 70s had know what problems they would cause us all for probably a $40 upgrade....
What gets me is a guy bought a Mach 1 with the HO 351c, all the stripes and gets NO GAUGES. A plain interior I understand but then again, why would ford make a "sports car" with no gauges in the first place? Don't know.
On the good news front I just heard from Dakota. Man, they answer fast. They said they are working on a set of the VHX series for us guys. These are the dial gauges. Nice. So for any of you needing gauges in the spring or summer it sounds like we've got it going in our favor.
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd723.htm
the guys at dakota digital are awesome they built a set for a studabaker for a friend of mine.And I met them at a car show in minnesota and they take the time to talk you through any problem you may have.A smart bunch and very customer friendly.They can take your stock gauges and make them digital if you want.
After all this thought (man, my head hurts) I think I'm back to square one. Since I don't have a factory center (floor) console I'm either going to get one or go with a hump hugger but I really need a console for all my "stuff". Plus, I'm 6'3 and really like an arm rest. So I'm going to get a 3 panel set of aftermarket gauges and put in just under the radio and above the shifter if that makes sense to you. And get a Sun tach to go on the column like I always used to do. I bet my old tach was in 4 or 5 different vehicles when I was young.
When Dakota comes out with their new series I'll take a look. They may even have them out before Booger is on the road but either way, I'll have a tach and gauges when I go for a test drive.
Keep checking eBay - I just scored a nice long center console for only $159 shipped. It's all there and in really good shape. The only problem with it is the holes the original drilled into it for all the 'rocket launcher, tacks, smoke screen, and oil slick deployment devices.' I'll figure out something to fill the holes... or maybe even just use them for something else.
Point is, there are a few out there and getting a decent affordable one that might need some cleaning and maybe a shot of vinyl paint to make it new again isn't impossible.
Good luck.
I saw that one the other day. I'd just hook it all back up to the gattling guns, rocket launchers and oil spray canister. I think Painless has a harness for all that. Also, if you need thumbtacks in bulk I have a source.....
