make your own gauges?? question

robert_t_wallace · 01-01-2013, 08:20 PM

I am trying to build a volt meter to replace my ammeter for my 1966 Mustang. I came across a jeep and mopar board where they took a sunpro gauge and retro fit it into thier dash. They chose this one because it was cheap and a top swing gauge..

Here is a good one..

moparts: Voltmeter Mod for Mopars

This may be picky, but I don't like the blue line on the gauge and was thinking about trying to hand paint it white or paint the gauge black and build a decal with the font I like.

what do you think would be the easies/cheapest way to make your own decal? I have decent photoshop skills.. Is there some decent decal material I can print on? or is there a company that can make a decent decal on the cheap?

Lovies66 · 01-01-2013, 08:57 PM

I couldnt find the gauge you were talking about on that link, but if you are looking to make a small label for a gauge, you could just print it from your pc on to a clear Avery address label widely available at any office supply store. I would be worried about the quality of the ink from your printer and how long it will last.

robert_t_wallace · 01-01-2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovies66

I couldnt find the gauge you were talking about on that link, but if you are looking to make a small label for a gauge, you could just print it from your pc on to a clear Avery address label widely available at any office supply store. I would be worried about the quality of the ink from your printer and how long it will last.

I had that same concern... I think I will try some of these decal guys that advertise on ebay..

Lovies66 · 01-01-2013, 10:28 PM

Stop at a Fast Signs or Sign-a-Rama shop. They might do you a favor. They will have permanent ink printers and clear cling wrap. A really good FedEx/Kinkos might have one too.

ScottsGT · 01-01-2013, 10:48 PM

My concern was trying to find a replacement gauge that has matching needles, top swing, etc. couldn't find anything, so I'm shopping complete gauge clusters now. Leaning towards customs from Speedhut.

GypsyR · 01-01-2013, 11:55 PM

The easiest/cheapest way is to print on Avery self-adhesive inkjet label paper.
There are longevity concerns. With my first attempt (a boost gauge for another vehicle) it was OK. But the black wasn't very solid, it was too shiny, and it faded badly after a couple of months (outdoor car). Printed on an older Epson 740 with off-brand ink.
Second one printed on a newer Epson with their "Claria" ink. Lasted over a year and a half but now one edge is starting to curl up enough to interfere with the needle even though it's hardly noticeable. The colors have held up very well. The black isn't really "opaque" enough. It lets the back light shine through from the rear at night where the plate behind has openings. Even with matte paper it's still too glossy compared to OEM gauges.
Craft stores sell a home silk-screening setup I looked really hard at for a while. But the ones I've seen work only on completely flat stuff. There are still specialty places out there that will repaint gauges but they don't work cheap. I've always been artistic and have a variety of brushes. But any attempts I've made by hand to restore or change old gauges looks like...well, crap. I can do pretty decent pinstripes on a car but gauge lines and digits are just too small, too precise, and the smallest fault is way too noticeable.

LeeFred · 01-02-2013, 01:54 AM

I'm waiting for this guy to get the 65/66 voltmeter done. I'm on his mailing list, but nothing as of yet. His latest update is October 2012, and says he's developing one.

Rocketman's Classic Mustang Innovations

mustang6 · 01-02-2013, 10:51 PM

I like your idea and wish somebody made a direct replacement for it, i ended up just plugging in a voltmeter to the cigar lighter, its removable and you can use it on any car with no modifications got it at walmart see pic

bartl · 01-02-2013, 11:21 PM

Here's my thought..... Since the Fuel, Oil and Water Gauges are basically voltmeter ANYWAY, it would seem logical to get a new or used one of those, alter an Oil Pressure face on a computer substituting Volt in the correct font for Oil and calibrating it with a variable resistor to read in the middle at 12.65 (full charge) volts. Of course, power would be supplied by the "A" (Accessory) terminal of the Ignition switch and the other side would be grounded.