Speedhut custom 1970 Challenger standard gauges ( NOT RALLYE )

[brads70]

 I mention on someone else's post about me ordering Custom gauges from   http://www.speedhut.com/   and a few mentioned they wanted to see some pictures of my progress. So I thought it best to start my own post and not hijack someone else's LOL  So here goes....
Here is the first artwork proof I received today. They look pretty good I think! Here is my reply....



" Wow looks sweet! I'm pumped!  Could I get the words temperature, oil pressure, gasoline, and rpm x 1000, bigger, like about the same size as the numbers  or slightly smaller or maybe just space out the letters more?? They look a little small/off in comparison to the stock set up? Question about the speedo/turn signals. Will they be lit up all the time  with a green light blinking in the arrow or only when turned on?  If they are lit up all the time delete them?  The rest of the speedo is perfect, great job I'm impressed!!!
 I know it's not an option but it sure would be perfection for me if I could have the digital display read in KPH and the speedo read in MPH . I live in Canada and have to drive in KPH but don't want to ruin the "stock look"
Thanks great job! Brad"

[roadman5312]

  Interesting

[moparman82]

Looks awesome brad! Can't wait to see them sittin behind that steering wheel!

[dave73chally]

Awesome, how are they to deal with in terms of helpfulness and response time?

[brads70]

Awesome, how are they to deal with in terms of helpfulness and response time?

It's working out well. Dutch also used them with great results. It's a little un nerving paying up front but I understand why. They responded  promptly to emails etc....  I'm curious to see how they compare accuracy wise to the autometer gauges? I have a cluster of 3 below the vent knobs( temp, oil pressure, air/fuel) that I'll leave in till I'm satisfied I can trust the new gauges.

[mojavered]

Interesting. So these are going into standard gauge cluster?  What size gauges did you chose? 

[brads70]

Interesting. So these are going into standard gauge cluster?  What size gauges did you chose?

Yes standard gauge set up, not the rallye gauges. I know most prefer the rallye set up but I actually prefer the unique to 1970 standard gauges.
I'm figuring on making my own mount to replace the die cast aluminum stock mount. It will require some custom fab work, they are not a simple swap/bolt in. I have a few extra stock aluminum mounts to use if I can make it work, other wise I'll make something. I'm planning on using the stock black ribbed "bezel" and lens, the rest...? We'll see as I go?
Speedo is 4 1/2" the rest are 2 5/8"

[mojavered]

Thank you Brad. I too like the look of the ribbed bezel. Trying to figure whether to rid of the plastic lens though. I just picked up some auto meter in 2-5/8", but was unsure about the speedo. Most likely going to be 5".  Look forward to the progress!

[dutch]

I like your design    should be delivered any day now...?   

[HP2]

I think the Speedhut senior staff was involved in Autometer in its early days, so you should see some similarities in performance from them. For all I know, they may be buying their mechanicals from Autometer.

The range of customization Speedhut can do for finishes, graphics, day and night lighting is phenomenal for the prices they charge.

I'm looking at Speedhut for my gauges, but I may be going with some of their 2:1 or 4:1 combo gauges as I am thinking of using a 71 B body bezel to house them in. I was going to go with a custom dash layout from Classic, but the cheapskate in me is finding it hard to spend $250 for a dash bezel.
http://www.classicindustries.com/product/mopar/parts/mb1849.html

[brads70]

Thank you Brad. I too like the look of the ribbed bezel. Trying to figure whether to rid of the plastic lens though. I just picked up some auto meter in 2-5/8", but was unsure about the speedo. Most likely going to be 5".  Look forward to the progress!

I have a few spares, one someone started modifying to use aftermarket gauges? It's your's if you want to save your original? Just pay the shipping.

[brads70]

I think the Speedhut senior staff was involved in Autometer in its early days, so you should see some similarities in performance from them. For all I know, they may be buying their mechanicals from Autometer.

The range of customization Speedhut can do for finishes, graphics, day and night lighting is phenomenal for the prices they charge.

I'm looking at Speedhut for my gauges, but I may be going with some of their 2:1 or 4:1 combo gauges as I am thinking of using a 71 B body bezel to house them in. I was going to go with a custom dash layout from Classic, but the cheapskate in me is finding it hard to spend $250 for a dash bezel.
http://www.classicindustries.com/product/mopar/parts/mb1849.html

Maybe make your own? Cheap to try?

[dave73chally]

I have a few spares, one someone started modifying to use aftermarket gauges? It's your's if you want to save your original? Just pay the shipping.

If he doesn't want this, I'd take it for sure. Let me know, thanks!

[mojavered]

I have a few spares, one someone started modifying to use aftermarket gauges? It's your's if you want to save your original? Just pay the shipping.

Very generous Brad! I appreciate the offer! I actually have a spare bezel already. (Great to be a member of such a great site!)

[Road_Runner]

So are folks here replacing the standard gauges with custom gauges mounted to the front of the plastic dash or from behind leaving the clear lens in place?  I've seen custom refaced gauges from vendors like Redline that look very cool, and can be made to look virtually stock with 160 MPH speedo, actual Oil Pressure gauge, etc.  I've also seen where people use off-the-shelf gauges and mount them to the plastic console face plate, for those what are you using for a speedo?  Like mentioned before, it would either have to be 5"? or a custom insert made to install a 3"+ gauge (saw this done in a magazine article).  I have some older period correct Mopar Performance & Stewart Warner gauges that I'd like to use if I go that route, but still haven't decided on what I'm doing yet.  One last thing, for those who go with custom gauges, are you modifying the original dash wiring harness or just making one up to fit the new gauges? 

Thanks in advance, Jim