Alternative to a Billet Instrument Cluster

[Vin63]

I had started building my own instrument cluster since I didn't like the billet aluminum inserts available. I'm using some leftover Autometer gauges, but retaining the factory speedo (I liked the speedometer in the 61-63 C-10s) in a Custom Cab instrument configuration. Anyway, I had to cut out a new lense, so I had to figure out a way to replace the numbers. Here is the cluster and the graphic I did by hand this weekend for a reverse vinyl letter output.

 

[jaybyrd66]

Nice!!!!!!!!

 

[dvalentine]

Here is the cluster and the graphic I did by hand this weekend for a reverse vinyl letter output.

Vin,

I've seen the pictures of your build. I don't think a 100 mph speedo will do it...



dv

 

[jaybyrd66]

good point, didnt think about that lol

 

[Vin63]

Vin,

I've seen the pictures of your build. I don't think a 100 mph speedo will do it...



dv

good point, didnt think about that lol

Thanks...and here is the result after applying the vinyl lettering output to the back of the polycarbonate lense and the hash marks to the face of the speedo. Sorry about the condition of the instrument bezel...it's just there to hold everything together.

 

[dvalentine]

Very cool !!!

 

[66 KUSTOM]

Very cool indeed!

 

[hamrs_62]

what did you make the graphic from, vinyl, paint

 

[Vin63]

what did you make the graphic from, vinyl, paint

I originally did the numbers and hash marks on a graphics program and sent the file to a local sign maker/vinyl lettering shop (they did some of the vinyl lettering on my race car). They cut the numbers out of black adhesive vinyl and screened the hash marks onto a clear 3M adhesive film with a UV coating. The output/printing was $25, but creating the numbers and hash marks took me about 10 hours.

Here's a little better photo taken during the day (more ambient light).

 

[hamrs_62]

nice, are going with a black or chrome bezel

I originally did the numbers and hash marks on a graphics program and sent the file to a local sign maker/vinyl lettering shop (they did some of the vinyl lettering on my race car). They cut the numbers out of black adhesive vinyl and screened the hash marks onto a clear 3M adhesive film with a UV coating. The output/printing was $25, but creating the numbers and hash marks took me about 10 hours.

Here's a little better photo taken during the day (more ambient light).

 

[Vin63]

...I'm most likely going to paint the bezel the same color as the rest of the dash - the same dark metallic green as the exterior of the truck. Then the corresponding area of the glove box door and the area around the radio will be the silver color.