To monitor the goings on,...
To monitor the goings on, RamRodder received a dashboard full of Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II gauges. The gauges deemed critical, speed, oil pressure, and temperature are in front of the driver. The Playback tachometer can’t be missed.
Full Sweep Electric
The obvious advantage to these gauges is the easy-to-read 270-degree movement, but there is a considerable amount of technology hidden inside. Auto Meter’s full sweep electric gauges use stepper motor drives controlled by a micro-processor and very precise senders.
A stepper motor is a device with a shaft that moves a precise number of degrees based on electrical input. When used in an instrument the indicator needle is attached to the shaft, then based on information from the sender, the micro-processor updates input to the motor and the needle deflects accordingly.
These LED illuminated gauges use microprocessors to control the displays. Very precise with a high-tech look, these gauges are for those who want exact numeric readings.
Our instrument panel started...
Our instrument panel started as the stripped stocker from our ’50 Plymouth. Obviously there were massive holes to fill.
Speedometers
There are three types of speedometers: cable drive, electronic, and the latest GPS driven.
A big disadvantage to cable drives is calibrating the speedometer can be difficult, not to mention the fact that most contemporary transmissions don’t have the drive to operate them. Electronic speedometers are easy to dial in and can be adapted to early transmission. The most common complaint is that the odometers usually have digital readouts, which some feel are out of place in a traditional car.
We cut a cardboard template...
We cut a cardboard template to fit the upper portion of the dash. It was taped in place then the contour of the lower edge was traced on the back side.
Auto Meter now offers their Universal GPS Speedometer Interface Module (PN 5289). This unit allows nearly any electric speedometer to use free GPS signals to drive the speedo. For Auto Meter speedometers, installation is a plug-and-play. Calibration, with non–Auto Meter speedometers, is simple and doesn’t require driving.
Installing mechanical gauges is simple enough. The important factors are using the proper fittings and tubing and routing lines safely to prevent damage of any kinks. When using rigid tubing a vibration loop may prevent cracking.
The shape of the template...
The shape of the template was traced onto 16-gauge sheetmetal.
When it comes to electrical instruments the most common problems are proper grounding and poor connections. Poor connections will add to the resistance in the circuit, which may result in erroneous gauge readings. Grounding-type sensors should never be wrapped in Teflon tape for the same reason (paste that won’t interfere with grounding should be used).
Another sure way to ensure an electric gauge won’t function correctly is to use the wrong sender. The gauge and sender must be compatible to provide accurate readings.
Cutting out the filler panel...
Cutting out the filler panel was quick and easy thanks to the handiest sheetmetal tool we have, an electric shear.
The new filler panel was tacked...
The new filler panel was tacked in place. Working slowly, the areas between the tacks were welded solid.
Straight lines parallel with...
Straight lines parallel with the bottom of the dash. With the locations of the gauges approximated, the exact centers were determined with dividers.
With the centers of each gauge...
With the centers of each gauge located with a center punch, a 2-1/6-inch hole saw was used to make the openings (the speedometer required a 3-3/8-inch hole).
After the welds were ground...
After the welds were ground Jake Brazille filled a few pinholes and smoothed the edges of the insert before the dash was given a black wrinkle finish.
The stock glovebox latch was...
The stock glovebox latch was trashed, so we used a self-ejecting Dzus fastener as a substitute. Hidden behind the lid will be the MSD ignition box and the fuse panel.