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  1. #1

    Default Aftermarket Dash Gauge swap...

    Ok so I've decided that I want to switch to some aftermarket gauges in my 85. As of now I only know how fast I'm going and how much fuel I have with my current factory gauges... lol I have a coolant temp gauge under the dash and was going to put an oil pressure gauge as well but I want it to be "cooler" looking. I can probably make most of the factory gauges work but egh, not worth the effort. So anyway does anyone know if 2'' gauges will fit into the factory cluster? I've seen most people use 2 1/16th" but I'm on a pretty tight budget and can get 2" fairly cheap. I've seen a couple people during a google search say they used 2" gauges but I trust this site much more if anyone can offer me some information.

  2. #2
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    First nothing will "fit" the stock instrument cluster without modifications. The stock gauges are not a direct swap for any of the aftermarket standard round gauges. So the simple answer is "Yes" a 2" gauge will fit with modifications. The issue will more likely be if you have to make some type of shield or cover to not have a visible gap around the gauge if reusing the original instrument cover face plate.

    There are several members here that have modified the stock cluster to use aftermarket gauges. I would recommend doing some searching over the site and that may help you get some ideas and may help to prevent some of the problems or issues that can arise when doing this type of modification.

    I don't disagree that aftermarket gauges can be "cool" and provide better readings than the factory setup, but if your budget is tight you might seriously consider fixing your current setup. Sounds like you have either a power or grounding issue with your cluster at this point if only the speedo and fuel gauge work. It might also be as simple as the voltage regulator on the backside of the gauge being bad. That can be a simple and inexpensive repair if that is all that is required.

    https://www.foxresto.com/1979-86-Ins...-p/3279018.htm

    Good Luck!
    ​Trey

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  3. #3

    Default

    I recently upgraded the gauges in my 85. It's a fairly easy install. Messing with the cluster and trying to upgrade those gauges wasn't really an appealing option!

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    Last edited by dagassa; 11-24-2018 at 10:55 AM.

  4. #4

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    First nothing will "fit" the stock instrument cluster without modifications. The stock gauges are not a direct swap for any of the aftermarket standard round gauges. So the simple answer is "Yes" a 2" gauge will fit with modifications. The issue will more likely be if you have to make some type of shield or cover to not have a visible gap around the gauge if reusing the original instrument cover face plate.

    There are several members here that have modified the stock cluster to use aftermarket gauges. I would recommend doing some searching over the site and that may help you get some ideas and may help to prevent some of the problems or issues that can arise when doing this type of modification.

    I don't disagree that aftermarket gauges can be "cool" and provide better readings than the factory setup, but if your budget is tight you might seriously consider fixing your current setup. Sounds like you have either a power or grounding issue with your cluster at this point if only the speedo and fuel gauge work. It might also be as simple as the voltage regulator on the backside of the gauge being bad. That can be a simple and inexpensive repair if that is all that is required.

    https://www.foxresto.com/1979-86-Ins...-p/3279018.htm

    Good Luck!
    I'm aware of modifications. Just wasn't sure if 2" was even an option seeing that during most of my research shows mostly 2 1/16". Reason being my ammeter doesn't work is because I had some alternator issues a few years back. Burnt something up. I'd rather have a voltmeter anyway. Oil Pressure is because I swapped from a 2.3 to a 347 with a high volume oil pump. Stock gauge won't read correctly. Tachometer is the same reason. I'm running a MSD 6AL and haven't purchased the adapter to make it work with my factory gauge. The factory temperature gauge I don't like because I want to see numbers, same for the oil pressure.
    Last edited by chevelle21; 11-24-2018 at 11:28 AM.

  5. #5
    FEP Senior Member droopie85gt's Avatar
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    Florida 5.0 and MC-Machine make trim plates to replace the factory plastic and hold standard gauges. They are exactly cheap, but they are metal. I think it's Autometer making a plastic one and you can find them on Ebay, but again it's about $200 but it will make putting aftermarket gauges in a breeze.
    1985 GT, Sunroof, 5 Lug, Rear Discs, 01 Graphite Bullets, 88 forged piston shortblock, 2.02/1.60 Alum heads, Weiand Stealth, Holley C950 TBI, BBK Long tubes

  6. #6

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    Hey man, here is what I did with mine a while back. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...er-Gauge-Panel
    I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use 2 inch gauges, other than the trim ring might show a little more than you want it to.

  7. #7

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    Here is my aftermarket cluster.Name:  IMGP1250.jpg
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