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View Full Version : New gauge cluster opinion

70STANG
January 15th, 2009, 12:17 AM
I'm planning to upgrade all my gauges to Auto Meter Ultra Lites like this:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702225/fullsize/atm4498_w.jpg

But I can't decide what dash cluster to use. Here are the options:

Option 1: Use a stock mustang's standard interior dash pod.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702226/fullsize/gaugefull1.jpg
Plus: it has very nice contours and gauges are deep set. I can get the pod for about $40.
Minus: it only has room for 2 aux gauges but they are 2 5/8". Would need to mount 2 more gauges in an A pilar pod.

Option 2: Use an aftermarket pod. This one is from Year One (pod only).
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702229/fullsize/my_mustang_8_026_sized.jpg
Plus: It has room for 4 aux gauges but they are 2 1/16".
Minus: Not as nicely shaped. Cost is $170 but I don't need to buy an A pilar pod (about $100).

Here's the same pod w/ different gauges.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702227/fullsize/img_9250.jpg

Option 3: My favorite option is an aftermarket cluster from JME.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702228/fullsize/mustang_sept_2007_009_sized.jpg
Plus: Very nicely laid out and uses four 2 5/8" gauges. Comes complete.
Minus: Cost is about $1300!! Not really an option for me.

Another possible option is this:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702230/fullsize/img_0685_sized.jpg
I would use the pods in my car now and remove the wood grain decal and polish the stainless panels. I would still install the Auto Meter Gauges. If I do any of the other options I can sell my wood grain dash panel w/ gauges and re-coop some costs.

So basically I'm looking at either the stock pod or the Year One pod. Which do you like best?
acreature
January 15th, 2009, 02:26 AM
stock pod
05Roush
January 15th, 2009, 08:03 AM
Personally, I like the look of the stock pod and then add the pillar pod as well. It gives it that 'race car' look but keeps the original 'classic' style.
zeenon53
January 15th, 2009, 11:29 AM
yeah....stock pod all the way...IDK if they make this for your car, but look into the ati e-pod for your other 2 gauges. It mounts on the steering column.
70STANG
January 15th, 2009, 06:59 PM
yeah....stock pod all the way...IDK if they make this for your car, but look into the ati e-pod for your other 2 gauges. It mounts on the steering column.

I don't think they make them for older cars. One that mounted between the driver and passenger on the dash would also be cool.
05Roush
January 15th, 2009, 07:02 PM
One that mounted between the driver and passenger on the dash would also be cool.

I like those as well...
70STANG
January 15th, 2009, 10:53 PM
They don't make those for old stangs either. Looks like the A pillar is the way to go.

Eddie's Boss has the standard black gauge insert, right? If so and it's not a bother, I'd love to take a look at it before I order one just to be sure it's what I want. Let me know. Thanks!
zeenon53
January 16th, 2009, 09:54 AM
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702230/fullsize/img_0685_sized.jpg


Do you have room above your cd player like this? You could always mount them there as well. A fiberglass pod that sits above vents connecting the dash as one would be neat, a project though.
1QIK-SNK
January 16th, 2009, 12:19 PM
I like option 2.
GrmReapr
January 16th, 2009, 01:12 PM
They don't make those for old stangs either. Looks like the A pillar is the way to go.

Eddie's Boss has the standard black gauge insert, right? If so and it's not a bother, I'd love to take a look at it before I order one just to be sure it's what I want. Let me know. Thanks!


Brian heres one picture, if you want stop by. We put the jdm cluster in tyler's car. I like the 67,68 jdm cluster alot.



http://firstflightcruisers.com/gallery/files/9/3/100_1876_thumb.jpg (http://firstflightcruisers.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=901&c=3)
70STANG
January 16th, 2009, 05:00 PM
Here's the Year One cluster w/ Ultra Lites and a carbon fiber laminate.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/702364/fullsize/clusterandgauges.jpg
It looks pretty good. Just when I think I've decided on the stock cluster I see this.
70STANG
January 16th, 2009, 05:05 PM
Do you have room above your cd player like this? You could always mount them there as well. A fiberglass pod that sits above vents connecting the dash as one would be neat, a project though.

I was looking to see if someone made a pod for there like they do for late model stangs but no luck. I don't have AC and my current dash pad has 2 gauges cut right into the pad where the vents would be. I could do the same thing when I get my new dash pad. I'll have to think on that one.
05Roush
January 17th, 2009, 02:59 PM
Decisions... decisions... :think:
70STANG
January 17th, 2009, 03:31 PM
Yeah, and I need to decide soon. There is a stock cluster on ebay for a good price and if I start buying gauges the sizes would be different depending on which way I go.
zeenon53
January 17th, 2009, 09:01 PM
I was looking to see if someone made a pod for there like they do for late model stangs but no luck. I don't have AC and my current dash pad has 2 gauges cut right into the pad where the vents would be. I could do the same thing when I get my new dash pad. I'll have to think on that one.


You could lways buy a small piece of CF and make your own pod for above the cd player.