My New Autometer Early Dash w/pics
10-21-2006, 09:37 PM
#1
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
My New Autometer Early Dash w/pics
Trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear is not easy business but I can at least reset my odo on the move. BTW, that odometer reading (if you can make out my sh*t photography) is the mileage I have on a fresh motor and a new paint job (Yipee!) 
This wonderful creation is a product of the most knowledgeable, honest, fair and diligent 944 person around; Henry at TNT Motorsports. Without whom, I would not be able or willing to own a 944.
This wonderful creation is a product of the most knowledgeable, honest, fair and diligent 944 person around; Henry at TNT Motorsports. Without whom, I would not be able or willing to own a 944.
10-21-2006, 09:56 PM
#4
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Thanks to both of you. The lighting is old school (incand.), but so much better than stock. Autometer has a provision to convert to LED (I have plenty direct plug in bulbs for the old gauges if anyone wants them BTW) but I did that and thought it looked funny in my old gauges. There were tradeoffs in price and availablilty of what I needed so I went with the Sport Comps. Lighting was not my primary focus. I wanted reliablility and better sight lines than the stock gauges gave me. Plus, I can see the gauges now through that steering wheel. ICYW, the led's work and are for l/r turn, low fuel, high/low, and brake light as a replacement to the multi gauge in appropriate colors.
I will make that trade only if I have your assurance that at least one bean would yield a 930s steering wheel.
I will make that trade only if I have your assurance that at least one bean would yield a 930s steering wheel.
10-21-2006, 10:15 PM
#7
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Mechanical. It need an adapter made to fit both ends. It sucks that it is 120 mph but it met all of the criteria (price, especially).
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10-21-2006, 11:07 PM
#9
Cast Iron Man
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Simply outstanding! I'd suspect you could make a nice "kit" with a complete write up and sell it to folks that would like to update their early dash. I actually like the early dash and your set up is a definite upgrade!
10-21-2006, 11:24 PM
#10
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
I wish I could take credit. All I did was pick the gauges, my mechanic built the console out of aluminum and painted it black as well as all of wiring, etc. I will pass it on and maybe he would/could mass produce something with wiring instructions. Autometer stuff is readily available and a lot less expensive than people think - certainly than VDO stuff. All of those gauges were under 250, Speedo, Tach, Watertemp, air/fuel and oil pressure. The block water temp sensor had to be tapped as it was not deep enough and the cable modified at NH Speedo for 25 bucks. Getting it all to work and look nice is another story.
10-21-2006, 11:43 PM
#12
Drifting
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definitely see what you can do about mass production. I'd like something like that in my later cars. Fiberglass race dash, with a nice gauge setup like yours.
10-21-2006, 11:58 PM
#13
Cast Iron Man
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by mjaffe
I wish I could take credit. All I did was pick the gauges, my mechanic built the console out of aluminum and painted it black as well as all of wiring, etc. I will pass it on and maybe he would/could mass produce something with wiring instructions. Autometer stuff is readily available and a lot less expensive than people think - certainly than VDO stuff. All of those gauges were under 250, Speedo, Tach, Watertemp, air/fuel and oil pressure. The block water temp sensor had to be tapped as it was not deep enough and the cable modified at NH Speedo for 25 bucks. Getting it all to work and look nice is another story.
10-22-2006, 01:49 AM
#15
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
That would be nice but I am already losing my shirt on my current business. Besides, I generally take jobs in between entrepeneurial failures. Henry on the other hand, who fabricated may be interested, I will certainly pass the info on to him. I am also happy to share his contact info (just pimpin', no interest other than pure gratitude). It is really nice to get all of these kind words though. Thank you.
If any early birds (as in early dashes) need some LED bulbs that plug directly into the OE sockets, I have enough for a conversion. The best part is they are free! No need anymore. Also, I have various gauges in all sorts of states if anyone needs any gauge parts, dials, needles, sockets or casements. It took me some time with the crappy OE gauges to get to this. I went white dials then black with aluminum bezels and orange highlights. I also have some 3.2w bulbs that improve the 1.2s without melting anything (Clark's Garage suggestion). 924S is a much nicer set-up than early 944's. Let me know if anyone wants any of it. It is all very light and cheap to ship.
If any early birds (as in early dashes) need some LED bulbs that plug directly into the OE sockets, I have enough for a conversion. The best part is they are free! No need anymore. Also, I have various gauges in all sorts of states if anyone needs any gauge parts, dials, needles, sockets or casements. It took me some time with the crappy OE gauges to get to this. I went white dials then black with aluminum bezels and orange highlights. I also have some 3.2w bulbs that improve the 1.2s without melting anything (Clark's Garage suggestion). 924S is a much nicer set-up than early 944's. Let me know if anyone wants any of it. It is all very light and cheap to ship.