Collecting and Restoring Gauge Clusters

[Abrams]

So... what sizes are the gauge holes on the f600 dash panel? Are they a standard size? like in a size auto meter would sell a gauge set for? Or are the gauges from the older clusters the closest thing that fits the holes?
I'm thinking about making up one of these f600 dashes myself now.
Thanks
A

[abyars111]

The speedometer, tach & vacuum ar 3 3/4". Not all had a tach or vacuum gauge so if you start with one of those you can pick most any tach you want. The fuel, oil, etc. are 2 1/16".

If you want to use non-stock gauges check out Calfdemon's install here: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =6&t=59539

[Abrams]

Thanks, I just bought an F600 gauge bezel off of eBay and am going to use a gauge set from auto meter in it. I need to re-chrome the bezel but should look sweet when I'm done.
A

[abyars111]

Congrats! I hope to get started on mine in a few weeks. I picked up a NOS speedo off of ebay. I'm going to do a mix of NOS & autometer gauges.

Please share pics when you can of your progress.

[Abrams]

Have anyone tried the dash kits from classicdash.com? they have some pre drilled and complete sets for our rigs.
A

[Amero]

Some amazing work on those cluster gauges. Keep at it. you can always sale those i imagine

[crashdummy]

I know a place near me that my Dad used to go to get some parts. There's probably a good bit of clusters that I could get...

They look great! Keep up the good work!

[Ranger72]

Fordman's obsession helped me get my dad's truck back on the road!

I have a question about the F500 dash. Do aftermarket gauges fit in the holes?

I would rather use new gauges than rely on the original 40 year old gauges that are currently in the truck.

[abyars111]

they will with mods, calfdemon did a great write up on it, he cut the back of the pods and fitted autometers http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =6&t=59539

I'm going to soon disassemble some autometer guages and mount them in the stock pods, autometer makes a fuel gauge that works with our factory sending unit. I hope to get to it next month.

[powerbyFORD]

Here's a couple more pics. White gauges with blue LED's. I also painted the plate behind the faceplate white. And one more pic of the F500 gauges.

Hi, I just bought a 67 F250 and want to clean up my gauge cluster a bit. I like what you've done with the blue lighting, how did you do it? Some of the plastic covers are also pretty fogged up, anybody know a good way to clean them?
Thanks!

[69Ford]

I never had luck cleaning or polishing the clear plastic LMC truck sells them repo for a decent price. For the blue lighting I just replaced the bulbs with blue LED's from White Gauges There is also many other places to get them from. Good luck with you 67

Here's a couple more pics. White gauges with blue LED's. I also painted the plate behind the faceplate white. And one more pic of the F500 gauges.

Hi, I just bought a 67 F250 and want to clean up my gauge cluster a bit. I like what you've done with the blue lighting, how did you do it? Some of the plastic covers are also pretty fogged up, anybody know a good way to clean them?
Thanks!

[Ranchero50]

One thing I found out over the last couple days is that Ford changed the pin outs on the electrical plug for the cluster between '70 and '71. Fortunately a small screw driver will work to release the pin from the connector so you can swap the wires around.

Here's my 'updated' '70 cluster: '71 housing and back plane, original 64k mile '70 speedo, voltmeter instead of ammeter and Bluebird bus 4k column mounted tach in a new bezel.

[abyars111]

It looks good, Ranchero50.

[69Ford]

Here's a couple of pics. Early 60's Speedometer and late 60's Speedometer. Which one looks better. Sorry the old one is in a unrestored bezel. Did not want to take the one out of my truck.

[69Ford]

Here's a look with restored steering column, Steering wheel, and radio. I'm coming up with some more idea's for our clusters will post soon. Thanks everyone for the interest.