I want to install a tachometer and a transmission temperature gage on my 85 Regal. The existing set- up has two large gages right in front of the steering wheel, the one on the right measures engine temp, oil temp etc., the one on the left is the speedo. A small round gage in the center has a brake system warning light. Over in front of the doghouse, previous owner installed a couple of amp meters. I would like to keep things as original as possible. Any suggestions?

I have installed more than one tach. on the steering column, held on with a hose clamp. It's neater to put a hole in the instrument panel if there's room. There are a number of accessory brackets that will hold one or more gauges, & can be mounted above or below the dash, or elsewhere. I've seen brackets that can be mounted on a windshield post as well.

There are big tachs & small tachs available in the aftermarket. Big is easier to read, if you have the space. Sometimes small is the only alternative.

See what's available at your local parts house, check what the mail order houses have, & use your noodle to figure out the alternative that's best for you. You're the guy that's going to have to read them, & you're the guy who has to be satisfied by their appearance.

quote:

Originally posted by humbojb:
I would like to keep things as original as possible. Any suggestions?

Original depends. It sounds as if you might have the original potato chip truck cluster. If you can post a picture, you might get some suggestions.

Many gas Barths had custom panels made by Barth with aftermarket gages. They were very nice indeed. Perhaps some here will favor us with some pictures.

I much prefer the optional dash, as it allows the addition of whatever gage you want, now or later on. The willy-nilly adding of round gages to a proprietary dash has never suited my eye. Once one gage is added, the original look is gone, anyway. And, how valuable is the original potato chip truck look, anyway? As Barth dashes go, it is very low end, anyway.

My own dash is a flat piece of wood grained panel that extends from the left side to the glove box. It has the potato chip truck cluster, and a few extra round gages I added. Not only has its original beauty been sullied by the additions, but a klutzy radio thief was a little rough on things. Not good. I plan on replacing it with a piece of plywood with black scotch grain vinyl covering. It will have a whole bunch of round aftermarket gages and a double DIN radio, tape and CD player.

Jim,

If it's a Chevy chassis, and if ya hit the lottery, here's an attractive option:

http://www.custominstrumentpanels.com/chevy.htm